Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance have announced the arrival of their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The birth marks a rare moment in American political history, making JD Vance the first sitting US vice president in more than 150 years to welcome a child while serving in office. The couple shared the joyful news through a joint statement posted on social media, revealing that Alec was born on Sunday morning. They said both Usha and the newborn are healthy and doing well, while their three older children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—are thrilled…

India and Finland have taken another step toward strengthening their economic partnership with the signing of two industry-focused Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding trade, investment, and business collaboration. The agreements were announced during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s high-level visit to Finland, highlighting the growing importance of bilateral economic engagement between the two nations. The visit comes after India and Finland elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability in March 2026. It also follows the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to create new opportunities for businesses,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind, Haryana, on July 17, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to adopt cleaner and more sustainable transportation technologies. With this launch, India will join a select group of nations, including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States, that are developing hydrogen-based rail solutions. The hydrogen-powered train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, which has been selected as the pilot corridor for the project. The initiative represents a major advancement for Indian Railways and reflects its focus on innovation, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible transportation.…

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has officially begun his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS), reaching a significant milestone in a career that combines medicine, engineering, military leadership, and human spaceflight. Traveling aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, Menon joins an international crew for an approximately eight-month mission focused on scientific research and technological advancement in space. Born on October 15, 1976, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Menon comes from a diverse cultural background. His father immigrated from India, while his mother has Ukrainian roots. Throughout his professional journey, he has built an impressive reputation as an emergency physician, aerospace medicine…

India has officially kicked off its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar outlining the country’s vision for a more balanced and effective global order. Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York, Jaishankar said India remains committed to promoting international peace, fairness, and stronger representation for developing nations. The campaign centers on the theme “SHANTI,” which stands for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, and Integrity. According to Jaishankar, this approach reflects India’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation while addressing today’s most pressing global…

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another milestone in the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission by successfully completing three important tests related to the Crew Module systems. The trials focused on astronaut safety features, separation mechanisms, and structural performance required for a successful space mission. The first test evaluated the Crew Module Uprighting System, a crucial technology designed to help the spacecraft return to a stable upright position after landing in the ocean. The system uses stored cold-gas technology and plays an important role in ensuring astronaut safety during the recovery phase after splashdown. The second test examined the…

India has presented a strong defense of its labor protection framework before the United States Trade Representative (USTR), arguing that the country already has comprehensive laws, regulatory institutions, and corporate compliance mechanisms to prevent forced labor. The statement was made during a public hearing on July 8 regarding Washington’s proposed Section 301 tariff action. Representatives from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry told the USTR that India’s approach combines constitutional guarantees, labor regulations, enforcement systems, and…

Indian American engineer and academic Arvind Raman has officially assumed office as the 18th director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), taking charge of one of the United States’ leading scientific agencies. Sworn in on June 30 following his Senate confirmation on May 18, Raman will also serve as the undersecretary of commerce for standards and technology. His appointment places him at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the nation’s scientific research, technology development, and industrial competitiveness. NIST plays a critical role in creating standards and advancing research that support innovation across multiple sectors of the US…

India should avoid rushing into a trade agreement with the United States and instead focus on a calculated, long-term strategy that strengthens its negotiating position, according to a new report released by SBI Research on Friday. The report argues that maintaining constructive dialogue while resisting pressure for immediate concessions could ultimately help India secure a more favorable trade deal. The report recommends that India keep diplomatic engagement positive, avoid public disputes, and make only limited commitments that can be adjusted if necessary. Rather than reacting quickly to the US administration’s opening demands, India should wait until Washington faces the economic…

India’s automotive components industry is expected to maintain its growth momentum in the upcoming fiscal year, with projections indicating an expansion of 8-10% in FY27. According to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the sector’s growth will be supported by strong domestic demand, increasing exports, and continued investments in technology and manufacturing capabilities. The industry recorded a turnover of ₹7.60 lakh crore, equivalent to approximately $85.9 billion, marking a 12.7% increase in rupee terms compared with the previous fiscal year. Rising demand from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), growth in replacement markets, and higher export orders contributed significantly to the sector’s…