Author: Malavika Subramanyan

In the initial 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new term, the government has set forth an agenda focused on empowering Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Dalits, minorities, and tribal communities. Central to this agenda is the Prime Minister’s Developed Tribal Village Campaign, which aims to uplift 63,000 tribal villages and improve the socio-economic conditions of approximately 5 million tribal individuals. The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme has been broadened to include waste-pickers alongside sanitation workers, promoting their social and economic empowerment. Additionally, 300,000 identification cards have been issued for persons with disabilities from Scheduled Tribes, with…

India’s approach to multilateral engagement is founded on mutual respect and solidarity, according to a prominent UN envoy, who emphasised the Global South’s reliance on “the India way” to shape the future. In a webinar organised by the Centre for Global India Insights (CGII) and India Writes Network, Inga Rhonda King, Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the UN, lauded India’s role as a leading voice in the Global South. King highlighted India’s expanding leadership, citing initiatives such as the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and the nation’s vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

As Vice President Kamala Harris gears up for her White House bid against former President Donald Trump in November, she has enlisted a notable figure for her campaign strategy: Karen Dunn, a high-powered lawyer with an intriguing side job. Dunn, a partner at the prestigious Paul, Weiss law firm, is not only preparing Harris for the critical debate against Trump but is also at the forefront of Google’s defence in a landmark antitrust trial that could significantly impact the tech giant’s future. Dunn’s dual roles have raised concerns among antitrust experts, who worry that her close association with Harris might…

On the second day of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) in New Delhi, India’s upcoming partnership with European Hydrogen Week, scheduled for November 2024, was highlighted. This collaboration aims to synchronise with EU green regulations to boost exports. A Letter of Intent was signed between Chane Terminal from the Netherlands and ACME Cleantech from India to establish ammonia import terminals. The conference featured sessions with contributions from the EU, Australia, and the Netherlands, focusing on green hydrogen’s role in global decarbonization. Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, discussed the EU’s efforts to reform its Emission…

Pope Francis has advised American Catholics to weigh the “lesser evil” when choosing between the major US presidential candidates in the upcoming election. During a news conference concluding his Southeast Asian tour, the Pope criticised both candidates’ stances, referring to them as “against life” without naming them explicitly. He condemned the rejection of migrants as a “serious” sin and compared Kamala Harris’s pro-abortion position to “assassination.” The Pope argued that both expelling migrants and supporting abortion contradict the sanctity of life. Although Pope Francis clarified that he would not be participating in the US election, he urged Americans to vote,…

Indian-American telecom pioneer Sam Pitroda recently unveiled the autobiography of Javad K. Hassan, a celebrated Indian-American tech innovator, at an event held in Washington, DC. The book, titled “The Art of The Possible: A Maverick’s Journey to Success, Innovation, and Fearless Leadership,” traces Hassan’s journey from his beginnings in Kerala, India, to his ascent as a global business leader. In his memoir, Hassan reflects on his career marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and leadership. The narrative explores his bold approach to overcoming conventional barriers and offers insights into his personal philosophy of success. Through his experiences at some…

After a period of low visibility, Usha Vance recently appeared on the campaign trail alongside her husband, J.D. Vance, during a visit to Gordon’s Butcher & Market in Erie, Pennsylvania. This location choice has sparked controversy, as Usha Vance is a vegetarian, making the visit to a meat processing facility an unexpected and awkward choice. Critics, including digital magazine INTO, have labelled it a “poorly received campaign stunt.” During their visit, the Vances engaged with the shop’s owners and learned about meat processing, which seemed to make Usha visibly uncomfortable. Despite this, J.D. Vance downplayed the discomfort, asserting that Usha…

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, extended an invitation to Indian infrastructure companies to explore opportunities in Israel. Azar emphasised that as India enters the “Make in India” era, Israeli industry must adapt and collaborate. He expressed confidence that Israel will remain a strong partner of India and noted that Israel seeks to secure its supply chain by involving Indian firms. Azar highlighted the need for Indian companies and workforce to participate in international infrastructure tenders in Israel. He stressed that Israel is keen on diversifying its global partnerships for building major infrastructure projects…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Indian para-athletes for their outstanding performance at the Paralympic Games in Paris, where they secured a record 29 medals, the highest ever for the country at these Games. In a heartfelt message on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister celebrated their “unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit.” Describing the 2024 Paralympics as both “special and historical,” Modi expressed India’s immense pride in the achievements of its athletes. He highlighted that this remarkable performance, comprising seven gold, nine silver, and thirteen bronze medals, surpasses all previous records since India’s debut at the Paralympic…

Kareena Kapoor has been recognized as the highest tax-paying female celebrity in India for 2024, according to Fortune India. Her impressive tax contributions, totaling $2.4 million, surpass those of other prominent actresses like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt. Following her is Kiara Advani, her co-star in Good Newzz, who paid $1.45 million in taxes. Katrina Kaif ranks third among female celebrities with a tax payment of $1.33 million. These three actresses are the only female celebrities to make it onto this year’s list. In her professional life, Kareena Kapoor is preparing for the release of her new thriller, Buckingham Murders.…