Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) hosted the CII-Deloitte Breakfast Session on “Digital Public Infrastructure and India’s Impact on Global Technology Value Chains.” This session showcased India’s capabilities as a vibrant democracy proficient in delivering digital solutions. Union Minister Smriti Irani emphasized India’s success in providing technology-driven solutions to its massive population, exceeding a billion. She highlighted the country’s digital capabilities and the substantial demand for data science professionals. Irani stated, “India is a vibrant democracy that can deliver digitally. It has delivered through technology to a billion+ population.” Despite pandemic challenges, India…

A research team from Mississippi State University (MUS) has been awarded a substantial grant of over $550,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear physics program to delve into the burgeoning realm of quantum computing. This initiative, entitled “Three-body Interactions on a Quantum Computer,” will unfold over a three-year period and is spearheaded by Professor Gautam Rupak from MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Quantum computing, an interdisciplinary domain merging computer science, physics, and mathematics, exploits the principles of quantum mechanics for more efficient problem-solving compared to classical computers. The project aims to enhance models elucidating atomic and nuclear interactions,…

Indian American Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley acknowledged her third-place finish in the Iowa caucus but claimed to be the “last best hope of stopping Trump-Biden nightmare.” Haley asserted that her performance made the Republican primary a head-to-head race with Trump. She criticized both Trump and Biden, emphasizing their shared lack of vision for the country’s future. Heading to New Hampshire, Haley positioned herself as an alternative to the potential Biden-Trump rematch, highlighting the disapproval of both candidates by the majority of Americans. Haley argued that a Trump nomination could result in another contentious election and presented herself as the…

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) recently hosted a roundtable discussion in New Delhi featuring Ambassador Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative (USTR), to underscore the significance of small and medium-sized enterprise companies (SMEs) in the US and India. The focus of discussions revolved around the vital role played by SMEs in fostering economic relations between the two countries. Companies like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Meta, and others, along with their SME partners, actively participated in the session. The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration between SMEs and USISPF’s large multinational corporations (MNCs), emphasizing mutual benefits for the domestic market and exports. Ambassador…

As per a Goldman Sachs report, the count of “affluent” Indians, individuals earning $10,000 or more annually, has surged 12 times faster than the overall population in the last four years, with an expected count of 100 million by 2027. This growing affluent class is significantly impacting consumption in areas like leisure, jewelry, out-of-home food, healthcare, and premium brands, with mid-teen growth anticipated in the medium term. The report highlights the outpacing growth of the affluent segment within the working-age population, contributing to a positive impact on various sectors. The report reveals that the affluent population in India has grown…

In the initial race of the 2024 presidential election, Nikki Haley, a Republican, secured the third position in the Iowa Caucus on January 15, trailing behind former president Donald Trump, who garnered over 51 percent of the vote. Despite sub-zero temperatures, voters turned out in Iowa to cast their votes, making it a crucial event shaping the trajectory of the presidential primaries. Traditionally, Iowa serves as a pivotal indicator of primary outcomes. Haley claimed 19 percent of the vote, with DeSantis slightly ahead by fewer than 1,500 votes as of 9 pm. The Associated Press, declaring Trump as the winner,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed the initial installment to one million beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) through Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) via video conferencing. Over the last two months, 7500 camps in 100+ districts facilitated essential document creation, ensuring Adhar cards, birth certificates, and bank accounts for citizens to avail themselves of central government schemes. Various ministries have approved schemes amounting to $56.63 million, including durable housing for one million beneficiaries and 1200 km of roads for underdeveloped regions. Additionally, proposals for 100 girls’ hostels, 900 Anganwadi centers, 100 medical units, and…

Vivek Ramaswamy, a wealthy former biotech executive, concluded his White House bid and threw his support behind Donald Trump after gaining attention but falling short in the Iowa Republican Party’s first nominating contest. Born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India, the 38-year-old became a surprise candidate in the 2024 Republican race, aligning himself staunchly with Trump. Despite securing attention for his youth, financial resources, and assertive campaigning, Trump criticized him before the Iowa caucus, damaging Ramaswamy’s standing. He finished fourth with about 7.7% of votes. Known for his 2021 bestseller “Woke, Inc.,” Ramaswamy criticized corporate decisions centered on…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that he will embark on a special 11-day ‘anushthan’ (ritual) starting today until January 22, coinciding with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla’s new idol in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple. Expressing gratitude for witnessing this “historic” and “auspicious” event, PM Modi highlighted the importance of representing all Indians during the consecration. Scheduled for January 22, the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the new idol of Ram Lalla in the upcoming Ram Temple will be performed by PM Modi himself. Despite a hectic schedule and responsibilities, he emphasized his commitment to rigorously following all the…

Laxman Narasimhan, the Indian American CEO of Starbucks, recently undertook his first homecoming trip to India since assuming leadership. This two-city visit held special significance as Narasimhan spent his formative years in Pune and worked in Mumbai before his international career, adding a personal touch to the journey. In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, Starbucks presently manages 390 stores in 54 cities across India, boasting a workforce of nearly 4,300 partners. The ambitious plan is to open an additional 1,000 stores by 2028, equivalent to one store every three days. Reflecting on this upward trajectory, Narasimhan unveiled plans to…