Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Highlighting India’s strides in digital public infrastructure, Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, remarked on Thursday that India accomplished an 80 percent financial inclusion rate within six years, a feat facilitated by its digital framework, which otherwise would have taken decades. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, Kamboj emphasized that India’s journey serves as a guiding light for nations embarking on digital transformations, stressing the importance of continued partnerships. She reiterated the International Monetary Fund’s recognition of India’s digital advancements in a working paper, underscoring the significance of a design approach that promotes shared building…

In 2023, India maintained its rank as the fourth-largest global spender on military, allocating a substantial amount of US$ 83.6 billion for upgrading weapons and combat systems, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report. The top three spenders on military spending were the United States (US), China, and Russia, respectively. This allocation marked a 4.2% increase in India’s military expenditure compared to 2022, showcasing the nation’s strategic commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities, particularly along the China border following the Ladakh standoff that commenced in May 2020. Investments were directed towards acquiring fighter jets, helicopters, warships, tanks,…

Katherine Birbalsingh, an Indian-origin school principal known as “Britain’s strictest headmistress,” recently celebrated a UK High Court ruling that upheld her school’s ban on prayer rituals, which had been challenged by a Muslim pupil as discriminatory. Birbalsingh, who heads Michaela School, a secular secondary school in Wembley, north London, defended the ban on religious prayers, stating that it aligned with the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Despite half of the school’s pupils being Muslims, it also enrolls significant numbers of Sikh, Hindu, and Christian students. Birbalsingh explained to the court that the school opted not to provide a…

The impact of dietary choices on overall well-being, particularly brain health and mental function, remains a subject of ongoing investigation. A recent study published in Nature Mental Health examined the effects of different dietary patterns on various aspects of brain health, including mental well-being, cognitive function, metabolic markers, and brain structure as assessed through MRI scans. Analyzing data from nearly 182,000 participants, researchers discovered that individuals adhering to a balanced diet tended to exhibit better mental health and cognitive performance. Moreover, they identified genetic variations that might contribute to differences in outcomes among various dietary groups. While research continues to…

India delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on Friday, under a USD 375 million agreement inked in 2022. Transported by the Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster, the missile systems were handed over to the Philippines’ Marine Corps, as per defense sources. Ground systems and missiles began export last month. Amid escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea, the Philippines receives the missile systems to bolster coastal defense. The deal, approved by partner nations, includes three batteries of BrahMos missile systems. Developed jointly by DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, BrahMos is lauded as a highly successful missile…

In a recent exploration of India’s economic landscape, a bright spot emerged amidst global uncertainties: a robust growth rate of 7.5 percent for the past fiscal year. This growth, predominantly fueled by public investments, signifies the pivotal role of both public and private sectors in shaping India’s trajectory towards prosperity. During the journey, encounters with women entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu underscored the transformative power of empowering women, while private sector initiatives showcased a commitment to a green and sustainable future. India’s developmental journey offers valuable insights that could be replicated globally, with practical knowledge available at all levels of governance.…

During the 6th round of intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform, India emphasized the urgency for decisive action, advocating for an inclusive framework that accurately mirrors today’s dynamic global landscape. Ruchira Kamboj, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York, reiterated India’s stance, expressing support for expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership categories of the UN Security Council. She emphasized the necessity of genuine reform to ensure the Council’s legitimacy, representation, responsiveness, and effectiveness. Kamboj stressed the importance of a Security Council that addresses the geographical and developmental diversity within the United Nations. She underscored the…

M.R. Rangaswami’s journey to the United States in 1976 wasn’t just a relocation; it was a transformative odyssey characterized by uncertainty and the pursuit of new opportunities. Disillusioned by the emergency situation in India, Rangaswami, then a law student, felt compelled to seek a fresh start. An invitation from his brother to upstate New York became the catalyst for a journey that would reshape his life trajectory. Reflecting on his American journey in a recent episode of The Trailblazers, streamed on the DesiMax YouTube channel, Rangaswami reminisced about his early experiences, career evolution, and the founding of Indiaspora—an organization engaging…

During a casual conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi, prominent Indian content creators hailed him as the most fashionable leader globally and coined a new moniker for him in the realm of livestream gaming – ‘NaMo OP’, where OP denotes “overpowered”. In an informal interaction, the gamers decided to assign PM Modi a new gamer tag, eliciting a smile from the Prime Minister who mentioned that India has already bestowed upon him the nickname ‘NaMo’. Acknowledging the gesture, the Prime Minister responded, expressing his appreciation for the title, emphasizing the connection with the younger…

According to Bloomberg, Apple has significantly increased its iPhone production in India during the previous fiscal year, aiming to lessen its reliance on manufacturing in China. The company reportedly manufactured iPhones worth $14 billion in India, representing a doubling of its production compared to previous periods. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Apple now produces approximately one in seven iPhones in India. In response to this development, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, celebrated India’s progress as a global manufacturing hub. He shared on social media, referring to India by its local name “Bharat,” that iPhone…