Author: Nupur Rohila

President Donald Trump has selected two Indian Americans for prominent roles within his administration. Ricky Gill has been named Senior Director for South and Central Asian Affairs at the National Security Council (NSC). His responsibilities include managing relations with India and regional affairs. Gill previously held roles such as Director for Russia and European Energy Security at the NSC and Senior Advisor at the State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. After departing the NSC, Gill founded Gill Capital Group, where he served as Principal and General Counsel. He also advised on energy policies concerning Europe and Asia at TC…

A report by Wood Mackenzie forecasts that India, the United States, and West Asia will collectively add 100 Gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity by 2025, marking a significant contribution to the global solar market. The report notes that after a period of declining solar panel prices due to global overcapacity, prices are expected to rise in 2025, helping to recover losses faced by solar manufacturers. India, the US, and West Asia are emerging as key players in solar manufacturing, with these regions set to play a major role in the global expansion of solar capacity. The report also highlights the…

During a recent meeting in Washington, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar discussed the growing significance of US-India relations, especially under the Trump 2.0 administration. This was Dr. Jaishankar’s first official engagement with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking a key moment in reinforcing bilateral ties. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Quad meeting, where both parties reaffirmed their shared vision to address regional and global challenges. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the Trump administration’s desire for India to play a central role in major global initiatives, citing the strong foundation laid by the first Trump administration.…

Syracuse University has named Professor Shikha Nangia as the permanent Department Chair of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering (BMCE) in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Nangia, who has served as Interim Department Chair since August 2024, will officially lead the department through summer 2028. Expressing her gratitude, Nangia stated, “It’s an honor to lead this department, which is rooted in innovation and collaboration. My focus is on fostering diversity, creativity, and knowledge while shaping future biomedical and chemical engineers.” Since joining Syracuse University in 2012, Nangia has earned recognition as a leading expert in computational modeling, particularly in tackling…

The petrochemical sector plays an essential role in India’s economic growth, fueling industries like plastics, textiles, and automobiles. With a market value of $220 billion, this sector contributes around 6% to the nation’s GDP. However, despite its size, India still imports nearly 45% of its petrochemical intermediates, showing a reliance on external suppliers. To change this, the country is focusing on a comprehensive strategy that includes over $124 billion in planned investments. The goal is to cut down on imports and strengthen domestic production by implementing key initiatives such as rationalizing tariffs, improving infrastructure, and introducing production-linked incentives (PLIs). Achieving…

Usha Chilukuri Vance, the wife of JD Vance, has become the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States. At 39, she is the youngest to hold the title since 38-year-old Jane Hadley Barkley, wife of former Vice President Alben Barkley. During the inauguration ceremony, Usha, clad in a pink coat, held the Bible with one hand and her daughter Mirabel Rose with the other as JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, her mentor. A lawyer and daughter of Indian immigrants from Vadluru village in Andhra Pradesh’s West…

India’s insurance industry is poised for substantial growth in FY25, buoyed by strong economic expansion, rising incomes, and greater awareness of health risks. Moody’s forecasts that higher premiums, fueled by government reforms, price hikes, and a burgeoning middle class, will drive this progress. While GDP growth is expected to slow slightly to 7%, GDP per capita is forecasted to rise by 11%, reaching approximately US$ 10,233. Health insurance premiums have already surged by 21% in the first eight months of FY24, showcasing significant momentum in the sector. Despite challenges such as underwriting losses linked to weak pricing and higher claims,…

Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, marking his second non-consecutive term. Unlike the turbulent transition of 2021, this inauguration is expected to be more peaceful, with President Joe Biden attending the ceremony alongside all living former U.S. Presidents—a testament to the country’s democratic traditions. Within the Indian American community, political affiliations are evolving. While 68% of Indian Americans traditionally identify as Democrats, recent elections showed stronger Republican support among young Indian American men, including tech professionals and recent immigrants. This demographic shift aligns with a broader trend among…

Amid the devastation caused by the Palisades, Eaton, and other fires sweeping across the Los Angeles area, BAPS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, has mobilized to provide essential relief and support to thousands of displaced families. Partnering with local authorities, emergency responders, and mutual aid organizations, BAPS Charities has been at the forefront of delivering aid to the hardest-hit communities. Leading the volunteer efforts are Yogin and Hetal Patel, evacuees from Pasadena. Despite their own displacement, they have focused their efforts on supporting others. Yogin Patel expressed, “Having experienced the overwhelming feeling of leaving everything…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Indian space startup Digantara for the groundbreaking success of its Mission SCOT. Highlighting the mission’s role in bolstering space situational awareness, he shared his congratulations on the social media platform X, calling it a significant milestone for India’s expanding space sector. Digantara expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s recognition, emphasizing how Mission SCOT enhances India’s national security framework while establishing the nation as a global leader in space domain awareness. The startup reiterated its commitment to shaping the future of space technology in line with India’s strategic goals. Mission SCOT, as announced by Digantara, has…