Surender Hastir

RBI Governor Highlights India’s Stability Amid Global Uncertainty

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra at the IMF Annual Meetings: India’s Resilient Position in an Uncertain World

When central bankers and finance ministers gather in Washington, D.C., each October for the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the world pays close attention. These meetings involve more than just charts, forecasts, and press releases; they focus on how leaders communicate their nations’ positions within a changing global landscape.

On October 15, 2025, India’s Reserve Bank Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, took the stage at the IMF’s flagship “Governor Talks” session. This format is designed to spotlight global policymakers, encouraging open exchanges with IMF economists, investors, and the media. Malhotra’s discussion, moderated by Krishna Srinivasan, the Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, was both a show of confidence and a candid assessment of the risks facing emerging markets.

An audience at the IMF's 'Governor Talks' session, featuring two speakers discussing monetary and financial policies for emerging markets on stage, with a backdrop displaying the session title and an image of an Indian government building.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra speaking at the IMF Annual Meetings, emphasizing India's resilient economy amidst global uncertainties.

Framing India’s Story

Governor Malhotra began by placing India within the current macroeconomic climate. His central message was clear: while global uncertainties are increasing, India remains resilient due to its strong domestic fundamentals.

“India is primarily a domestically driven economy,” he stated in response to inquiries about trade tensions and the new wave of U.S. tariffs on imports. “We are affected, but it’s not a major concern.”

It was not mere bravado but a strategic approach. By highlighting the strength of internal demand, Malhotra aimed to reassure both foreign investors and domestic stakeholders that India’s growth story remains robust, even in the face of intensifying global challenges.

Trade Tensions and Global Risks

This year’s IMF meetings have been overshadowed by significant policy changes, including tariffs in advanced economies, increasing debt risks, and a persistent fragility in financial markets. Malhotra acknowledged these challenges, noting that emerging economies like India must continuously “factor in unprecedented uncertainties.”

However, he emphasized stability rather than vulnerability. India, he argued, is in a stronger position than many other countries due to strong growth fundamentals and diversified reserves.

This calm and measured perspective stood out in contrast to the concerns raised by several other governors, particularly those from nations experiencing currency instability or debt distress.

The Rupee Question

The topic of the Indian rupee inevitably arose. With exchange rates being closely monitored worldwide, Governor Malhotra made it clear:

“The Reserve Bank of India does not target a specific level for the rupee. Our goal is to reduce excessive volatility and ensure an orderly movement of the currency.”

This statement will be carefully analyzed in global markets. It reinforces the RBI’s long-standing principle of “managed flexibility”—intervening when there are disruptive fluctuations, but avoiding a strict defense of any particular rate. For international investors, this signals policy pragmatism rather than dogmatism.

Gold, Reserves, and Financial Stability

A key point of discussion was the role of gold in central bank reserves, particularly in light of the recent increase in gold accumulation by various economies. Malhotra mentioned that India’s reserves remain well-diversified. While the rise in gold prices has contributed to the reserves, it is not considered a systemic concern.

This response highlights the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) cautious yet steady approach to reserve management. By avoiding overreliance on any single asset, India aims to project stability and resilience in a world where financial markets are becoming increasingly volatile.

Why This Matters

Governor Malhotra’s remarks may not grab headlines due to dramatic revelations, but that is precisely the point. For a central banker, reassurance is often the most potent message. At a time when many emerging markets are vulnerable to global shocks, India’s representative chose to emphasize continuity, resilience, and moderation.

This has three key implications:

For global investors, India remains a relatively safe emerging market option, characterized by predictable policies and strong domestic demand.
For policymakers, Malhotra’s comments strengthen India’s reputation as a country willing to manage risks without panicking over short-term shocks.
For Indian citizens, the message is one of stability: even in a turbulent global economy, the Reserve Bank is committed to safeguarding growth and minimizing volatility.

India on the Global Stage

The significance of the “Governor Talks” platform should not be underestimated. This is where the world’s most influential policymakers explain their choices, defend their positions, and highlight their priorities. By presenting India’s narrative with calm confidence, Malhotra ensured that India’s voice was recognized as a force for stability in a time of global uncertainty.

This also reinforced India’s growing prominence in the international economic landscape. Over the past decade, India has transformed from being viewed as a fragile emerging economy to being recognized as one of the anchors of global growth. Malhotra’s performance in Washington continued this positive narrative.

Looking Ahead

Concrete actions at home must match the commitments made at global meetings. In the coming months, markets will closely monitor:

The Reserve Bank’s upcoming decisions from the Monetary Policy Committee will be particularly important in response to inflationary pressures and global interest rate trends.
India’s capability to maintain its growth momentum amidst ongoing global trade tensions.
The Reserve Bank of India’s management of the rupee is crucial, especially if global capital flows continue to be unstable.

As global financial conditions tighten and geopolitical risks remain elevated, India’s policymakers will need to balance international pressures with domestic priorities carefully.

Conclusion

Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s appearance at the IMF’s “Governor Talks” was not marked by dramatic announcements or significant changes. Instead, it was a carefully crafted display of stability, prudence, and quiet confidence.

In Washington, he portrayed India not as a victim of global volatility, but as a nation charting its own course, grounded in domestic strength and consistent policy management.

At a time when global uncertainties dominate the headlines, this may be the most reassuring message India can convey.

Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau speaks with Danish Economic Affairs Minister Stephanie Lose and Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra at the Plenary Session of the 52nd Meeting of the IMFC during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2025. IMF Photo/Tangyu Zhang.

Danish Economic Affairs Minister Stephanie Lose speaks with Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra at the Plenary Session of the 52nd Meeting of the IMFC during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2025. IMF Photo/Tangyu Zhang

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra welcomes Saudi Central Bank International Affairs Director Norah Alyahya and Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Mohammed Alsayari to the IMFC Plenary Session during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2025. IMF Photo/Nicholas Karlin

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra and Deutsche Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel attend the IMFC Plenary Session during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2025. IMF Photo/Nicholas Karlin,

Oxford: Top University for 10 Consecutive Years

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026: Oxford has been named the best university in the world for an unprecedented tenth consecutive year.

London, October 9, 2025 — Oxford University has maintained its position as the world’s top university in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings since 2017. It marks the most extended period any university has held the number one spot in the rankings, which have been published annually for 21 years.

In this year’s edition, a record 2,191 universities from 115 countries were ranked. Alongside Oxford, only Harvard University and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have ever achieved the top ranking in the history of these rankings.

“We are honoured that Oxford has been ranked number one globally by Times Higher Education for the tenth year in a row. The THE rankings, rooted in internationally competitive research and teaching excellence, are recognised worldwide as a vigorous and demanding benchmark of university performance. This achievement reflects the dedication of our academics, professional services staff, and students, but it comes at a time of real strain for UK higher education. Sustaining a dynamic and globally competitive sector requires renewed investment and support, so that universities can continue to drive discovery, opportunity, and economic growth for future generations.”

— Professor Irene Tracey, CBE, FRS, FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford

Phil Baty, THE’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, said: 

“At a time of extraordinarily intense competition in global higher education, research and innovation, it is truly remarkable for the University of Oxford to have maintained its place as the world’s number one university in the rigorous Times Higher Education World University Rankings for ten years in a row. Oxford holds its position at the top of the world against better-funded US institutions and rapidly rising research powerhouses in East Asia, led by China.

“The key to success, is of course strength across the full range of 18 performance metrics deployed by the THE world rankings – which range across the teaching and research environments, research excellence, industry outreach and international outlook – but I think it is Oxford’s resolute international focus and commitment to international talent attraction and cross-boarder knowledge sharing, that really helps it hold on to the top position.”

International Outlook

The process for the Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings involves extensive research, analyzing nearly 19 million research papers, 1.5 million responses from an Academic Reputation Survey, and comprehensive institutional data from over 3,000 universities around the globe.

These rankings are based on 18 specific metrics that encompass the core missions of global, research-driven universities. These metrics are grouped into five key areas:

Teaching: This includes the learning environment, with teaching reputation being the most heavily weighted factor.
Research Environment: This considers the volume, income, and overall reputation of research.
Research Quality: This metric focuses on citation impact, research strength, research excellence, and research influence.
International Outlook: This area evaluates the diversity of staff, students, and research contributions.
Industry: This includes income generated from industrial engagements and patents obtained.

Oxford performed exceptionally well across all metrics in the ranking, showing a notable strength in its research environment. It includes factors such as academic reputation for research, success in obtaining funding, and overall research productivity. Additionally, Oxford excels in its international outlook, which encompasses international research collaboration and the ability to attract global talent, including both staff and students.

Sources: Times Higher Education; Oxford University

U.S. News Releases Best Colleges Rankings 2026

U.S. News Announces 2026 Best U.S. Colleges Rankings.

WASHINGTON, September 24, 2025 — U.S. News & World Report, a global authority on education rankings, announced the 2026 Best Colleges rankings today.

The national and regional rankings serve as a guide for prospective students and their families by evaluating nearly 1,700 colleges and universities based on up to 17 measures of academic quality. In a demonstration of ongoing excellence, eight of the top-ranked schools in the ten ranking categories maintained their No. 1 position, while the other two achieved a strong second place.

“For more than four decades, Best Colleges has been a reliable and data-driven resource for students and families navigating the complicated college search process,” says LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “Over the years, Best Colleges has evolved into a comprehensive tool that reflects the changing landscape of higher education, offering prospective students a vital starting point to identify schools that align with their academic and personal goals.”

The core methodology and weighting factors remain unchanged this year; however, some underlying data have been adjusted to reflect better evolving admissions considerations, cohort representation, and student involvement.

“While the general scoring weights and factors remained consistent, the 2026 rankings have made a few small adjustments to ensure that the results accurately represent the changing landscape of higher education,” says Jones. “By taking into account students’ credit hours and increasing the minimum number of students required for a cohort, the rankings provide a clearer view of institutional investment in students, as well as graduation and retention rates.”

This edition of the rankings features specialized categories, including the best value schools, the most innovative colleges, the top performers in social mobility, historically Black colleges and universities, and institutions with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. Additionally, students can explore programs that enhance the student experience, such as first-year experiences, co-op and internship opportunities, service learning, study abroad programs, and undergraduate research or creative projects.

The methodology for the 2026 Best Colleges rankings is based on up to 17 key measures of academic quality for National Universities and 13 indicators for National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges. The rankings are calculated using data that is either universally reported by schools or can be obtained from third-party sources. It’s essential to note that a school’s eligibility for ranking does not depend on its participation in U.S. News’ surveys.

2026 Best National Universities – Top 3

Princeton University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Harvard University

2026 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges – Top 3

Williams College
Amherst College
United States Naval Academy

2026 Top Public Schools: National Universities – Top 3

University of California, Berkeley
University of California – Los Angeles
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

2026 Top Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Top 3

Spelman College
Howard University
Morehouse College

2026 Top Performers on Social Mobility: National Universities – Top 3

Florida International University
University of California, Riverside
California State University, Long Beach

2026 Top Schools for Veterans: National Universities – Top 3

University of Chicago
Cornell University
Brown University

2026 Best Regional Universities: North – Top 3

Bentley University
Providence College
Rhode Island School of Design

2026 Best Regional Universities: South – Top 3

Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Rollins College
Appalachian State University

2026 Best Regional Universities: Midwest – Top 3

Butler University
John Carroll University
Milwaukee School of Engineering

2026 Best Regional Universities: West – Top 3

California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo
University of Portland
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona

U.S. News offers a range of educational resources, including the Scholarship Finder tool, which helps potential and current undergraduate students explore financial aid options and access information about over 18,000 scholarships. Additionally, U.S. News has recently launched “Getting In,” a new newsletter aimed at parents that covers the college admissions process. This newsletter provides valuable strategies, insider information, and guidance to help reduce stress.

U.S. News & World Report is the leading source of journalism that helps consumers, citizens, business leaders, and policy officials make informed decisions in all areas of their lives and communities.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, L.P.

UNESCO’s MONDIACULT 2025: A Global Agenda for Culture

MONDIACULT 2025: UNESCO will convene Ministers of Culture from all member states in Barcelona to collaboratively shape future cultural policies.

UNESCO Headquarters, September 22, 2025 — MONDIACULT, UNESCO’s global Conference on cultural policies, will convene cultural actors, partners, and leaders from around the world in Barcelona, Spain, from September 29 to October 1, 2025. The purpose of the Conference is to shape and commit to a global agenda for Culture.

This 2025 edition will address current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the cultural sector, as well as the progress made since the last Conference in 2022, which recognized Culture as a “global public good.” In support of these initiatives, UNESCO will launch its first-ever Global Report on Cultural Policies, which will assess the impact of Culture across all dimensions of development.

MONDIACULT

MONDIACULT is the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, held every four years. It serves as the leading global platform for dialogue and cooperation on cultural policies. In 2025, MONDIACULT will be hosted by the Government of Spain in Barcelona, bringing together Ministers of Culture from all UNESCO Member States, alongside representatives from intergovernmental organizations, academia, civil society, youth, cultural professionals, and private sector partners.

Building on the MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration adopted in Mexico City, the 2025 edition reviews progress and shapes collective responses to emerging challenges and opportunities for the cultural and creative sector. The Conference focuses on the six interrelated priority areas of MONDIACULT. In addition, MONDIACULT 2025 addresses two cross-cutting focus areas of growing global relevance: Culture and Artificial Intelligence, as well as Culture and Peace.

At the end of September, UNESCO brings together representatives from its 194 Member States to shape a global roadmap for cultural policies. The event will be opened on Monday, September 29, by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain. Over 100 ministers of Culture and 1,200 participants, including cultural professionals, NGOs, and international organizations, will take part in the debates.

Over the past twenty years, UNESCO has assisted more than 150 countries in developing or enhancing their cultural policies. MONDIACULT 2025 will further strengthen this commitment by supporting nations in creating informed policies and promoting vibrant creative sectors.

The Conference will also provide an opportunity to discuss UNESCO’s recent achievements in utilizing culture as a key driver for development, as well as for crisis response and recovery. Several other pressing issues will be addressed, including the enhancement of the role and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in shaping cultural policies, supporting the sector’s digital transformation—particularly in light of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence—and the global effort to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, which includes the launch of UNESCO’s virtual museum of stolen cultural objects.

At the conclusion of the Conference, Ministers of Culture will adopt an outcome document derived from a comprehensive consultation process, outlining key global policy priorities for the coming years.

Source: UNESCO

UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week: Shaping AI’s Role in Education

UNESCO convenes global leaders during Digital Learning Week 2025 to design inclusive and human-centered futures for AI in education.

Paris, France, September 15, 2025 — UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week 2025, which took place last week in Paris, examined the impact of artificial intelligence on education and its implications for learners, educators, and education systems around the globe. It raises important questions: Do we still need classrooms, teachers, administrators, and textbooks?

The event challenged the standard framing of debates surrounding AI in education, which often presents extreme viewpoints—whether AI will enhance students’ skills or diminish them, empower teachers or replace them, and whether it will save education or threaten its existence. In reality, the situation is much more complex and requires thoughtful policy decisions. The real challenge lies in collectively navigating these complexities.

“AI is creating disruptions in education. It raises human and policy dilemmas and forces us to reflect on the directions we should take. The future of education will be shaped by the policy choices that we make about education investment, about pedagogy, about governance, and about the ethical principles we uphold. For this, strong, decisive leadership is critical.”

— Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO.

Directions for AI and the future of education

On the first day of Digital Learning Week 2025, UNESCO hosted a private ministerial session that served as a strategic platform for in-depth discussions on national strategies and the leadership required to address shared challenges. These challenges included curriculum reform, teacher training, and the critical need to prioritize the safety of learners.

The dialogue concluded with a shared vision and a strong commitment: the integration of AI in education must be human-centered, equitable, safe, and ethical.

Ministers identified five urgent priorities, from which a set of key directions emerged that set an impactful tone for the leading conference:

Addressing the growing “AI divide”
Ensuring safety and ethics to protect all learners
Safeguarding the irreplaceable role of teachers
Promoting AI that reflects local contexts, languages, and cultures
Advancing global solidarity and establishing shared standards

A lively debate featured over 300 speakers during the event.

Throughout Digital Learning Week, participants attended over 40 sessions featuring more than 300 international speakers, who discussed how AI is transforming curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment practices. Highlights included a public lecture by Emily Bender, a Professor of Linguistics, as well as keynote addresses from Abeba Birhane, founder of the AI Accountability Lab, and computer scientist Nina da Hora.

A recent UNESCO survey on AI in higher education has been released. This survey, conducted among the global network of UNESCO Chairs, revealed that while 90% of respondents are already using AI tools in their professional work, only half feel confident in their understanding of the technological foundations and pedagogical applications of AI. Furthermore, only about 34% reported positive experiences with AI-assisted assessments, indicating a need for more guidance and professional development in this area.

Since 2024, UNESCO has supported 58 countries in designing and improving digital and AI competency frameworks, curricula, and quality-assured training for educators and policymakers. The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, along with AI competency frameworks for teachers and students, has established a roadmap for a future in education that is ethical, equitable, human-centered, and based on human rights.

Additionally, UNESCO has published the first-ever guidance on the use of generative AI in education and research. This guidance aims to help individuals navigate AI in a critical, creative, and ethical manner.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Giannini affirmed that “together we have committed to shaping a global commons for dialogue and action,” creating a space where we can collectively ensure that AI serves as “a tool for equity, dignity, and the flourishing of all people and our planet.”

Source: UNESCO

IBM Study Reveals AI’s Impact on Sports Fan Engagement

IBM Study: Sports Fans Demand More Dynamic Digital Content, Powered by AI

Most fans surveyed agree that AI-powered features will have a significant impact on their sports consumption.

More than half of the surveyed individuals want AI-driven sports commentary and insights for past, current, and future events.

ARMONK, N.Y., August 30, 2025 — New global research commissioned by IBM reveals that sports fans are turning to more dynamic digital content experiences, with AI, personalization, and real-time features central to their engagement with sports.

The study of more than 20,000 sports fans across 12 countries shows they increasingly view technology – particularly AI — as a positive force in sports. Total AI usage among fans has grown since 2024 across nearly all re-tested markets, with 85% of respondents seeing value in integrating the technology into their sports experience and 63% expressing trust in AI-generated sports content. Surveyed fans identify real-time game/match updates (35%) and personalized content (30%) as their top priorities for AI-enhanced sports engagement.

Beyond live events, many respondents are turning to video highlights (51%), post-event recaps (37%), and player interviews (32%) to stay connected to their favorite sports. Dedicated mobile sports apps are also widely adopted — 73% of surveyed fans confirm using them to stay updated. Social media is the leading platform for accessing additional content, and social media influencers play a prominent role, with 59% of surveyed followers engaging with them for analysis and predictions.

Only 27% of surveyed fans expect their sports consumption habits to stay the same over the next two years. Eighty percent (80%) believe that technology – specifically AI – will have the most significant influence on how they follow sports by 2027. More than half (56%) of surveyed fans want AI-powered insights and commentary for past, current, and future sporting events. Additionally, 33% of respondents believe that real-time translation technology will have the most significant impact on their international sports experience over the next 2-3 years, particularly in markets where English is not the dominant language.

“The sports media landscape is more complex than ever, and fans are comfortable consuming digital content around the clock,” said Kameryn Stanhouse, Vice President, Sports and Entertainment Partnerships, IBM. “With fans signaling their readiness to embrace AI, we will continue working with our tournament, league, and media partners to meet fans where they are, whether they’re watching the action in person or enhancing their second-screen experience.”

The survey was conducted in June 2025 among a total sample of 20,864 sports fans aged 18 and above in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Brazil. The interviews for each country were conducted online, and the data is unweighted, with ~2,000 responses per market in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and India, and ~1,000 responses per market in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Brazil.

To qualify for this survey, respondents must be at least an average sports fan and follow one or more of the following sports: soccer, cricket, tennis, basketball, baseball, rugby, golf, American football, F1 racing, track and field, swimming, and the Olympics.

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. It helps clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure sectors, such as financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare, rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to facilitate their digital transformations quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting deliver open and flexible options to its clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.

Source: IBM

World Economic Forum Launches GRIP for Future-Ready Regulations

The World Economic Forum has launched a new global platform to reimagine regulation in the era of disruptive technology.

– The initiative will unite global industry experts to create adaptive strategies for rapidly evolving sectors such as AI, healthcare, and digital finance.

– This platform will test innovative solutions and provide practical tools to help governments craft forward-thinking regulations suited for a fast-changing world.

Geneva, Switzerland, August 10, 2025 – The World Economic Forum has launched the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP), an international initiative aimed at enhancing how governments design and adapt regulations in response to rapid technological advancements.

As breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital finance usher in the ‘Intelligent Age,’ regulatory innovation is becoming increasingly essential for creating effective, adaptive, and future-ready regulatory ecosystems. This new platform, led by the Forum, will address these challenges by providing a global space for cross-sector leaders to promote agile, human-centered, and future-oriented models that can keep up with the disruptions of today and tomorrow.

A church with a tall spire located in a mountainous area, surrounded by snow-covered trees and slopes.

“Innovation moves fast — regulation must too,” said Børge Brende, President, World Economic Forum. “GRIP enables governments to co-create policy frameworks that are agile, anticipatory, and ready for the technologies shaping our future.”
Over the next two years, GRIP will develop three essential tools:

A Global Regulatory Playbook: This will offer policy frameworks, case studies, and actionable guidance for creating regulation that supports innovation.
A Regulatory Future Readiness Index: This tool will assess how prepared governments are to regulate emerging technologies in a rapidly changing global landscape.
A Global Regulatory Innovation Hub: This hub will promote collaboration between innovators and regulators, enabling them to test and implement practical solutions to shared challenges.

“Sustainable economies can only thrive within forward-thinking and adaptable regulatory ecosystems. The future quality of life for our communities heavily relies on the work of regulators,” said Her Excellency Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet. “The Global Regulatory Innovation Platform aims to empower legislators around the world by providing them with advanced regulatory tools and data to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements.”

Boston Consulting Group will serve as a knowledge partner, collaborating with a network of leading legal, policy, and technology experts from the Forum’s Industry Communities as well as its Chief Legal and Compliance Officers communities.

In an era where public trust is declining and global standards are becoming increasingly inconsistent, GRIP introduces a new model for strategic, future-ready regulation. It aims to integrate public and private expertise from various sectors and regions to create more effective, resilient, and trustworthy regulatory frameworks that benefit everyone.

The World Economic Forum is dedicated to improving global conditions and serves as the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum brings together leading political, business, and societal figures to influence global, regional, and industry agendas.

Source: World Economic Forum

2025 Fortune Global 500: Top Companies Revealed

FORTUNE has announced the 2025 FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 list.

– Walmart has retained its position as the number one retailer for the twelfth consecutive year.

– The United States continues to lead over Greater China in terms of the number of companies represented.

– A record 33 women are serving as CEOs of Fortune Global 500 companies, representing 6.6% of the total.

– The Magnificent Seven companies achieved record aggregate revenues of $2 trillion and profits of $484 billion last year.

NEW YORK, July 29, 2025 — Today, Fortune released the 2025 Fortune Global 500™ list, which ranks the world’s largest corporations by revenue for the 2024 fiscal year.

Walmart has secured the number one position on the Fortune Global 500 list for the twelfth consecutive year. Amazon, State Grid, Saudi Aramco, and China National Petroleum follow it. The top ten companies on the Fortune Global 500 list generated over $370 billion in annual revenue, accumulating a total of $4.7 trillion.

Fortune’s authoritative ranking of the current corporate landscape highlights the significant dominance of U.S. companies, which number 138 in total. The U.S. continues to lead over Greater China, which has 130 companies, down three from the previous year. Greater China includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Notably, China and the U.S. together account for nine of the ten most profitable companies in the Fortune Global 500 rankings.

The financial sector remains the leader on the list, featuring 121 companies. It is followed by the energy sector with 79 companies, motor vehicles and parts with 35, technology with 34, and healthcare with 33. Together, these sectors represent 60% of the companies on the list and account for 66% of the total revenue generated.

The Magnificent Seven achieved a record aggregate revenue of $2 trillion and profits of $484 billion last year. Collectively, the companies—Amazon (No. 2), Apple (No. 8), Alphabet (No. 13), Microsoft (No. 22), Meta Platforms (No. 41), Nvidia (No. 66), and Tesla (No. 106)—generated a net income of $484 billion.

THE 2025 FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 TOP 10 LIST:

Walmart (U.S.)
Amazon.com (U.S.)
State Grid (China)
Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia)
China National Petroleum (China)
Sinopec (China)
UnitedHealth Group (U.S.)
Apple (U.S.)
CVS Health (U.S.)
Berkshire Hathaway (U.S.)

In 2025, companies on the Fortune Global 500 list achieved a record-breaking total revenue of $41.7 trillion, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year. These companies employed 70.1 million people worldwide. In 2024, they also reported their second-highest profitability ever, with a combined profit of $2.98 trillion, reflecting a 0.4% rise compared to the prior year. Saudi Aramco, ranked No. 4, once again led the list in profitability, posting a net income of $105 billion and securing its position as the most profitable company for the fourth consecutive year.

The number of women serving as CEOs at Fortune Global 500 companies has reached a record high of 33, accounting for 6.6% of the total, which is an increase of five from the previous year. Notable leaders among them include Mary Barra of General Motors, recognized as Fortune’s 2025 Most Powerful Woman; Gail K. Boudreaux of Elevance Health; Jane Fraser of Citigroup; Sarah M. London of Centene; and Sandy Ran Xu of JD.com. The United States leads with 16 companies headed by women CEOs, followed by China with five, France with four, and both Brazil and the United Kingdom with two each.

Fortune Global 500 companies are located in 243 cities across 36 countries and territories around the world. The top five cities—Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, and London—are home to nearly one-quarter of these companies. Notably, London has returned to the top five for the first time since 2022.

Nine companies debuted on the Fortune Global 500 list, including QNB Group (No. 419), Lithia Motors (No. 434), and ICICI Bank (India) (No. 464).

You can find the complete Global 500 list in the August/September issue of Fortune magazine.

Close-up portrait of a young Asian man with dark hair, wearing a black shirt, featured on the cover of Fortune magazine's August/September 2025 issue, highlighting the 100 most powerful people in business.

“The Fortune Global 500 showcases the fascinating changes and significant shifts occurring in the global business landscape each year,” said Fortune CEO Anastasia Nyrkovskaya. “It highlights the stories of the companies, products, and people that are propelling our world forward. We are excited to share this global list, now in its 36th year, with audiences that value its authority and credibility.”

In her foreword for the August/September 2025 issue, Alyson Shontell, Fortune’s Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer, stated, “We have tracked the Fortune 500 and Fortune Global 500—the world’s largest companies by revenue—for decades.” She summarized this by saying, “Our latest Global 500, which reflects 2024 performance, is more than just a ranking. It represents the calm before the storm in a profound geopolitical shift driven by AI, ongoing conflicts, and tariff uncertainties, all of which are reshaping the landscape for the world’s largest companies.”

Companies are ranked on the Fortune Global 500 based on their total revenues for fiscal years that end on or before March 31, 2025. To be included in the list, all companies must publish financial data and report part or all of their figures to a government agency. The most recent statistics in the list are those reported by the companies themselves, and any comparisons are made with the figures from the previous year as reported initially. Fortune does not adjust last year’s figures to account for any changes in accounting.

Fortune is a global multi-platform media company known for its trusted and award-winning reporting and information, aimed at individuals seeking to improve business practices. As an independently owned entity, Fortune shares stories about the world’s largest companies and their leaders, as well as a new generation of innovators driving business progress.

Both digitally and in print, Fortune evaluates corporate performance using rigorous benchmarks, holding companies accountable across various regions worldwide. Its renowned rankings include the Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World’s Most Admired Companies.

Fortune also fosters exceptional communities by bringing together industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, such as the Fortune Global Forum, Brainstorm Tech, and Fortune Most Powerful Women.

Source: Fortune Media (USA) Corporation

Global Tiger Day 2025: Celebrating Wildlife Conservation in India

New Delhi, India, July 29, 205 — Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, presided over the celebrations of Global Tiger Day 2025, which were held today at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi.

July 29, celebrated as International Tiger Day, is much more than just a date on the calendar — it is a poignant moment for reflection and appreciation of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creations. On this day, we honor the majestic tiger, a symbol of strength and grace, known for its fierce spirit and unyielding freedom. Happy International Tiger Day! Let us come together to champion the wild and protect the beautiful habitats that these incredible creatures call home.

During the event, the Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining ecological balance and fostering conservation awareness among children and expressed gratitude towards nature. Shri Yadav praised schools and teachers for their efforts in educating young minds about wildlife conservation and the preservation of biodiversity.

He emphasized the government’s dedication to wildlife conservation, stating, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the number of tiger reserves in India has grown from 46 in 2014 to 58 today. This increase demonstrates the Prime Minister’s strong commitment to protecting our national animal.”

The Minister announced the launch of a nationwide tree plantation drive, during which over 100,000 saplings will be planted across all 58 tiger reserves, making it one of the most extensive campaigns of its kind in the world.

Mr. Yadav also highlighted the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), initiated by India, which aims to protect the seven big cat species found globally. He mentioned that 24 countries have already agreed to join this global initiative, with the IBCA headquarters to be established in India.

A notable feature of the 2025 celebrations was the Eco-Shop Exhibition, which showcased eco-shops from various Tiger Reserves throughout the country. The exhibition included stalls offering a diverse range of community-based sustainable products and eco-development items sourced from the Western Ghats and Southern landscapes. These products exemplify a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and ecological responsibility.

The Minister also unveiled four important publications that each highlight a unique aspect of India’s wildlife conservation efforts under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

A report titled “Status of Small Cats in the Tiger Landscape of India.”
STRIPES Magazine – a special edition for Global Tiger Day.
A book titled “Waterfalls of Tiger Reserves in India.”
A book titled “Water Bodies Inside Tiger Reserves of India.”

The celebrations for Global Tiger Day 2025 highlight India’s enduring commitment to tiger conservation. They showcase a unified approach that combines grassroots involvement with policy-level strategies. It reflects an understanding that ecological integrity, community well-being, and international cooperation are vital for ensuring the long-term survival of tigers in the wild.

Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India

Divya Deshmukh Crowned FIDE Women’s World Chess Champion 2025

Prime Minister Modi congratulates Divya Deshmukh on becoming the FIDE (International Chess Federation) Women’s World Chess Champion in 2025.

New Delhi, India, July 28, 2025 — The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, congratulated Divya Deshmukh on becoming the FIDE (International Chess Federation) Women’s World Chess Champion 2025. “Koneru Humpy also displayed immense skill throughout the championship. Best wishes to both players in their future endeavors,” Mr. Modi stated.

Divya Deshmukh achieved a historic victory by defeating Koneru Humpy in a thrilling all-Indian final at the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup, making her the first Indian champion of this prestigious tournament. The championship took place in the picturesque city of Batumi, Georgia, where Divya showcased her exceptional skill and determination.

After two intense days of classical chess, where both players fought valiantly but ended in draws, the fate of the championship was decided in an electrifying tie-breaker round. In the first rapid tie-breaker, both competitors fought hard, resulting in another draw. However, in the second rapid tie-breaker, Divya displayed remarkable composure and strategic brilliance, ultimately triumphing over Humpy with the black pieces.

This impressive victory not only grants Divya the esteemed title of ‘Grandmaster’ but also secures her a spot in the highly competitive Candidates tournament, propelling her further into the elite ranks of the chess world.

Humpy is one of the most accomplished and compact players in the world of chess. For over two decades, she has been a prominent representative of Indian women’s chess. Her achievements include numerous titles, such as two World Rapid Championships and two gold medals from the Asian Games. Additionally, she has been a vital member of the team that won gold at the Chess Olympiad.

The all-Indian final was a remarkable showcase of India’s impressive growth in sports, highlighting the incredible talent the country has nurtured. The fact that the match extended to a tie-breaker serves as a testament to the fierce competition and skill present among the players, underscoring the rich depth of talent that India has produced over the years.