Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

In a groundbreaking achievement, India successfully conducted a flight test of its long-range hypersonic missile off the Odisha coast, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities. This cutting-edge missile places India among a select group of nations possessing weapons that can strike at extreme speeds and evade most air defense systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test, conducted under India’s inaugural long-range hypersonic mission, as a “historic moment” and a “stupendous achievement.” Sharing the news on ‘X,’ Singh emphasized the importance of this success in establishing India as a leader in advanced military technology. Developed by the Defence…

Republican candidate Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the US presidential election, capturing a decisive majority in the Electoral College and, for the first time, winning the popular vote. Vice President Kamala Harris, who joined the race after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal, narrowly lost the election. This marks the second time in three elections that a female Democratic candidate was unable to defeat Trump. The latest episode of Grand Tamasha, a podcast on Indian politics and policy, explored the election’s implications for Indian Americans and US-India relations. Featured guests Sadanand Dhume from the Wall Street Journal and Tanvi Madan from…

Dr. Sandeep Mazumder has been unanimously chosen by the Berry College Board of Trustees to serve as its ninth president, with his term beginning on July 1, 2025. Mazumder will succeed President Stephen Briggs, who has led the college since 2006 and is set to retire at the end of the academic year. Mazumder expressed admiration for Berry’s mission of educating students’ head, heart, and hands to inspire community-focused leaders. “It is an honor to serve as Berry College’s next president,” he said, highlighting his commitment to championing Martha Berry’s philosophy and amplifying the college’s national reputation. John Coleman, chair…

The Indian mutual fund industry showcased its resilience in October 2024, even as market fluctuations led to a decline in assets under management (AUM). Domestic equity funds witnessed a 3.6% month-on-month (MoM) drop, settling at $387.32 billion, following a 6.2% decline in the Nifty index. However, the industry achieved an all-time high in equity inflows, recording $5.92 billion—a significant 37% jump from September’s $4.33 billion. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) contributions also surged, hitting a record $3.01 billion, reflecting a robust 49.6% year-on-year growth. Equity schemes displayed resilience, with sales rising by 3.5% MoM to reach $10.33 billion. Slower redemption rates,…

Under the leadership of Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is moving to place Google under formal federal supervision, as reported by The Washington Post. This could result in Google undergoing regular inspections and scrutiny similar to the monitoring that major banks face. However, the tech giant has been resistant to the idea throughout months of secretive discussions, according to sources familiar with the talks. Founded after the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB aims to create more effective regulations, enforce rules consistently, and empower consumers in financial markets. While the agency currently conducts inspections of large banks and…

India is at the forefront of the global digital revolution, as financial technology propels the rapid expansion of digital payments, according to Michael Debabrata Patra, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He highlighted that the digital economy already constitutes 10% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is projected to reach 20% by 2026, based on decade-long growth trends. Patra attributed this progress to India’s robust digital public infrastructure, flourishing IT industry, and youthful population, which boasts one of the largest pools of artificial intelligence (AI) talent globally. These factors collectively create immense opportunities for future…

India remains a crucial ally for the United States in promoting Indo-Pacific and global regional stability, according to the US State Department. Under outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration, ties between the two nations have significantly deepened, particularly in trade and security. During a press briefing, Vedant Patel, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson, emphasized the importance of this partnership. He noted that President Biden and outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken view India as an essential partner. Over the past four years, the administration has made tangible progress in enhancing collaboration in key areas, including economic and defense partnerships. Patel stated,…

Canada appears to be revising its approach toward India following Donald Trump’s U.S. election win on November 5, 2024. This diplomatic shift signals a potentially new chapter in Canada-India relations, influenced by the White House power shift. Previously, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government was vocal in its support of Khalistani separatists operating within Canada, ignoring India’s calls to curb these groups’ activities, which openly challenged India’s sovereignty. With Trump poised to return to the Oval Office, Canada’s stance on India is now noticeably softer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his positive relationship with Trump, stands in sharp contrast to…

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a new initiative focused on enhancing government efficiency, titled the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump announced this decision on Tuesday, emphasizing the mission to reduce bureaucracy, cut excess regulations, and streamline federal agencies. Trump noted that DOGE would partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement entrepreneurial strategies for structural reform. Trump stated that this department would be “the Manhattan Project of our time,” aiming to make the U.S. government more accountable and efficient, with…

Dr. Akshay Khandelwal has been named to the Gerald E. McGinnis Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), backed by a $2 million endowment from the McGinnis family to support his goal of advancing cardiac treatments and easing the burden of heart disease across diverse patient populations. An interventional cardiologist, Dr. Khandelwal specializes in catheter-based treatments for heart disease, with a focus on complex coronary procedures like angioplasty, stenting, and diagnostic cardiology. Expressing gratitude to the McGinnis family, Dr. Khandelwal remarked, “The McGinnis family’s incredible generosity allows us to push the boundaries in cardiovascular medicine—a fitting tribute…