Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has appointed Diya Vij as the new Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first individual of South Asian heritage to head the city’s cultural agency. In this role, Vij will report to First Deputy Mayor Julie Su, who oversees initiatives related to economic justice within the city administration. The Department of Cultural Affairs plays a central role in supporting New York’s creative landscape. As the largest municipal funder of culture in the United States, the department provides support to roughly 1,000 nonprofit cultural organizations…

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a major reshuffle of senior leadership across the city’s social services and housing agencies on Friday, naming Erin Dalton as commissioner of the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Sideya Sherman as chair of the City Planning Commission and director of the Department of City Planning (DCP). The mayor also reappointed Eric Enderlin as president of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and retained Edith Hsu-Chen as executive director of DCP. Mayor Mamdani emphasized the importance of responsive leadership, describing Dalton as a public servant who has expanded access to housing, strengthened social…

India’s steel sector is targeting a production capacity of 300 million tonnes (MT) by 2030 and 400 million tonnes by 2035, as part of its long-term strategy to position the country as a global steel manufacturing leader, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary in the Ministry of Steel, highlighted the sector’s ambitious expansion roadmap during a high-level interactive session with senior diplomats from across the globe. The engagement aimed at advancing strategic international collaborations and strengthening global partnerships in the steel sector. The Ministry also presented a preview of Bharat Steel 2026, an international conference-cum-exhibition scheduled…

India’s rapidly expanding space ecosystem has received a significant cybersecurity reinforcement with the release of joint Space Cyber Security Guidelines by CERT-In and SIA-India. The framework was officially introduced during the DefSat Conference and Expo 2026 in New Delhi, signaling a coordinated effort to safeguard the country’s growing space assets from evolving digital threats. The guidelines have been designed as a comprehensive reference for the entire space value chain. This includes satellite operators, ground station managers, equipment manufacturers, private space startups, and government agencies. With satellite communication playing a crucial role in national security, disaster response, navigation, connectivity, and broadcasting…

Tinubu, a global enterprise software leader in specialty insurance, has appointed Vinod Kachroo as Head of Americas to oversee the company’s U.S. operations and strategic expansion. In this role, Kachroo will lead Tinubu’s growth in the American market, particularly focusing on the Surety business, while strengthening partnerships with carriers and brokers. His appointment reflects Tinubu’s commitment to delivering innovative, digital-first solutions to meet evolving industry demands. Morgan Franc, CEO of Tinubu, highlighted Kachroo’s unique blend of visionary leadership and operational expertise. “Vinod’s experience in building high-performance technology platforms will be instrumental as we expand in the U.S. Surety market,” Franc…

India’s Generation X cohort is emerging as a powerful yet understated driver of the country’s consumption story, with total spending expected to cross $500 billion by FY30, according to a new report by RedSeer Strategy Consultants. The cohort, comprising individuals born between 1965 and 1980, is described as a disproportionately valuable engine of durable and premium consumption growth, supported by rising per-capita spending and financial stability. Unlike younger demographics driven by experimentation, Gen X consumption is increasingly deliberate, outcome-oriented and quality-focused. Preventive healthcare has emerged as a major spending pillar for the segment. Expenditure in this category is projected to…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for a comprehensive and human-centric approach to human rights, urging the global community to prioritise development, capacity-building and tangible improvements in the lives of vulnerable populations over politicisation and selective criticism. Addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council through a video message, Jaishankar said India seeks to expand common ground in an international environment increasingly marked by conflict, polarisation and uncertainty. He emphasised dialogue over confrontation, consensus over division and development over narrow political interests. Stressing the need for moral clarity, Jaishankar underlined that terrorism represents one of the gravest violations of human…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pleasure after meeting Israel’s President Isaac Herzog on Thursday, highlighting the wide-ranging discussions on strengthening India-Israel relations. The two leaders planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, symbolising environmental commitment and shared values. PM Modi also extended a formal invitation to President Herzog to visit India soon. Sharing his reflections on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “It was a delight to meet President Herzog and explore diverse facets of India-Israel friendship. There is immense potential in futuristic sectors such as technology, innovation, and…

Relations between India and Greece are gaining strategic significance, particularly in the defence sector, as regional geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve. Analysts highlight that the growing bilateral partnership reflects not only shared interests but also a broader strategic convergence aimed at maintaining stability across the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific. Reports indicate that shifting alliances, regional rivalries, and emerging influence axes have made select bilateral ties essential for maintaining peace. Within this context, India and Greece are enhancing their strategic dialogue, with military collaboration entering a new phase. The visit of Vice Admiral Eleftherios-Dimitrios Katara, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General…

India and Africa are entering a transformative phase in their bilateral relationship, enhancing collaboration across trade, technology, and climate initiatives amid a shifting global landscape. A high-level meeting in New Delhi underscored Africa’s growing geopolitical and economic importance, with delegates emphasizing stronger South-South cooperation, resilient supply chains, and partnerships for energy transition. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was highlighted as a pivotal instrument for regional integration, promising standardized trade policies, expanded industrial development, and stronger value chains. Analysts noted that the partnership has moved beyond traditional solidarity, evolving into a proactive alliance aimed at fostering a more multipolar…