Author: Akancha Mishra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new initiative on Thursday to restore villages in Uttarakhand that were abandoned during the 1962 India-China war. Addressing a public gathering in Harsil, he emphasized that while many have forgotten this chapter of history, he has not. He detailed plans to develop these villages into major tourist destinations. “During the 1962 war, these two villages in Uttarkashi district were evacuated. While time may have erased this from public memory, we cannot forget. We have now launched a campaign to rehabilitate these villages and transform them into prominent tourism spots,” PM Modi said. He redefined…

India’s engineering goods exports to the US experienced an impressive 18% year-on-year growth in January, reaching $1.62 billion. While engineering shipments worldwide expanded at a more moderate pace of 7.44%, the US continued to be India’s leading export destination for these goods, followed by the UAE, according to the Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC). During the April-January period of the current financial year (FY25), India’s engineering exports to the US climbed nearly 9%, totaling $15.6 billion compared to $14.38 billion in the same period last year. Meanwhile, engineering exports to the UAE saw a sharp 56% rise in January, reaching…

US Congressman Brandon Gill stirred controversy after criticizing an Indian-origin individual on X and labeling a Patidar community volleyball tournament in the US as “casteist.” His remarks faced strong opposition from Indian-Americans, who argued that such statements fuel anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment. Gill, a Texas representative, insisted that America should not accommodate “foreign class allegiances” and warned that unchecked immigration without cultural assimilation could lead to a “national and cultural downfall.” His comments sparked a debate on social media, with some Indian-Americans correcting his understanding of caste, while others echoed his concerns. Many emphasized that a community gathering is different…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s role as a key driver of global economic growth, emphasizing the nation’s resilience and stability amid global challenges. Speaking at the post-Budget webinar titled MSME as an Engine of Growth: Manufacturing, Exports, and Nuclear Energy Missions, he attributed India’s strong economic position to self-reliance and strategic reforms. He described the Union Budget 2025 as surpassing expectations, with consistent policies and economic measures enhancing investor confidence. He also underscored improvements in the ease of doing business, citing the removal of over 40,000 compliances under the Jan Vishwas Act. Highlighting the impact of the Production…

Neera Tanden has stepped back into a leadership role at the Center for American Progress (CAP), assuming the position of president and CEO on February 20. Her return marks a crucial period for the Democratic Party as it strategizes to counter former President Donald Trump and strengthen its connection with voters. Tanden’s appointment follows the Democratic Party’s setbacks in the 2024 elections, where many acknowledged shortcomings in effectively addressing economic issues during their campaigns. “We must offer an alternative rather than just defend the status quo,” Tanden stated in an interview. She pointed to recent Republican proposals, such as suggested…

LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo recently visited India as part of the company’s broader strategy to identify and capitalize on new growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding South Asian market, the company announced on Tuesday. During his four-day visit, Koo engaged with employees, business leaders, and company executives to assess LG’s competitiveness across the entire value chain, spanning from research and development (R&D) to manufacturing and distribution. The visit was a strategic move aimed at reinforcing LG’s long-term commitment to the Indian market, according to LG Group. Tour of Key LG Facilities in India As part of his itinerary, Koo…

Indian startups collectively secured nearly $1.65 billion in funding during February 2025, marking a 19.5 percent increase compared to January’s funding total of $1.38 billion, according to a newly released report. The report also highlighted that the median valuation of these startups in February 2025 stood at $83.2 billion, reflecting the growing investor confidence in India’s startup ecosystem. Funding Trends in FY 2024-25 Throughout the 2024-25 financial year, Indian startups have collectively raised $25.4 billion across approximately 2,200 funding rounds, demonstrating the resilience and expansion of the Indian startup landscape despite global economic fluctuations. Bengaluru, widely regarded as India’s startup capital, continued…

Renowned theoretical physicist Brian Greene has commended India’s unique approach to education and scientific research, highlighting the drive and ambition of Indian students to contribute globally. During his visit to the Taj Mahal, he expressed admiration for the country’s passion for science and innovation, stating that the enthusiasm and curiosity he witnessed were truly remarkable, according to the Ministry of Culture. Meanwhile, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino shared his appreciation for India’s beauty, noting that while he had seen the country from space, experiencing it firsthand was even more breathtaking. He also praised the Taj Mahal’s exquisite craftsmanship, calling it…

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has named Hitesh Handa, associate professor in UGA’s College of Engineering, a Regents’ Entrepreneur. The recognition, awarded at the board’s February 11 meeting, celebrates faculty members who successfully translate research into commercial applications. Handa, a Distinguished Faculty Fellow and director of UGA’s Biointerface Translation and Engineering Center, has pioneered nitric oxide-releasing biomaterials that help prevent infections and blood clots from implanted medical devices. His work has led to multiple medical innovations and the co-founding of two startups, including Nytricx Inc. He holds eight issued patents, with 25 more pending. “This honor reflects…

A group of American tech professionals has taken legal action against Meta Platforms, alleging the company systematically favors foreign workers over U.S. citizens to minimize labor expenses. The lawsuit, led by information technology worker Purushothaman Rajaram, software engineer Ekta Bhatia, and data scientist Qun Wang, claims that Meta’s hiring practices disadvantage American applicants. On February 25, U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler ruled that the case could move forward as a proposed class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs, all highly qualified, claim that between 2020 and 2024, they applied for multiple positions at Meta but were consistently rejected due to the company’s alleged…