India Observers

The UAE’s Malayali community has warmly embraced the Indian government’s proposal to officially rename Kerala as Keralam. For expatriates across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, the shift feels less like a change and more like a restoration of linguistic and cultural identity. For over a million Malayalis living in the UAE—the largest Indian state diaspora in the country—the name Keralam has always held emotional and traditional significance. Community leaders note that Malayalam speakers have consistently referred to their homeland as Keralam, while “Kerala” represented the colonial-era spelling used in passports, maps, and official documents. Many in the Gulf compare the move to the renaming of Bombay to Mumbai or Madras to Chennai—an overdue correction that aligns with cultural roots. Supporters say the term Keralam has origins linked to the Chera dynasty or the phrase “Land of Coconut Trees,” reflecting both heritage and geography. Not everyone is fully convinced; some argue that “Ke...

  Holashtak 2026 officially begins on Tuesday, February 24, marking the start of an eight-day period leading up to the Holi festivities. The phase continues until Holika Dahan on March 3, with Rangwali Holi celebrated on March 4 across India. In many Hindu households, Holashtak is traditionally considered a time to pause auspicious ceremonies such as marriages, housewarmings, and major religious rituals. Instead, families focus on prayer, charity, discipline, and spiritual reflection, preparing for the symbolic cleansing associated with Holika Dahan. This week, Indian media reports have highlighted a noticeable surge in Google searches for “Holashtak dates”, “Holashtak rules”, and “what to avoid during Holashtak”, indicating rising public interest as communities begin planning for the broader Holi celebrations. As the festival of colors approaches, Holashtak serves as both a spiritual pause and a cultural countdown to one of India’s most beloved celebrations.

  India–Israel engagement has evolved across decades, but Modi’s upcoming arrival in Israel—welcomed personally by Benjamin Netanyahu—signals a transformational phase. As the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel in a decade, Narendra Modi represents a nation that is now deeply embedded in West Asian strategic dynamics. Netanyahu’s statement about envisioning “a complete system of alliances” underscores the diplomatic ambition underpinning this visit. India’s rise as a tech-driven superpower and Israel’s unmatched innovation ecosystem create natural synergy. Layer this over shifting global alignments, and the partnership begins to resemble a cornerstone of a new regional calculus. Economic corridors, energy partnerships, digital cooperation, defense co-production, and regional security coordination are now on the table. The visit is expected to formalize several frameworks that will strengthen multi-country strategic connectivity. This is not just about two nations; it is abo...

  Varanasi has a vibrant new attraction this week — the Regional Saras Fair at the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University sports ground in Chaukaghat. Organised under DAY-NRLM, the fair brings together women-led self-help groups and artisans from multiple states, transforming the venue into a bustling lane of crafts, regional foods, and evening cultural performances. The fair was inaugurated by district panchayat president Poonam Maurya and district magistrate Satyendra Kumar, who also emphasized the “Lakhpati” programme designed to help SHG women expand their income opportunities. According to organisers, the fair will remain open until March 20, 2026 . What to Shop Aisle-wise browsing is the smartest way to make the most of the fair. Textiles to explore include: Silk sarees Chikan work garments Zari and zardozi pieces Bed sheets Everyday-use jute bags For gifting and décor, look out for: Black pottery Bamboo and jute craft items Wooden and soft toys Decorati...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, reaffirming the growing strategic depth of India–UAE relations. During the meeting, both leaders reflected on the historic cultural and economic ties that have long anchored the partnership between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction at the significant progress achieved across key sectors—including trade, energy, digital economy, and connectivity initiatives. A major focus of the discussion was expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence. The leaders emphasized the importance of collaborative AI ecosystems, innovation-driven growth, and joint capacity-building to ensure that emerging technologies deliver inclusive and meaningful impact for both nations. The meeting underscored the shared vision of India and the UAE to position AI as a transformative pillar for future development, st...

  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 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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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 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...

  Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) has announced that it will begin Phase-2 construction at the Greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport after the monsoon this year, citing robust demand and rapid scale-up across its expanding airports portfolio. The announcement comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is witnessing sustained growth in passenger traffic and cargo movement. According to the company’s management, the next phase of development at Navi Mumbai airport is aimed at supporting long-term traffic growth while strengthening Adani Airports’ position as a major aviation infrastructure player in the country. Strong Demand Driving Expansion Plans Adani Airport Holdings said the decision to move ahead with Phase-2 construction reflects the strong demand outlook across its airports network . With India emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the company expects passenger and cargo volumes to scale up significantly in the coming years. The Navi M...

  India has taken a significant step toward strengthening its domestic semiconductor ecosystem with the launch of a major chip prototyping and validation hub in Bengaluru . The Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a premier research and development organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has unveiled its largest pre-silicon validation facility to date. Named PRITVI-ACE , the facility is designed to support large-scale, near-real-speed prototyping and validation of complex chip designs before they are sent for fabrication. The initiative aligns with India’s broader ambition to move from a services-led semiconductor role to a product-driven and innovation-focused industry. Why Pre-Silicon Validation Matters Pre-silicon validation is one of the most critical and expensive stages in the chip development process. It involves testing and verifying a chip’s design before it is physically manufactured. Any flaw discovered after fabric...

  Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, will lay the foundation stone for the ambitious Quantum Valley project in Amaravati today. The high-profile event marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in advanced technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Both leaders are also scheduled to address a public gathering on the occasion, highlighting the importance of the project for Andhra Pradesh and the nation’s rapidly evolving science and technology ecosystem. Quantum Valley: A Landmark National Initiative According to the Andhra Pradesh state government, the Quantum Valley initiative aims to establish India’s first 133-qubit quantum computer, placing the country among a select group of nations with advanced quantum computing capabilities. The project is being developed through strategic partnerships with leading global and Indian technolog...

  India’s fascination with luxury and status symbols reached a new high after a fancy car registration number was sold for an eye-watering Rs 2.08 crore , making it the most expensive number plate ever auctioned in the country . The registration number “DDC 0001” , also written as DDC 001 , shattered all previous records and grabbed national attention. The historic sale took place during the launch of Auction House by Big Boy Toyz , a new luxury auction platform introduced by the well-known premium car dealer Big Boy Toyz (BBT) . Who Bought the Rs 2.08 Crore Number Plate? The successful bidder for DDC 0001 was Kiran Kolpakula , a businessman from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh . The number plate was earlier owned by Jatin Ahuja , Founder and Managing Director of Big Boy Toyz, before being put up for auction during the special launch event. According to reports by automobile information portal Cartoq , the bidding for the vintage number plate attracted significant interest, ultimately co...