Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Ever since its launch in November 2018, the 59-minute loan portal has experienced a notable increase in the credit approved via the collaborative MSMEs-PSB loans in 59 Minutes initiative, a venture of the government and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). As of August 1, 2023, the sanctioned credit amounts to 246,997, totaling Rs. 85,054 crore (US$ 10.23 billion). Data from the MSME Ministry’s dashboard reveals that out of the sanctioned loans, 228,118 loans, equivalent to Rs. 68,636 crore (US$ 8.25 billion), have been disbursed. This marks an increase from the previous year’s data, where by July 2022,…

“Ghoomer” Review: R Balki’s latest film is a sports drama centered around a cricketer who faces the loss of her right arm and embarks on a journey to reclaim her life. On the festive occasion of Diwali, Saiyami Kher visits her coach Abhishek Bachchan to exchange warm wishes. This encounter leads to a compelling moment where she, wearing a saree, is challenged by Abhishek to bowl in torchlight, showcasing the theme of pushing personal boundaries. Such captivating instances are plentiful in “Ghoomer.” The film takes viewers through a range of goosebumps-inducing scenes, from backyard practice pitches to international stadiums in…

Moody’s has maintained India’s ‘Baa3’ rating, the minimum investment grade, and a steady outlook. Despite a decrease in potential growth over the past decade, India’s growth is projected to surpass other G20 economies for at least the next two years, driven by domestic demand. Moody’s sees the country’s commitment to inflation targeting, financial system rehabilitation, and post-pandemic growth restoration as enhancing monetary and macro policy effectiveness. However, the agency acknowledges heightened political tensions and potential risks of populist policies due to civil society curtailment and rising sectarian tensions. Moody’s also highlights instances of violence, such as those in Manipur, leading…

The introduction of hydrogen-fueled buses on Ladakh’s public roads has commenced with NTPC, a government-owned power company, initiating intracity trials in Leh. The endeavor aligns with NTPC’s aim to create a carbon-neutral Ladakh, involving a hydrogen fueling station, a solar plant, and five fuel cell-powered buses for intracity routes in Leh. The first hydrogen bus, part of a 3-month field-trial and testing phase, arrived on August 17. Positioned at an elevation of 11,562 ft, the pioneering Green Hydrogen Mobility Project is co-located with a 1.7 MW dedicated solar plant, generating renewable energy. The fuel cell buses are specially crafted for…

Bollywood star Salman Khan’s upcoming film ‘Tiger 3’ holds an intriguing link with Hollywood director Christopher Nolan, known for the recent blockbuster ‘Oppenheimer.’ Yash Raj Films, the production banner, has enlisted Hollywood action director Mark Scizak, who has collaborated with Nolan on projects like ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’ The YRF Spy Universe franchise is highly regarded for captivating audiences with its super-spy characters. Films like ‘Tiger,’ ‘Pathaan,’ and ‘War’ have set the bar high, building anticipation for novel offerings. By integrating Hollywood talents, including Mark Scizak, the visual spectacle of each film is progressively enhanced. Producer Aditya Chopra…

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced the UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation) web service, aimed at simplifying the process for individuals to locate their unclaimed deposits across various institutions from a single platform. According to the RBI, this online service will aid customers in identifying and engaging with their respective banks to either claim their unclaimed funds or activate their dormant deposit accounts. The collaboration between the Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS), and partnering financial institutions led to the creation of this portal. Presently, individuals can…

The Investment list boasts the highest number of Indian American women, including: 1. Geeta Aiyer: Founder of Boston Common Asset Management, a sustainable investment firm. 2. Mala Gaonkar: Founder of SurgoCap Partners, an investment firm focused on disruptive technologies. 3. Ranji Nagaswami: Chief Strategy Officer of Strategic Value Partners. 4. Purnima Puri: Governing Partner at HPS Investment Partners. On the Impact list, three Indian Americans stand out: 1. Sarita Mohanty: CEO and President of The SCAN Foundation, a healthcare nonprofit. 2. Ghazal Qureishi: Founder of UpBrainery Technologies, promoting online education through AI. 3. S. Mona Sinha: Global Executive Director of…

Extremist elements targeted a Hindu temple in Canada by vandalizing it and posting Khalistan referendum posters late on a Saturday, as reported by Australia Today. The incident occurred in Canada’s British Columbia province. Australia Today shared the incident on Twitter, stating that “Another Hindu temple vandalized in Canada by Khalistan extremists – bogus Khalistan referendum posters put at the door of Surrey Mandir to create fear among the Indian community.” The posters, as shared by Australia Today, bore the message “Canada investigates the role of India in June 18th assassination.” A video capturing the incident has gained traction on social…

The Garchumuk Zoological Garden in Kolkata’s Howrah has initiated a crucial program for the protection and conservation of the fishing cat, a vulnerable species that holds significance as West Bengal’s State animal, known as Baghrol in Bangla. The State Forest Minister, Jyotipriya Mallick, made this announcement, stating that the program would extend to places like Bankura and Jhargram in the southern and northern regions of the state. If successful, the plan aims to reintroduce six to eight pairs of fishing cats into their natural habitat by 2024. Conservation breeding programs are vital to prevent the complete collapse of species populations…

The bilateral relationship between the United States and India has reached new depths, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. As India marked its 77th Independence Day, the Biden administration extended its best wishes to the Indian-Americans celebrating the occasion. Highlighting the strong bond between the two nations, Blinken emphasized that the US and India, as the world’s oldest and largest democracies, are collaboratively contributing to an open, prosperous, secure, stable, and resilient world. Expressing warm regards to India, Blinken acknowledged the profound growth in the US-India relationship over the past year. He underlined the significance of the strategic…