Author: Nupur Rohila

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has underscored India’s critical role in BRICS, highlighting its significant contributions to economic growth, sustainable development, and reforms in global governance. Misri made these comments during a media briefing concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Russia for the 16th BRICS summit. Misri stated, “The Prime Minister will leave for Kazan tomorrow to attend the 16th BRICS Summit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This year’s theme focuses on strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security.” He underlined India’s role as a founding member of BRICS, highlighting its active participation in all…

Kamala Harris’ campaign, along with affiliated Democratic groups, raised approximately $633 million in the last quarter, pushing total fundraising efforts past the $1 billion mark. This financial achievement gives Harris a significant lead over Republican rival Donald Trump in the closing stages of the presidential race. In September alone, the Democratic National Committee and state parties, in coordination with Harris’ campaign, pulled in over $359 million, with the campaign itself contributing $222 million. Despite raising massive amounts, the campaign spent heavily, with $270 million dedicated to an extensive advertising campaign aimed at reaching voters across multiple platforms, including radio, television,…

Chiratae Ventures announced Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen as the recipient of the Global Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony in Palo Alto on September 16, 2024. Narayen was recognized for his nearly two decades of leadership at Adobe, steering the company through significant technological shifts, including its transition to cloud computing and its expansion into digital experiences. The award celebrates global leaders’ impact on India’s tech entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition to Narayen, the venture capital firm honored Postman CEO and Founder Abhinav Asthana with the Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement Award for his work in expanding the company globally. Infosys Founder Narayana…

Diwali celebrations have commenced in full swing across New York, as members of the Indian diaspora spread the festive spirit of lights within the community. From Times Square in Manhattan to Pennsylvania, the Indian-American population has begun the festivities ahead of Diwali, which falls on October 31. “Diwali @ TimesSquare: Indian American Community & American Friends join together at Times Square to celebrate Diwali,” read a post by the Indian Consulate in New York on ‘X’. The Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan, joined Indian-Americans and American friends at Times Square to mark the occasion. The event,…

During her speech at the Tech Leaders Roundtable in Guadalajara, Mexico, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged Mexican businesses to partner with Indian startups and academic institutions. She emphasized the benefits of India’s pro-business environment and highlighted the potential for both nations to enhance economic growth through cooperation. By drawing attention to Mexico’s achievements in nearshoring, which has facilitated partnerships between multinational firms and boosted talent exchange, Sitharaman pointed to shared economic responsibilities that India and Mexico could address together. She also shared a post on ‘X’, emphasizing India’s rapid progress as it works toward its Viksit Bharat vision by…

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) hosted its 2024 Annual India Leadership Summit in New Delhi on October 14, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States for the Sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit and the United Nations General Assembly in September. The summit aimed to build on the momentum of growing ties between the US and India. Key discussions at the summit revolved around enhancing supply chains, driving semiconductor investments, advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation technologies, strengthening defense partnerships, promoting clean energy initiatives, and expanding bilateral trade. Both nations emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free and…

During the ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a collection of exquisite artifacts, showcasing India’s diverse cultural heritage, to leaders from Laos, Thailand, New Zealand, and Japan, according to officials. Among the standout gifts, Modi presented New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, with a pair of regal silver lamps encrusted with rubies from Maharashtra. Demonstrating India’s fine craftsmanship, he also gave a vintage brass Buddha statue with intricate mina (enamel) work to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, while the President’s spouse, Naly Sisoulith, received a Patan Patola scarf encased in a Sadeli box. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone was gifted…

Before Barack Obama entered the White House, Diana Vahabzadeh, now 63, had never cast a vote for a Democrat. However, Obama’s 2008 campaign won her over, and she has been leaning left since. On Thursday, she joined thousands at a Pittsburgh rally supporting Kamala Harris, as Obama launched a campaign blitz across swing states critical to the upcoming election. Vahabzadeh expressed her admiration for Obama, calling the event a great opportunity to see him and show support for Harris. With a playlist of pop hits filling the gym, the “Yes We Can” slogan from Obama’s 2008 campaign was updated to…

As per Worldline’s India Digital Payments Report, the country’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded a 52% year-on-year (YoY) increase in transaction volumes, reaching 78.97 billion transactions in the first six months of 2024. UPI continues to dominate India’s payment landscape, with transaction volumes climbing from 8.03 billion in January 2023 to 13.9 billion by June 2024. The overall transaction value also experienced significant growth, rising from US$ 154.60 billion (Rs. 12.98 trillion) to US$ 239.04 billion (Rs. 20.07 trillion) over the same period. Comparing the first half of 2024 with 2023, the total transaction value grew by 40%, from US$…

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved the potential sale of 53 MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes and associated equipment to the Indian Navy, with the deal valued at $175 million through the Foreign Military Sales program. This sale is now pending final approval from the US Congress. The acquisition aims to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities by bolstering the stockpile of lightweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopters. Earlier this year, in March, a squadron of six MH-60R multi-mission helicopters was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Kochi, replacing the older Sea King fleet.…