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Padma Shri awardee and Ghoda Nacha Artist Utsav Charan Das Passed AwayOn February 26, 2026, Padma Awardee Utsav Charan Das, a renowned Ghoda Nacha artist, passed away at the age of 80 in Cuttack, Odisha. He was born in 1946 in Mania, Orissa Province, British India(now part of Odisha).In 2020, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for his contribution in the field of art.About Utsav Charan Das:Profile: He was a renowned folk artist from Odisha, best known for his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional folk dance form Ghoda Nacha (dummy horse).Career: His art career, spanning over six decades, includes performances across villages, towns, and cultural festivals in Odisha. His performances were known for energetic stage presence, strong narrative expression, authentic traditional costume and musical coordination.Mentorship: In 1964, he established an institution to train students in Ghoda Nacha and, as a mentor, guided numerous young artists, promoting the art form through workshops and cultural programs.
Padma Shri awardee and Ghoda Nacha Artist Utsav Charan Das Passed AwayOn February 26, 2026, Padma Awardee Utsav Charan Das, a renowned Ghoda Nacha artist, passed away at the age of 80 in Cuttack, Odisha. He was born in 1946 in Mania, Orissa Province, British India(now part of Odisha).In 2020, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for his contribution in the field of art.About Utsav Charan Das:Profile: He was a renowned folk artist from Odisha, best known for his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional folk dance form Ghoda Nacha (dummy horse).Career: His art career, spanning over six decades, includes performances across villages, towns, and cultural festivals in Odisha. His performances were known for energetic stage presence, strong narrative expression, authentic traditional costume and musical coordination.Mentorship: In 1964, he established an institution to train students in Ghoda Nacha and, as a mentor, guided numerous young artists, promoting the art form through workshops and cultural programs.
Padma Shri awardee and Ghoda Nacha Artist Utsav Charan Das Passed AwayOn February 26, 2026, Padma Awardee Utsav Charan Das, a renowned Ghoda Nacha artist, passed away at the age of 80 in Cuttack, Odisha. He was born in 1946 in Mania, Orissa Province,...
Indian Navy commissions ‘Dolphin Hunter’ INS Anjadip‘ at Chennai Port, TNOn February 28, 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned Indian Naval Ship (INS) Anjadip, the third of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), nicknamed the ‘Dolphin Hunter’, at Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu (TN), to enhance India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and coastal surveillance capabilities.The commissioning ceremony was conducted by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), IN.About INS Anjadip:Name: The vessel is named after Anjadip Island off Karwar, Karnataka, in the Arabian Sea.Project: It is the 3rd ASW SWC under the IN coastal defence enhancement programme, following INS Arnala and INS Androth.Developer: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, (West Bengal, WB), with over 80% indigenous content reflecting Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in warship design and defence electronics.Specifications: The vessel is 77 meters (m) long, displaces 1,400 tonnes, and is powered by a high-speed water-jet propulsion system, reaching speeds up to 25 knots for rapid response in littoral and shallow-water operations.
Indian Navy commissions ‘Dolphin Hunter’ INS Anjadip‘ at Chennai Port, TNOn February 28, 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned Indian Naval Ship (INS) Anjadip, the third of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), nicknamed the ‘Dolphin Hunter’, at Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu (TN), to enhance India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and coastal surveillance capabilities.The commissioning ceremony was conducted by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), IN.About INS Anjadip:Name: The vessel is named after Anjadip Island off Karwar, Karnataka, in the Arabian Sea.Project: It is the 3rd ASW SWC under the IN coastal defence enhancement programme, following INS Arnala and INS Androth.Developer: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, (West Bengal, WB), with over 80% indigenous content reflecting Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in warship design and defence electronics.Specifications: The vessel is 77 meters (m) long, displaces 1,400 tonnes, and is powered by a high-speed water-jet propulsion system, reaching speeds up to 25 knots for rapid response in littoral and shallow-water operations.
Indian Navy commissions ‘Dolphin Hunter’ INS Anjadip‘ at Chennai Port, TNOn February 28, 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned Indian Naval Ship (INS) Anjadip, the third of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SW...
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DRDO Conducts Flight Trials of VSHORADS Missile System in Chandipur, OdishaOn February 27, 2026, The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of the indigenously developed Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.About V-SHORADS: It is a man-portable air defence missile system (MANPADS) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and drones.Key Details of the Flight Trials:Purpose: Purpose: The tests were carried out to revalidate the missile system’s ability to destroy high-speed aerial targets flying at different speeds, ranges, and altitudes to meet the operational needs of the Indian Army(IA), Indian Navy(IN) and Indian Air Force(IAF).Interception: The VSHORADS missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed targets that simulated enemy aircraft under various threat conditions in all three trials.Data Recorded: The fight data was recorded using advanced instruments such as telemetry systems, electro-optical tracking systems, and radars at ITR Chandipur, confirming the system’s effectiveness.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
DRDO Conducts Flight Trials of VSHORADS Missile System in Chandipur, OdishaOn February 27, 2026, The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of the indigenously developed Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.About V-SHORADS: It is a man-portable air defence missile system (MANPADS) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and drones.Key Details of the Flight Trials:Purpose: Purpose: The tests were carried out to revalidate the missile system’s ability to destroy high-speed aerial targets flying at different speeds, ranges, and altitudes to meet the operational needs of the Indian Army(IA), Indian Navy(IN) and Indian Air Force(IAF).Interception: The VSHORADS missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed targets that simulated enemy aircraft under various threat conditions in all three trials.Data Recorded: The fight data was recorded using advanced instruments such as telemetry systems, electro-optical tracking systems, and radars at ITR Chandipur, confirming the system’s effectiveness.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
DRDO Conducts Flight Trials of VSHORADS Missile System in Chandipur, OdishaOn February 27, 2026, The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of ...
Sarvam Partners with SBI Life to deploy AI tools across insurance distribution networkIn February 2026, Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup firm, Sarvam entered into a strategic partnership with SBI Life Insurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of the State Bank of India (SBI), for the deployment of AI tools across its nationwide insurance distribution network.Key Details: Aim: The initiative aims to strengthen customer engagement and support sales functions through large‑scale AI deployment rather than limited pilots.Sarvam’s Platforms: The AI tools will be operated on Samvaad, Sarvam;s conversational AI platform; and Arya, its multi-agent orchestration layer.Key Role: Samvaad will help to manage customer-facing conversations, while Arya coordinates several AI systems in the background to execute tasks and workflows using enterprise data.Significance: The deployment of AI tools is expected to reach over 8 crore customers and support more than 3.5 lakh distributors across the country.
Sarvam Partners with SBI Life to deploy AI tools across insurance distribution networkIn February 2026, Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup firm, Sarvam entered into a strategic partnership with SBI Life Insurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of the State Bank of India (SBI), for the deployment of AI tools across its nationwide insurance distribution network.Key Details: Aim: The initiative aims to strengthen customer engagement and support sales functions through large‑scale AI deployment rather than limited pilots.Sarvam’s Platforms: The AI tools will be operated on Samvaad, Sarvam;s conversational AI platform; and Arya, its multi-agent orchestration layer.Key Role: Samvaad will help to manage customer-facing conversations, while Arya coordinates several AI systems in the background to execute tasks and workflows using enterprise data.Significance: The deployment of AI tools is expected to reach over 8 crore customers and support more than 3.5 lakh distributors across the country.
Sarvam Partners with SBI Life to deploy AI tools across insurance distribution networkIn February 2026, Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup firm, Sarvam entered into a strategic partnership with SBI Life Insurance Company Limited, a subsidia...
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Sri Lanka’s 1st Blue Bond Dually Listed on NSE IX at GIFT CityIn February 2026, Sri Lanka’s 1st Blue Bond, a Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) 3 billion issuance by DFCC Bank Plc, dually listed on the National Stock Exchange Limited – International Exchange (NSE IX) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.This marks the 1st blue bond to be admitted for trading within the jurisdiction of India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).Key Details:MoU: This dual listing was facilitated under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NSE IX and Colombo Stock Exchange at GIFT City.Objective: To bolster cross-border capital market collaboration, enabling dual listings, and promoting innovative financial products across jurisdictions.Blue Bonds: These bonds are a subset of green bonds designed to raise funds for initiatives supporting marine conservation, responsible fisheries management, ocean-driven economic development, and various aquatic environmental protection projects.
Sri Lanka’s 1st Blue Bond Dually Listed on NSE IX at GIFT CityIn February 2026, Sri Lanka’s 1st Blue Bond, a Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) 3 billion issuance by DFCC Bank Plc, dually listed on the National Stock Exchange Limited – International Exchange (NSE IX) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.This marks the 1st blue bond to be admitted for trading within the jurisdiction of India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).Key Details:MoU: This dual listing was facilitated under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NSE IX and Colombo Stock Exchange at GIFT City.Objective: To bolster cross-border capital market collaboration, enabling dual listings, and promoting innovative financial products across jurisdictions.Blue Bonds: These bonds are a subset of green bonds designed to raise funds for initiatives supporting marine conservation, responsible fisheries management, ocean-driven economic development, and various aquatic environmental protection projects.
Sri Lanka’s 1st Blue Bond Dually Listed on NSE IX at GIFT CityIn February 2026, Sri Lanka’s 1st Blue Bond, a Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) 3 billion issuance by DFCC Bank Plc, dually listed on the National Stock Exchange Limited – International Exchange (NS...
Gnani.ai & Razorpay Launch Agentic AI Platform for in-call UPI PaymentsOn February 27, 2026, the Indian AI firm Gnani.ai and fintech company Razorpay launched a new agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered collections platform that can complete Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments during live customer calls.About Agentic AI Platform:Integrations: The platform connects Gnani.ai’s agentic AI systems directly with Razorpay’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, an AI-native layer tied into Razorpay’s payment infrastructure.Tracking: It enables the AI to assess a customer’s payment intent, generate a payment link or UPI collect request, and track and confirm the payment status during the same call.Features: The platform supports one‑time and mandate-based recurring UPI payments, with plans to add card and digital wallet options. It also supports multiple Indian languages and ensures secure, compliant transactions.
Gnani.ai & Razorpay Launch Agentic AI Platform for in-call UPI PaymentsOn February 27, 2026, the Indian AI firm Gnani.ai and fintech company Razorpay launched a new agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered collections platform that can complete Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments during live customer calls.About Agentic AI Platform:Integrations: The platform connects Gnani.ai’s agentic AI systems directly with Razorpay’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, an AI-native layer tied into Razorpay’s payment infrastructure.Tracking: It enables the AI to assess a customer’s payment intent, generate a payment link or UPI collect request, and track and confirm the payment status during the same call.Features: The platform supports one‑time and mandate-based recurring UPI payments, with plans to add card and digital wallet options. It also supports multiple Indian languages and ensures secure, compliant transactions.
Gnani.ai & Razorpay Launch Agentic AI Platform for in-call UPI PaymentsOn February 27, 2026, the Indian AI firm Gnani.ai and fintech company Razorpay launched a new agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered collections platform that can complete U...
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CBI Signs Distribution Agreement with Canara Robeco AMC to offer MF productsOn 7 February 2026, the Central Bank of India(CBI) has signed a Distribution Agreement with Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited(CRAMC) to offer a wide range of Mutual Fund(MF) products to its customers.About Distribution Agreement :Aim: This collaboration aims to enhance wealth creation avenues for retail and institutional clients across the bank’s branch network.Enhanced Access: Under the agreement, CBI will distribute MF schemes managed by Canara Robeco AMC, enabling customers to invest in diversified equity, debt, and hybrid products through the bank’s branch network and digital channels.Regulatory Disclosure: The agreement has been disclosed in accordance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory norms.About CRAMC: It was established in 1987as a Joint Venture(JV) between Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe. It is one of India’s leading asset management companies, with a total Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs.1.22 lakh crore as of December 2025.
CBI Signs Distribution Agreement with Canara Robeco AMC to offer MF productsOn 7 February 2026, the Central Bank of India(CBI) has signed a Distribution Agreement with Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited(CRAMC) to offer a wide range of Mutual Fund(MF) products to its customers.About Distribution Agreement :Aim: This collaboration aims to enhance wealth creation avenues for retail and institutional clients across the bank’s branch network.Enhanced Access: Under the agreement, CBI will distribute MF schemes managed by Canara Robeco AMC, enabling customers to invest in diversified equity, debt, and hybrid products through the bank’s branch network and digital channels.Regulatory Disclosure: The agreement has been disclosed in accordance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory norms.About CRAMC: It was established in 1987as a Joint Venture(JV) between Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe. It is one of India’s leading asset management companies, with a total Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs.1.22 lakh crore as of December 2025.
CBI Signs Distribution Agreement with Canara Robeco AMC to offer MF productsOn 7 February 2026, the Central Bank of India(CBI) has signed a Distribution Agreement with Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited(CRAMC) to offer a wide range of Mut...
Jio Finance Launches AI-Backed Mobile App ‘Finsider’Jio Finance Platform and Service Limited (JFPSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), launched the JioFinance app with ‘Finsider‘ in February 2026 for early access program featuring Agentic Artificial Intelligence(AI) and Neural Networks for hyper-personalized financial services.The app aggregates products from JFSL entities and third-party financial institutions.About Finsider App:Personalized Recommendations: The app uses agent-based AI and neural networks to deliver hyper-personalized recommendations tailored to each user’s financial profile and needs.Interface Adjustment: The app dynamically adjusts the user interface, which means no two users see the same homepage, reflecting their eligibility and financial intent.Comprehensive Marketplace: The platform offers financial products and services, including loans, credit cards and insurance, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), Fixed Deposits (FDs), digital gold, investment products and Mutual Funds (MFs), tax planning and related services, and a digital savings account with automated features.Rewards: The users can try the app ahead of general launch, transact and earn “JioPoints” as rewards, redeemable against offered benefits, and provide feedback to help evolve the platform based on real-world usage.
Jio Finance Launches AI-Backed Mobile App ‘Finsider’Jio Finance Platform and Service Limited (JFPSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), launched the JioFinance app with ‘Finsider‘ in February 2026 for early access program featuring Agentic Artificial Intelligence(AI) and Neural Networks for hyper-personalized financial services.The app aggregates products from JFSL entities and third-party financial institutions.About Finsider App:Personalized Recommendations: The app uses agent-based AI and neural networks to deliver hyper-personalized recommendations tailored to each user’s financial profile and needs.Interface Adjustment: The app dynamically adjusts the user interface, which means no two users see the same homepage, reflecting their eligibility and financial intent.Comprehensive Marketplace: The platform offers financial products and services, including loans, credit cards and insurance, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), Fixed Deposits (FDs), digital gold, investment products and Mutual Funds (MFs), tax planning and related services, and a digital savings account with automated features.Rewards: The users can try the app ahead of general launch, transact and earn “JioPoints” as rewards, redeemable against offered benefits, and provide feedback to help evolve the platform based on real-world usage.
Jio Finance Launches AI-Backed Mobile App ‘Finsider’Jio Finance Platform and Service Limited (JFPSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), launched the JioFinance app with ‘Finsider‘ in February 2026 for early access pr...
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IIFL Home Finance Secures USD 300 Million Loan from ADB to Promote Women’s Housing Finance in IndiaOn February 27, 2026, IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIFL HFL) secured a USD 300 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expand access to affordable housing finance for lower-income borrowers, primarily targeting women in India.About USD 300 Million ADB Loan for Affordable Housing:Breakup of Loan: USD 150 million from ADB and USD 150 million from parallel loans contributed by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Japan; Emirates NBD Bank, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Sampath Bank PLC, Sri Lanka; and Hatton National Bank PLC, Sri Lanka.Focus: At least 25% of proceeds will finance green-certified affordable homes to promote sustainable construction.West Bengal Cabinet Approves Rs 4,648 Crore ADB Projects for Education and ICDSOverview: In February 2026, the West Bengal(WB) State Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister(CM) Mamata Banerjee, approved two major development projects worth Rs 4,648 crore in partnership with the ADB to strengthen secondary education and child nutrition infrastructure in WB.Funding Pattern: The projects will follow a 70:30 funding model, with ADB covering 70% and the WB Government providing 30%.
IIFL Home Finance Secures USD 300 Million Loan from ADB to Promote Women’s Housing Finance in IndiaOn February 27, 2026, IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIFL HFL) secured a USD 300 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expand access to affordable housing finance for lower-income borrowers, primarily targeting women in India.About USD 300 Million ADB Loan for Affordable Housing:Breakup of Loan: USD 150 million from ADB and USD 150 million from parallel loans contributed by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Japan; Emirates NBD Bank, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Sampath Bank PLC, Sri Lanka; and Hatton National Bank PLC, Sri Lanka.Focus: At least 25% of proceeds will finance green-certified affordable homes to promote sustainable construction.West Bengal Cabinet Approves Rs 4,648 Crore ADB Projects for Education and ICDSOverview: In February 2026, the West Bengal(WB) State Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister(CM) Mamata Banerjee, approved two major development projects worth Rs 4,648 crore in partnership with the ADB to strengthen secondary education and child nutrition infrastructure in WB.Funding Pattern: The projects will follow a 70:30 funding model, with ADB covering 70% and the WB Government providing 30%.
IIFL Home Finance Secures USD 300 Million Loan from ADB to Promote Women’s Housing Finance in IndiaOn February 27, 2026, IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIFL HFL) secured a USD 300 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expand acc...
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 26-27, 2026Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, visited Israel at the invitation of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, State of Israel, accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers and officials from 26th to 27th February 2026.Highlights of the Visit:Memorial Visit: He visited Yad Vashem Memorial (YM) in Jerusalem, paying tribute to Holocaust victims by laying a wreath and placing a commemorative stone.Knesset Address: PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) and signed the Knesset Guestbook, underscoring the deepening of India–Israel bilateral relations. After his address, PM Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Medal of the Knesset’ by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, which he dedicated to the enduring India–Israel friendship, becoming the first Indian PM to receive this honour.Outcome of the Visit: During a joint press conference, PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu announced the establishment of a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity, aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, security, cybersecurity, trade, and technology.India and Israel signed several agreements following PM Narendra Modi’s two-day State visit to Israel. The agreement cover cooperation in geophysical exploration, maritime heritage, culture, digital payments, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence (AI), fisheries, financial regulation, labour mobility, education, arbitration, academia, cybersecurity, along with several major strategic initiatives.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 26-27, 2026Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, visited Israel at the invitation of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, State of Israel, accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers and officials from 26th to 27th February 2026.Highlights of the Visit:Memorial Visit: He visited Yad Vashem Memorial (YM) in Jerusalem, paying tribute to Holocaust victims by laying a wreath and placing a commemorative stone.Knesset Address: PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) and signed the Knesset Guestbook, underscoring the deepening of India–Israel bilateral relations. After his address, PM Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Medal of the Knesset’ by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, which he dedicated to the enduring India–Israel friendship, becoming the first Indian PM to receive this honour.Outcome of the Visit: During a joint press conference, PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu announced the establishment of a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity, aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, security, cybersecurity, trade, and technology.India and Israel signed several agreements following PM Narendra Modi’s two-day State visit to Israel. The agreement cover cooperation in geophysical exploration, maritime heritage, culture, digital payments, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence (AI), fisheries, financial regulation, labour mobility, education, arbitration, academia, cybersecurity, along with several major strategic initiatives.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 26-27, 2026Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, visited Israel at the invitation of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, State of Israel, accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers and offici...
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