Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Canada has officially appointed Jeff David as the new Consul General in Mumbai, marking a pivotal moment in mending fractured ties with India. The announcement, made by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, signals Ottawa’s intent to turn the page after a prolonged diplomatic rift. Jeff David replaces Diedrah Kelly, and his appointment is the first major diplomatic gesture since 2023, when relations between the two countries sharply deteriorated. The reset comes on the heels of a high-profile meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at the G7 Summit in June. During the meeting, both…

In a strong move targeting India’s trade practices, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff along with an additional penalty on Indian imports starting August 1. Labeling India’s trade environment as heavily restricted, Trump stated that the country maintains “the highest tariffs in the world” and imposes “obnoxious non-monetary barriers” that have long hindered equitable trade with the United States. Reacting to Trump’s social media declaration, India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry issued a calm yet firm statement. The government affirmed it had taken note of the development and is reviewing the potential implications. India reiterated its commitment…

With the August 1 deadline approaching, the long-anticipated trade agreement between the United States and India remains unsettled. President Donald Trump, while returning from Scotland, confirmed the deal was not yet finalized, raising the possibility of imposing tariffs between 20% and 25% on Indian goods. “I think so,” Trump said when asked about the potential rate, adding that although he shares a friendly rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he believes India’s trade policies are excessively protectionist. Trump reiterated that India has been levying significantly higher duties compared to other nations, saying, “You just can’t do that.” His remarks…

Dr. Navneet Kaur, the Vice Chairperson of the All India Sustainable Development Council (AISDC), stood out as India’s voice for change at the United Nations in New York. She addressed a distinguished audience during a high-level UN Women hearing on July 24, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. Alongside UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, Dr. Kaur pressed for urgent action toward gender equality, cautioning that without intervention, women may have to wait another century for full rights. “We’re not here to merely participate — we’re here to lead,” Dr. Kaur affirmed. Her message echoed the urgency…

In a groundbreaking collaboration between two of the world’s top space agencies, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA are preparing to launch the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite next week. This joint effort marks a milestone in space innovation and international scientific cooperation. Set for liftoff from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, the NISAR satellite will be launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 rocket at 5:40 p.m. It will enter a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an inclination of 98.4 degrees, orbiting 743 km above Earth’s surface. Built over several years by teams across continents, NISAR…

Britain and India have officially entered into a transformative free trade agreement during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, marking a milestone in both nations’ economic relations. This accord, which follows three years of on-and-off negotiations, comes as the world grapples with shifting trade dynamics influenced by tariff disputes beyond their borders. The agreement is widely seen as a pivotal step for both economies, offering significant opportunities for growthand collaboration. By substantially lowering tariffs on a wide range of products including textiles, whisky, cars, and other industrial goods, the deal is poised to drive more competitive pricing…

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UK visit, India and Britain will formally sign a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) on Thursday, officials confirmed. The landmark deal, which was finalized in May after nearly three years of intermittent discussions, aims to boost economic exchange by easing tariff restrictions on key goods. As per Indian officials, New Delhi will cut import duties on British Scotch whisky, automobiles, and selected food items. In return, the UK will provide duty-free access to Indian-made electric vehicles, textiles, and a broad range of other goods. The agreement is currently undergoing legal review and will become operational…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United Kingdom from July 23 to 24, marking his fourth trip there since 2014. A major focus of this brief but significant visit is the finalization of a long-negotiated free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. Following the UK trip, Modi will spend two days in the Maldives. The FTA is more than just a trade pact—it represents a broader move toward deeper strategic ties, especially in defense. India is preparing to invest heavily in its military modernization, and the UK is expected to emerge as a key partner…

Manasi Anand, an Indian American PhD candidate at Cornell University, has been honored with the 2024-2025 Cornelia Ye Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award for her exceptional commitment to teaching. The award, presented annually by Cornell’s Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI), recognizes an international teachingassistant who goes above and beyond in their educational role. Established in 2012 by Mao Ye and Xi Yang in honor of their daughters, the Cornelia Ye Award highlights the importance of fostering learning across diverse cultures and perspectives. Anand is pursuing her doctorate in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment within Cornell’s College of Agriculture…

Dr. Snigdha Jain, an Indian American physician and faculty member at Yale University’s Department of Internal Medicine, has been named a 2025 Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication to enhancing diagnostic precision and minimizing errors in medical care, particularly within critical care environments. The NAM Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence Program supports healthcare leaders who aim to improve diagnosis quality and address systemic shortcomings. Each recipient receives financial support, mentorship, and the platform to develop a project that focuses on equitable, accurate, and transformative diagnostic practices. For Dr. Jain,…