Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

India is enhancing its global trade facilitation efforts by negotiating Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with customs authorities in about 30 countries, announced Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. These MRAs reduce compliance costs by removing dual certifications and simplifying regulatory procedures, ultimately fostering more seamless trade opportunities. India has already established MRAs with significant trade partners, including the US, South Korea, the UAE, Taiwan, Australia, and Malaysia. Discussions are also progressing with Japan and South Africa. These agreements bolster the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program, which streamlines trade by recognizing exporters and importers…

Indian-American scientist Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been appointed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation’s leading health research institution. This historic nomination marks the first time Trump has selected an Indian-American for a significant administrative position. Previously, Trump had chosen Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to head the Department of Government Efficiency, a voluntary position not requiring Senate confirmation. Elon Musk will also contribute to this department. Announcing the nomination, Trump expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I am proud to appoint Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, to lead the NIH. Dr. Bhattacharya, alongside…

Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma will headline the US India Chamber of Commerce (USICOC) 25th Annual Awards Banquet on December 10, 2024, at the Westin Dallas Park Central. The event will gather leaders from various sectors to celebrate innovation, leadership, and global partnerships. Founded in 1999 as the Greater Dallas Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, the USICOC fosters professional and business growth in North Texas. Indian American businessman Ashok Mago, CEO of Mago & Associates, served as its founding chairman. As the first Indian American U.S. Ambassador to India, Verma made significant contributions to strengthening relations between the two…

One of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema over the next two years is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War. The project, renowned for its grand scale, features an impressive star cast and has generated buzz with updates about its production, including the evolving looks of Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor. Recently, Alia Bhatt joined the film’s sets in Mumbai, kicking off her exclusive year-long commitment to the Bhansali project. Love & War, starring Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, and Ranbir Kapoor, revolves around a love triangle—a genre Bhansali excels in. While rumors previously suggested it was a remake of…

The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND, is currently taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra, from November 8 to 21. This annual event aims to enhance military coordination and operational efficiency between the two nations’ armed forces, with a focus on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrains. AUSTRAHIND, which started in 2022, alternates between India and Australia. This year, about 140 Indian personnel, including members of the DOGRA Regiment and the Indian Air Force, are joined by 120 Australian soldiers from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade. The exercise…

Several Indian-origin business leaders feature prominently on Fortune’s inaugural “100 Most Powerful People in Business” list, which recognises individuals shaping industries with their influence, innovation, and leadership. Among them are Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet (Google); Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe; Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube; and Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries. Satya Nadella has revolutionised Microsoft by steering it through two major transformations—from PCs to the cloud, and now to AI. His leadership includes significant investments in AI capabilities and emerging technologies like quantum computing. Sundar Pichai leads Alphabet, one of the world’s…

Research by ServiceNow highlights that emerging technologies are set to significantly expand India’s job market, with an estimated 2.73 million new tech jobs anticipated by 2028. This growth is part of an overall increase in India’s workforce, projected to expand from 423.73 million in 2023 to 457.62 million by 2028—a net addition of 33.89 million workers. The retail sector is expected to lead this employment surge, adding 6.96 million jobs, followed by the manufacturing sector with 1.5 million, education with 0.84 million, and healthcare with 0.8 million. This rise in job opportunities is driven by India’s economic expansion and ongoing…

Vineet Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Avaada Group, revealed at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference that India aims to establish a fully integrated solar equipment manufacturing ecosystem within the next four to five years. This ambitious goal contrasts with the 20-plus years other countries have taken to develop similar infrastructures. Currently, India’s solar sector faces challenges due to its reliance on imports for key components, slowing growth. However, Mittal expressed confidence that this situation will soon change as the country works towards a self-sustained solar supply chain. He also highlighted Avaada Group’s plan to build a manufacturing…

Recent polling indicates a notable change in the political preferences of Indian Americans, with a growing inclination towards Donald Trump. In response, Vice President Kamala Harris is making a deliberate effort to engage with Indian American voters by celebrating her mother, Shyama Gopalan, and her journey as an immigrant. In a post shared on X, Harris reflected on her mother’s solo immigration from India at a young age, emphasizing her bravery and the impact it had on her life. This strategy aims to reinforce her connection with the Indian American community while highlighting their common values. Despite Indian Americans still…

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has reportedly donated around $50 million to Future Forward, a non-profit organization that is the primary external fundraising group supporting U.S. Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. The donation was intended to remain confidential, as Gates has not publicly endorsed Harris. According to The New York Times, this donation signifies a notable shift in Gates’s previous approach to political contributions. In private discussions with friends this year, Gates has voiced worries about the implications of a second Trump presidency, although he has emphasized that he intends to work with whichever candidate is elected. The report…