Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

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…

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), representing over 35,000 Indian American physicians, has launched an initiative to increase bone marrow and stem cell registrations across the United States. Partnering with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), the campaign aims to expand the Indian donor pool, especially for patients suffering from leukemia and lymphoma, who face difficulty finding matching donors, particularly from Indian and South Asian ethnicities. Dr. Satheesh Kathula, an oncologist based in Dayton, Ohio, and the president of AAPI for the 2024-2025 term, explained that the initiative involves AAPI chapter leaders, members, and volunteers nationwide. The…

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted permission for prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) to conduct UPI transactions through third-party apps. This marks a significant change from the previous rule, where UPI payments could only be made from bank accounts via the bank’s own UPI app or approved third-party applications. Payments involving PPIs, however, could only be processed through the issuer’s app. In its regulatory announcement on April 5, 2024, the RBI clarified that this new policy applies exclusively to full-KYC PPIs, which can now perform transactions via third-party apps. This change enables PPI holders to send or receive funds…

After a peaceful and refreshing Christmas break in the tranquil outdoors, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were spotted at Mumbai Airport, making their way back from the vacation. The couple, known for their preference for privacy, kept it casual and relaxed as they walked through the airport. Wearing comfy hoodies, overcoats, caps, and sunglasses, they looked carefree and content, ready to dive back into their busy schedules after the rejuvenating holiday. On the professional front, Vicky Kaushal has several thrilling projects in the works. The actor, who has gained recognition for his diverse roles, is set to star in the…

Ram Gopal Varma’s crime classic Satya, originally released in 1998, marked a turning point in Indian cinema. This year, the film celebrated its 25th anniversary, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Starring notable actors such as Manoj Bajpayee, Urmila Matondkar, JD Chakravarthy, and Shefali Shah, the film captivated audiences with its intense narrative about Mumbai’s underworld. In a thrilling announcement, Ram Gopal Varma confirmed that Satya will make its way back to theaters in a re-release on January 17, 2025. The filmmaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the exciting news, describing the re-release as a grand return…

Durham University has announced the appointment of Professor Kieran Fernandes, of Indian origin, as the new Executive Dean (Business), effective April 2025. With over 20 years of experience in academic leadership and research, Professor Fernandes brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Currently, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Development & Engagement and Professor of Operations Management at Durham University Business School, he has held numerous leadership positions, including Head of Department and Associate Dean for Internationalisation. His research focuses on operations management, innovation diffusion, and complex systems, and he has led collaborations that fostered regional economic development. A Fellow of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of significant development initiatives in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday. Among these, the PM initiated the Ken-Betwa River linking project, India’s first interlinking of rivers under a national perspective plan. This ambitious initiative aims to provide extensive irrigation benefits to districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, positively impacting lakhs of farming families. During his speech, PM Modi praised the progress made under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s leadership, emphasizing the new momentum in development. He congratulated the residents of Madhya Pradesh for these transformative projects. Additionally, the…