Author: Malavika Subramanyan

India has taken a leading role in advancing clean energy innovation by co-heading the Mission Integrated Biorefinery with the Netherlands. This initiative falls under Mission Innovation (MI) 2.0, a global clean-tech collaboration that aims to accelerate sustainable energy solutions. The term “Mission Innovation” was originally introduced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside the-French President François Hollande during the COP21 summit. Seoul, South Korea, hosted the Mission Innovation Annual Gathering from April 9–11, 2025, bringing together global leaders to advance clean energy technologies. The Indian delegation, with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) as a key participant, contributed to dialogues around…

Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, a respected figure in philanthropy and global advancement, will deliver the keynote address at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) Class Day ceremony on May 20, 2025. As President of The Rockefeller Foundation, Shah leverages decades of experience tackling pressing global challenges, including public health crises, climate change, and economic disparity. The event will take place at the Baker Athletic Complex in New York City. SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo emphasized that Shah’s visionary leadership aligns with the school’s mission to cultivate future policymakers capable of navigating an uncertain and rapidly changing world. She…

India, US Likely to Sign Trade Pact Within 90-Day Tariff Pause The first phase of a much-anticipated bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is likely to be finalized within the 90-day tariff-pause window announced by the Donald Trump administration, according to senior government sources. Officials confirmed that the terms of reference for the agreement have already been finalized, and both sides are now moving forward with negotiations. The primary mode of discussion will be video conferencing, but in-person meetings remain a possibility. Indian negotiators may travel to Washington, or U.S. officials may visit New Delhi if necessary.…

Apple, in a strategic move to shield its iPhone sales from rising U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, transported nearly 1.5 million iPhones—about 600 tons—via cargo flights from India to the United States. Sources revealed this initiative was part of Apple’s broader effort to diversify its manufacturing and avoid the steep 125% tariff on Chinese goods under then-President Donald Trump’s trade policy. To streamline the transition, Apple collaborated with Indian authorities to fast-track customs clearance procedures in Chennai. A streamlined “green corridor” initiative cut clearance times drastically—from 30 hours to just six. This mirrored the model Apple already uses in select…

In a sudden leadership change, FBI Director Kash Patel has been relieved of his additional duties as the acting chief of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), without prior public notice. According to a Reuters report, he has been replaced by U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll—a change not initially made public by the Department of Justice. Patel, controversially managing dual roles as FBI director and interim ATF chief, had taken over the ATF on February 24, just days after his FBI appointment. However, his tenure at the ATF appears to have ended before March, despite his name…

Veteran journalist Mitali Mukherjee has been named the new director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. With more than two decades of experience covering political economy across TV, print, and digital media in India, Mukherjee is widely respected for her influential journalism and editorial leadership. Before joining the Reuters Institute, Mukherjee served as the consulting business editor at The Wire and was widely recognised for her YouTube show, which explored pressing economic and political issues. She moved to Oxford to pursue her work at the institute, where she had been serving as…

On Monday, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks to advance the ongoing India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations. Their conversation followed a major development—US President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs, including a 26% duty on all Indian imports to the US. The new tariffs are being implemented in two phases: a 10% base rate started on April 5, and the remaining 16% will come into effect on April 9. These sudden changes have shaken global financial markets, with India’s Sensex and Nifty plunging over 3% on Monday. A statement…

On April 4, the U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed conservative attorney Harmeet Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in a 52-45 vote, mostly along party lines. Only Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska broke from the Republican bloc to oppose the nomination. Dhillon, a staunch ally of Donald Trump and a prominent conservative legal figure, will now oversee the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, which handles hate crimes, voting rights, and civil liberties enforcement. Trump had announced her nomination in December 2023, praising her efforts to challenge Big Tech, support Christians during COVID-19, and fight so-called “woke” workplace policies. Her…

President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs, announced on April 2, are making headlines—not just for their economic impact, but for the geography they cover. Among the list of affected regions is the Heard and McDonald Islands, a group of uninhabited, sub-Antarctic volcanic islands that are home primarily to penguins and seals. The islands, situated over 2,000 miles southwest of Perth, Australia, are officially Australian territory—which technically subjects them to the 10% U.S. import tax now levied on certain goods. The catch? There are no human residents, just wildlife and icy winds. The odd mention quickly caught attention online. Congressman…

India is rapidly emerging as the leader in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in South Asia, backed by a highly skilled workforce of 1.25 million AI professionals, according to a report released on Thursday. The report, published by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), highlights that AI is no longer just an emerging technology but has become a transformative force, significantly impacting key sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. The findings suggest that India’s increasing focus on AI-driven solutions is set to revolutionize these industries by addressing existing challenges and enhancing efficiency. AI’s Growing Role in Healthcare The healthcare sector in India…