Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed strong support for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure better representation for the developing world. Speaking at the ‘Summit of the Future’ during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, he reiterated the US’s longstanding endorsement of permanent seats for India, Japan, and Germany. Blinken proposed the inclusion of two permanent seats for Africa, a rotating seat for Small Island Developing States, and permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean. He stated, “Reforming the UN Security Council to better represent the developing world, and…

Shots were fired at Kamala Harris’s election campaign office in Tempe, Arizona, marking the second attack in a month after the front windows were previously targeted with a pellet gun. Tempe Police confirmed the incident to NBC News, stating that “damage from gunfire” was found at the Democratic National Committee office, though there were no injuries reported. Sgt. Ryan Cook, a Public Information Officer for the Tempe Police, emphasized the concerns raised regarding the safety of employees and nearby residents. Local television stations showed footage displaying two bullet holes in a door and two in the windows of the office.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a captivating video showcasing a bustling Nassau Veterans Coliseum, filled with over 13,000 Indian Americans attending the Modi & US event. Expressing his sentiments, PM Modi remarked, “An unforgettable community program in New York, deepening the bond with our diaspora!” The gathering, primarily comprising attendees from New York and New Jersey, saw participation from Indian Americans across 40 states, with organizers utilizing sixty charter buses for transportation. During his address, PM Modi urged the Indian community in the U.S. to leverage their influence in enhancing ties between New Delhi and Washington. The event featured lively…

India created history on Sunday as both the men’s and women’s teams claimed their first-ever gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad. The men’s team secured victory over Slovenia, thanks to wins from D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanadhaa in the decisive 11th round. Meanwhile, the women’s team triumphed over Azerbaijan with a 3.5-0.5 score to clinch the title. This marks a breakthrough for the Indian men’s team, which had previously earned bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. The women’s team had also won a bronze medal in 2022 in Chennai. The standout performances came from Gukesh and Arjun…

India’s journey toward digital transformation has accelerated significantly, fueled by the development of a robust digital public infrastructure. This infrastructure has proven crucial in the country’s progress, positioning India as the third-largest digitalized nation in the world. As we celebrate nine years of the Digital India Mission, the country’s expansive access to the internet has sparked a rapid evolution in various sectors, including e-commerce, which is projected to grow to $350 billion by 2030. One of the primary beneficiaries of this digital revolution is the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. E-commerce has provided MSMEs the opportunity to reach…

During his address to the U.S. Congress in June 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a point to recognize Vice President Kamala Harris’s Indian heritage. He remarked, “There are millions here who have roots in India. Some of them proudly sit in this chamber, and there is one right behind me, who has made history,” gesturing toward Harris. Modi humorously referred to the small group of Indian American lawmakers as the “Samosa Caucus,” celebrating their cultural contributions. Harris, whose mother was born in India and father in Jamaica, is the first Indian American to run for the highest office…

When the unpopular President Joe Biden, who had not seen a 50% approval rating since 2021, was removed from the Democratic presidential ticket, many assumed that Vice President Kamala Harris, a candidate with Indian heritage, would easily secure the Indian American vote. Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother from Tamil Nadu, became the first Indian American to run for U.S. president. However, despite endorsements from prominent Indian American figures like author Salman Rushdie and tech entrepreneur Vinod Khosla, Harris has struggled to rally support from the community. This difficulty is compounded by Harris’s past unsuccessful attempts to secure a…

In the initial 100 days of Modi 3.0, the Indian government has made significant strides with the approval of infrastructure projects worth approximately $36 billion. Each project has a designated inauguration date, including the development of Wadhavan Port in Maharashtra, which is budgeted at $9.2 billion, and the expansion of the PM Gram Sadak Yojana to connect 25,000 previously unconnected villages at a cost of $6 billion. Additional investments include $6.1 billion for roads and high-speed corridors, new railway lines, and the construction of three new airports, along with metro projects in Bengaluru, Pune, and Thane. The government’s focus on…

Speaking at a lecture titled “Global Uncertainties and Resurgent Bharat” organised by the Vishwamanthan Research Foundation, Prafulla Ketkar, editor of Organiser Weekly, highlighted India’s growing role as a source of solutions during global crises. Ketkar emphasised that the world is looking toward India with renewed hope, primarily due to its unique concept of “spiritual democracy.” According to him, this concept grants people the freedom to believe in what they feel is true, which in turn fosters an environment where innovative and compassionate solutions can emerge. Ketkar pointed out that this kind of freedom in India allows for a diversity of…

India is steadily positioning itself as a prominent global research hub with aspirations to lead the biotechnology sector, according to Ajay Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. At the Global Bio-India 2024 Summit, Sood emphasised the nation’s swift progress in research and innovation, pointing to a remarkable improvement in India’s global standing. A recent report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) showcased India’s progress, noting that the country now ranks in the top five for 45 out of 64 technologies, an increase from 37 the previous year. Sood also acknowledged India’s impressive growth in biological…