Author: News Desk

India is poised to become one of the world’s largest markets, but realizing this potential requires inviting more foreign companies to establish production and integrating into global supply chains. Kazuto Suzuki, Director of the Institute of Geoeconomics, Tokyo, emphasized that India needs a unified regulatory and governance framework to sustain higher growth. “There are differences between states—taxation, rules, and standards—which make India a less homogeneous market and create barriers for investment,” Suzuki said. “One nation, one set of rules, and one governance model could make resource use more efficient, similar to Japan’s post-war growth.” Government Guidance Remains Crucial Drawing on Japan’s experience, Suzuki…

Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old leader with a nation-first approach, is poised to become Japan’s next Prime Minister. Known for her firm stance on immigration, national security, and Japan’s post-war policies, Takaichi appeals to conservative voters concerned with crime, China’s military presence in the Pacific, and Japan’s role in global conflicts. Political Rise and Background Takaichi once played drums in a college heavy metal band, sported pink hair, and raced motorcycles, which she gave up upon entering politics. A follower of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has strong backing within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), having been appointed to key party positions during Abe’s…

In a historic first, India has sent scientific research equipment directly to Antarctica via air. On October 2, 2025, a heavy-duty Russian cargo plane, the IL-76, departed from Manohar International Airport, Goa, carrying 18 tons of scientific gear, medicines, provisions, and essentials for Indian researchers at the Bharati and Maitri research stations. The mission was facilitated by Dronning Maud Land Air Network (DROMLAN), marking the first-ever direct air cargo link between India and Antarctica. Why Air Cargo Was Needed Since 1981, India has conducted Antarctic research, but equipment and teams were previously sent by ship, often operated by other nations. Sea routes were chosen for operational cost and load capacity,…

The partial U.S. government shutdown has entered its fifth day, with no breakthrough in negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats. The shutdown began on October 1, the start of the federal fiscal year 2026, after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding measure intended to keep agencies open through November 21. Threat of Federal Layoffs White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett warned that mass federal layoffs could follow if talks fail. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Hassett said the administration is preparing to act but hopes layoffs can be avoided. President Donald Trump confirmed the layoffs are “taking place right now,” signaling…

Rajinder Singh Bhatia, chairman of Kalyani Strategic Systems (Bharat Forge’s defence subsidiary) and president of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, warns that India’s seven-year defence procurement cycles risk acquiring outdated systems. “For critical and fast-changing platforms, procurement cycles should be 18 to 24 months,” he says. Reforms Have Boosted the Private Sector A decade ago, private companies faced bureaucratic hurdles in defence production. Trials often had to be conducted abroad. Reforms under Manohar Parrikar changed this, allowing domestic testing. By 2019, the Defence Acquisition Council had approved 150 guns, with production for the Indian Army starting in 2025. While these reforms have helped,…

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is rolling out a new initiative to make highway travel safer and more transparent. QR Code Sign Boards will soon appear across major highway stretches, giving drivers instant access to key information about the roads they’re on. This move is part of NHAI’s broader ‘Ease of Commuting’ goal and fits into the government’s push for smarter, technology-driven infrastructure. What the QR Boards Offer The new sign boards feature vertical QR codes that can be scanned with any smartphone. A quick scan gives commuters real-time details about the highway section they’re on, including: Beyond basic project…

India is preparing for a historic moment this December. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will send its first humanoid robot, Vyommitra, into space — a crucial step toward sending humans on future missions. Meet Vyommitra — India’s ‘Friend in Space’ Vyommitra is a semi-humanoid robot developed by ISRO to assist in human space missions under the Gaganyaan programme, India’s first crewed spaceflight project. The name comes from Sanskrit: Vyoma means space, and Mitra means friend — together, “friend in space.” Unveiled in 2020, Vyommitra is designed not as a dummy but as an intelligent companion. With expressive facial features, speech abilities, and advanced sensors, she can…

Cellupro Green Pvt Ltd, a women-led startup supported by the KSUM WE Start Pre-Incubation Programme, is gaining attention for producing high-quality, sustainable cellulose pulp that can be used in cosmetics, paper products, and research applications. Innovative Use of Agro-Waste The company converts agricultural residues such as rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, jackfruit peel, and pineapple straw into cellulose pulp. This pulp serves as a raw material for a wide range of products including creams, lotions, face masks, sunscreens, tissues, sanitary napkins, eco-friendly packaging, and bio-composites. Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership Dr. Reshmy Rajasekharan, founder of Cellupro Green, is the first woman entrepreneur in Kerala to establish a production unit for…

M3M and Hurun India released the 14th edition of the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025, showcasing the wealthiest Indians worldwide. This year, 1,687 individuals from 91 cities made the list with fortunes exceeding ₹1,000 crore. Among them, 1,004 saw their wealth rise or remain steady, including 284 newcomers, while 643 experienced a decline. India now has 358 billionaires, up 24 from last year, with the pharmaceutical sector leading the rankings with 137 entries. Global Presence of Indian Wealth The list includes 1,586 individuals residing in India, followed by 48 in the USA, 22 in the UAE, and smaller numbers…

Indian Railways is rapidly becoming a global supplier of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, according to the Railway Ministry. The ministry highlighted that exports now span more than 16 countries, reflecting India’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Export Highlights The ministry noted several key international shipments: Milestone Export from Marhowra In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first locomotive exported from the Marhowra Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Bihar to the Republic of Guinea. So far, six locomotives from Marhowra have been successfully exported, and a second strategic order has been secured, totaling approximately 150 Evolution Series locomotives for…