Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Since its establishment in 2016, the GeM platform has resulted in savings of over US$ 5.43 billion (Rs. 45,000 crore) in government procurement costs, as per the commerce ministry. The ministry’s statement highlights the platform’s commitment to cost efficiency, having facilitated savings exceeding US$ 5.43 billion (Rs. 45,000 crore) since 2016. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) serves as India’s digital marketplace for public procurement, offering transparent and efficient sourcing for government entities, organizations, and PSUs. Furthermore, the portal’s performance has surpassed prominent public procurement platforms like South Korea’s KONEPS and Singapore’s GeBIZ. In the fiscal year 2022-23, central purchasers, including CPSEs…

The pursuit of justice in the tragic history of the Kashmiri Pandit genocide and their subsequent forced migration seems to have taken a positive turn, as the Jammu and Kashmir Police reopen investigations into prominent figures’ killings in the region after more than thirty years. This development offers hope to the community, despite the Supreme Court’s previous refusal in 2017 to reopen 215 cases related to the brutal killing of around 700 Kashmiri Pandits during the period of displacement. The Supreme Court’s earlier stance, grounded in the challenge of gathering substantial evidence decades later, seemed to close the door to…

India is playing a leading role in tackling global concerns, according to Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space. Dr. Singh highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is spearheading the global climate movement, and India is positioned to guide the world in its battle against climate change. He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change, which transcends boundaries and societal divisions. The PHD Chamber of…

A group of US lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle is set to travel to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Red Fort address on India’s Independence Day, August 15. The delegation is led by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Michael Waltz, who co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. Expressing his personal connection to the event, Khanna stated that his grandfather was an advocate for India’s independence. He views this trip as a historic opportunity to strengthen the US-India relationship and plans to meet with various Indian leaders in government, business, technology,…

India is set to launch the BRICS Startup Forum in 2023, aiming to foster collaboration and share best practices among startups, investors, and entrepreneurs. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, made this announcement during the 7th BRICS Industry Ministers meeting held virtually with South Africa as the Chair. Goyal highlighted the remarkable transformation in India, particularly through the expanding Startup India initiative that has given rise to almost 100,000 startups. The minister focused on India’s potential to aid other BRICS nations and the global community with “Transforming Production Systems,” as outlined in an official statement. Affirming India’s commitment to…

Tesla, the global automotive and clean energy company, has named Vaibhav Taneja as its new CFO, according to an August 7, 2023, report filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. This announcement followed the resignation of their previous CFO, Zachary Kirkhorn, on August 4, 2023. Kirkhorn, who had been with Tesla for over 13 years and was seen as a potential successor to CEO Elon Musk, departed the company. Vaibhav Taneja, the current Chief Accounting Officer at Tesla, will assume the role of CFO until the year’s end, facilitating a smooth transition. Taneja’s earlier experience includes 16 years with…

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s recent post for Friendship Day resonates with warmth and relatability. The heartwarming snapshot captures her enjoying spaghetti, her delight evident in her expression. The caption exudes companionship, stating, “Happy Friendship Day. Each bite makes me happy.” She playfully calls herself a “spaghetti girl foreva.” Seated elegantly at a lavish table, Kareena connects with her audience, asking, “Any spaghetti girls out there? You know what I feel?” This simple declaration reflects her love for food and everyday joys of genuine friendship. Kareena’s strong bonds with celebrities like Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, and sister Karisma Kapoor are evident. An…

Alia Bhatt is set to debut in Hollywood with ‘Hearts of Stone’, starring Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. She discussed the difference between working in Hollywood and Bollywood. Alia emphasized that film stars worldwide share the same essence, vision, and intention, despite language variations. She mentioned that storytelling and core emotions remain consistent. Alia faced challenges with English dialogues on the first day of ‘Heart of Stone’ shoot. Despite being comfortable speaking English, mouthing lines felt strange as she’s used to delivering dialogues in Hindi. In the movie, she portrays Keya Dhawan, possibly the main antagonist, and filmed action scenes…

Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, arrived in Jeddah for the ‘Ukraine Peace Summit,’ excluding Russia and attended by 40 nations including the US and China. His participation highlights India’s intent to contribute to resolving the ongoing 18-month conflict. Ruchira Kamboj, India’s UN representative, expressed support for the UN Secretary-General’s Black Sea Grain Initiative, acknowledging recent disruptions in peace efforts. While India refrains from directly condemning Russia’s Ukrainian invasion, it emphasizes conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. China, though neutral, aligns with Russia’s stance. A previous peace summit in Copenhagen saw China absent, but its sudden announcement of sending special envoy…

The Rockefeller Foundation, a US-based organization, has criticized The Washington Post for what it perceives as a misleading report concerning India’s solar power systems. The article in question, titled ‘India joins rush to renewables, but sites rural solar systems fall off the grid,’ was published on July 31, 2023. Penned by Karishma Mehrotra, the article alleges that India has struggled in its transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources like solar energy. According to the article, India’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for the global rush into renewables, citing a lack of planning for maintaining solar energy systems. The…