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:…
Author: Salina Shah
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…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the public to take part in the ‘Create in India’ challenge, a new initiative launched by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The challenge aims to foster talent in emerging fields like gaming, animation, and filmmaking. During his 114th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio show on Sunday, PM Modi highlighted the changing nature of jobs and the opportunities available in these growing sectors. He also encouraged citizens to buy ‘Made in India’ products during the upcoming festive season and expressed gratitude to the listeners of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ which will celebrate its 10th anniversary…
Sweden, which has collaborated with India on space missions since 1986, is set to contribute an instrument for India’s upcoming Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). The mission was officially approved by the Union Cabinet on September 18, with a budget of Rs 1,236 crore. Sweden’s deputy minister of foreign trade, Håkan Jevrell, confirmed this during an interview, while leading Sweden’s largest-ever space delegation to India. Jevrell and his team held meetings with ISRO, the Indian National Space Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), and visited IISc in Bengaluru. The Swedish delegation revealed that the instrument for the mission, developed by the Swedish Institute of…
Sachin H. Jain, the Indian American CEO of the SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan, has achieved recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2023 by Modern Healthcare. This esteemed acknowledgment reflects Jain’s exceptional leadership and impact within the healthcare industry, according to Modern Healthcare’s distinguished recognition program. Expressing gratitude for the honor, Jain remarked, “I am grateful and humbled by this recognition from Modern Healthcare. Being recognized with esteemed healthcare leaders is a privilege. Each is committed to enhancing healthcare for everyone.” With over a decade of experience as a healthcare pioneer, champion, and…
