Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s growing aspirations and the increasing demand for swift long-distance travel, stating that the introduction of high-speed trains is a key response. He emphasized that the arrival of India’s first bullet train is imminent, adding that the government is taking major strides in improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure. During the virtual inauguration of multiple projects, including the formation of Jammu’s new railway division, Modi referred to the creation of Jammu division as a “monumental step,” marking it as the 70th railway division in the country. This coincides with the inauguration of the Katra-Reasi railway section…

The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, set to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, is drawing devotees and spiritual seekers from across the globe. Among them is Angela, an Italian devotee who embraced Hinduism 30 years ago. Now known as Anjana Giri, a member of Atal Akhada, she reflects her devotion through her spiritual practices and advocacy for Sanatan Dharma. Currently, she is weaving a special bag for her Guruji, which will be used during the grand Maha Kumbh Mela. “The ancient culture of India is the best. This philosophy of living says that you are God, and…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s continuous commitment to the Maldives’ development in alignment with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the SAGAR vision. Jaishankar shared on X that during his meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, both countries signed agreements for the next phase of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP). These initiatives aim to support the Maldives’ growth and enhance bilateral cooperation. The minister emphasized, “India will remain a steadfast partner in the Maldives’ progress and prosperity,” highlighting India’s broader vision for the region. India’s Neighbourhood First policy prioritizes strengthening relations with neighboring countries by boosting connectivity,…

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government’s first action in the New Year focuses on benefiting farmers. The Union Cabinet, led by Modi, has decided to increase the funding for the crop insurance scheme and raise the subsidy for a vital fertiliser. This decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to enhance the security of farmers’ crops, reducing their concerns about potential damages. The government approved an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme for the years 2021-2026, with an overall funding allocation of $8.3 billion. This extended…

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, shared his optimistic vision for India’s future, stating that the country has the potential to significantly enhance its economic influence and solidify its position as a crucial participant in the global supply chain. He emphasized that India is “well-equipped to thrive independently” and pointed out the nation’s advantages amidst the evolving global alliances. Speaking to employees in his New Year address, Mahindra acknowledged the increasingly transactional nature of international relations, which are now shaped more by national interests and power dynamics. Reflecting on the upheavals and transformations of recent years, he stated, “We…

Image courtesy: X/@abkhaleel Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel will arrive in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a three-day visit. During his trip, he is set to engage in discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar on Friday at Hyderabad House. Dr. Khaleel, appointed as Maldives Foreign Minister on September 30, 2024, by President Mohamed Muizzu, previously served as the nation’s Minister of Health. Known for his acknowledgment of India’s vital role in aiding the Maldives’ rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Khaleel has maintained a consistent focus on deepening bilateral ties. In October 2024, he…

India has made impressive strides in renewable energy, surpassing an installed capacity of 205 GW by the end of 2024. This progress has positioned the country as a significant player in clean energy, with annual additions projected to quadruple by 2030. The government is targeting an ambitious renewable energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030, requiring $32 billion annually to achieve this goal. In 2024 alone, a record-breaking 24.72 GW capacity was added, primarily from solar and wind projects, alongside a surge in rooftop solar installations under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including high…

Rojita Rai, a senior at Fairfield High School in Ohio, has been awarded a full four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the QuestBridge National College Match program. She is the first student from Fairfield High to receive such an Ivy League scholarship in 12 years. Rojita is one of 2,626 students selected nationwide for the prestigious scholarship, which is the highest number of recipients to date. The average unweighted GPA of the honorees is 3.94, with 92% of them ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class. Notably, 83% of this year’s recipients are first-generation college students.…

At the previous Inc42 MoneyX conclave, industry leaders expressed optimism about the Indian startup ecosystem, despite concerns about the funding winter. Sanjeev Bikhchandani of Info Edge refuted claims of a funding freeze, while Rajan Anandan from Peak XV Partners revealed that the VC firm had over $2.34 billion in dry powder. Their confidence stemmed from the belief that many startups were focusing on solid, sustainable businesses, not just cash-hungry ventures. However, just after this event, funding levels dropped drastically. Weekly funding plummeted from $200 million in mid-July to just $42 million a week later. This decline marked one of the…