Author: Bhakti Sharma

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Bhakti has been working as a journalist for about twenty years. She holds a postgraduate degree in mass communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Delhi.

SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk, has become the first major collaborator with India’s space agency, ISRO, through a multi-million-dollar deal. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch India’s most advanced communications satellite, GSAT-N2, next week. This collaboration marks the beginning of several commercial engagements between ISRO and SpaceX. While some view the two as competitors in low-cost satellite launches, SpaceX’s leadership in the global commercial space market remains unchallenged. GSAT-N2, also known as GSAT-20, weighs 4,700 kg, making it too heavy for India’s own rockets like the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (nicknamed “Bahubali”), which can only carry up to…

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jamui, Bihar, to commemorate ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ and honor the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Dressed in a white kurta, churidar, and an olive-green ethnic jacket, PM Modi received a warm welcome accompanied by a traditional dance performance. During the event, he paid floral tributes to Birsa Munda’s statue and joined performers in a celebratory dance, even playing a traditional drum. As a gesture of appreciation, the Prime Minister was presented with an idol of Birsa Munda. Later, PM Modi is scheduled to release a commemorative coin and postal stamp…

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India is positioning itself as a leader in global hydrogen energy production and exports, according to Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. Speaking at the 6th South Asian Geoscience Conference, Puri outlined key initiatives such as hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, localizing electrolyzer technologies, and promoting bio-based pathways for green hydrogen production. These efforts aim to make India the hub of green hydrogen, hailed as the fuel of the future. The nation’s energy demand is surging, with daily consumption at 5.4 million barrels and projected to hit 7 million barrels by 2030. Puri noted that…

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The Commonwealth of Dominica will award its highest distinction, the Dominica Award of Honour, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing his substantial contributions to the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to strengthen the India-Dominica partnership. Sylvanie Burton, the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will present the award at the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit, which is set to take place in Georgetown, Guyana from November 19 to 21, 2024. In February 2021, India donated 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Dominica, a generous act that enabled the island nation to assist its Caribbean neighbors. This recognition…

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By October 2024, India achieved significant growth in renewable energy, reaching a capacity of 203.18 GW. This marks a notable 13.5% increase, or an additional 24.2 GW, from the 178.98 GW recorded a year prior in October 2023. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy attributed this rise to India’s ambitious targets in the renewable sector. Solar power emerged as a leading area, with a remarkable 20.1% growth rate, expanding from 72.02 GW in October 2023 to 92.12 GW in October 2024. Including ongoing and tendered projects, India’s total solar capacity has surged to 250.57 GW, a sharp increase from…

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India’s portion of the US apparel market increased from 4% in 2013 to 5.8% by 2023, according to a report from the US International Trade Commission (USITC). This growth reflects a broader shift in the global market, where countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Pakistan have gained significant ground as China’s share in US apparel imports fell dramatically. Despite this shift, China remains the largest exporter, holding 21% of the US market. The report highlights that these five Asian countries collectively accounted for 27% of US apparel imports in 2023. India, in particular, has emerged as a more reliable…

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News Corp has appointed Lavanya Chandrashekar as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, following Susan Panuccio’s departure. Panuccio, who has been with News Corp since 2017, has chosen to step down to spend more time with her family. Under her financial guidance, the New York-based media company experienced substantial growth, transitioning to a digital and subscription-focused model, expanding business-to-business (B2B) services at Dow Jones, and achieving over a 140% rise in share value. CEO Robert Thomson commended Panuccio’s strategic and steady leadership, attributing the company’s financial progress to her influence. Chandrashekar, who previously held the CFO position at…

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Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna recently outlined key reasons for Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential election loss to Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for the Democratic Party to prioritize economic issues. In an interview with CBS News, Khanna explained that the Democrats must refocus on addressing widespread financial struggles, from raising the minimum wage to improving access to affordable childcare, to better connect with American voters. Khanna noted that the party’s lack of a strong economic message weakened its appeal to a broad spectrum of Americans, including working-class voters who feel that the American Dream is slipping away. He suggested that a…

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The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) is excited to announce that Dr. Samin Sharma, Director of Interventional Cardiology at Mount Sinai Heart, will be the recipient of its prestigious 2024 Trailblazer Award. This award celebrates Dr. Sharma’s exceptional contributions to the medical field and his pioneering advancements in interventional cardiology, as well as his pride in his cultural roots and community. The award will be presented at the IAAC Renaissance Gala on Sunday, November 10th, at International House in New York City, starting with a public program at 6 p.m. Dr. Sharma is internationally recognized for his clinical expertise, groundbreaking research,…

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Kashyap “Kash” Patel, a prominent Trump supporter and former Republican official, may be selected as deputy CIA director in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Often described as a loyalist willing to go above and beyond for Trump, Patel has a well-established background in defense and intelligence, having served in various critical roles during Trump’s previous term. In the recent U.S. elections, Patel was an active campaign figure for Trump, who now steps in as the 47th U.S. president. Patel’s close association with Trump and his assertive stance against those perceived as political opponents have made him a key figure in Trump’s…

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