Author: Nupur Rohila

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan announced on Thursday that the next two major lunar missions—Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5—have officially received approval and are scheduled for launch by 2028. Addressing reporters, Narayanan stated that both missions fall under the agency’s approved timeline, confirming that ISRO is moving steadily toward its next phase of lunar exploration. When asked to share further details about the design or objectives of the two missions, he declined, noting that no additional information could be disclosed at this stage. Beyond lunar exploration, Narayanan emphasized that ISRO continues to heavily invest its energy and resources into…

Microsoft has unveiled its largest-ever investment in Asia, committing $17.5 billion to expand India’s cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure over the next four years. The announcement was made by CEO Satya Nadella on X shortly after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, marking a major push to deepen Microsoft’s long-term presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets. Nadella said the investment aims to help India build the essential “infrastructure, skills and sovereign capabilities” required to power its AI-focused future. His statement comes at a time when global tech giants are rapidly stepping up their presence…

India’s economy posted stronger-than-expected performance in the second quarter of FY26, supported by a sharp rise in private consumption and steady investment activity. According to a report by CareEdge Ratings, income tax cuts, GST rationalisation, easing inflation and an early festive season pushed private final consumption expenditure to 7.9 per cent in Q2, marking one of the strongest drivers of growth. Gross fixed capital formation expanded by 7.3 per cent during the quarter, aided by continued public capital expenditure. Though investment momentum moderated slightly, the report noted that capital formation remained at a healthy level and continues to support the…

Indian American geospatial professional Siddharth “Sid” Pandey has been selected to serve on the board of directors for the Graduates of Earth and Mineral Sciences (GEMS) at Penn State University’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. His three-year appointment places him among a 16-member leadership group that includes 15 board members and the immediate past president. Together, the board plays a central role in guiding the GEMS Alumni Society, shaping opportunities, and fostering engagement across Penn State’s expansive alumni network. Pandey joins the board alongside fellow new appointee Quentin Lawson-Parchment, an office engineer at Promatech Inc., according to the university…

US President Donald Trump unveiled a multi-billion-dollar farm relief package while intensifying criticism of agricultural imports from India and other Asian suppliers. Speaking at a White House roundtable with farmers, lawmakers and senior officials, he said the administration would provide $12 billion in financial assistance funded through tariff revenues collected from US trading partners. Trump argued that the support was essential for stabilising the rural economy and described farmers as “an indispensable national asset.” India featured prominently in the discussion as producers voiced concerns about rising volumes of foreign rice entering the US market. Meryl Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy Rice…

A prominent US congressional subcommittee is set to hold a public hearing next week to evaluate how the India–US strategic partnership is evolving, particularly in defense, economic cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. Lawmakers aim to understand how the relationship is shaping regional stability and long-term Indo-Pacific policy. The session, titled “The US–India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” is scheduled for December 10, according to an official notice issued by the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on South and Central Asia. The panel will be led by Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan, who chairs the subcommittee. Members will hear…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that India and Russia are poised to reach their bilateral trade goal of $100 billion well ahead of the originally planned 2030 timeline. Speaking at the India–Russia Business Forum in New Delhi, Modi recalled the commitment he and Russian President Vladimir Putin made last year to scale up trade. After renewed discussions during their latest meeting, Modi said he is confident the milestone will be met sooner than expected. He added that both countries are actively working to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers to further accelerate growth in trade and investment. President Putin,…

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has honored the achievement of its distinguished alumnus and Professor of Eminence, Jaspreet Singh, who has been chosen to serve on the Transition Advisory Council for the incoming administration in the state of New Jersey. Singh, a prominent US-based attorney, becomes the only Sikh and the first Punjabi immigrant to hold a position within the newly formed advisory group. The Transition Advisory Council was established by New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill to help shape policy direction, administrative priorities, and governance frameworks before she officially assumes office. Singh, who moved to the United States several decades…

In a historic milestone for one of the largest Indian American communities in the United States, Mamta Singh has been elected to the Jersey City Council At-Large, becoming the first Indian American ever to win public office in the city. Her victory marks a moment of long-awaited representation for the diaspora that has shaped the city’s cultural and economic life for decades. Singh’s win coincided with a night of political transformation in Jersey City, as reform-oriented Councilmember James Solomon secured a decisive victory in the mayoral runoff. While Solomon’s mandate reflects a shift in local governance, Singh’s breakthrough emerged as…

A new analysis from the Begin–Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies highlights a major reorientation in India’s national security doctrine, arguing that the country has effectively begun treating large-scale terrorism as an act of war. According to the report, this shift has opened the door to deeper strategic coordination with Israel, particularly in areas related to deterrence, counterterrorism and advanced military technology. The study notes that India’s readiness to impose costs on terrorist networks and their state backers—without waiting for international endorsement—marks the emergence of a new strategic playbook. Analysts John Spencer and Lauren Dagan Amoss argue that India’s approach now…