Author: Nupur Rohila

India’s economic landscape is undergoing a notable transformation as global supply chains increasingly shift towards the country. In a significant development, India is closing the gap with China and Vietnam in mobile phone exports. While mobile exports from China and Vietnam saw declines of 2.78% and 17.6%, respectively, India experienced a remarkable surge of 40.5%, capturing nearly half of the reduced exports from these countries. This shift is driven by the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which are beginning to yield tangible results. Beyond mobile phones, India is also making strides in other export sectors. The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today that the Union Budget 2024, to be unveiled in Parliament tomorrow, aims to advance the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. Speaking at the start of the Parliament’s Budget session, PM Modi emphasized that India remains the fastest-growing major economy globally, with growth rates sustained at around 8% for some time. Marking the first Monday of Sawan, an auspicious period, PM Modi expressed his greetings and emphasized the significance of the upcoming session. He noted that it is a momentous occasion as the government prepares to present its first Budget for…

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs appointed Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the new Ambassador of India to the United States. Kwatra, a distinguished Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1988 batch, will soon begin his new role, filling the vacancy left by Taranjit Sandhu, who retired in January 2024. Kwatra recently retired as India’s Foreign Secretary in July, having had his tenure extended from the original end date of April 30 to October. His appointment comes following Vikram Misri’s recent succession as Foreign Secretary. Kwatra’s career includes significant roles across various international posts. He has previously served in China…

In a remarkable surge, overseas Indians deposited nearly $3 billion into non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes during April-May FY25, a figure that surpasses last year’s deposits by more than four times, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The total inflow for this period reached $2.72 billion, a significant increase from $623 million in the same timeframe the previous year. By the end of May, the total outstanding NRI deposits had risen to $154.72 billion. In May alone, deposits into NRI schemes totaled $1.7 billion, compared to $1.07 billion in April. The NRI deposit schemes encompass…

Transitioning from a diet rich in saturated animal fats to one abundant in plant-based unsaturated fats can profoundly influence blood lipid composition. Recent research featured in Nature Medicine reveals that diets high in unsaturated plant fats, like those found in the Mediterranean diet, are linked to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Clemens Wittenbecher, lead researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, emphasizes the study’s findings, suggesting targeted dietary advice to benefit those considering dietary changes. The study, analyzing lipid profiles in blood, draws from the DIVAS trial, involving 195 UK participants divided into groups consuming diets varying…

India’s counter-drone market is anticipated to expand at an annual rate of 28 percent over the next five years, according to a report by financial services firm Motilal Oswal. This growth is driven by the increasing need for systems to counter aerial attacks. The report estimates that the market for counter-drone systems will reach approximately $1.46 billion over the next five years, based on the need for approximately 1,200 systems, each costing between $975,000 and $1.83 million. This substantial demand is expected to generate an annual market opportunity of nearly $292 million over this period. In the broader drone market,…

Cincinnati native and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy took the stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention. A graduate of St. Xavier High School, Ramaswamy, who competed in the Republican primary for the 2024 election, delivered a speech lauding former President Donald Trump. His address aimed to garner voter support and energize the enthusiastic crowd in Milwaukee. Ramaswamy underscored Trump’s ability to bring the nation together through concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric. He stated that Trump would genuinely unify the country through his actions, emphasizing that success and excellence are unifying factors that reflect the core…

On Tuesday night, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention, where she voiced her strong support for Donald Trump’s campaign. This marked a significant step in bridging the gap between Haley and Trump, who had previously been rivals in a contentious presidential primary. Haley began her speech with a clear and emphatic endorsement of Trump, saying, “I’ll start by making one thing perfectly clear: Donald Trump has my strong endorsement, period.” While Trump watched from the VIP suite, she praised his foreign policy achievements and spoke to voters who might not fully support…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the high-level UN General Assembly session on September 26, as per a provisional list of speakers released by the UN. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly will occur from September 24-30, with the general debate being a key highlight of the event. The provisional list indicates that India’s “Head of Government” is scheduled for an afternoon address on September 26. However, this schedule may change as the UN updates attendance, schedules, and speaking slots leading up to the session. Traditionally, Brazil opens the general debate on September 24, followed by…

Congressman Shri Thanedar, representing Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, introduced H.R. 9023, known as the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at encouraging promising young students to remain in the US after completing their studies. This act proposes reforms to the H-1B visa process and increases the number of available visas each year, making it easier for individuals who can contribute to our industry and economy to stay in the United States. The Congress found that foreign students pursuing education in technology and the sciences have significantly contributed to overall innovation and growth in the…