Author: Malavika Subramanyan

 The Axiom-4 mission, which marks India’s major return to crewed spaceflight, has been delayed once again—this time due to unfavorable weather conditions in the ascent corridor. Originally slated for June 10, the launch is now scheduled for 5:30 PM on June 11, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will pilot the mission, making him only the second Indian astronaut in history to reach space after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic flight in 1984. The Axiom-4 crew also includes astronauts from the United States, Poland, and Hungary, making it a symbol of…

India has officially launched its long-anticipated Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet initiative. After years of delay, the government has now finalized the execution framework and timeline, positioning the project as a cornerstone of India’s future airpower and defense self-reliance strategy. In light of recent geopolitical developments—including aerial tensions with Pakistan and China’s growing military assertiveness—this move comes at a critical juncture. The AMCA will play a crucial role in reducing the widening capability gap with China, whose air force already operates around 195 J-20 stealth jets and has a fleet exceeding 1,600 fourth- and…

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Pakistan is grappling with a deepening water crisis following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Sources revealed that Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources Secretary, Syed Ali Murtaza, penned four official letters to India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, urging a reconsideration of the decision. These appeals were forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs, but no favorable response has emerged from New Delhi. The treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, had long survived the geopolitical strains between the neighbors. However, on April 23, just a day after 26…

In a strategic political move, Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee is set to introduce a resolution in the upcoming monsoon session, beginning Monday, to salute India’s armed forces for Operation Sindoor and denounce the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The resolution is expected to trigger a high-stakes debate, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee likely to participate on Tuesday. Sources within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) revealed that the resolution was Mamata’s brainchild. Unless last-minute travel to Delhi interrupts her plans — which now appears unlikely due to uncertainties around a one-on-one with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — she will lead the…

In a tribute to the heroism and collective strength displayed during Operation Sindoor, the Gujarat government has unveiled plans to establish Sindoor Van, a dedicated memorial park. This unique initiative will rise in Mirzapar, within the Kutch district, located close to the India-Pakistan border — a region heavily affected by aerial drone and missile assaults during the operation. As per The Indian Express, Kutch Collector Anand Patel stated that Sindoor Van will symbolize the unity shown by civilians, the Indian Army, Air Force, BSF, and other national forces during the military action. The Gujarat forest department will lead the project,…

During a press address at the Jodhpur Circuit House on June 4, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria expressed strong support for the symbolic naming of ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s military retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack. He stated that associating the operation with “sindoor” — a traditional symbol of womanhood and marital dignity — has elevated the nation’s respect for women. Kataria remarked, “It’s a matter of good fortune that this operation was named ‘Sindoor’. Across Indian history, battles like the burning of Lanka or the Kurukshetra war were also rooted in defending a woman’s honor. This name continues that legacy.”…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet all seven all-party delegations that represented India during its global outreach following Operation Sindoor. The meetings are expected to be held around June 9 or 10. These delegations were dispatched to different parts of the world to communicate India’s stance on cross-border terrorism and highlight the rationale behind the recent counter-offensive after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Before the Prime Minister’s meeting, the delegates will begin a debriefing session with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar starting June 3. The first to report will be the delegation…

Asia Group (TAG) has proudly announced the addition of Nisha D. Biswal as a new Partner, bringing with her decades of experience at senior levels within the U.S. government, development finance, and international business diplomacy. Her expertise will bolster TAG’s fast-growing South Asia and Energy & Sustainability divisions. With India’s critical role in global business expansion, the need for trusted and skilled leadership is paramount. Biswal’s appointment highlights TAG’s dedication as a top-tier advisory firm committed to supporting business growth in India and the broader South Asian region. Recognized as one of the foremost experts on U.S. policy toward South…

India concluded its military operations under Operation Sindoor within just three days, having met all its strategic goals, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan stated during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday. Speaking nearly three weeks after a surprise ceasefire was announced on May 10, General Chauhan clarified that the timing was part of India’s calculated strategic plan. Amid the peak of the operation, the unexpected halt in hostilities had led to widespread speculation; however, General Chauhan later clarified the reasoning behind the move. Operation Sindoor began in the early hours of May 6–7, following the deadly…

India’s life insurance sector is projected to grow at 10.5% annually over the next decade—more than double the global average of 5%—according to the latest Allianz Global Insurance Report. This robust growth is being driven by India’s strong economic performance and pro-insurance government initiatives. While China is expected to remain Asia’s largest insurance market by size, with a projected 7.8% annual growth, India is poised to be the fastest-growing. The country is on track to surpass Japan and emerge as the second-largest insurance market in Asia. Globally, Asia is forecasted to contribute over 50% of the additional premium volume, led…