Author: Malavika Subramanyan

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…

A new political and cultural row has erupted between the West Bengal and Odisha state governments over the naming of a recently inaugurated temple in Digha. West Bengal’s decision to christen the temple as “Jagannath Dham” has sparked intense backlash from Odisha, home to the centuries-old Jagannath Temple in Puri—one of the four sacred Dhams in Hinduism, revered since the 12th century. Odisha has taken offense, accusing Bengal of undermining the sanctity and unique identity of the original shrine. In response, the Odisha government is now actively working to patent and secure trademark rights over a list of phrases deeply…

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s decision to suspend student visa interviews amid plans to introduce extensive social media screening for applicants. He described the move as “reckless” and warned about its negative consequences for America’s economic future and security. In a detailed statement, Krishnamoorthi stressed that international students play a crucial role in advancing research, enriching universities, and contributing to industries that will shape tomorrow’s economy. “These young scholars and innovators are not just students—they are fundamental to our economic strength and national security. By nurturing future technologies and creating well-paying jobs, they ensure the…

SpaceX launched its massive 403-foot Starship rocket once again on Tuesday evening, marking the vehicle’s ninth demonstration flight. Lifting off from the Starbase facility in South Texas, this latest attempt followed two previous launches that ended in explosions. While the spacecraft made significant progress this time around, it ultimately lost control during its return to Earth. This test flight was notable for being the first to use a previously flown Super Heavy booster, which successfully separated and attempted a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the booster failed its landing and communication with it was lost following the…

In a recent episode of Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, a striking revelation surfaced about Google’s aggressive strategies to retain its top talent. Back in 2011, Google reportedly offered Neal Mohan, now the CEO of YouTube, a staggering $100 million in restricted stock units to prevent him from leaving for Twitter. Kamath brought up the detail during the podcast, recalling how Mohan was nearly poached by Twitter, where his former mentor David Rosenblatt had joined the board. Though Mohan didn’t directly confirm the amount, he also didn’t deny it. TechCrunch reported the $100M stock offer to Neal Mohan would vest…

Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray for mocking India’s Operation Sindoor delegations by calling them a “baraat”. At the ‘Shankhnaad’ rally in Nanded, Maharashtra, Amit Shah stated that had Balasaheb Thackeray been alive, he would have backed Prime Minister Modi and endorsed the operation. Shah voiced uncertainty over Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership direction, questioning Shiv Sena (UBT)’s position even as its members took part in the delegation. Lauding the success of Operation Sindoor, Shah stated it had clearly demonstrated to adversaries, particularly Pakistan, that India will respond with force when provoked. He underscored that…

A high-level trade delegation from the United States is expected to arrive in India soon for what sources describe as the final round of discussions on a proposed interim trade agreement between the two nations. The timing of this visit is critical, as both countries aim to finalize the deal before July 9, when a temporary suspension on steep U.S. tariffs is set to expire. India is pushing aggressively to obtain a full exemption from the 26% reciprocal tariff the U.S. introduced on April 2, although this tariff has been temporarily suspended for 90 days. However, despite this temporary relief,…

Amid severe financial distress, Pakistan has once again placed military expenditure ahead of economic reforms. Despite inflation exceeding 38%, the government has chosen to raise its defense budget for 2025–26 by 18%, taking it past $30.12 billion. This decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with a steep trade deficit of $25 billion and possesses only three months of import cover. Additionally, Pakistan’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains around 70%, further highlighting the fragility of its financial position. Economists have expressed serious concern over the implications of this budgetary shift. Dr. Kaiser Bengali, a noted Pakistani economist, cautioned that…