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On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius for a two-day state visit. At the airport, his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, gave him a ceremonial welcome. Excited members of the Indian community gathered to see the arrival of the Indian leader, demonstrating the two countries’ strong historical and cultural links. PM Modi’s visit, slated for March 11 and 12, coincides with Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, in which he will serve as the Chief Guest.

In a post on X, PM Modi thanked Ramgoolam for the warm reception, describing it as an excellent opportunity to further collaboration. During his visit, he will meet with President Dharam Gokhool and other key leaders, as well as address the Indian diaspora at a community gathering.

The visit’s main focus is the launch of around 20 India-funded projects. These include community-linked infrastructure, an Area Health Centre, and the recently completed Civil Services College, which cost USD 4.75 million. India remains an important partner in Mauritius’ growth, having previously extended a USD 500 million Line of Credit and undertaken a number of economic and infrastructure initiatives, thereby enhancing trade and diplomatic connections between the two countries.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is creating a great impression at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025, South Asia’s largest travel trade show, from January 30 to February 1 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. This famous exhibition, now in its 24th year, has attracted over 1,600 exhibitors from 60+ countries and more than 40,000 attendees, including travel professionals and enthusiasts. 

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, emphasised India’s critical role in Thailand’s tourism industry, as the country approaches the milestone of welcoming 2 million Indian visitors in 2024. “As part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, OTM 2025 will highlight Thailand’s unique attractions. “We hope to inspire new travellers and strengthen ties with Indian tourists through cultural experiences and business collaborations,” she said.

Thailand will highlight luxury getaways, family vacations, wellness tourism, and corporate travel packages at OTM for the 12th year. The Amazing Thailand Stand provides networking chances for 25 Thai tourism sellers and Indian buyers. A designated cultural zone with traditional performances and craft exhibitions increases tourist engagement.

TAT aims to attract 2.3 million Indian visitors by 2025, utilising visa concessions, great aviation connections, and affordable luxury. 

The iconic Ram Temple in Ayodhya has reached a major milestone, earning the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ from the British Safety Council. Announced on December 15, 2024, by Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, this accolade recognizes the project’s outstanding safety and environmental management during its monumental construction.  

The Ram Temple, a symbol of faith and devotion for millions, now stands as a model of modern construction excellence. Travelers visiting Ayodhya can marvel at its cultural grandeur and the safety standards upheld throughout its development.  

Adding to its accolades, construction giant Larsen & Toubro received a ‘Golden Trophy’ from the National Safety Council of India. This award highlights the exceptional safety protocols maintained during the temple’s construction. Together, these honors underscore the project’s unwavering commitment to safety while preserving its heritage value.  

The architectural journey of the Ram Temple is as awe-inspiring as its spiritual legacy. Slated for completion by June 2025, its first and second floors, along with the magnificent Shikhar (spire), are nearing completion. Built from Bansi Paharpur stone, known for its durability and timeless beauty, the temple will feature nearly 15 lakh cubic feet of intricately carved stone, accentuated with opulent marble cladding.

“Leadership isn’t about dictating paths but lighting the way for others. At Brindavan, we believe every student holds the potential to lead, and it’s our duty to nurture that spark with empathy and purpose.” – Dr. Shruti Sharma

Education shapes young minds and builds futures, and Dr. Shruti Sharma has crafted a distinct approach to leadership at Brindavan Group of Institutions, redefining the landscape of modern education.

Dr. Sharma advocates for student-centred leadership that prioritises engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative projects over traditional memorisation techniques and instructor-led lessons. To achieve this aim, she has implemented many significant initiatives at the Brindavan Group of Institutions:

• Personalised Learning Paths: According to Dr. Sharma, personalised learning paths are vital; she acknowledges that each student is unique and deserves a unique learning journey.
• Mentorship Programs:Comprehensive mentoring programs connect students with practitioners and alumni, offering guidance beyond academics while fostering professional development.
• Focus on Emotional Intelligence (EI): Workshops, seminars, and practical activities help students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills that comprise emotional intelligence.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Brindavan tries to encourage holistic learning by blending disciplines such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Commerce and Managementto foster critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Dr. Sharma believes great leadership requires a commitment to social responsibility, and under her guidance, community participation at Brindavan Group has surged, with students actively engaging in social service and development initiatives.
• Technology and Innovation: Recognising the impact of digital transformation, Dr. Sharma advocates for integrating technology into education, from virtual classrooms to AI-driven personalised learning, enhancing accessibility and engagement for students.

Under Dr. Shruti Sharma’s visionary leadership, a new generation of changemakers and problem-solvers is emerging, poised to redefine the future.

The US economy grew at a robust 3% annual rate last quarter, owing to strong consumer spending and business investment, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. This is an improvement above the prior forecast of 2.8% and a considerable increase over the 1.4% growth rate in the first quarter of 2024.

Consumer expenditure, which accounts for 70% of economic activity, rose by 2.9%, while business investment increased by 7.5%, mainly in equipment.

Despite rising interest rates, the economy has remained robust. According to the Conference Board and the University of Michigan, consumer confidence has increased as inflation has fallen from a four-decade high. The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, increased by 2.5% last quarter, down from 3.4% in the first quarter, although core PCE inflation also fell.

Comerica Bank economist Bill Adams predicted that strong consumer spending will continue to underpin growth in the second half of the year. The Federal Reserve, which raised interest rates 11 times in 2022 and 2023 to combat inflation, is now considering rate cuts to achieve a “soft landing” without causing a recession.

With inflation approaching the Fed’s 2% target, lower interest rates might help stabilise the economy and assist the employment market, which has shown symptoms of weakness.