The globe is facing several difficulties in many industries, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke on Tuesday.

“Indian businesses have the capacity to meet these obstacles. At the India-France Startup Forum, which was also attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Modi declared that India has now become the third-largest startup environment in the world.

Under the ‘Bharat Innovates 2026‘ initiative, India and France will reunite in France in June, according to Prime Minister Modi.

Some of India’s top companies that are developing solutions in the fields of climate change, security, and healthcare will be on display to the world during the event. The Atal Innovation Mission will be ten years old on February 24, he said.

Over 10,000 tinkering labs have been created as part of this initiative, involving over 10 million students in entrepreneurship endeavors. This project is also linked to a number of edtech firms and over 100 incubators.

Entrepreneurs attending the event were encouraged by the Prime Minister to join the Atal Innovation Mission.

The Prime Minister urged entrepreneurs present at the event to participate in the Atal Innovation Mission.He stressed that India’s path to becoming a developed nation is powered by its startups. As a result, the emphasis of this year’s budget has been on enhancing the startup environment.

To foster content development, “Content Creator Labs” will be established in 15,000 schools and 500 institutions of higher learning. In the fields of clean energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence, mission-mode projects are being carried out.

Entrepreneurship is also being promoted in infrastructure, electronics, sports goods, textiles, and chemicals. Additionally, PM Modi stressed that India is establishing itself as a worldwide role model in women-led research and entrepreneurship.

In reference to Indo-French ties, he stated that the partnership is founded on trust and shared principles, not just on startups.

For this reason, he and President Emmanuel Macron have designated 2026 as the ‘India-France Startup Year. ‘ He went on to say that France and India have collaborated in a number of strategic technology areas, fostering confidence in one another.

He added that India and France have cooperated in several strategic technology domains, strengthening mutual trust.The connection between the two nations has now been upgraded to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership. ”

President Emmanuel Macron said in his speech that Indian CEOs are at the helm of several major international corporations. India is at the forefront of the worldwide startup revolution rather than just taking part in it. For the development of startups, investing in education and training is critical.

The France-India Aeronautics Campus, according to him, provides possibilities for skill specialization. The question is no longer whether India is capable of invention; The genuine issue is which country will innovate alongside India, and France is the answer. France is dedicated to collaborating with India in order to create a better future.

He also expressed his hope for the enduring strength of the connection between France and India. In addition, President Macron stated that an “Innovation Day” will be held on the eve of the G7 Summit, as suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Many students and researchers will be brought together by the joint France-India initiatives. France continues to be a solid and dependable ally in the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defense industry.

Next-generation engines, multi-role helicopters, sophisticated fighter planes, and submarines are all being created in collaboration with France. He expressed gratitude to India for the trust they placed in this alliance.

This is not simply a set of military contracts, but rather a sovereign strategic partnership, as President Macron emphasized. Two major nations choose one another across the land, sea, and sky, not because they are forced to, but because of unwavering faith.

He emphasized collaboration in the space industry by stating that the creation of the “TRISHNA” satellite is a great illustration of the integration of scientific brilliance and manufacturing prowess.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday that the goal of the five-day India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam is to investigate how AI may be used for the good of everybody as the second day of the summit begins.

“Science and technology are useful to the public because of intelligence, rationality, and decision-making,” Prime Minister Modi stated on X. Examining how AI may be applied for everyone’s benefit is another goal of the India AI Impact Summit.

In the first time that a global gathering of this magnitude on the subject is being organized in the Global South, the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which got underway Monday, brought together heads of state and government, ministers, leaders in global technology, distinguished researchers, multilateral institutions, and industry stakeholders to discuss how AI can promote inclusive growth, fortify public systems, and facilitate sustainable development.

In addition to more than 500 global AI leaders, including CEOs, founders, academicians, researchers, CTOs, and philanthropic organizations, more than 100 government representatives, including more than 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and 60 vice ministers, will attend the five-day summit, which concludes on February 20.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give the inaugural speech on February 19, laying the groundwork for international collaboration and outlining India’s vision for responsible and inclusive AI.

The Grand Finale demonstration and the announcement of the finalists for the three flagship Global Impact Challenges—AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi—will be the summit’s main highlights.

These challenges were started to speed up scalable, high-impact AI solutions that are in line with national priorities and international development goals. They are intended to promote inclusive, responsible, and development-oriented artificial intelligence.

Collectively, they received more than 4,650 submissions from more than 60 nations, demonstrating robust international involvement and bolstering India’s rise to prominence as a reliable worldwide center for ethical and expandable AI development.

The top 70 teams from each of the three categories were chosen as finalists after a thorough multi-stage review overseen by legislators, industry leaders, and subject matter experts.

The finalists will interact with academics, investors, industry experts, and legislators while receiving acknowledgement and ecosystem support to expand their inventions both domestically and internationally.

The main academic platform of the Summit is the Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact, which is being held on February 18 in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, and Alar Karis, the President of Estonia, are attending the Symposium, which has received almost 250 research papers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

In order to discuss AI-driven scientific discovery, safety and governance frameworks, fair access to computing infrastructure, and research collaboration throughout the Global South, it brings together internationally recognized AI pioneers and top research institutions.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in India earlier today with the intention of strengthening the strategic alliance between France and India. Acharya Devvrat, the governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, and Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, gave him a hearty greeting at the Mumbai airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron will have bilateral discussions and jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

With the message, “The visit will impart further momentum to the vibrant India-France strategic partnership,” the MEA welcomed the French President on X.

Prior to this, Macron wrote on his social media account, X: “On my way to India! To further advance our strategic cooperation, it will take three days to go from Mumbai to New Delhi.

Business executives and the economic, industrial, cultural, and digital actors who give the relations between France and India a real, palpable life are on board with me.

Anna Roy, Mission Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and Program Director at NITI Aayog, stated the “AI Impact Summit 2026” should serve as a platform for securing India’s place as a major player in the AI space on a worldwide scale.

She emphasized that comprehensive support across all pillars is necessary for entrepreneurial success by announcing at the event a specific capacity-building program for 150 shortlisted women-led AI startups. This program will include structured mentorship and networking support in partnership with ecosystem partners.

According to her, “we received over 800 applications for this challenge.”

We conducted an internal review first. We then completed 63 virtual panels. “We employed a very transparent approach, and EY handled the entire evaluation process from start to finish.” Online marking was all over the place. She said, “They were totally anonymous.”

Roy described WEP’s function in creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs from aspiration to scale in a presentation titled “Access to Acceleration: How WEP Supports Women Founders.”

“Our vision at WEP is empowerment — Shakti — where we facilitate behavior change, give access to pertinent information at the appropriate moment, and assist female entrepreneurs from the point of aspiration to the expansion of their businesses,” Roy stated.

She commended them on their outstanding performance throughout the evaluation phases and named the top ten winners: Able Credit, Aso AI, Power Lifeline, Veryfi Technologies, Project Drives, Prosigo Language, Videos HR, That Creating, Water Ultra AR, and Zico AR.

NITI Aayog Distinguished Fellow Debjani Ghosh expressed her enthusiasm for the “India AI Impact Summit 2026,” which aims to realize AI’s full potential for global influence. She emphasizes why this is India’s time to contribute to the development of AI in her remarks on the fringes of the “India AI Impact Expo 2026.”

An entire day of talks and startup displays centered on creating impact-first, inclusive, and responsible AI brought together women innovators, founders, researchers, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders for the India AI Impact Summit 2026’s flagship program, the “AI By HER Global Impact Challenge.”

At the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Monday, the co-hosts defeated Australia by eight wickets in the 30th match to chase their best T20 total. Opener Pathum Nissanka made history by becoming just the second Sri Lankan batter to get a century in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Pavan Rathnayake made the game-winning run for the co-hosts to guarantee a position in the Super 8s, while Nissanka stayed undefeated at 100 off 52 deliveries. After Marcus Stoinis removed Kusal Perera in the second over, the co-hosts’ chase of 182 got off to a bad start.

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis came out well, striking boundaries with ease and putting Australia on the defensive despite losing Perera early. The co-hosts rapidly amassed 61 runs for the first wicket by the end of the Power-play, which was their third-highest Power-play total against Australia in Twenty20 Internationals.

As Sri Lanka maintained constant pressure on Australia, runs kept coming in for the co-hosts. This followed a historic Power-play session that saw Australia and Sri Lanka reach the highest-ever total of 131 in the history of the T20 World Cup.

As the chase accelerated, their deft play and poise enabled the hosts keep the lead. Earlier, captain Mitchell Marsh, who had recovered from injury, was picked to bat first. He and opener Travis Head smashed the ball all over the ground and stitched an opening partnership of 104 runs off 52 deliveries. Australia scored 70/0 in the first six overs, their fourth-highest Powerplay total in T20 World Cup history.

With their powerful hitting, Marsh (54) and Head (56) put pressure on the co-hosts by bringing all the bowlers to task, including a 20-run sixth over. In addition to lighting up Pallekele, this aggressive play caused Sri Lanka to struggle, forcing Matheesha Pathirana to exit the game because of a left leg injury.

As the hosts applied pressure with consistent spin bowling, the momentum swiftly shifted. Australia lost the final eight wickets for 72 runs, completely losing the match in the last overs. With statistics of 3/37, his best in T20Is, Dushan Hemantha concluded his spell.

Both batters reached their fifties in quick succession as Mendis and Nissanka kept adding runs. In the T20 World Cups, Nissanka tied Tillakaratne Dilshan with his sixth score of over 50, only surpassed by Mahela Jayawardene’s seven. With his fifth over-50 score in the tournament’s history, Mendis was not far behind.

Nissanka became just the second Sri Lankan opener to achieve a century in the T20 World Cup after achieving an incredible century under extreme duress. The stadium erupted in applause for a genuinely remarkable innings as he reached his century in just fifty-two balls, sending the audience into raptures.

“The wicket played really well today, which allowed me to play my natural game,” Nissanka stated. Getting a hundred and taking my squad home makes me very happy. We required an effective power play. Kusal Mendis and I had a great middle-field relationship. After that, I just needed to wait for the balls to enter my zone in order to finish my innings and lead my team across the finish line. I was pleased that I was able to put a number of balls away to the fence and that they played to my strengths.

Australia Skipper Mitchell Marsh said, “I thought it was a competitive total at the halfway mark. We probably left ourselves a few short after the start we had. It is disappointing. Well played to Sri Lanka. They outplayed us tonight, We know that at our best, we can make big scores. We just lost our way towards the back-end. Couldn’t get the partnership going. Sri Lanka bowled really well towards the back-end.”

Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka, praised it as one of his team’s best recent efforts. “You could say that it’s among our best performances in a long time. We knew how the wicket would play, so I’m really pleased with how the innings went. Today, everyone’s body language was extremely elevated. For us, that is a huge plus. Everyone wanted to help the squad in some way. Hemantha, Theekshana, and Chameera all performed admirably. Very pleased with everyone’s contributions.”

Brief scores:
Australia 181 all out in 20 overs (Travis Head 56, Mitchell Marsh 54; Dushan Hemantha 3-37, Dushmantha Chameera 2-33)
Sri Lanka 164/2 in 18 overs (Pathum Nissanka 100 not out, Kusal Mendis 51; Marcus Stoinis 2-46) by eight wickets.

In addition to holding bilateral discussions with Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Minister for Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Ghar Store on Monday.

According to a Finance Ministry post on X, she will also interact with the diaspora at a community event and host a roundtable discussion with the Norwegian CEO and investors.

In addition to meeting with start-ups at the Oslo Science Park, the ministry said the Union Finance Minister will visit Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Ghar Store during her two-day visit to Oslo.

She will also have bilateral meetings with Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Minister for Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

During her earlier visit to Germany, FM Sitharaman met with influential leaders and businesspeople to discuss bilateral trade relations against the backdrop of the EU-India free trade agreement.

It was in Munich that she met APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen. Svendsen discussed Maersk’s long-standing and beneficial connection with India, as well as important partnerships and investments made with the country throughout its marine ecosystem.

According to the government, he also expressed the desire to keep growing this partnership throughout India.

Svendsen also discussed the major announcements made during the most recent Budget, including the one pertaining to container production, and expressed gratitude for India’s reform measures over the years, particularly deregulation and ease of doing business.

The two also talked about the benefits of the recently signed India EU-FTA, including how it will open up markets in India and Europe and how it can help businesses on both sides in the future.

The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in India in January of this year strengthened bilateral relations, especially in defense, trade, and technology. The Finance Minister met with Lars Klingbeil, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance, Germany.

According to the Finance Ministry’s X post, Klingbeil described the Free commerce Agreement (FTA) as a significant step for commerce and investments in India during his discussion with Sitharaman. He specifically highlighted bilateral development cooperation and the extension of Metro rail in India.

She informed Klingbeil of India’s digital payment systems’ success and her readiness to share with Germany the best practices on India’s digital stack.

In Munich, Sitharaman also had meetings with Alois Philipp Maria, the Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, and Brigitte Haas, the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) said in a statement released on Sunday that it will have a dedicated pavilion at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 focused on the idea of “AI for Inclusive Development,” placing skilling at the forefront of India’s AI journey.

MSDE’s attendance will highlight India’s dedication to making sure AI enhances livelihoods rather than replaces them, as the summit brings together world leaders, policymakers, and tech innovators in what is regarded as one of the largest AI gatherings in the Global South.

“India’s hosting of one of the largest AI summits in the Global South reflects our resolve to shape a responsible and inclusive AI future,” said Jayant Singh Chaudhary, Minister of State (MoS) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in a statement welcoming the AI Summit.

I’m excited to have fruitful conversations with international partners and to demonstrate how India is preparing its workforce and young with AI-ready skills that will drive prosperity and opportunity for everybody.

“With a thorough framework centered on skilling in, skilling with, and skilling for AI, the MSDE pavilion will put this vision into practice. Through programs like SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness), emerging job roles aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework, and short-duration nano-credentials offered in collaboration with industry, the goal of skilling in AI is to develop both foundational and advanced competencies in artificial intelligence.

In order to help learners move into AI-enabled employment, the Pavilion will feature interactive installations, live dashboards, and micro-learning modules that will show how AI literacy can be democratized across age groups and backgrounds, according to the statement.

The use of AI in skill development will demonstrate how this technology is changing how skill development is delivered and governed.

While recommendation engines coupled with the Skill India Digital Hub will personalize course recommendations across sectors, AI-powered platforms like the Skill India Assistant (SIA) will advise students on career pathways that match their interests and qualifications.

AI-enabled monitoring and evaluation methods, such as computer vision-based practical assessments, will show how technology may improve skill certification’s efficiency, transparency, and trustworthiness.

When taken as a whole, these developments will demonstrate how AI is being integrated into the skilling ecosystem to enhance results, reach, and quality.

In an economy where AI is increasingly enhancing productivity, labor preparation will be addressed by AI-skilling.

The Pavilion will demonstrate how farmers can use AI-driven advisory systems, electricians can use AI-enabled applications to diagnose problems, construction workers can access multilingual AI learning support on-site, and weavers can use AI tools to co-create customized designs through gamified demonstrations and real-life personas.

These illustrations will support the idea that AI is not just for programmers or big businesses; it can also increase the productivity and earnings of India’s blue-collar and informal workers,” the statement continued.

In order to strengthen partnerships in AI skilling and digital inclusiveness, MoS Chaudhary will also hold a number of meetings with academic institutions, industrial partners, and world technology leaders on the fringes of the summit.

In order to examine the installations, talk with young participants, and engage with stakeholders showcasing AI-enabled skilling solutions, MoS Chaudhary is expected to visit the MSDE Pavilion on February 17, according to the release.

In the 27th game of the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosts India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium after wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan‘s aggressive 77 put India ahead.

It was a masterclass in contemporary cricketing greatness when India and Pakistan squared off in their group match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday. It wasn’t simply another high-stakes match.

As they won the match by 61 runs, the Men in Blue appeared to have perfected every aspect of their game, from lightning-fast reflexes in the field to faultless performance under duress.

Even in the slightest moments, the change was apparent. The speed of the release and the manner in which the ball was gathered. the need for speed in between delivery. Every action contained intent, and every movement had a goal.

Saim Ayub’s deft 3–25 kept Pakistan in the game, but Kishan’s explosive 77 off 40 balls with 10 fours and three sixes was the game-winning performance.

India was able to play within themselves during the middle overs thanks to Kishan’s pyrotechnics at the top. Together, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma scored 57 from 53 balls to help India reach their aim of 176.

When Hardik Pandya took the valuable wicket of Shahibzada Farhan in the opening over with a hard-length delivery, the devastation of Pakistan’s batting began immediately.

After then, Jasprit Bumrah returned to hit two in his first over. Bumrah recovered from being smoked for a six in the opening delivery by removing captain Salman Agha on the final delivery and then getting rid of Ayub with a superb inswinging yorker.

Usman Khan, a wicketkeeper-batter, was Pakistan’s only player with 44, forming a partnership with Shadab Khan for 39 runs and Babar Azam for 21.

With India taking center stage, Pakistan’s middle order fell apart. With a tossed-up delivery, Axar Patel eliminated Khan after dismissing Azam (5).

Mohmmad Nawaz was bowled out by Kuldeep Yadav, while all-rounder Shadab Khan was taken out by Tilak Varma, who was bowling for the first time in the tournament.

India won the match by 61 runs after Pakistan lost the final five wickets for just 41 runs, causing the lower order to entirely collapse.

India was incredibly disciplined in this area. Like cheetahs, the fielders charged at the ball, changed angles, and then released it quickly. They choked singles. Doubles turned become hazards. The batters from Pakistan never really settled.

Today’s Indian squad appears to be one that has perfected the application of sports science. Reaction training, agility exercises, and recovery cycles all seem organized and intentional. The BCCI deserves all the praise for making sure Team India gets all the assistance it needs, both financially and technically.

The board has done everything possible, from advanced analytics and conditioning programs to top-tier support staff. Everyone is able to view the findings.

The strain increased steadily as Pakistan started their pursuit. Dot balls accumulated. Fielders got closer. Easy singles were prevented by rapid releases. The pressure from the scoreboard was constant.

Mental toughness is just as important as skill in high-stakes games like India vs. Pakistan. Waves of pressure were applied by India, and Pakistan finally gave in.

India appears to be the unquestioned cricketing king at the moment. They are a force few teams can equal when they are focused, disciplined, and cohesive, therefore they might only lose on a bad day.

This was more than just a win. It was a declaration. A declaration of readiness. A declaration of professionalism.

And a reminder that in contemporary cricket, skill is developed not just with the bat and ball but also with focus, fitness, and perfect fielding.

Following India’s 61-run victory over Pakistan, captain Suryakumar Yadav complimented wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan for his game-winning 77.

“This is for India.” We played cricket the way we wanted to play it. He batted in the same manner as Ishan, who has been batting in domestic cricket in the previous few games. Ishan had an unconventional idea. Someone had to assume responsibilities at 0-1 and he did it brilliantly. There was a slight downturn, but that’s what makes Twenty20 cricket so great. During the post-match presentation ceremony, Yadav praised the way that Tilak, Dube, and Rinku batted.

India defeated Pakistan for the seventh time in nine Men’s T20 World Cup encounters. Yadav praised his bowlers for securing the victory and added that the total was above par. It’s hard to tell when you’re batting first. We believed we were 15–20 runs over par when we hit 175, so the game would have been really close. Hardik seized the initiative and took the new ball. Then, Bumrah demonstrated why he is the greatest person in the planet. Everyone’s participation was fantastic,” he continued.

The right-handed batter expressed optimism that the team would reassemble properly in advance of their upcoming match against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.

“We’ll consider that tomorrow. When we arrive to Ahmedabad, we’ll return, enjoy ourselves as a team (tonight), and consider that.

Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan, acknowledged that his team had failed both with the bat and the ball. The four spinners we used had a day off. In certain areas, execution was lacking. We got off to a bad start with the bat.

“You are always chasing the game if you lose three or four wickets in the Power-play,” he stated.

It was a little sticky in the first innings, and the ball was also grabbing. In the second innings, the pitch performed better, but we failed to push ourselves with the bat and bowl appropriately.

“Emotions will always be high in these games; we just have to manage them.” We’ve had enough of these games, and we have to look forward to the next one in a few days. To qualify, we must win it. Then, he declared, “it is a new tournament.”

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar praised India’s effort overall, saying, “India lost the game because of the Power-play.“ The difference was made by Ishan Kishan in the first innings and the clinical bowling we witnessed in the second. We were in control at all times. India was amazing tonight. On X.

“Well played #TeamIndia,” said Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who led the country in congratulating and praising X. Dates, locations, and formats may vary, but #IndvsPak’s outcome is always the same. Kudos to the whole team.

Brief scores:

India 175/7 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar Yadav 32; Saim Ayub 3-25, Usman Tariq 1-24)
Pakistan 114/10 in 18 overs (Usman Khan 44, Shaheen Shah Afridi; Hardik Pandya 2-16, Varun Chakravarthy 2-17)

“It’s only a match, after all.” Not during India’s match against Pakistan, particularly on the ICC T20 World Cup stage.

But in addition to the strategic chessboard and growing excitement, the weather might also play a role.

Colombo is expected to see warm, muggy weather with the potential for afternoon thunderstorms and showers.

Overs lost mean recalculated objectives, aggressive batting mandates, and increased reliance on DLS forecasts are some of the repercussions that interruptions could have in a T20 group match.

Although it’s not a knockout, it feels like one in many respects.

The stakes are higher than two points in an ICC T20 World Cup group-stage matchup. In a brief competition, momentum is crucial.

A victory here can influence the psychological edge, confidence, and net run rate estimates for the rest of the campaign.

Colombo is already feeling the buildup. Fans are anticipated to congregate outside the stadium hours prior to the throw, flags line the streets, and lively arguments reverberate in hotel lobbies. Green and blue will be in the same stands, separated by loyalty but bound together by excitement.

Form frequently breaks down in the midst of rivalry when India plays Pakistan. Momentum swings faster, pressure is more intense, and margins are thinner in T20 cricket.

An intense power play.  An unexpected change in bowling. That yields two wickets for 20.

There is not much time to make up for mistakes in a system that is based on haste.

However, the emotional temperature will rise regardless of the weather.

The first delivery will silence living rooms all throughout the subcontinent. Every limit will seem definitive. Each wicket is seismic.

Officially, it might be an ICC T20 World Cup group-stage match. However, the match between India and Pakistan has the weight of a championship match.

Tonight in Colombo, history, nerves, and pride will all walk out together for the toss.

On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu holidays in Nepal, a huge throng of worshippers waited since the early hours of the morning to pray and worship Lord Shiva at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Along with Kedarnath and Kashi Vishwanath, Pashupatinath is considered one of the most sacred Shiva pilgrimage locations. The Pashupatinath Temple is visited by devotees during the festival, especially from Nepal and India, but also from other places.

At the hallowed temple grounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thousands of pilgrims from all across Nepal and neighboring India waited in line to offer prayers. Chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” filled the air as sadhus, saints, and devotees carried out customary rites, evoking a lively and spiritual ambiance across the temple complex.

“Since early in the morning, devotees have been lining up to pray to Lord Shiva, and the number of people is continuously increasing,” said Shubhas Chandra Joshi, executive director of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT). “By 9:30 a.m., an estimated 100,000 devotees had already offered prayers.”

“All four doors of the temple were opened as early as 2 a.m. to ensure a smooth flow of worshippers,” Joshi said.

According to him, the Pashupati region is now home to at least 3,000 Hindu saints, mostly from Nepal and India, who are engaging in unique religious and spiritual rituals that represent renunciation, devotion, and spiritual discipline.

Joshi stated that adequate preparations for food, lodging, and other necessities for their stay had been made. “Around 150 Naga sadhus who arrived from India are also engaged in spiritual practices at the temple site,” he said.

Over 700,000 devotees are anticipated to offer prayers throughout the day, with a sizable portion traveling from India, according to the PADT. The precise number of Indian pilgrims who visit Pashupatinath has not yet been determined, Joshi stated.

In order to guarantee the celebration runs smoothly, the PADT stated it has also completed the required preparations for crowd control, safety and security, health services, and sanitation.

In order to support Viksit Bharat’s objectives, M Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), has emphasized the importance of improving the credit-to-GDP ratio, making our financial institutions more flexible, and investigating new avenues for larger-scale financing.

“The ideas generated during the session will pave the way for a shared vision and plan of action for the Department and its financial institutions,” he said at a DFS “Chintan Shivir” in Coorg, Karnataka.

Public policy specialists and practitioners from a range of financial disciplines shared their opinions and thoughts at the event.

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant discussed the importance of banks in funding MSMEs, the need for Jan Vyapar similar to Jan Aadhar, and the creation of suitable rule-based tools to further down operating costs.

Former Secretary of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dr. KP Krishnan emphasized the need for more GIFT Cities in India, a strong and vibrant bond market, and a decrease in intermediation costs, among other things.

Promoting new viewpoints and innovative ideas to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and the role of financial institutions was the main goal of the Shivir.

All stakeholders actively participated in the event, and lively talks centered on the changes that the banks and other financial services players must make in the strategic framework of Viksit Bharat.

The Finance Ministry claims that distinguished specialists, panelists, and attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on a variety of subjects, including financial inclusion, banking and cybersecurity, and guaranteeing a fully insured and pensioned society by 2047.

Replicating the Shadow CEO concept, autonomous organizations, digital trust, knowledge Half Life, creative ways to boost investment, investigating new insurance and pension products, raising financial literacy, and ways to make the financial system more resilient in the rapidly evolving global order were among the ideas that surfaced during the two-day event.