Author: Salina Shah

 Following the brutal April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives including one Nepali national, global condemnation has poured in while India has taken sweeping diplomatic actions in retaliation. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the incident a “barbaric attack” that claimed the lives of “newlyweds, children, and families simply seeking joy.” Taking to social media, he extended his solidarity, declaring, “Terror will never win. We grieve with India.” The Peruvian Foreign Ministry also expressed strong condemnation and support, urging global efforts to eliminate terrorism, while Swedish MP Margareta Cederfelt, on behalf of the…

Kash Patel, 44, has taken a dramatically different approach to the role of FBI Director, embracing public visibility in ways his predecessors notably avoided. As detailed by the New York Times, Patel’s appearances at UFC matches, NHL games alongside Wayne Gretzky, and campaign rallies with former President Trump underscore his highly curated public image. Contrasting the traditionally low-profile leadership of past directors, such as Louis Freeh, Robert Mueller, and Christopher Wray, Patel has leaned into media exposure. Former Director Freeh once wrote, “I had never sought publicity or the spotlight,” a sentiment far removed from Patel’s approach. Patel has appeared…

We often think of sustainability as a modern concept—a movement we’ve created in response to climate change and our fast-paced, disposable lifestyles. But the truth is, our older generation mastered sustainability long before it became a trend. They were experts at maximizing every resource, avoiding waste, and finding new life in old items. Growing up, many of us watched our parents and grandparents save everything—from empty glass jars to plastic bags. They taught us to use items fully, hand them down, donate them, or creatively repurpose them. This practice is commendable, but it comes with a challenge: What happens when…

Michael Miebach, the Global CEO of Mastercard, is enthusiastic about the potential of India’s fintech sector, particularly as the company launches its largest global facility in Pune. This move signals a significant commitment to India’s burgeoning digital economy, which Miebach views as increasingly inclusive and beneficial for all players, including Mastercard. In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Miebach underscored the robust startup ecosystem in India and the opportunities it presents for democratizing credit access. He highlighted Mastercard’s role in providing essential payment and data solutions, particularly emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. Key Highlights from the Interview:…

On Tuesday, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, expressed that former President Donald Trump comprehends the significance of international financial institutions and how their financing can enhance market opportunities for American companies abroad. During a Reuters NEXT Newsmaker interview, Banga maintained an optimistic outlook regarding the implications for the World Bank should Trump secure victory in the upcoming presidential election on November 5. Trump has often criticized multilateral organizations and their climate initiatives. At the same time, advocates of the conservative Project 2025 have proposed that the United States consider withdrawing from the World Bank and the International Monetary…

Barbie has unveiled its inaugural Diwali doll in collaboration with globally acclaimed Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. This marks the first time a designer has created a Diwali doll for Barbie Signature. Dongre’s creation seamlessly integrates modern design elements with traditional craftsmanship, highlighting Barbie’s influence in the global fashion scene. The Barbie Diwali doll pays tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage by celebrating Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The doll is dressed in a Moonlight Bloom ensemble featuring a choli top, a floral Koti vest, and a lehenga skirt…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the 21st century as the century of India and the ASEAN nations, emphasizing the significance of their friendship during a time of global conflicts and tensions. Speaking at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, he noted that the Act East Policy, announced a decade ago, has revitalized India’s historical relationships with ASEAN countries. Modi described ASEAN nations as India’s neighbors and partners in the Global South, highlighting their shared commitment to peace, national integrity, and the future of the region’s youth. He referenced the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiatives launched in 2019, mentioning that maritime exercises…

India’s National Space Commission has cleared the way for the country’s fifth lunar mission, the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex), in collaboration with Japan. This mission, unlike the earlier Chandrayaan missions, will be a joint effort between Isro and Japan, with the aim of exploring the Moon’s surface, particularly for water and other essential resources, while also advancing technology for human landings. The Union cabinet has already approved Chandrayaan-4, and the Lupex mission is awaiting final clearance, although Isro has the go-ahead to begin working on it. According to Isro chairman S Somanath, the Lupex mission is crucial in progressing…

In September 2024, Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions witnessed a modest rise of 0.5%, climbing from US$ 14.96 billion in August to US$ 15.04 billion. This represents the highest transaction volume since UPI’s inception in April 2016, with daily transactions surpassing 501 million and a total value amounting to Rs. 68,800 crore (US$ 8.25 billion). In contrast, August saw 483 million transactions valued at Rs. 66,475 crore (US$ 7.97 billion). Year-over-year, UPI’s transaction volume surged by 42%, while its total value increased by 31%, underscoring its crucial role in India’s digital transaction ecosystem. Mr. Sunil Rongala, Senior Vice President at…

An Indian-American member of the Presidential Commission for Asian-Americans has applauded the release of 250,000 additional visa appointments by the US Mission in India. These new slots will benefit tourists, skilled workers, and students, helping Indian applicants secure timely visa interviews, which play a vital role in strengthening US-India people-to-people ties. Ajay Bhutoria, a member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, expressed his gratitude for the US Embassy’s efforts, particularly those of Ambassador Eric Garcetti, in addressing visa wait times. Bhutoria mentioned that this step reflects the success of his earlier recommendations submitted to…