Author: Akancha Mishra

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) framework, marking a significant boost to the nation’s semiconductor ecosystem. This decision adds to six previously approved projects currently progressing at various stages. The new approvals include the country’s first commercial compound semiconductor fabrication facility and an advanced glass-based substrate packaging unit. These projects are expected to support India’s expanding chip design capabilities, which are currently aided by government-backed design infrastructure across 278 academic institutions and 72 startups. Given the rising demand for semiconductors in sectors such as telecommunications,…

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, the most expensive Earth observation satellite to date, is set to unfold its 12-meter-wide radar antenna in space this week. This groundbreaking project carries a strong Ahmedabad connection—scientists from ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) designed and built the S-band radar on board. Paired with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory-developed L-band radar, NISAR becomes the first satellite in the world to feature SweepSAR technology, capable of detecting the tiniest changes on Earth, from polar ice shifts to tectonic activity and forest biomass variations. Nilesh Desai, Director of SAC-ISRO, described NISAR as a historic achievement in…

Reshma Kewalramani, born in Mumbai and now leading Vertex Pharmaceuticals, has been honored by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business. Making her debut on the prestigious list, she secured the 62nd position, standing among a select group of global leaders shaping the future of industries. Kewalramani holds the distinction of being the first woman to head a major biotechnology company in the United States. Trained as a physician, she transitioned from her role as Chief Medical Officer, which she held from 2017, to become CEO in April 2020. Fortune praised her for bringing a…

A report in The New York Times has spotlighted how Washington’s tone toward India’s Russian oil imports has shifted dramatically under President Donald Trump. Once seen as a strategic benefit for both nations—and the global economy—these purchases are now at the center of a trade standoff. Following the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, India sharply increased imports of discounted Russian crude after European nations halted energy trade with Moscow. The NYT noted that this arrangement quietly benefited all parties: the Biden administration avoided destabilizing global oil markets, Europe indirectly secured refined fuels from India, and Indian refiners turned…

India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, held high-level talks in Moscow with Russia’s Secretary of the Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, aimed at reinforcing the long-standing “special and privileged” strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions, which took place on August 7, revolved around deepening bilateral cooperation, enhancing collaboration in multilateral forums, and addressing pressing international security challenges. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint initiatives in the lead-up to the annual India-Russia bilateral summit, expected to be held by the end of this year. According to a statement from the Russian Embassy in India, the meeting underscored the commitment…

In what appears to be a geopolitical warning to both China and Russia, former US President Donald Trump has justified his recent imposition of secondary tariffs on India. At a White House event on Wednesday, Trump clarified that India wasn’t being deliberately targeted, but rather used as a demonstration of the United States’ resolve in curbing energy ties with Moscow. The secondary sanctions, announced just eight hours prior to Trump’s remarks, include punitive tariffs on Indian imports, officially taking effect on August 27. These new tariffs come in addition to the 50% duties already announced on Indian goods. Trump hinted…

The Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) is set to host a festive celebration honoring India’s Independence Day on Saturday, August 16, 2025, starting at 11 a.m. The event will take place at Shree Swaminarayan Temple (Vadtal Dham), located at 1667 Amwell Road, Somerset, New Jersey. This community-wide celebration will bring together residents from Somerset, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, and nearby towns. The lively gathering will feature patriotic and cultural dance performances, live singing, a DJ, henna artists, and fun activities for kids. The event is free and open to the public, drawing a diverse audience from across Central…

President Donald Trump has indicated that Vice President JD Vance is likely to inherit the leadership of his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Speaking on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that Vance is “most likely” to take up the mantle, given his current position and performance. “He’s the vice president — it makes sense,” Trump stated. “He’s doing a great job and is probably the frontrunner right now.” However, Trump cautioned that discussions about future leadership are premature. Still, he left the door open for other figures, notably Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to play a significant role. “Marco and…

In a significant stride toward enhancing defense ties, India and the Philippines conducted their inaugural bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) from August 3 to 4. This two-day operation marked a milestone in maritime collaboration, aiming to deepen tactical coordination and boost mutual capabilities in securing the Indo-Pacific. The Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) confirmed that the MCA involved a range of high-level naval maneuvers. These included rendezvous operations, anti-submarine warfare drills, communication checks, photo exercises, and complex simulations like over-the-horizon targeting and naval interdiction. Also featured were clearance operations, replenishment at sea, passing drills, and rapid maneuvering exercises. A final combined…

Mathura Sridharan, an Indian-American attorney with a strong background in law and public service, has been appointed as Ohio’s 12th Solicitor General. While her professional qualifications have earned her accolades in legal circles, her appointment sparked controversy online—largely due to her Indian heritage and the visible presence of a bindi, a traditional forehead adornment. Numerous social media users took issue with her appearance, with some suggesting her cultural identity made her unfit for a public office. Comments ranged from questioning her religion—assuming she was not Christian—to false claims about her loyalty to the United States. One particularly pointed remark questioned,…