Speaking at the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Dr. Singh said the transformation has been driven by indigenous innovation, advanced technology adoption, private sector participation and a larger policy push toward self-reliance. The defence sector, once heavily dependent on imports, is now being positioned as a manufacturing and export pillar under the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.
The French side described India as a trusted partner in space and research cooperation. Prof. Baptiste expressed interest in strengthening collaboration across Earth observation, launch systems and space exploration. He also proposed deeper cooperation in human spaceflight, including astronaut training, microgravity experiments and long-term collaborative opportunities linked to India’s space ambitions.
This shift is significant because India’s D2C ecosystem is no longer limited to a few urban lifestyle brands. New businesses in fashion, beauty, wellness, electronics accessories, home products, food, personal care and niche consumer categories are trying to reach buyers across the country. For many of them, logistics can decide whether the business scales profitably or collapses under the pressure of high shipping costs, failed deliveries and returns.
According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, PMEGP facilitated the establishment of 4,03,706 micro-enterprises against a target of 4,02,000 units. The scheme also fully utilised its approved budgetary outlay of ₹13,554.42 crore during the five-year period, underlining both strong demand and effective implementation.
The European Union is already one of India’s most important trade partners. Official EU data says India–EU trade in goods stood at €120 billion in 2024, while services trade reached €59.7 billion in 2023, more than doubling from €30.4 billion in 2020. The European Commission has also said the FTA could potentially double EU goods exports to India by 2032 and save around €4 billion every year in duties on European products.
His royal name itself carries meaning. Uthiyan or Udiyan appears to be his personal or dynastic name, while Cheralathan marks him as a Chera ruler. He also bore the title Vanavaramban, which has been interpreted as “one whose kingdom is bounded by the sky” or, in another reading, “one whose boundary is the sea.” Sesha Aiyar connects this title with the idea of a wide territory, maritime power and conquests, rather than treating it as a casual ornament.
The temple is believed by tradition to have been consecrated by Parasurama, the legendary sage-warrior who is also connected in Kerala lore with the creation of the land itself. This gives Achankovil the aura of an ancient sacred geography rather than merely a local shrine. Kerala Tourism describes it as a forest temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, surrounded by lush greenery and linked strongly with healing lore, especially the belief that the deity protects devotees from poison and snakebite.
The consultation paper reviews the existing regulatory framework and identifies the major challenges slowing the growth of public Wi-Fi services. TRAI has invited suggestions from stakeholders on measures needed to improve public Wi-Fi availability, especially in rural areas, urban centres and high-footfall locations such as markets, transport hubs, institutions and public spaces.
The top ten military spenders in 2025 were the United States, China, Russia, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, France and Japan. SIPRI data shows that the top ten alone accounted for 72 percent of global military expenditure, underlining how defence spending remains heavily concentrated among a small group of major powers.
Addressing a workshop of MPs and MLAs on Small Modular Reactors, Dr Singh said the Kalpakkam-based Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor has been developed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and built by BHAVINI. The reactor uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel and is designed to produce more fuel than it consumes, making it central to the second stage of India’s nuclear strategy.
