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…
Author: Akancha Mishra
Akancha Mishra
Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.
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…
NASA has confirmed that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth in late March 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, following an extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for a ten-day mission in June 2024, their stay was prolonged due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. To ensure their safe return, NASA has opted to use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which will transport Williams, Wilmore, and two other astronauts back to Earth. The crew will experience a controlled reentry, followed by a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, where recovery teams…
Israel holds deep admiration for India’s achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, according to Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India. He emphasized Modi’s unwavering support, especially following the October 7 Hamas attack, and noted that both nations share similar perspectives and challenges, which will drive further cooperation in the coming years. Azar described India as a rising global power that plays an increasingly vital role in Israel’s economy, not only as a trade partner but also as an essential part of supply chains. He credited the thriving India-Israel relationship to the strong leadership of Modi and Israeli Prime Minister…
Indian-American politician Vivek Ramaswamy has officially announced his candidacy for governor of Ohio, unveiling a bold plan to standardize civic education across the state. As part of his vision, he proposes that all Ohio high school seniors must pass the same civics test required for legal immigrants to gain U.S. citizenship. He believes this initiative will deepen students’ understanding of American history and values, instilling pride and patriotism. “We must teach young Americans to take pride in their country and state rather than feeling ashamed,” Ramaswamy stated. “They should know what it means to be American and recite the pledge…
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Monday that the nation’s defense exports have climbed to $2.8 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, with ammunition production now at 88% self-sufficiency. Speaking at the 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, Singh highlighted the government’s ambitious goal of reaching $6 billion in defense exports by 2029. During his address, he urged institutions like IIT Mandi to take the lead in technological advancements critical to national security. He emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence in warfare, cybersecurity measures, indigenous AI chip manufacturing, and quantum technology. Encouraging innovation, he called upon researchers to…