Author: Malavika Subramanyan

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…

Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin commended India’s significant strides in space exploration and reiterated Russia’s steadfast backing for its space initiatives. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rakesh Sharma’s historic spaceflight aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 in 1984, Babushkin emphasized the enduring collaboration between Russia and India in space exploration. Babushkin highlighted the success of India’s recent Chandrayaan-3 mission and the joint efforts in the Gaganyan project, underscoring Russia’s consistent support for Indian achievements in space. He praised Rakesh Sharma as a symbol of historic cooperation between the two nations and acknowledged his milestone as India’s first astronaut.…

Neal Katyal, a former Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the United States, alongside Monica Arora and Ambika Kumar, all three Indian Americans, have been recognized in Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s top 200 lawyers. This list spotlights outstanding legal professionals renowned for their expertise, leadership, and esteemed reputation among peers and clients. Selected through a meticulous, multi-stage process, these lawyers represent excellence in a vast and expanding industry valued at over $300 billion. Forbes’ selection encompasses attorneys engaged in significant cases, transactions, or legal trends of recent years, underscoring their impact and influence within the legal sphere. Neal Katyal, associated…

Five Indian players are competing in the FIDE Candidates 2024 chess tournament starting on April 3 in Toronto, Canada. R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and D. Gukesh secured spots in the men’s tournament, while R. Vaishali and Koneru Humpy will compete in the women’s category. The men’s tournament features contenders like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, Nijat Abasov, Hikaru Nakamura, and Alireza Firouzja. For the women’s event, participants include Lei Tingjie, Kateryna Lagno, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Nurgyul Salimova, Anna Muzychuk, and Tan Zhongyi. The winners of the Candidates’ tournaments will challenge reigning world champions Ding Liren and Ju Wenjun in their respective categories.…

A coalition of U.S. Representatives, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, has strongly condemned recent attacks on places of worship, particularly mandirs or Hindu temples, across the United States. The group, which includes Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera, has written a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), urging clarity on ongoing investigations into these incidents and a comprehensive strategy to combat hate crimes against Hindus. The Representatives expressed concern over the surge in attacks at mandirs from New York to California, causing heightened anxiety among Hindu Americans. They highlighted that affected communities have reported a lack…

In an extensive conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar examined Kiev’s continuing conflict with Russia and investigated multiple initiatives. Kuleba’s two-day official visit to India, marking the first high-level Ukrainian visit since Russia’s invasion of Kyiv in 2022, aimed to bolster bilateral ties. EAM Jaishankar highlighted the broad scope of their conversation, emphasizing discussions on the conflict’s broader implications and exchanging perspectives on relevant initiatives. Additionally, they addressed global and regional concerns of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and overall relations. At Hyderabad House, Jaishankar welcomed Kuleba, underscoring the significance…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the inclusive nature of technology, stressing its role in empowering people across all segments of society. India, he noted, has successfully democratized cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), particularly benefiting millions in rural areas. In a one-on-one discussion with Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates, PM Modi emphasized his belief in technology’s optimal utilization in essential sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. He pointed to the establishment of 0.2 million ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’ centers nationwide, offering quality healthcare services facilitated by modern technology, as a significant stride in this direction. Under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, the…