Author: Malavika Subramanyan

New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) — The government on Thursday reported significant progress under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), stating that 3.86 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.92 crore houses completed against the cumulative target of 4.14 crore homes allotted to states and union territories as of December 9, 2025. PMAY-G, a flagship programme of the government, aims to achieve the objective of ‘Housing for All’ in rural India by providing 4.95 crore pucca houses with basic amenities by 2029. The scheme focuses on aiding houseless households and those living in kutcha or dilapidated houses through convergence with…

 Indian-origin Ricky Gill, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump, has emerged as a prominent figure following his recognition by the National Security Council for his alleged involvement in the India-Pakistan ceasefire after Operation Sindoor earlier this year. The development has reignited diplomatic debate, particularly in India, where officials have repeatedly dismissed claims of external mediation in the truce announced on May 10. Gill received the NSC’s Distinguished Action Award from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a move that has been widely interpreted as reinforcing President Trump’s assertion that Washington played a role in easing tensions between the…

2025 marked a significant year for Indian Americans in US politics, with several leaders from the diaspora making headlines for their historic achievements and bold stances. In the midst of rising anti-Indian sentiment and challenges to visa policies, figures such as Zohran Mamdani, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal redefined the narrative surrounding the community. On the right-wing spectrum, Vivek Ramaswamy and Harmeet Dhillon emerged as prominent voices advocating conservative principles while supporting the Indian-American community. Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur turned politician, pursued the governorship of Ohio, challenging entrenched conservative ideologies. Known for his anti-woke stance, Ramaswamy also defended the…

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to significantly boost investor confidence by expanding market access and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, experts said on Tuesday. Ved Jain, economist and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), said the agreement would encourage positive investor sentiment as both nations open their markets and demonstrate strong leadership commitment to economic development. “When two countries like India and New Zealand enter into a free trade agreement and provide greater market access, investors gain confidence in both economies,” Jain told IANS, adding that the agreement reflects…

India’s real estate sector reached a historic milestone in 2025, recording institutional investments of US$ 10.4 billion, the highest annual inflow ever reported. The surge in capital reflects heightened confidence among both domestic and global investors, supported by favourable macroeconomic conditions, greater market transparency, and sustained demand across key real estate segments. Office properties continued to draw a significant portion of institutional capital, fueled by steady leasing activity and high tenant occupancy levels. The residential sector also saw increased investor interest, driven by consistent housing demand, signaling strong long-term potential for investment in both commercial and residential assets. Industrial and…

 Dhurandhar continues its unstoppable march at the domestic box office, emerging as one of the most dominant theatrical performers in Indian cinema history. The Ranveer Singh-led action thriller has shattered second-week records by a massive margin, setting new standards for future big-budget releases. For 14 consecutive days, the film earned over $2.4 million net daily in India, making it the first Indian film to sustain such numbers for two straight weeks. After completing two weeks in theatres, Dhurandhar has amassed approximately $55 million net in India, while its worldwide gross has crossed $84 million. On its third Friday, the film…

Artificial Intelligence is expected to generate new employment opportunities across areas such as data science, data curation and advanced analytics, with over 0.87 million Indians already trained or enrolled in emerging technologies, Parliament was informed on Thursday. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched the FutureSkills PRIME programme to reskill and upskill IT professionals across ten emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. Under the initiative, more than 0.32 million candidates have received training specifically in AI and Big Data Analytics. Replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje…

US-based aviation startup Natilus has announced its formal entry into the Indian aviation market after low-cost carrier SpiceJet placed an order for 100 of its blended-wing-body aircraft. The deal marks a major milestone for Natilus as it expands into one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets through the launch of a local subsidiary, Natilus India, which will be headquartered in Mumbai. India currently ranks as the fifth-largest aviation market globally, according to industry estimates, making it an increasingly attractive destination for aircraft manufacturers and global airlines. Rising demand for air travel following the pandemic has strengthened traffic to and from…

Before making history as New York City’s youngest and first Indian-American Muslim mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani had a surprising encounter with the film world. The Democratic socialist was once personally offered the lead role in Mira Nair’s adaptation of A Suitable Boy, a sprawling period drama, but he declined, prioritizing his own path over acting. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, filmmaker Mira Nair revealed that she had considered Mamdani for the lead role because of his natural presence and ease in reading lines opposite actors at home. However, Mamdani politely refused, demonstrating a strong sense of self-awareness. “Many…

India’s gem and jewelry sector witnessed a notable surge in exports during November, reaching US$ 2.50 billion—a nearly 20% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The growth was driven largely by strong demand across key categories, particularly cut and polished diamonds, which recorded a sharp rise in exports. Polished lab-grown diamonds also contributed consistently, highlighting the growing global acceptance of affordable and sustainable alternatives. The sector’s gold and silver jewelry segments played an important role, buoyed by rising employment demand and the restoration of silver bullion supply chains.…