The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) claims that India is better positioned to act as a “connector country” that may play a significant role as an intermediate in industries including technology, digital services, and pharmaceuticals amid changes in industrial policy and global trade realignments.

According to the central bank’s “State of the Economy” report, the Indian economy is still surrounded by stability, which includes monetary, financial, and political stability; consistency and certainty in policy; a friendly business environment; and strong macroeconomic fundamentals and a transparent, rule-based, and forward-looking policy ecosystem.

IMF forecasts for April 2025 state that India will continue to be the major economy with the greatest rate of growth this year and will probably overtake Japan to take the fourth-largest spot in the world economic rankings.

Significantly lower inflation pressure is expected to maintain a long-term alignment with the objective in 2025–2026. Businesses and consumers are still optimistic and in favor of economic growth.

Furthermore, the Reserve Bank‘s actions since January 2025 have greatly reduced liquidity and soothed the financial markets. Since the end of March 2025, system liquidity has remained in excess.

It is interesting that, in March 2025, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) overtook foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in ownership of Nifty-500 businesses, notwithstanding uncertainties surrounding global capital flows.

This represents a structural change in the Indian equities markets as retail and systematic investment plan (SIP) flows offer a stable long-term investment foundation, while DIIs, such as mutual funds and insurance corporations, progressively counteract the volatility brought on by FPIs.

According to the Reserve Bank, mood in domestic financial markets has improved as a result of a reduction in India-Pakistan tensions, an improvement in the state of international commerce, and lower domestic inflation.

The RBI claims that in this case, the recent conclusion of a free trade deal with the UK indicates that bilateral trade ties are becoming stronger.

“Going forward, notwithstanding the daunting challenges on the horizon, India stands well-positioned to navigate the ongoing global headwinds with confidence, ready to harness emerging opportunities and consolidate its role as a key driver of global growth.”

The Indian Embassy in Moscow announced on Friday that the third high-level, all-party delegation, headed by DMK MP Kanimozhi, had arrived in Moscow and highlighted India’s resolute efforts to combat terrorism in all of its manifestations.

It also stated that Vinay Kumar, India’s ambassador to Russia, received the delegation.

“All-Party Delegation led by Member of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi @KanimozhiDMK arrives in Moscow to convey India’s strong resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms,” a statement by the Indian Embassy in Moscow said on Friday morning in a post on X.

“Glimpses from All Party delegation led by Member of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi @KanimozhiDMK arriving in Moscow. United against Terrorism!”

As part of its worldwide outreach campaign on Operation Sindoor, which exposes Pakistan and the terrorist organizations operating off of its territory, the Indian government has dispatched this third delegation.

“On arrival at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport the Members of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Rajeev Rai, Captain Brijesh Chowta, Prem Chand Gupta, Ashok Kumar Mittal, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, welcomed by Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation H.E. Vinay Kumar,” the statement by the Indian Embassy in Moscow said on Friday morning in a post on X.

It further added, “A busy schedule of meetings and interactions awaits them in Moscow on May 23-24, 2025.”

Earlier in a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Moscow said, “In the context of the Indian government’s continued efforts under Operation Sindoor and in furtherance of India’s principled and resolute stand against the menace of terrorism, an All-Party Delegation comprising Members of Parliament and a senior diplomat is undertaking a visit to the Russian Federation from May 22 to May 24, 2025. The delegation would carry forth the country’s strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”

It added, “During the course of their stay in Moscow, the delegation will be interacting with senior dignitaries from the Federation Council (Upper House) and the State Duma (Lower House) of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other key interlocutors in think tanks and media.”

The delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, includes former Indian Ambassadors to the EU, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Nepal, Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, and AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal. Additionally, there is former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri.

On Thursday, Kanimozhi posted on X before departing for Moscow, saying: “Leaving with the members of the delegation to Moscow. @RajeevRai @CaptBrijesh @DrAshokKMittal @ambmanjeevpuri @JawedAshraf5 @MianAltafAhmad.”

India’s national unity and unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations would be portrayed by the all-party delegation. It will send a clear message to the rest of the world that terrorism will not be tolerated.

Operation Sindoor was started by India in reaction to the terror assault in Pahalgam.India targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision strikes.Subsequent Pakistani aggression was successfully countered by the Indian Armed Forces, who also bombarded its air bases.

Earlier, as part of a five-nation tour, two sets of high-level, multi-party delegations departed for Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

The initiative seeks to isolate Pakistan and the terror-backed organizations that support and encourage terrorism that operate out of its territory in order to strengthen worldwide unity against terrorism. India’s broad diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor began Thursday with the arrival of an all-party delegation in Tokyo, headed by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha.

In an effort to forge international unity against terrorism and isolate Pakistan and the terror-backed organizations that operate and support terrorism from its territory, India has begun its global campaign known as “Operation Sindoor Outreach,” sending its first two groups of high-level, multi-party delegations to Japan and the United Arab Emirates as part of a five-nation tour.

Shrikant Shinde, a Shiv Sena MP, is leading the second group that departed the nation’s capital on Wednesday.

Shinde’s group is scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone. BJD’s Sasmit Patra, IUML MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer, BJP leader S.S. Ahluwalia, former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy, and BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, and Manan Kumar Mishra are among them.

Shinde stated that the squad as a whole has a fantastic opportunity to convey the message of India.

“United in the fight against terrorism. The 2nd group of All Party Delegation headed by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde has left New Delhi. The delegation will be visiting the United Arab Emirates, Congo, Sierra Leone and Liberia to carry India’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism and apprise about #OperationSindoor,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said late Wednesday evening in a post on X.

“Terrorism will not be tolerated at all! As part of India’s diplomatic outreach on #OperationSindoor, the first batch of the All Party Delegation, headed by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, has left for a five-nation tour. To reaffirm India’s commitment to fighting terrorism in all of its manifestations, the delegation will go to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore”, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal stated.

Between May 21 and June 5, up to seven of these delegations—which will include 59 members of parliament, former ministers, and diplomats—will be sent to 33 different nations. India’s first-ever united political front to combat global terror narratives is this initiative, which is led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In his personal briefing to the delegations, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s changing posture and said, “India has had to deal with cross-border terrorism for forty years. There is no room for ambiguity or appeasement in our reaction today, which reflects the new normal”.

The recent proposal from Pakistan for a joint probe into the Pahalgam terror attack was deemed “absurd” by Misri. “Asking Pakistan to co-investigate terror attacks on Indian soil is like asking the thief to investigate his own crimes,” he said.

Evidence from the recent Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC), is among the sensitive intelligence dossiers carried by each squad.

In addition to protecting its borders, India is influencing international discourse by implementing Operation Sindoor, which calls for the elimination of terrorist safe havens and their enablers must be held accountable.

Seven high-level delegations, including 59 Members of Parliament, former ministers, diplomats, and senior political figures, will visit 33 countries in between May 21 and June 5 as part of this historic worldwide campaign, which is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

India’s extensive diplomatic outreach on “Operation Sindoor” began Thursday morning with the arrival of an all-party Indian parliamentary team in Tokyo, headed by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha.

Pakistan’s role in encouraging cross-border terrorism will be made public by this international campaign.

The delegation consists of senior Congress politician Salman Khurshid, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Barittas, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, and BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi and Brij Lal.

Their next high-level interactions will be in South Korea (May 24), Singapore (May 27), Indonesia (May 28), and Malaysia (May 31), after Japan.

Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George welcomed the leaders and laid out the strategic plan for interactions with Japanese civil society and leadership.

MP Shrikant Shinde leads a different team that travels to the United Arab Emirates, Congo, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, while Jha’s team covers East and Southeast Asia. At the same time, the team led by DMK chairman Kanimozhi is traveling to Spain, Latvia, Greece, Slovenia, and Russia.

The campaign’s main goals are to isolate Pakistan globally by exposing its continuous backing for terrorist networks and to show a united Indian front against terrorism.

The MPs will interact with international organizations, such as the UN, as well as foreign governments, lawmakers, the media, civil society, and the Indian diaspora.

The program, which aims to foster international agreement against state-sponsored terrorism, is among India’s most robust and well-coordinated foreign outreach initiatives in recent years.

The administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the decision to send multi-party MP delegations to important worldwide cities in an enormous diplomatic effort to reveal Pakistan’s role in the recent Pahalgam terror incident and to garner international solidarity against cross-border terrorism.

From May 22 to June 1, the 48-member cross-party delegation will visit many nations to deliver India’s evidence against Pakistan and New Delhi’s position to foreign governments and institutions.

Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, has reportedly led the mission, which has been split up into eight groups of six people each.

The delegations will travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, South Africa, Egypt, the United States, and Japan, according to sources. They will be led by Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Working President Supriya Sule, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, and JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha.

The touring delegations also include a number of other MPs, such as Asaduddin Owaisi, Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Tejasvi Surya, and Anurag Thakur of the BJP.

According to sources, the decision to send the team of MPs coincides with Pakistan’s growing efforts to internationalize the Kashmir dispute, which India maintains is a bilateral problem, as well as significant statements made by US President Donald Trump.

For the first time, the Modi administration has sent out elected officials from all political parties as diplomatic envoys to combat Pakistan’s propaganda internationally.

The two main goals will be to inform countries about the terrible Pahalgam incident, which claimed 26 lives, and to make it clear that India’s “Operation Sindoor” targeted terror infrastructure, not civilians, in areas that are under Pakistani occupation.

According to a senior official involved in the preparation, “the goal is to dispel the narrative being propagated by Pakistan and its supporters.”

The delegations will also highlight how Pakistan’s punitive actions during “Operation Sindoor” only serve to highlight the country’s active support of and shelter for terrorist organizations. In addition to diplomatically isolating Pakistan, the global diplomatic offensive aims to fortify India’s standing in front of important international fora and bilateral meetings.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Dr. M R Srinivasan, the former chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Commission, died at the age of 95. The veteran scientist unexpectedly became unwell in Ooty during the night and died quietly at the local hospital at 4 a.m. on Tuesday. Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, who was born in Bengaluru (5 January 1930 – 20 May 2025), leaving behind a rich legacy.

“My father suddenly took ill in Ooty over last night and passed away peacefully in hospital at 4 am in hospital, my mother is with him.. we are going from Bangalore now..,” said Sharada Srinivasan, the daughter of the veteran scientist according to a social media post.

Born in January 1930, Malur Ramasamy (M R) Srinivasan was an Indian nuclear physicist and mechanical engineer who was also in charge of the country’s construction of a pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR).

Srinivasan began working with Dr. Homi Bhabha on Apsara, the country’s first nuclear research reactor, in September 1955 after joining the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Apsara reached criticality in August 1956.

He served as the Principal Project Engineer for the building of India’s first atomic power plant in 1959. He then became the Chief Project Engineer at the Madras Atomic Power Station in 1967.

He was appointed Director of the DAE’s Power Projects Engineering Division in 1974. He was then elevated to Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board in 1984, where he was in charge of the development, implementation, and management of all nuclear power projects in the country.

He eventually rose to the position of Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in 1987. For all of his efforts to the Indian nuclear program, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s highest civilian honor.

After completing his education in Mysore, M R Srinivasan enrolled at M. Visvesvaraya’s engineering college (now UVCE), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1950. In 1954, he completed his Master’s degree in gas turbine technology at McGill University in Canada.

From 1996 to 1998, he served on the Planning Commission of the Government of India, where he oversaw the Science & Technology and Energy portfolios. In the years 2002–2004 and 2006–2008, he served on the National Security Advisory Board of India. From 2002 to 2004, he served as the chairman of the Karnataka Task Force on Higher Education.

Srinivasan is an Emeritus Fellow of the Indian Nuclear Society, a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and Institution of Engineers (India), and a Founder Member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).

During this time of grief, PM Modi sent his family and friends his personal condolences and the nation’s gratitude for everything he has done.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India’s nuclear energy program. His instrumental role in developing critical nuclear infrastructure has been foundational to our being self-reliant in the energy sector. He is remembered for his inspiring leadership of the Atomic Energy Commission. India will always be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many young scientists. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” said PM Modi in his social media post on the platform X.

A youthful Dr. Srinivasan was instrumental in the building of Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which reached criticality in August 1956 alongside Dr. Bhabha. Dr. Bhabha had already outlined what needed to be done in the ensuing decades when he died in a plane crash in the Alps on January 24, 1966. Dr. Srinivasan supported India’s nuclear power development after being on Dr. Bhabha’s team.

Legends like Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. Homi Sethna, Dr. Raja Ramanna, Dr. P K Iyengar, Dr. R Chidambaram, and Dr. Anil Kakodkar were among the people Dr. Srinivasan collaborated with.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that the Government e-marketplace (GeM) is providing opportunities for the underprivileged, reducing bureaucracy, and guaranteeing significant savings, thereby providing a digital boost to the Center’s drive for transparent administration.

An essay published on the GeM platform by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal was shared on the X social media platform by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

“Digital technology supports the government’s efforts to promote open governance. By reducing red tape and guaranteeing significant savings, @GeM_India is providing opportunities for the underprivileged. Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s thorough analysis of the GeM platform is a fascinating read. based on the PMO.

The GeM portal, according to Piyush Goyal, has removed obstacles to entry, weeded out corruption, empowered and uplifted marginalized groups, particularly in small towns, and allowed for significant public savings.

“The digital public procurement platform GeM-India has grown to be a vital component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision since its launch nine years ago,” the minister said.

By eliminating corruption and providing possibilities for startups, MSMEs, women, and small-town enterprises, GeM has transformed the way the government purchases products and services, Goyal said.

The GeM has quickly become a global pioneer in offering a public procurement platform that is open, inclusive, and effective. According to an essay he wrote, it links 23 lakh merchants and service providers with over 1.6 lakh government buyers.

According to Goyal, Orders of over Rs 13.4 lakh crore have been placed on the GeM portal since its launch in 2016. In 2024–2025, public procurement through the platform reached a record Rs 5.43 lakh billion. In the current fiscal year, GeM wants to increase its yearly revenue to Rs 7 lakh crore.

Without a question, GeM has become a technological titan in the field of public procurement. Given the volume of business conducted, it is probably going to overtake more established institutions as the largest public procurement platform in the world like South Korea’s KONEPS, in the near future.

During the fiscal year 2024–2025, GeM has also effectively facilitated the insurance of over 1.3 crore people with health, life, and personal accident insurance policies.

It seeks to close the gap between government purchasers and innovators, facilitating quicker scaling, market validation, and a significant boost to India’s reputation as a worldwide innovator.

Through the GeM, the government has also emphasized important changes to the public procurement system, such as strong anti-cartel protections and expert-led initiatives to boost productivity, openness, and expansion.

In a recent discussion with important GeM authorities and stakeholders, Goyal emphasized the importance of enabling both platform buyers and sellers.

According to a report released on Monday by S&P Global, India has made significant strides in increasing its competitiveness and attracting foreign investment to its manufacturing sector.

Even while manufacturing value added only makes up 17.2% of the nation’s GDP, the government has put specific policy changes into place to increase local manufacturing capacity and fortify India’s position in international supply chains.

According to the paper, India can gain from rising trade protectionism beyond its immediate effects, since it could spur supply-chain diversity.

As the climate for international trade and collaboration changes, India is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities. Over the last three decades, the nation’s size, scope, and global influence have all increased significantly, and by fiscal year 2030–31, it is expected to rank third in the world in terms of GDP.

According to the paper “India Forward: Transformative Perspectives,” India can leverage this momentum for increased global supply-chain integration and faster manufacturing growth as economies adjust to changing trade dynamics and tariff difficulties.

In order to build a cleaner, independent transportation system in the future, the nation is also concentrating on alternative energy sources.

This drive includes the adoption of biofuels. By addressing energy security, lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increasing revenue opportunities for the agricultural sector, biofuels provide a triple-win answer to the nation’s growing need for sustainable energy sources despite escalating environmental concerns, according to the paper.

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India is likewise planning to follow a route that combines revenue security with energy security. As India seeks to improve crude oil exploration and development in order to become self-sufficient, recent regulatory reforms offer a chance.

Although it is not immune to the growing trade protectionism, the report noted that its limited reliance on external trade for growth provides some protection against continuous changes in global trade and tariff policy.

“Sitaare Zameen Par” marks the return of actor Aamir Khan with another original story about making aspirations come true. The makers provided moviegoers a preview of the touching story of transforming a punishment into an opportunity with the recently released teaser.

In the film, Mr. Perfectionist plays a basketball coach who, following a furious altercation with a senior on the floor, is caught in a drunk driving case. The judge orders him to coach a special needs team as a form of discipline. Despite his initial reluctance, Aamir becomes emotionally connected in his teammates and becomes determined to see them win a tournament.

The project, a spiritual follow-up to Aamir’s first feature film as director, “Taare Zameen Par,” chronicles the path of perseverance and commitment.

On social media, the creators of “Sitaare Zameen Par” shared the trailer, writing, “1 Tingu Basketball Coach, 10 Toofani SITAARE aur unki journey. Watch #SitaareZameenPar #SabkaApnaApnaNormal, 20th June Only In Theatres. Trailer Out Now!”

Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar are among the ten new actors in the movie, in addition to Aamir and Genelia.

In Aamir’s upcoming film, Genelia Deshmukh will be viewed as his romantic interest. Genelia described the partnership as “incredibly special” and said she was thrilled to be working on a project that will bring her back together with powerful performers like Aamir and important movies.

“Working with Aamir Khan Productions after all these years feels incredibly special,” Genelia said in reference to the movie. I have never held a position like this before! It is profoundly human, multi-layered, and emotional. I sincerely appreciate the positive feedback the trailer has gotten, and I am eager for people to see the movie.

Also Read: Top 5 Recent Highest-Grossing Indian Films

The project was created under the leadership of “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan” director R. S. Prasanna.

Divy Nidhi Sharma wrote the screenplay for the drama, which is produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit under the auspices of Aamir Khan Productions.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy wrote the film’s tunes, while Amitabh Bhattacharya wrote the lyrics. Ram Sampath has supplied the background music.

On June 20, “Sitaare Zameen Par,” Aamir’s comeback to the big screen following his 2022 film “Laal Singh Chaddha,” will be released.

Neeraj Chopra, a well-known athlete from India, has been awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. In the Gazette of India, a weekly authorized publication of the Government of India, the Ministry of Defense made the statement on Wednesday.

After winning a historic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chopra won a silver medal in the javelin throw at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, making him India’s most successful individual Olympian.

Chopra won a gold medal in Tokyo, becoming the first track and field athlete from India to do so. He finished second in the coveted Diamond League Final in Brussels at the end of the 2024 season.

“No 3 (E) dated 9 May 2025 in exercise of the powers conferred by Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the president is pleased to confer Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army on Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025,” according to the Indian Gazette.

Prior to being promoted to Subedar in 2021 following his valiant actions in Tokyo, Neeraj had enlisted in the Indian Army on August 26, 2016, as a Junior Commissioned Officer with the rank of Naib Subedar.

Similar to the gold winner, a few other medalists from the quadrennial Games are Indian Army officers. Shooter Vijay Kumar was appointed honorary captain following his silver medal victory in 2012, while Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, was also given the title of Lt. Colonel.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is among the most well-known athletes that have been awarded the honor. He was given the title of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2011 for leading India to significant tournament victories, like as the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup.