Author: Akancha Mishra

Dr. SK Sundaram, the Inamori Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Alfred University’s New York State College of Ceramics, has been named to the prestigious 2024–25 cohort of the SUNY Distinguished Academy. This recognition marks one of the highest academic honors within the State University of New York system. Dr. Sundaram has held the Inamori Professorship since 2011, a position established through a $10 million endowment from Kyocera in honor of ceramic science pioneer Kazuo Inamori. Over the past two decades, Dr. Sundaram has made influential contributions to materials science through leadership roles at the Pacific Northwest National…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to formalize a major UK-India trade agreement projected to elevate bilateral trade by $33 billion each year. The announcement, released by the British High Commission, calls this deal a major turning point that will not only bolster both economies but also generate thousands of jobs. The two leaders will jointly present the “UK-India Vision 2035,” a forward-looking strategy that redefines the countries’ partnership in today’s dynamic global climate. The agreement, described as the most expansive India has ever signed, is also considered the UK’s most…

China has officially launched construction of what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, located on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. The $167 billion project, known as the Motuo Hydropower Station, has reignited fears in India and Bangladesh over its potential to disrupt water flows and threaten millions of livelihoods downstream. Premier Li Qiang led the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing that the massive infrastructure project willpromote ecological sustainability and economic development in the region. However, experts and regional officials are worried about the environmental impact and the possibility of China using the dam to control water flow into…

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial strategy meeting in Parliament as the Monsoon session commenced, setting the stage for intense political activity over the coming weeks. The meeting brought together senior BJP figures including Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other prominent leaders like Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Kiren Rijiju, and Arjun Meghwal. According to sources, the discussions revolved around key issues likely to dominate the session, with particular focus on the opposition’s demand that the Prime Minister personally address the House regarding “Operation Sindoor.” Reports suggest…

Dr. Tina Shah has officially secured her first congressional endorsement in New Jersey’s 7th District race, marking a significant moment in her campaign. Congresswoman Sharice Davids, known for her advocacy on healthcare and economic issues, has publicly announced her support for Shah’s candidacy. In her statement, Representative Davids highlighted Dr. Shah’s lifelong commitment to both healthcare delivery and policy reform. “I’m honored to endorse Dr. Tina Shah for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District,” Davids said. “Tina has dedicated her career to helping people—whether it’s through compassionate care at the hospital bedside or championing smarter, more accessible healthcare policies.” Dr.…

Ongoing discussions between India and the United States aim to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The latest round of negotiations focuses on resolving outstanding issues, particularly around tariffs, as both nations seek to expand bilateral trade ties. This development follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who stated that Washington is “very close” to finalizing a trade pact with India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Thursday that negotiators from both countries remain in regular contact and are working to settle key matters. The primary goal is to ensure that tariffs on…

Dr. Aparna Sridhar, a respected clinical professor in obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Kaiser-Permanente Award for Excellence in Teaching. This accolade is presented to educators who have shown exceptional commitment to advancing medical education and shaping future physicians. Dr. Sridhar was chosen for this honor due to her consistent dedication to teaching excellence, her innovative approach to medical education, and her leadership in fostering collaborative learning across departments at UCLA Health and its partner hospitals. Her ability to combine deep clinical knowledge with empathy has made her…

The political showdown between Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Republican leaders has reached new heights, drawing national attention. Ohio-based GOP figure Vivek Ramaswamy has now entered the fray, using Mamdani’s rise to energize his own campaign for Ohio Governor. After clinching victory in New York City’s Democratic primary on July 1, Mamdani has faced intense criticism from conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump. Trump labeled him a “Communist Lunatic” and promised to use his power to stop Mamdani from “destroying” New York City, asserting on Truth Social that he holds “all the levers and cards.” Ramaswamy, a biotech…

President Donald Trump has indicated that India may soon finalize a new trade agreement with the United States, potentially resembling the deal Washington recently struck with Indonesia. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said negotiations are underway to provide US businesses greater entry into the Indian market. Referencing the Indonesia pact, Trump explained that the US will impose a 19% tariff on goods entering the country from Jakarta, while Indonesian imports of US products will be exempt from such duties. He noted, “India basically is working along that same line. We’re going to have access into India.” Negotiators from both…

The Indian rupee is expected to open on a weaker note Monday as renewed tariff threats from US President Donald Trump have triggered a fresh wave of risk aversion in global markets. Concerns over escalating trade tensions are putting downward pressure on Asian currencies, including the rupee, as investors pull back from riskier assets. Early indicators suggest the rupee may open in the 85.90 to 85.94 range, compared to Friday’s close at 85.80. Market participants are closely watching the 86 to 86.10 level, which has so far acted as a critical support zone for the rupee. According to a Mumbai-based…