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US Tariff Hike Won’t Slow India’s FY26 Growth: FinMin

Amid an uncertain global trade and policy environment, India’s economy gained renewed momentum in the second quarter of FY26, according to the Finance Ministry’s monthly report released on Monday. The report noted that this growth is particularly encouraging given the United States’ decision to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods in August, a move that could have otherwise dampened trade sentiment. High-frequency supply-side indicators pointed to sustained growth, while consumer demand continued to improve, spurred by GST ..... Read More

India Aims to Bolster All-Round Ties with Seychelles: Misri

During his visit to Seychelles, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan emphasized India’s strong commitment to deepening its historic partnership with the island nation. In a meeting with Seychelles’ newly elected President, Patrick Herminie, at the State House in Victoria, Radhakrishnan reiterated India’s readiness to collaborate closely in areas crucial to Seychelles’ development—including healthcare, education, renewable energy, transportation, and maritime security. The Vice President extended warm greetings from the Government and people of ..... Read More

Jaishankar, Rubio Discuss US-India Ties Amid Trade Talks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur on Monday for a high-level discussion centered on strengthening India-US bilateral relations, addressing regional developments, and exploring global challenges. Taking to X, Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the meeting, stating that he appreciated the meaningful conversation on enhancing ties and tackling global concerns. The dialogue came at a crucial juncture, as both nations continued discussions over a potential Bilateral Trade Agreement ( ..... Read More

PM Modi Highlights India-ASEAN Vision for Shared Future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling virtual address at the 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 on Sunday, underscoring that the 21st century represents a shared era of growth and leadership for India and the ASEAN nations. He described the partnership as pivotal to the region’s progress and highlighted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations stands as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy. In his speech, the Prime Minister stated, “The 21st century is our century — it belongs to India and ASEAN. The shar ..... Read More

Netflix Kurukshetra Part 2 Explores Mahabharata Depths

Netflix has released Part 2 of Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata, a visually striking and emotionally compelling continuation of the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Created by Ujaan Ganguly, the series builds on Part 1, which concluded with Jayadratha’s death, and offers a deeper exploration of the human struggles, moral conflicts, and ethical questions underlying the 18-day war. The animation series reinterprets the Mahabharata for contemporary audiences, presenting legendary characters not only as divine or heroic fi ..... Read More

Dr. Jay Shendure Elected to National Academy of Medicine

Dr. Jay A. Shendure, professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of 100 newly inducted members announced at the Academy’s annual meeting. This recognition represents one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, celebrating exceptional professional achievement and dedication to public service. Shendure leads several prominent research centers, including the Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage at the Allen Institute ..... Read More

UPI Dominates India’s Digital Payments, RBI Report Shows

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continues to dominate India’s digital payments landscape, contributing 85% of total payment volumes in the first half of calendar year 2025 (H1 CY25), according to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) latest Payment System Report. Despite this high volume, UPI’s share in total transaction value is only 9%, highlighting its predominant use for small-ticket retail payments. UPI has firmly established itself as the leading retail fast payment system (FPS) in India due to its round-the-clock availability, us ..... Read More

India Takes Measured Steps in US Trade Talks: Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reaffirmed India’s commitment to a cautious and strategic approach in trade negotiations, stating that the country will not hastily enter into agreements or accept conditions that could compromise its long-term economic interests. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions with major trading partners, including the United States. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Goyal emphasized that trade deals should be built on trust and mutual growth rather than short-term objectives or immediate ma ..... Read More

VP Radhakrishnan to Attend Seychelles President Swearing-In

Vice President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Seychelles starting October 26. The primary purpose of the visit is to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Patrick Herminie, the President-elect of Seychelles, representing the Government of India. Invited by the Seychellois government, Vice President Radhakrishnan will extend India’s heartfelt congratulations to Herminie and reaffirm the enduring, close-knit relationship between the two nations. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ..... Read More

India Emerges as Major Global Aerospace Supplier

India is rapidly solidifying its role in the global aerospace supply chain, as major international manufacturers increasingly source aircraft components from the country. According to industry reports, domestic aerospace firms are scaling operations, moving up the value chain, and preparing to raise significant capital through initial public offerings (IPOs), with plans totaling roughly US$ 649 million (Rs. 5,700 crore). Favourable trade policies have supported this growth, with aerospace components attracting a 25% US import duty, considera ..... Read More

Paul Kapur Sworn In as US South Asia Envoy

Indian-American security expert Paul Kapur has officially assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, a critical post in the Trump administration’s engagement with the region. His swearing-in was confirmed Wednesday by the Bureau, which welcomed him as the bureau’s new leader responsible for shaping US policy in South and Central Asia. Kapur succeeds Donald Lu, who held the position from September 2021 until January 2025. Prior to this appointment, Kapur served on the State Department’s ..... Read More

Trinidad & Tobago Backs Ram Mandir, Elevates Hindu Heritage

Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to establish a Ram Mandir in its capital, aiming to highlight its growing role as a center of Hindu faith and heritage in the Western Hemisphere. The initiative has received strong backing from the government, which views it as both a cultural milestone and a spiritual landmark. During a meeting with Hindu religious representatives, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirmed the government’s full support for the project. He emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago, often called “Ramayan country,” has long ..... Read More

India’s Heritage Shines at 2025 Pink Ball London

London’s glittering cultural scene was transformed into a celebration of India’s timeless heritage as the 2025 Pink Ball took center stage at The British Museum. This year’s gala paid homage to India’s devotional and artistic traditions, beautifully aligned with the museum’s stunning “Ancient India” exhibition. Under the soaring glass dome of the museum’s Great Court, guests were welcomed into a space glowing with intricate Indian motifs, soft amber lights, and live classical music. The atmosphere reflected centuries of India’s cultural gran ..... Read More

Trump Targets Russian Oil, Mentions Modi ‘Call’ Claim

The United States on Wednesday announced fresh sanctions targeting two of Russia’s biggest oil producers, citing Moscow’s ongoing unwillingness to commit to a peace process aimed at ending the Ukraine war. The sanctions, unveiled by President Donald Trump, mark the first such punitive action against Russia during his second term in office. Posting on Truth Social, Trump shared an official statement from the US Department of the Treasury titled “Treasury sanctions major Russian oil companies, calls on Moscow to immediately agree to ceasefire. ..... Read More

Kerala to Be India’s First State Free of Extreme Poverty

Kerala is poised to make history on November 1, 2025, when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan formally declares the state free of extreme poverty at a grand ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium. This landmark achievement will make Kerala the first state in India to eliminate extreme poverty, according to The Hindu. The event will feature special appearances by renowned actors Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Kamal Haasan, alongside the full council of ministers and the Leader of the Opposition. Local Self-Governments Minister MB Rajesh high ..... Read More

India, Oman Deepen Defence Ties at Army Talks

The Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman held the third edition of the Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi, reaffirming their commitment to deepen defence cooperation and strategic engagement. The discussions, held from October 22 to 23, focused on expanding joint military exercises, advancing expert exchanges in specialized fields, and boosting training partnerships under the Defence Cooperation Plan 2026. In an official post on X, the Indian Army highlighted the importance of the dialogue, stating, “Indian Army strengthens defen ..... Read More

PM Modi to Attend ASEAN Summit Virtually from India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit later this month, opting instead to participate virtually. The announcement came following his cordial conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Taking to X, Modi shared, “Had a warm exchange with my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and extended best wishes for the success of the upcoming summits.” He further expressed his eagerness to join the ASEAN-I ..... Read More

India, Japan Strengthen Naval Ties Through JAIMEX-25

In a powerful display of growing maritime synergy, India and Japan conducted the Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2025 (JAIMEX-25), marking another milestone in their expanding naval cooperation. The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri, an indigenously designed Shivalik-class stealth frigate, represented India in this strategic engagement. The sea phase of the exercise, held from October 16 to 18, was followed by the harbor phase in Yokosuka on October 21. During the drills at sea, INS Sahyadri maneuvered alongside Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Fo ..... Read More

Expert Advocates Stronger India-US Strategic Partnership

 Walter Russell Mead, a distinguished authority on American foreign policy and Fellow at the Hudson Institute, has highlighted the strategic importance of deepening India-US relations. In a Wall Street Journal article titled ‘India still wants to work with Trump,’ Mead argued that closer ties with India provide a short-term solution to counter China and help establish a robust defensive coalition for the future. Despite recent tensions, he believes the Trump administration is well-positioned to elevate bilateral relations to a new level. Mea ..... Read More

Microsoft CEO Nadella Earns $96M Amid AI Surge

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella received a total compensation package of $96.5 million for fiscal year 2025, marking the highest payout since he assumed the role in 2014. This represents a significant increase from the $79.1 million he earned the previous year, highlighting Microsoft’s strong performance, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. Approximately 90% of Nadella’s compensation came in the form of Microsoft shares, while his base salary stood at $2.5 million. The company’s board lauded his ..... Read More

AI and Credit Trends to Transform Indian Banking

 The Indian banking sector is poised for a major transformation over the next decade, driven by technological innovation and structural shifts, according to a recent report by Eiara Securities titled "Future of Banking – Seven Structural Forces Shaping the Next Decade." Key drivers identified include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI), changes in deposit composition, and the democratization of credit. Other factors expected to influence the industry between 2025 and 2035 are productivity challenges, con ..... Read More

Nirav Shah Enters Maine Governor Race as Democrat

Former US federal health official Nirav Shah has officially entered the race for Governor of Maine, seeking the Democratic Party nomination to succeed outgoing Governor Janet Mills. Shah announced his candidacy on X, stating that Maine is “at a crossroads” and requires a governor with proven leadership ready to address pressing challenges from day one. He emphasized his campaign priorities, including feeding children, improving housing, funding healthcare, and promoting economic growth. If elected, Shah would become the third Indian American ..... Read More

US-India Trade Deal May Slash Tariffs to 15–16%

 India and the United States are in the advanced stages of negotiating a trade agreement that could significantly reduce tariffs on Indian exports from the current 50% to approximately 15–16%, according to sources cited by Mint. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran expressed optimism that the dispute over penal tariffs could be resolved within the next two months, potentially leading to the rollback of the extra levies imposed by the White House. Nageswaran suggested that the reciprocal 25% tariffs may also decrease to betw ..... Read More

India Strengthens Trade Ties with EFTA, UK Partnership

 Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted key achievements of his ministry over the past fortnight, including the launch of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), as well as his discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The TEPA, which has officially come into force, sets a shared target of mobilizing $100 million in investments and generating one million direct jobs in India ove ..... Read More

India-Honduras Strengthen Bilateral Trade Relations Seminar

In a bid to reinforce mutual growth and economic collaboration, the 'Viksit Bharat – Invest India: India-Honduras Bilateral Trade Relations' seminar was hosted in Tegucigalpa, showcasing the potential for trade and investment between the two nations. The event, organised by the Indian Embassy in Guatemala, which is concurrently accredited to Honduras, brought together ministers, vice ministers, officials, chamber representatives, and key business stakeholders from Honduras. During the seminar, dignitaries including the Vice Minister of Healt ..... Read More