Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Indian-origin scientists have emerged as influential leaders in the fields of American science, technology, and policy. Many of these brilliant minds began their academic paths in India before pursuing advanced education and research at prestigious U.S. institutions. Their journeys highlight how education and cross-cultural experiences can pave the way for groundbreaking global contributions. Venkatraman “Venki” Ramakrishnan, recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, uncovered the structure of ribosomes—an essential cellular component. He earned his physics degree from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and later completed a PhD in physics at Ohio University. A postdoctoral shift to molecular biology at…

India is making a significant push to empower its small businesses and artisans in the global e-commerce landscape with the development of E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs). These dedicated hubs are designed to streamline the export process for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by offering cost-effective logistics, simplified customs procedures, and centralized facilities for warehousing, packaging, and certification — all in one location. Five pilot ECEHs are currently being developed, with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) inviting proposals through Trade Notice No. 14/2025, dated August 22, 2024. The initiative supports Chapter Nine of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023,…

President Donald Trump’s renewed warnings of steep tariff hikes on India have done little to shake New Delhi’s strategic path. In fact, India has deepened its partnership with Russia, sending National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Moscow for high-stakes talks centered on defense and energy. His visit, although scheduled earlier, has taken on added importance amid growing US-India tensions. Doval is meeting senior Russian officials in a closed-door setting to discuss strategic alignment and military collaboration. As reported by Russian media outlet TASS, his discussions will also cover India’s ongoing oil imports from Russia. India is reportedly looking to acquire…

The Indian government issued a stern response on Monday following US President Donald Trump’s latest announcement of fresh tariffs on Indian goods, set at 25% starting August 1, 2025. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a strongly-worded statement on social media, criticized the “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting of India for continuing energy trade with Russia during the Ukraine conflict. According to the MEA, India’s increased oil imports from Russia were a strategic necessity, not a political maneuver. The ministry explained that traditional suppliers had diverted energy exports to Europe following the outbreak of war, and India stepped in to…

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra recently held discussions with US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. The meeting, which took place in Washington, comes at a crucial time for India-US relations as tensions simmer following the US government’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Indian exports. Kwatra shared an update about the meeting on social platform X, posting a photo with Gabbard and her husband, Abraham Williams. “Pleasure to meet DNI @TulsiGabbard and her husband @abewilliamsdp. We had an engaging conversation on various issues of mutual interest,” Kwatra wrote. While…

India’s emerging role as a hub for Apple’s iPhone production could be derailed by President Donald Trump’s latest 25% tariff enforcement on Indian exports. Although electronics like iPhones are currently spared, growing anxiety within the tech sector signals the reprieve may be short-lived. After months of trade discussions, a sweeping tariff decision by Trump’s administration has disrupted momentum between the US and India. According to a Financial Express report, industries reliant on US-bound exports—particularly electronics and smartphones—are rattled. India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry responded with caution, stating that the government is assessing the impact while remaining open to a…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in a sharp rebuttal to the Opposition during a Rajya Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, outlined India’s evolving national security doctrine, labeling it the ‘Modi normal’. This came in response to questions raised by several members who expressed confusion or criticism about India’s “new normal” approach to tackling terrorism. Clarifying the term, Jaishankar distinguished between what he called the ‘Modi normal’ and the ‘Congress normal’, asserting that the current government has drawn clear, non-negotiable lines on issues of terrorism and sovereignty. He elaborated on the principles of the ‘Modi normal’, stating: “Terrorists will not be…

India’s shift toward a cashless economy continued to gain pace, with digital payments registering a 10.7% year-on-year growth as of March 2025. The Reserve Bank of India’s Digital Payments Index (DPI) recorded a strong increase, underscoring the rising adoption of platforms like UPI, internet banking, and point-of-sale (POS) systems. According to the latest data, the DPI rose to 493.22 in March 2025 from 465.33 in September 2024. This steady growth follows a 13.3% jump recorded during the previous financial year, confirming that digital payment penetration remains on an upward trajectory across both urban and rural India. The Digital Payments Index,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the 1,000-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu, offering prayers before Lord Shiva and immersing himself in the spiritual ambiance heightened by music of Ilaiyaraaja and chanting by Odhuvars. He remarked on the emotional resonance of Shiva Darshan, describing it as deeply transformative. Marking one millennium since the Brihadeeswarar Temple’s construction, Modi expressed gratitude for participating in the auspicious moment and prayed for the prosperity of 140 crore Indians, invoking blessings of Lord Shiva’s uplifting chant. He encouraged attendance at the exhibition on 1,000 years of heritage and welfare,…

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) has issued a firm reminder to all lawful permanent residents: always carry proof of your immigration status. This directive is based on Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which classifies failure to possess valid alien registration documents as a federal misdemeanor. Individuals 18 and older are legally obligated to carry their alien registration card or certificate at all times. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), USCBP stated that not having this documentation when approached by federal authorities could result in misdemeanor charges and fines. The directive follows increased immigration enforcement…