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Modi, Macron Elevate India–France Ties to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’

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  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” , marking a significant milestone in India–France relations. Macron’s fourth state visit to India has been described as a breakthrough moment, reflecting the deepening trust and alignment between the two nations in a rapidly changing global order. During high-level talks and official engagements, both leaders underscored their shared vision of strengthening sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and resilience through enhanced cooperation in key sectors. A “Force for Global Stability” Hosting President Macron in Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan, PM Modi described the India–France relationship as a “force for global stability” in an increasingly uncertain world. According to a joint government statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order , particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific has emerged as a c...

Mumbai Water Metro to Launch from December; Rs 1,200-Crore Project to Transform City Commute

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  Mumbai is set to take a major leap in urban mobility with the launch of its much-awaited Water Metro. The Maharashtra government plans to roll out battery-powered ferries in phases starting December, aiming to reduce road congestion and offer faster, eco-friendly connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Ports Minister Nitesh Rane confirmed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be submitted by February 28, laying the groundwork for the ambitious Rs 1,200-crore initiative. When Will Mumbai Water Metro Launch? The first phase of the Water Metro is expected to begin operations from December. According to Rane, the rollout will happen in stages, starting within Mumbai city before expanding to adjoining areas in the wider MMR. After the DPR submission, discussions will be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to finalise feasible routes. Two routes will be prioritised in the initial implementation phase. The project is likely to receive a formal announcemen...

PM Modi to Visit Israel for High-Stakes Talks with Netanyahu on Defence, FTA and Regional Security

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  Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Israel later this month for key bilateral discussions with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu , marking a significant moment in India-Israel relations. Official sources indicate the visit is likely to take place on February 27-28, though final dates are yet to be formally announced. This will be Modi’s first visit to Israel during his third term in office and comes nearly nine years after his landmark 2017 trip, which elevated ties between the two nations to a new strategic level. Strengthening Defence and Security Ties Defence cooperation is expected to dominate the agenda during the high-level talks. Over the past decade, Israel has emerged as one of India’s most important defence technology partners. From advanced missile systems and drones to cutting-edge surveillance and air defence platforms, Israel supplies several critical systems to the Indian armed forces. The two countries have also significantly expanded collab...

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Proposes ‘One AI Doctor Per Person’ Model to Revolutionise Healthcare

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  N. Chandrababu Naidu has floated an ambitious proposal to deploy an AI-powered personal doctor for every citizen of Andhra Pradesh , a move that could significantly reshape the state’s healthcare ecosystem. The idea, outlined during an Assembly session, aims to harness artificial intelligence to track and manage individual health data in real time. Naidu described the initiative as a potential “game changer,” emphasising the transformative power of artificial intelligence in improving preventive healthcare and ensuring access to medical advice even in remote areas. The Vision: An AI Doctor for Every Individual Explaining the concept, Naidu said the AI-powered system would function as a personal health assistant assigned to each resident. This virtual doctor would continuously monitor an individual’s digital health records, track vital data, and provide timely guidance on diet, exercise, lifestyle adjustments and preventive care. The proposed AI doctor would: Monitor health par...

Adani Power Enters Nuclear Energy With New Subsidiary Amid India’s 100 GW Clean Power Push

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  India’s energy landscape is witnessing a significant shift as Adani Power Limited steps into the nuclear energy sector. The company has incorporated a new subsidiary, Adani Atomic Energy Limited , marking its formal entry into atomic power generation after the Government of India opened up the sector to greater private participation. The move aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047 — the centenary year of independence — as part of its long-term clean energy transition strategy. India currently operates a fleet of nuclear reactors contributing a modest share to the country’s overall electricity mix. However, policymakers see atomic energy as a stable, low-carbon alternative that can complement renewable sources like solar and wind. The government’s goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 represents a dramatic scale-up from current levels. This push is driven by three key priorities: Reducing dependence on fossil f...

Dabur to Invest Rs 400 Crore in Tamil Nadu, Set Up First Manufacturing Plant in South India

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  Consumer goods major Dabur India Ltd has announced a Rs 400 crore investment in Tamil Nadu to establish its first-ever manufacturing facility in South India. The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to set up a state-of-the-art plant at the SIPCOT Food Park in Tindivanam, located in Villupuram district. The development marks a significant expansion of Dabur’s manufacturing footprint and strengthens Tamil Nadu’s position as a preferred destination for industrial investment. MoU Signed in Presence of Chief Minister The announcement was made by Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister, Dr TRB Rajaa, through a post on social media platform ‘X’. The MoU was signed by Guidance Tamil Nadu in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin. Welcoming Dabur to the state, Minister Rajaa described the project as the company’s “first ever in South India” and emphasized that the facility would be a world-class manufacturing unit. He highlighted that Tamil Nad...

Singapore Crosses 1 Million Indian Visitors in 2025, Tourism Footfall Surges

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  Singapore has crossed a significant tourism milestone in 2025, welcoming over 1.2 million Indian visitors, reflecting a steady 1 per cent growth compared to 2024. The development marks an important chapter in bilateral ties, coinciding with the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India . According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the growth underscores sustained confidence among Indian travellers in Singapore as a preferred international destination. “The year 2025 marked a milestone for Singapore-India tourism as we celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties. We’re heartened that over a million Indian visitors chose Singapore, driving robust tourism spending and demonstrating the market’s continued confidence in our destination,” said Markus Tan, Regional Director (India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa), Singapore Tourism Board. International Arrivals and Revenue on the Rise Singapore’s overall tourism performance in 2025 has also shown pos...