Author: Malavika Subramanyan

An academic study released recently challenges the common perception that Western economies, particularly those in Europe and North America, are the most conducive environments for starting businesses. Instead, the study conducted by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reveals that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has maintained its position as the top destination for entrepreneurship for the third consecutive year, followed closely by India in second place. Surprisingly, countries like France, the US, Germany, and the UK, often considered as the usual leaders in business, rank lower, with positions ranging from 12th to 22nd. The GEM study evaluates various entrepreneurial conditions…

President Joe Biden plans to nominate Nimish Patel, an Indian American attorney, as a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, which advises the United States Trade Representative. The Committee, consisting of up to 45 members, provides counsel on trade, investment, and development issues, representing various sectors. Patel, currently chairing the Corporate and Securities Department at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP, brings extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financing, and corporate restructuring. He advises clients across diverse industries, including artificial intelligence, life sciences, and entertainment, on governance and regulatory matters. Previously, Patel worked as a…

The American India Foundation Trust (AIFT) recently completed its 23rd annual India Mission Trip, offering a comprehensive overview of its impactful initiatives. The delegation, comprising 25 AIF board members, supporters, donors from India and the US, and industry leaders focusing on the US-India corridor, embarked on a week-long expedition across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana. Their objective was to gain insight into the diverse challenges faced by tribal and rural communities, including climate change, migration, and gender inequality, particularly in health, education, and livelihood sectors. During the trip, they observed the tangible outcomes of AIF’s programs, such as the…

The University of Connecticut’s Asian and Asian American Studies Institute (AAASI) collaborated with the Indian Cultural Center (ICC) to host the second annual student-curated exhibit at the Historical Society Museum Lobby in partnership with the Greenwich Historical Society. The exhibit, named ‘My Story Our Future: Voices of South Asian American Youth in Connecticut,’ displayed personal family oral histories and artifacts. Greenwich High School sophomore Mihir Shah shared, “My grandparents sacrificed a lot in India to ensure my father’s better life in America,” emphasizing the exhibit’s personal significance. Students, including Shah, conducted extensive oral history projects, interviewing family members and gathering…

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has named Dr. Samir Shah as its chair, effective March 4, 2023, for a four-year term, following his nomination by the UK government in December 2023. Shah, a seasoned figure in broadcasting with over four decades of experience, marks the first person of Indian origin to hold this position. Before assuming this role, he served as the CEO of Juniper, an independent television and radio production company, since 1998, and previously held key positions at the BBC, including head of current affairs and political programmes. In recognition of his extensive contributions to journalism, Shah received…

Ashwath Kaushik, a young talent of Indian descent hailing from Singapore, made headlines as the youngest chess player to defeat grandmaster Jacek Stopa of Poland during the 22nd Burgdorfer Stadthaus Open held in Switzerland. At just eight years old, Kaushik’s achievement adds him to the esteemed list of youthful prodigies who have triumphed over grandmasters before reaching the age of ten. His victory against the 37-year-old Stopa marked Kaushik’s fourth win in the tournament, where he defied expectations by securing a commendable 12th place finish. Initially seeded 59th among the 127 competitors, Kaushik’s impressive performance garnered attention despite the odds.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently marked the commencement and initiation of several development ventures in Jammu, with a cumulative investment exceeding US$ 3.9 billion (Rs. 32,000 crore). These projects span across diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, aviation, and infrastructure. Alongside these endeavors, he also facilitated the dissemination of appointment letters to 1,500 freshly recruited government personnel and engaged with beneficiaries benefiting from various governmental initiatives like Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Rashtriya Ajivika Abhiyan. Mr. Modi underscored the positive transformations brought about by these schemes, elucidating their role in enhancing living standards, fostering self-reliance, and facilitating educational opportunities…

Nikki Haley, an Indian-American Republican presidential candidate, has articulated her plans to reinforce alliances with NATO and various other nations, including India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, should she win the presidential election. As the sole contender against Trump in the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination race, Haley responded to Trump’s remarks in South Carolina, where he implied support for Russia taking action against NATO members failing to meet defense spending criteria. Expressing apprehension over the potential consequences of a Trump re-election, Haley voiced concerns about the stability of the NATO alliance, labeling it a 75-year success story.…

In recent weeks, there have been reports of at least four Indian American students tragically losing their lives, with Indian-origin individuals, including Sikhs, reportedly being targeted in some instances. The White House has conveyed that President Joe Biden and his administration are diligently working to prevent and disrupt attacks on Indian and Indian American students. John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, emphasized this effort in response to the string of attacks. The incidents include the deaths of several Indian American students in various locations across the country. Vivek Saini, a part-time student working in…

The iconic BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi witnessed its historic inauguration on 14 February. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, accompanied by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance, HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, marked the auspicious occasion. Constructed on land generously gifted by UAE’s President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Mandir symbolizes the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. It stands as the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, reflecting cultural inclusivity and interfaith harmony. During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi engaged in a Vedic ceremony…