Foreword A new chapter in Indo-US relations was added with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York, Mr Modi emphasised on the need for fast-track reforms and expansion of the United Nations Security Council. Another milestone moment in the history of India’s foreign relations was during the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit when Prime Minister Modi termed the island countries of the Pacific region as “Large Ocean States with vast potential”. As the fortunes of nations of the region are interlinked, he stressed on shifting the gravity of global opportunities. To boost business and economy, a FIPIC trade office will soon open in New Delhi. As the historic Indo-US nuclear deal completes a decade, we turn through the pages and assess how both nations have helped each other on the path to progress. Meanwhile, Indian scientists have initiated the innovation of converting plastic into cleanest grade diesel. Not only will it help in better waste management but also take the ‘Make in India’ campaign forward. India became the fourth nation in the world, after USA, Russia and Japan, to have an operational space observatory that will help scientists intensify space exploration efforts by studying distant celestial objects and conduct deeper analysis of star systems. We also deliberate on the evolution of theatre in India and how it has always been a manifestation of contemporary society. Get to know more about biryani in the ‘Cuisine’ pages as we trace the journey of its transformation from a staple for soldiers to a patronising delicacy of royal celebrations. We take you to the southern state of Kerala to acquaint you with coir’s journey from a fibrous material to being used to create ropes, doormats, mattresses, floor tiles and sacks at the first-of-its-kind International Coir Museum in Alappuzha. Get closer to Nature as the ‘Explore’ section offers you the option to either embark on a journey to the rustic and luxurious resorts set amid the forests of India or plan a trip on the picturesque houseboats of Kashmir and Kerala. In the ‘Conversation’ section, we strike a tete-a-tete with cricketing star Virat Kohli and talk about his journey from Under-19 days to becoming the captain of the Indian Test team. Volum
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