Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

India is expected to weather the impact of the US tariff hike of 50% more effectively than many other nations, thanks to its robust domestic demand and sector-specific exemptions. According to S&P Global Ratings, the tariff increase, effective August 27, will have uneven effects across industries. Labour-intensive sectors like textiles and gems and jewellery may experience only moderate disruptions, while pharmaceuticals, smartphones, and steel are relatively insulated due to existing exemptions, prior tariffs, and strong internal consumption. Other sectors, such as capital goods, chemicals, automobiles, and food and beverages, are likely to face the most significant adjustments. The US move…

Indian companies are grappling with the steepest earnings downgrades in Asia as analysts trim forecasts, citing the impact of higher U.S. tariffs. Forward 12-month earnings projections for India’s large and mid-cap firms have been cut by 1.2% over the past two weeks, the biggest decline in the region, according to LSEG IBES data. The reductions follow another weak corporate earnings season, continuing a slowdown that began last year and has weighed heavily on benchmark indexes. While India’s economy remains largely domestic, with Nifty 50 companies earning just 9% of their revenue from the U.S., the new tariff regime — reaching…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking an important step in shaping India-China ties. Following the meeting, Modi highlighted that the two nations were witnessing “steady progress” in their diplomatic relations, built on mutual respect and understanding of each other’s concerns. Reflecting on his last meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan during the BRICS Summit, Modi noted that the dialogue had laid the foundation for improved bilateral engagement. He added that he looked forward to continuing talks with Xi in Tianjin later this month during the Shanghai…

India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has said that relations between India and China are showing an “upward trend,” with the border situation remaining calm since the leaders of the two countries met in Kazan last year. His remarks came during the 24th round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary issue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit to discuss a wide range of matters, including the border situation, trade relations, and the possible resumption of direct flight services between the…

A Pennsylvania-based nonprofit, the Drishti Foundation, has announced its annual fundraising run and walk to benefit blind and visually impaired children across the region. Scheduled for Sunday, September 7, the event will be held in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and will feature both a 5K run and a 1K walk. This year’s program will be hosted in collaboration with the Royer-Greaves School for Blind in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Organizers said that proceeds from the event will be used to strengthen the school’s vocational training initiatives, offering blind and visually impaired individuals opportunities to build essential life and work skills. The Drishti Foundation was…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, reaffirmed that a self-reliant India—‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’—is the cornerstone for building a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat.’ He stressed that true independence means reducing overdependence on others and ensuring autonomy across critical sectors. In the defence sector, Modi announced the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a program designed to neutralize threats and strengthen offensive capabilities. Inspired by the mythological weapon of Lord Krishna, the mission aims to develop a dome-like defence shield entirely researched, designed, and manufactured within India. He urged the youth to take the lead…

On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his historic Red Fort address to set forth an ambitious plan for economic reform, promising citizens a “Double Diwali” this year through sweeping next-generation GST changes. In his 103-minute speech — the longest Independence Day address by any Indian prime minister — Modi called for a stronger, self-reliant India, urging the nation to commit to building the “samarth Bharat” envisioned by freedom fighters. He pointed to recent income tax simplifications and announced that the government’s next major step will be overhauling the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system to make…

The Connecticut State Assembly has formally honored India’s 78th Independence Day with an official citation, recognizing the contributions of the state’s vibrant Indian American community. Initiated by State Representative Matt Blumenthal and Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, and supported by 13 other legislators, the citation praised the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) for promoting Indian heritage and supporting local charities. It bore the signatures of Senate Pro Tempore Marten M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter, and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas. Festivities began on August 10 at the Stamford Government Center with a flag-hoisting ceremony…

India and Zambia have formalized a trade cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing the cooperative sector and opening new export opportunities. Both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote partnerships between cooperatives and develop stronger business links. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, announced the deal in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the government’s broader mission to boost India’s cooperative export ecosystem. According to Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation is actively working through Indian missions overseas to connect National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) with potential importers. These missions also provide market intelligence to help Indian cooperatives tailor…

The Western media’s reluctance to clearly highlight India’s superior performance during Operation Sindoor reflects a broader pattern of underplaying the nation’s growing military sophistication, according to a leading British publication. Launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, Operation Sindoor targeted terror bases in Pakistan in one of India’s most decisive military actions since 1971. Satellite imagery and independent assessments confirmed extensive damage to Pakistani defence infrastructure, underscoring India’s precision strike capabilities and the operational disparity between the two countries. Despite this evidence, major Western outlets portrayed the conflict as an equal exchange, avoiding acknowledgment…