Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that he will travel to India next month, coinciding with New Delhi’s preparations to host the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Macron made the announcement while addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps, where he reflected on the achievements and direction of French diplomacy over the past year. His remarks underscored France’s growing engagement with India on global technology and strategic issues. The India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19 and 20 in New Delhi, was formally announced earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the France AI Action Summit. The event is…

India has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first country to commercially produce bio-bitumen, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional asphalt used in road construction. Developed from agricultural and organic waste materials that would otherwise be discarded, bio-bitumen is designed to support sustainable infrastructure while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The bio-bitumen has successfully passed performance and durability tests, confirming its suitability for use in roadway projects. Experts anticipate that this innovation will make road construction more cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and efficient. Additionally, it allows for the value addition of agricultural waste, turning previously unused resources into a productive material…

The United Nations (UN) has projected India’s GDP growth at a robust 6.6 per cent in 2026, even as global economic growth is expected to slow to 2.7 per cent amid rising geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty, according to a new UN report released on Wednesday. The projection is part of the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report, which notes that strong demand in major markets could partially offset the impact of higher US tariffs on India’s economy. Although the UN has lowered India’s growth estimate from its earlier projection of 7.4 per cent, the outlook aligns with…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel deeply values its partnership with India and shares a strong resolve to defeat terrorism, following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a message shared on social media, Netanyahu thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm interaction and extended his best wishes to the people of India. He highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and underlined the shared commitment of both nations to counter terrorism. Prime Minister Modi also described the conversation as cordial, noting that the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership in…

Newly released filings in the United States have highlighted the involvement of an American lobbying firm with close ties to former President Donald Trump in diplomatic outreach on behalf of India during a sensitive geopolitical moment. The firm, SHW Partners LLC, led by Republican strategist Jason Miller, was hired by the Indian government and engaged senior US officials on the same day India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor. Documents submitted under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act show that on May 10, SHW Partners assisted the Indian Embassy in Washington by reaching out to four high-ranking officials…

As the sacred month of Magh began, Prayagraj witnessed a renewed spiritual fervour with the commencement of the Magh Mela and the Panchkosi Parikrama, drawing saints, sadhus, and pilgrims from across the country to the Triveni Sangam. Rituals performed along the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati reflected the enduring spiritual and cultural traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Saints of the Akhara Parishad marked the occasion by reflecting on the completion of one thousand years since the historic attack on the Somnath Temple, while also acknowledging the arrangements made to facilitate devotees during the religious gathering. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad…

 Indian-origin Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy has made history by raising $19.57 million during his 2025 campaign for Ohio governor, more than doubling the previous state record of $8.4 million set by Mike DeWine in 2017. His campaign reported that $9.88 million of this total came in the second half of the year, surpassing the $9.7 million raised in the first half, marking the strongest single reporting period for any Ohio gubernatorial candidate. These figures exclude Ramaswamy’s personal contributions. Jonathan Ewing, Ramaswamy’s campaign manager, described the fundraising achievement as “historic momentum unmatched by any other campaign.” Since launching his campaign in…

India’s care economy is projected to emerge as one of the country’s largest employment engines, with the potential to generate over 60 million jobs and reach a market size of $500 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Primus Partners. Currently employing an estimated 36 million workers, the care sector remains one of India’s most under-recognised yet high-potential segments of the economy. The report highlights that rising demand for childcare, eldercare, disability support, rehabilitation, mental health services, wellness, and long-term care is already reshaping the labour market, even as the sector continues to operate largely outside formal economic…

US President Donald Trump publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “good man” while claiming that India has reduced its purchases of Russian oil. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Florida, Trump said Modi adjusted India’s energy approach after recognizing Washington’s dissatisfaction with continued Russian oil imports. Trump suggested that India’s decision was influenced by trade considerations and the possibility of higher tariffs. He stated that Modi understood the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the United States and acted accordingly. Trump emphasized that trade leverage remains a powerful tool…

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) announced a major expansion of its global collaborations on Friday, forging partnerships with academic institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders in Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the United States. The initiative underscores the institute’s strategic efforts to enhance international research, innovation, skilling, and startup ecosystems. The MoUs were signed during the inauguration of the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation, which was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking about the initiative, Jaishankar highlighted its focus on strengthening IIT Madras’ global outreach and promoting collaborations across diverse sectors. In Germany,…