Author: Deepika chandrasekar

According to a recent State Bank of India (SBI) report, domestic investment announcements in India have soared beyond $428 billion over FY23 and FY24. This marks a notable jump compared to the $115.69 billion recorded in FY21. The surge is fueled by significant contributions from both government and private sectors. For the first nine months of FY25, investment announcements totaled $370.20 billion, surpassing the $266.08 billion recorded in the same period last year. This highlights a consistent upward trend in nationwide investment activities. The report emphasizes an increasing share of private sector participation in these announcements. While private sector investments…

A recent EY India report, titled “How much productivity can GenAI unlock in India? The AIdea of India: 2025,” highlights the immense potential of AI to revolutionize India’s economy by 2030. The study predicts that AI adoption could transform 38 million jobs, resulting in a 2.61% boost in productivity within the organized sector. This impact could rise further to 5.43% if Generative AI (GenAI) is also adopted in the unorganized sector. The findings are based on a survey of more than 125 C-suite executives, revealing a critical gap in skills that must be addressed for India to fully harness the…

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has reappointed Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for the 119th Congress.This critical committee oversees key U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA. In a statement, Bera expressed his honor at the reappointment, highlighting the committee’s pivotal role in safeguarding U.S. national security amidst growing domestic and international challenges. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to ensure the effectiveness and independence of the Intelligence Community. First appointed during the 118th Congress, Bera has served on the National Intelligence Enterprise and National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittees. Additionally, Bera…

India has expressed satisfaction with the Neutral Expert’s decision under the Indus Waters Treaty, affirming its position on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Tuesday that the Neutral Expert, in a January 20, 2025 press release, confirmed his competence to address the seven issues raised regarding these projects. The MEA emphasized that the Neutral Expert’s ruling aligns with India’s consistent view that these differences fall solely within his authority under the Treaty. With this competence affirmed, the Neutral Expert will proceed to evaluate the merits of the seven issues, leading to a…

On Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized India’s transformation into a global economic leader, projected to contribute the most to global GDP by 2027. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s special session hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Naidu reflected on India’s growth trajectory, beginning with the 1991 economic reforms. He credited the country’s success to its technology adoption, demographic advantage, and entrepreneurial spirit, particularly noting the contributions of Andhra Pradesh’s entrepreneurs on the global stage. Naidu outlined his belief that by 2047, India would become either the world’s number one or number two economy,…

Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States has drawn support from Indian-origin US veterans who lauded his firm stance on border security and immigration. Trump, now in his second term, has pledged sweeping immigration reforms, including large-scale deportations and renegotiated tariffs with Mexico and Canada to combat illegal activities. Veterans like Colonel Kohli applauded Trump’s holistic approach to border protection, citing the urgency of sealing the southern border to enhance national security. Colonel Divinder Singh dismissed fears of disruption under Trump, describing him as “authentic” and committed to his promises. Colonel Balvinder Singh backed Trump’s focus…

The ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, lasting nearly a month and a half, is set to significantly elevate the global recognition of Uttar Pradesh (UP), as per an official spokesperson. With top Indian companies investing around $400 million in marketing, the event is poised to enhance UP’s stature globally. This increased exposure is expected to expand the markets for both local and Indian-made products, contributing to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives. A highlight of the event is the extensive ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) exhibition, spread across 6,000 square meters. The exhibition prominently features a range…

On Wednesday, January 15, Microsoft unveiled cutting-edge AI features for its Microsoft 365 suite, designed to enhance user productivity and simplify workflows. In a LinkedIn announcement, CEO Satya Nadella introduced two revolutionary tools, Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Chat, which integrate advanced AI directly into popular applications like Word, Excel, and Teams. Nadella described this innovation as a significant leap toward making AI universally accessible to businesses and employees. “This isn’t just about access to Copilot,” Nadella stated. “It’s about harnessing intelligent agents to amplify productivity and maximize AI’s return on investment.” He further emphasized that these features are poised…

The India Global Forum (IGF) officially launched its event in the United States on Thursday, with a distinguished group of Indian business leaders taking part in private discussions with incoming administration members and US policymakers. This milestone event comes just before President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration and emphasizes the strengthening relationship between the United States and India. The forum facilitated open and informal dialogue on pressing issues affecting US-India ties, particularly in the realms of geopolitics, security, defense, and economic growth. Key topics covered included President Trump’s populist policies, shifts in US electoral dynamics, and the influential role of the…

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has appointed Dr. Rick Mukherjee as the inaugural director of its Quantum Center, a division of the UTC Research Institute. Chosen in mid-2024, Dr. Mukherjee officially assumed the position on December 1. This marks a significant step toward building a top-tier Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) program at UTC. With $3.5 million in funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the UTC Quantum Center will focus on infrastructure, education, case-driven research, and business development to secure its long-term sustainability. “UTC’s dedication to advancing quantum research showcases its vision for…