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India’s Rise as a Global Data Centre Hub: Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has spotlighted India’s potential to emerge as a global leader in data centres. Speaking at the Thuglak 55th-year anniversary event in Chennai, he outlined the nation’s strides in infrastructure development and technology investments, which are laying the foundation for significant economic growth. Goyal highlighted that India’s unique interconnected power grid, established in just three years, has eradicated regional energy cost disparities. This reliable and green energy network has piqu ..... Read More

India to Co-Produce U.S. Sonobuoys for Naval Surveillance

India and the U.S. have announced a groundbreaking partnership to co-produce sonobuoys, advanced technology used for detecting submarines underwater. These systems will be assembled in India, with the aim of establishing an operational production line by 2027, according to Ultra Maritime (UM), the U.S. company involved in the project. The final assembly of these U.S.-specification sonobuoys will be conducted in India, with co-production efforts carried out in partnership with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a state-owned defense company. This gr ..... Read More

Senate Democrats delay Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing over paperwork issues

Senate Democrats have successfully stalled Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation as the director of national intelligence, requesting missing background checks and essential paperwork. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) emphasized the importance of having all required documents before proceeding with the confirmation process, particularly in the sensitive area of national security. According to Wyden, these documents are crucial, although their absence isn’t a headline-grabbing issue. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) acknowledged the delay, attributing it ..... Read More

PM Modi launches ‘Mission Mausam,’ celebrating 150 years of IMD

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) as a cornerstone of India’s scientific achievements during its 150th foundation day celebrations. He marked the occasion by unveiling a commemorative postage stamp and coin. PM Modi described IMD as a key player in India’s scientific journey, highlighting its pivotal role in national development and public welfare. He also introduced “Mission Mausam,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing India’s weather prediction systems and creati ..... Read More

India’s Milestone in Milk Production Lauded by President

President Droupadi Murmu acknowledged India’s exceptional progress in the production of milk and dairy products, emphasizing the critical role livestock plays in supporting the rural economy. Virtually addressing the launch of new initiatives by the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, she recognized the diverse breeds of livestock that form an integral part of India’s agricultural legacy. The President highlighted the government’s dedicated efforts in improving livestock through advanced breeding programs and geneti ..... Read More

India Successfully Conducts Field Trials of Nag Mk-2 Anti-Tank Missile

India has successfully conducted field evaluation trials of the indigenously developed Nag Mk-2, a third-generation anti-tank guided missile. The trials were held recently at Pokhran in Rajasthan, under the supervision of senior Indian Army officials. The missile’s fire-and-forget technology performed well during three trials, accurately targeting both the maximum and minimum range, confirming its precise firing capabilities. Additionally, the Nag missile carrier version 2 was also evaluated during the trials. With the successful testing, ..... Read More

Global visitors mesmerized by Maha Kumbh’s spiritual energy: ‘Unforgettable experience’

The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj began on Monday with the auspicious ‘Shahi Snan’ on ‘Paush Purnima,’ drawing millions of devotees to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Recognized as the world’s largest human gathering, the event has captivated global visitors seeking spiritual connection and cultural insight. Michael, a former US Army soldier now known as ‘Baba Mokshapuri,’ shared his journey to asceticism. “Life’s impermanence led me to seek salvation. Th ..... Read More

Sunita Williams to extend space stay beyond 7 months, details awaited

NASA has postponed the launch of SpaceX Crew 10, which was originally scheduled for February 2025. The new expected launch date is now late March 2025. This delay impacts the return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were supposed to come back to Earth as part of the SpaceX Crew 9 mission. Williams and Wilmore, who launched into space on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, have been stuck in space for months after NASA decided to replace the faulty Starliner with a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The two astr ..... Read More

US-India ties set for continued growth: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed strong optimism about the continued progress of India-US relations, highlighting the solid foundation established by previous administrations and the positive rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office soon. During a press conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Jaishankar highlighted the dynamic growth in India-US ties. “India-US relations have seen remarkable progress across multiple ..... Read More

Steady GDP Growth, Rate Cuts to Boost FY26 Credit

Fitch Ratings has forecasted that India’s stable GDP growth, improved banking sector health, and anticipated interest-rate reductions in 2025 will enhance credit access for corporates in FY26. Despite elevated capital expenditures, Indian corporates are expected to see stronger credit metrics and higher EBITDA margins. However, challenges such as rising energy prices, geopolitical uncertainties, rupee depreciation, and trade restrictions could potentially impact exports. Fitch estimates that sales growth for rated corporates will remain modes ..... Read More

Indian-American community rallies for support amid LA wildfire devastation

The catastrophic wildfires raging through Los Angeles have caused widespread destruction, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. The Pacific Palisades area, home to many, was among the hardest hit. Amit Shiwalkar, a local resident, recounts his harrowing escape. On January 7, 2025, the situation escalated rapidly as he and his wife fled their home, grabbing only essential items like wedding photos and sacred relics, unsure of their fate. “We thought we’d return, just like after the 2019 fires, but this time was different,” said Shiwalkar, ..... Read More

Z-Morh Tunnel marks the beginning of J&K’s transformation: PM Modi

The inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks the beginning of transformative infrastructure development in the region. This milestone is expected to significantly enhance tourism and reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh. On Monday, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari outlined timelines for over a dozen key projects, including highways, tunnels, and ropeways, collectively valued at $12 billion. Speaking at Sonamarg, PM Modi highlighted J&K’s emergence as a hub for advanced ..... Read More

India’s Fintech Funding Ranks Third Globally in 2024

India maintained its position as the third-largest global fintech funding recipient in 2024, despite a 33% year-over-year decline, with total funding reaching $1.9 billion, according to Tracxn’s Annual India Fintech Report. This marks a significant drop compared to $2.8 billion in 2023 and $5.6 billion in 2022, reflecting the sector’s challenges amid global geopolitical tensions and reduced demand. Despite the downturn, India’s fintech ecosystem remains among the world’s top three, following the US and the UK. The year saw the e ..... Read More

Indian-American policy advisor to Biden highlights broad support for immigration expansion

Amidst the ongoing debate over H-1B visas, US Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden emphasized America’s immigrant heritage and the need for legal immigration reforms. Speaking to PTI, she noted the overwhelming contributions of Indian professionals, who dominate the H-1B visa program, particularly in technology, with a Congressional cap of 65,000 visas annually, plus 20,000 for US-educated individuals. Tanden condemned the hate campaign against Indian-Americans following Sriram Krishnan’s appointment as White House Policy Advisor on Artific ..... Read More

Eric Garcetti: Indian Americans Set to Shape Future Leadership in the US

With just over a week until Donald Trump assumes his second term as US President, outgoing US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti underscored the growing prominence of Indian Americans. While expressing regret over Kamala Harris’s electoral defeat, Garcetti remained optimistic, predicting an Indian American President in the near future. He highlighted the significant contributions of Indian immigrants, who constitute 1.5% of the US population yet pay 6% of the nation’s income taxes. Indian Americans excel in leading universities, states, ..... Read More

S Jaishankar to Represent India at Trump’s Inauguration

On January 20, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump, marking the start of his tenure as the 47th President of the United States. Jaishankar’s attendance follows an invitation from the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, as confirmed by a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release. During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to meet with representatives of the incoming administration, as well as other dignitaries attending the event. The official event w ..... Read More

Mahakumbh 2025: Devotion, Seva, and Security

The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj marks a grand spiritual gathering after 12 years, expecting over 45 million devotees. Participants will gather at the Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers—to take a holy dip, believed to absolve sins and grant liberation. The event concludes on February 26. The Adani Group and ISKCON have partnered to provide Mahaprasad Seva, distributing free meals to 5 million devotees. Meals will be prepared in two kitchens and served across 40 distribution points, with support from 2,500 ..... Read More

India’s youth to lead nation’s development by 2047: PM Modi

During the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the critical role of India’s youth in transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047. He expressed confidence that economic, social, and cultural progress could be achieved through the capabilities and determination of the younger population. PM Modi urged the youth to embrace the spirit of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ taking ownership of this vision and contributing to its realization. The Prime Minister underscored India’s amb ..... Read More

Apple Achieves $12 Billion in Indian iPhone Exports

Apple achieved a milestone in 2024 by exporting over $12 billion worth of iPhones from India, marking a 40% growth compared to 2023, according to industry estimates. With domestic production increasing by nearly 46% year-over-year, the tech giant manufactured $14 billion worth of iPhones in FY24, exporting more than $10 billion of these devices. Riding on the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and the growing trend of premiumisation, Apple reached a remarkable ₹1 lakh crore ($12 billion) in exports. Over the past four yea ..... Read More

Microfinance Loan Disbursal Surges 43% Over Three Years

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) have seen a 43% increase in average loan disbursal amounts over three years, rising from $406.47 to $580.67, as per IIFL Capital’s Financial Stability Report. However, concerns remain regarding borrower delinquencies, particularly for those with multiple loans or significant credit exposure. Nearly half of unsecured loan borrowers also carry a live retail loan, frequently a high-value one. During FY23, 11% of borrowers with personal loans exceeding $580.67 had overdue payments, and over 60% had taken out m ..... Read More

Syrian Task Force Chief Questions Tulsi Gabbard’s Intelligence Nomination

Tulsi Gabbard, former congresswoman from Hawaii, has been nominated by Donald Trump as the Director of National Intelligence, a move that has triggered considerable backlash. The role entails oversight of 18 spy agencies, delivering intelligence briefings to the president, and advising the White House. Mouaz Moustafa, who leads the Syrian Emergency Task Force, has expressed deep concern over her connections with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and her controversial views on U.S. foreign policy. Moustafa recounted various interactions wit ..... Read More

Indian-American Svaha Devi Dasi Among 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees

This week, a committee chaired by the Vice-President of India selected three distinguished Indian-Americans for the 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honor for Indians living abroad. Among the recipients is Svaha Devi Dasi (Dr. Sharmila Ford), the wife of TOVP Chairman Ambarisa Dasa (Alfred Ford).  Svaha Devi Dasi, a dedicated advocate for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, is recognized for her extensive community service. Born into a Bengali Brahmin family, she is the great-granddaughter of the prime minister to t ..... Read More

Two Indian Americans, Including a Sikh, Elected to Virginia State Legislature

In a landmark victory for diversity in U.S. politics, two Indian Americans—one of whom is Sikh—have won seats in the Virginia state legislature. This victory highlights the growing inclusiveness of American governance. The Sikh community leader, whose family hails from Punjab, credited his cultural heritage and grassroots activism as the driving forces behind his campaign. He emphasized his commitment to community-driven policies, with a focus on affordable healthcare, public education, and economic opportunities. The second victor, an atto ..... Read More

Sudha Setty Appointed President and CEO of LSAC

Sudha Setty, an Indian-American legal scholar and the current dean of the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law, has been named the new president and CEO of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), effective July 1. Setty succeeds Kellye Testy, who left LSAC to become the executive director and CEO of the Association of American Law Schools. In her statement, Setty expressed honor at being selected for the role, noting that LSAC’s work in expanding access to legal education is more crucial than ever. She emphasized the importan ..... Read More

PM Modi praises UPI as a global marvel on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become a global phenomenon, with international guests marveling at its efficiency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated during a podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. PM Modi emphasized that India has set a global benchmark for democratizing technology in the fintech sector. During the podcast, titled People with The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi x Nikhil Kamath, By WTF, the Prime Minister discussed India’s advancements in innovation and digital payments. Highlighting UPI’s ca ..... Read More