Author: Malavika Subramanyan

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…

PM Modi recently reached out to the people of Uttarakhand, extending an invitation to join him on WhatsApp, a move that underscores his unwavering commitment to the region’s development. Addressing the public, he described himself as a ‘Sevak’ (servant) of Devbhoomi, expressing deep concern over the historical neglect faced by the mountainous state, particularly Uttarakhand. In his critique of previous Congress governments, PM Modi highlighted their failure to prioritize the interests of Devbhoomi, often treating Uttarakhand as a mere backdrop for photo opportunities. He stressed the urgent need for transformative change in the region, especially concerning the issue of migration…

After emerging as a significant atomic power hub, Tamil Nadu is poised to become a prominent space center with rocket/satellite manufacturers, a rocket port, space propellant park, defense corridor, and aerospace park. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will remotely inaugurate India’s second rocket port at Kulasekarapattinam during his visit to Tuticorin District. The port will facilitate the launch of small rockets carrying small satellites, catering to both ISRO and private rocket makers. Notably, the location of Tuticorin District meets the ideal criteria for a rocket launch site, being on the east coast and near the Equator, which minimizes fuel consumption and…

In Orlando, Florida, Daibai, originally from India, defied age norms by obtaining US citizenship at the remarkable age of 99, as shared by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS commemorated the occasion with a photo of Daibai taking the oath of allegiance in their Orlando office, joined by her daughter and the USCIS officer administering the oath. Celebrating her achievement, the USCIS posted on social media, highlighting Daibai’s enthusiasm for embracing her new citizenship status. However, amidst the applause, some voices raised concerns regarding the delays in the immigration process. One individual pointed out the disparity,…

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer expressed gratitude towards India on Saturday for permitting the export of essential goods to the island nation, despite recent tensions amid increased Chinese influence in Male. Zameer conveyed his sincere appreciation to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian government, citing the gesture as emblematic of the enduring friendship between the two countries. In response to the Maldives government’s request, India has agreed to allow the export of specific quantities of essential commodities for the years 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism. This development marks a positive turn in bilateral relations, with both nations…