Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, emphasizing the vital role of the Indian diaspora in the nation’s progress and global presence. He highlighted India’s significant accomplishments, including lifting 250 million people out of poverty within a decade, achieving the status of the world’s fifth-largest economy, advancements in digital technology, and milestones like the Chandrayaan mission and indigenous fighter jet production. PM Modi praised the diaspora’s contributions to India’s development and urged them to strengthen the country’s global influence by promoting Indian products, heritage, and true historical narratives in their host countries. He…

On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised the Indian diaspora in the UK for their invaluable contributions, attributing the increasing global trust in India to their dedication, work ethic, and excellence in various fields. He emphasized that Indians’ commitment to service and hard work has significantly shaped India’s international reputation, independent of political influence. While addressing the Indian community at India House, Birla wished them a prosperous new year and remarked on India’s cultural diversity, with festivals like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Lohri being celebrated globally. Despite being far from home, Birla acknowledged that the heart and culture of…

In a pivotal meeting in New Delhi, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval discussed crucial issues aimed at deepening US-India ties, particularly in the realms of nuclear cooperation, defense, and advanced technologies. One of the key outcomes of the talks was Sullivan’s announcement that efforts would be made to delist Indian nuclear entities from US sanctions, paving the way for stronger civil nuclear collaboration between the two nations. Sullivan emphasized that this move would enhance India’s energy security while also contributing to clean energy efforts. Sullivan also revealed updates to US missile export…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s potential to become the global health and wellness capital, envisioning a future where ‘Heal in India’ joins the ‘Make in India’ mantra. Modi shared these aspirations while virtually inaugurating the foundation of a new Central Ayurveda Research Institute building in Rohini, describing it as a monumental step for Ayurveda’s future. The new facility, covering 2.92 acres and backed by an investment of $22.6 million (Rs 187 crore), will feature a 100-bed hospital aimed at advancing Ayurvedic research and offering healthcare services to the public. The prime minister emphasized the government’s dedication to making healthcare…

In 2024, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India achieved the highest number of IPOs in Asia, with a total of 268 listings spanning both its mainboard and SME sectors. The mainboard hosted 90 IPOs, while 178 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) debuted on the NSE’s Emerge platform. Together, these IPOs raised a total of US$ 19.53 billion (Rs. 1.67 trillion) during the year. This robust activity was partly fueled by Hyundai Motor India’s initial public offering, which raised US$ 3.3 billion, marking it as the largest IPO in India and the second-largest globally. Globally, there were 1,145 IPOs in…

India firmly refuted two recent reports by The Washington Post on Friday, dismissing allegations of involvement in a failed plan to impeach Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and claims about covert Indian operations targeting individuals in Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, criticized the newspaper and the reporter for displaying what he termed “compulsive hostility” towards India. Jaiswal commented, “Their activities reveal a clear pattern, and from our perspective, they lack any credibility.” In its Maldives report, The Washington Post alleged that opposition politicians discussed bribing 40 MPs, including members of Muizzu’s party, under a so-called “Democratic…

Former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Ajit Pai has voiced his support for a federal law that could lead to a ban on TikTok unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests. The Indian American, who headed the FCC during Donald Trump’s first term, has a history of opposing Chinese tech firms like Huawei. However, this time, Pai finds himself aligned with Congress and against Trump, who has shifted his stance on TikTok. On December 28, Pai, alongside former Treasury Department official Thomas Feddo, filed a Supreme Court brief advocating for the law. The brief argued that there is legal precedent supporting…

The year 2025 is poised to witness a significant rise in electric vehicle (EV) launches in India, with electric SUVs taking the spotlight across various price segments. Prominent automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata Motors, Mercedes, Audi, and BYD are gearing up for major EV rollouts. Reports also suggest that Tesla may explore the Indian market, potentially introducing imported models. This surge follows the government’s strong push towards clean mobility, aiming to tackle pollution and reduce fuel import costs. Stricter emission regulations and potential penalties are further driving the shift toward EV adoption. While petrol, diesel, hybrid, and CNG…

Ayodhya experienced an extraordinary influx of visitors on the first day of the New Year, as the newly built Ram Mandir attracted millions of pilgrims. The temple, which was consecrated on January 22 the previous year, became the focal point for devotees eager to offer their prayers. Local authorities estimated that over 2 million pilgrims had already arrived by New Year’s Eve, with an additional 3 million people pouring into the city on New Year’s Day to see the idol of Ram Lalla, which was unveiled at sunrise. Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, linked the record…

India’s digital revolution has become a cornerstone for entrepreneurship, income generation, and socio-economic growth, especially for small vendors and underdeveloped areas, as highlighted in the World Bank’s latest report. By leveraging advancements in internet connectivity, mobile technology, and social platforms, digital tools have reshaped India’s economic landscape. The report emphasizes the role of digital technologies in fostering inclusion and opportunity. Underprivileged students now access educational resources, enabling skill development and social progress. The creation of digital records, including transaction and payment histories, allows financial institutions to assess creditworthiness, providing underserved communities with access to credit and financial services. Aadhaar, introduced…