Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed optimism about the future of US-India strategic relations, emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations. He highlighted that this bond is deeply rooted in their mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity. In his congratulatory message to the people of India ahead of their Independence Day, Blinken remarked, “On this significant day, we honor the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and look forward to a bright future for US-India relations.” As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, Blinken’s message underlined the importance of the comprehensive global and strategic…

A recent study suggests that while folate intake is generally beneficial, particularly for the young, it might lead to metabolic issues in older individuals. Researchers from Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Research observed that lower folate levels, a form of vitamin B9, aided in the shift from sleep metabolism to waking metabolism in mice. During sleep, metabolism focuses on burning body fat, while waking metabolism shifts to burning carbohydrates for daily activities. This study builds on previous research where folate restriction in yeast and worms led to increased longevity compared to controls. In the current study, 52-week-old middle-aged mice were either…

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revealed in its latest report that the United States dominated India’s Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) landscape in FY24. By March 31, 2024, the number of registered FPIs in India had risen to 11,219, marking a slight increase from 11,081 in the previous year. Among these, the United States led the way with 3,457 registered investors, followed by Luxembourg with 1,393 and Canada with 804. The report also delved into the Assets Under Custody (AUC) held by FPIs, which saw a substantial increase. As of March 31, 2024, the AUC surged by…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 new crop varieties today at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. These crops, known for their high yield, climate resilience, and nutritional benefits, are expected to support both environmental sustainability and reduced agricultural costs. During the event, Modi engaged with farmers and scientists, highlighting the value of these new varieties in advancing agricultural productivity. He emphasized the growing importance of millets and the shift towards nutritious food. The farmers expressed their appreciation for the government’s efforts in promoting natural farming practices. Modi also recommended that Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) regularly update farmers…

Former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy recently made a striking claim, suggesting that former President Barack Obama is covertly directing Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Speaking on the radio show “The Cats Roundtable” on 770 WABC, McCarthy alleged that key members of Obama’s former team, including David Plouffe, are now significantly involved in Harris’ campaign efforts. McCarthy pointed out that individuals from Obama’s inner circle have transitioned to playing central roles in Harris’ campaign. He specifically mentioned David Plouffe, who managed Obama’s 2008 campaign and later served as a top White House adviser, as a senior aide now working on Harris’…

Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a distinguished biochemist, has been honored with India’s inaugural ‘Vigyan Ratna’ award, the nation’s highest scientific accolade, in recognition of his lifetime achievements in science and technology. The government announced this prestigious recognition on Wednesday, alongside the selection of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 team for the first-ever ‘Vigyan Team’ award. Padmanabhan, who has previously been awarded the Padma Bhushan, currently serves as an honorary professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. The ‘Vigyan Ratna’ award is specifically designed to acknowledge individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of science and technology. Along with the ‘Vigyan…

The Indian economy is facing increased scrutiny as comparisons with China intensify. China, which drove global growth for nearly three decades, contributed significantly to global GDP expansion from 1990 to 2020. Between 2013 and 2021, China was responsible for nearly 39% of global GDP growth—13% more than the combined contribution of the G7 countries. For India to follow in China’s footsteps, it would need to achieve nearly double-digit growth for several decades, become a major player in the global manufacturing supply chain, shift towards export-led growth, and attract substantial foreign investment. Although this is a formidable challenge, India is at…

Indian-origin entrepreneur Atal Agarwal, an advocate for improved U.S. immigration reforms, has shared his perspectives on the potential presidency of Kamala Harris. The Indian community in the United States faces a significant challenge, particularly regarding the estimated 250,000 children of Indian immigrants who are forced to self-deport due to the green card backlog. These “Documented Dreamers” grow up in America, attending schools and absorbing American values, yet face uncertain futures due to the lengthy and complicated immigration process. The green card backlog for Indian nationals is notoriously long, often extending into decades due to the per-country cap limiting the number…

Indian-American Judge Amit Mehta, along with two other prominent figures from the subcontinent, has become a focal point in a major legal and political drama following a landmark court ruling on Tuesday. The ruling determined that Google acted illegally to maintain its dominance in online search. This case, initiated during the Trump administration, saw the Department of Justice accusing Google of spending billions annually on securing exclusive contracts with companies like Apple and Samsung to ensure it remained the default search engine. The case has been described as one of the most significant antitrust decisions in a quarter-century, with the…

Deloitte India’s August update on the India Economic Outlook projects the country’s economy will grow at a rate of 7-7.2% for the current fiscal year. This optimistic forecast is underpinned by strong economic fundamentals and ongoing domestic policy reforms. The Union Budget for 2024-25 has rolled out a series of initiatives designed to enhance agricultural productivity, create jobs for the youth, stimulate the manufacturing sector, and improve financial accessibility for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These efforts are expected to support supply-side demand, moderate inflation, and encourage consumer spending, particularly in rural areas. Dr. Rumki Majumdar, a Deloitte India…