Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian businessman wanted in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India and placed in custody for 18 days. The 64-year-old arrived in Delhi on Thursday after being handed over by the United States, with India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) confirming the successful extradition. Rana is accused of aiding the deadly attacks by collaborating with childhood friend David Headley, who helped the Lashkar-e-Taiba group plan the coordinated strikes across Mumbai that killed 166 people and injured hundreds over three days in November 2008. Upon arrival, Rana was taken into custody by the…

During the Carnegie Global Tech Summit 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delved into the evolving role of technology in global politics, highlighting a significant shift in the United States’ worldview over the past year. He pointed out how America’s altered approach under President Donald Trump, specifically the MAGA (Make America Great Again) agenda, is increasingly intertwined with technology. Jaishankar emphasized that the tech sector now plays a critical role in Trump’s strategy for national resurgence. While the link between MAGA and technology may not have been as obvious during Trump’s first term, it has become undeniable in recent…

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has announced its newly elected 471 Fellows for 2024, a prestigious lifetime recognition awarded to scientists and engineers who have made exceptional contributions to their fields. Among the honorees, at least 32 researchers of Indian and South Asian origin have been recognized for their work in various disciplines, including biological sciences, engineering, medical sciences, physics, and social sciences. Founded in 1848, AAAS is one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific societies, and its Fellowship program dates back to 1874. Being elected as an AAAS Fellow is considered a distinguished lifetime honor,…

Industry experts on Thursday welcomed the decision to exempt Indian pharmaceutical exports from the US reciprocal tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. At the same time, they emphasized the need to bolster domestic manufacturing to ensure a resilient supply chain. The exemption, they noted, underscores the crucial role of Indian pharmaceutical products, particularly cost-effective and life-saving generic medicines, in the global healthcare ecosystem. They pointed out that these medicines play a vital role in reducing healthcare costs in the United States, which already has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. A White House factsheet released on…

Swati Thapa, a central figure in the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), is careful with her words. “People want the king back,” she asserts, “not as a ruler but as a guiding force, a stabilizer. They also want Nepal recognized as a Hindu state. These aren’t just political slogans; they reflect the people’s survival instincts.” The RPP, founded in 1990 after Nepal’s transition to multi-party democracy, started with four parliamentary seats in 1991. Despite fluctuating influence, it has often played a pivotal role in governance. In the 2022 elections, the party secured 14 out of 275 parliamentary seats. However, by February…

The Indian rupee displayed relative stability in FY25 when compared to other global currencies, despite the pressure exerted by a stronger US dollar on major currency pairs, according to a report released on Wednesday. However, towards the latter part of the fiscal year, a shift in dollar strength combined with increased Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows into Indian debt markets helped the rupee rally, enabling the domestic currency to regain as much as 2.4 per cent in just one month, as highlighted in the report by Bank of Baroda (BoB). Looking ahead, the upcoming fiscal year is expected to be…

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, emphasized the importance of arbitration and mediation frameworks in India’s journey to becoming a global manufacturing leader. Speaking at the United International Avocat Conference in Delhi, Goyal underscored that a robust legal and arbitration system is critical to India’s rapidly growing economy. These mechanisms play a key role in reducing judicial delays and ensuring a transparent and stable environment for business. He called for strengthening arbitration practices to foster a more impartial and efficient system, enhancing the nation’s appeal to investors. India’s remarkable economic growth, which is making it the fastest-growing major…

Ajay Anand, a seasoned industry leader, has been selected as the inaugural Executive in Residence at the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. This prestigious appointment aims to bridge the gap between academic AI research and real-world business challenges. As the Senior Vice President of Global Services, Strategy, and Business Services at Johnson & Johnson, Anand brings over 26 years of experience in driving transformation across consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telecommunications. His role at WAIAI will involve advising faculty, mentoring students, and guiding AI research to align with business needs. The…

The Indian American community in New England gathered to bid farewell to Dr. Varun Jeph, India’s Deputy Consul General in New York, in a heartfelt ceremony. Hosted at the residence of Mohan and Shyama Nannapaneni in Southborough, Massachusetts, the event was organized by the Foundation of Indian Americans – New England (FIA-NE) and Team Aid. Nearly 25 community organizations came together to express appreciation for Dr. Jeph’s unwavering service over the past four years, including his efforts during the challenging Covid pandemic. Dr. Jeph’s tenure at the New York Consulate saw several remarkable achievements. His leadership played a crucial role…

Indian-Americans are more optimistic about India’s trajectory than they were four years ago, with 10% more respondents now believing the country is moving in the right direction, according to a new survey. Conducted by the Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS) in collaboration with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and YouGov, the study was released in March 2024. The survey highlights continued support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the diaspora, with many respondents viewing the results of the 2024 Indian general elections as a boost to democracy. Forty-one percent believe the election made India more democratic, while 28% disagree.…