Must Read News

Neera Tanden Rejoins CAP Amid Democratic Party Challenges

Neera Tanden has stepped back into a leadership role at the Center for American Progress (CAP), assuming the position of president and CEO on February 20. Her return marks a crucial period for the Democratic Party as it strategizes to counter former President Donald Trump and strengthen its connection with voters. Tanden’s appointment follows the Democratic Party’s setbacks in the 2024 elections, where many acknowledged shortcomings in effectively addressing economic issues during their campaigns. “We must offer an alternative rather than just ..... Read More

Abraham Verghese to Speak at Harvard’s 374th Commencement

Harvard University has selected Abraham Verghese—bestselling author, Stanford professor, and renowned physician—as the principal speaker for its 374th Commencement ceremony on May 29. Verghese, known for his contributions to medical humanities and patient-centered care, will also receive an honorary degree during the event. A professor in Stanford’s Department of Medicine, Verghese has dedicated his career to enhancing the physician-patient relationship. He founded Presence, a Stanford center focused on the human experience in medicine, and the ..... Read More

India Beats Australia, Advances to Champions Trophy Final

Photo Courtesy X.com India booked their spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4. They will now face the winner of the South Africa vs New Zealand semifinal, scheduled for tomorrow in Pakistan. Chasing a target of 265, India became the first team in this tournament to surpass 250 runs in Dubai. Historically, the venue has witnessed only three successful chases above 250, with Sri Lanka’s 285-run pursuit against Pakistan in 2013 remainin ..... Read More

India’s Auto Component Exports Can Reach $100 Billion Amid Changing Global Trade Dynamics

India’s auto component industry has the potential to achieve $100 billion in exports, as global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rethink their supply chains and manufacturing strategies, creating a significant opportunity for India to position itself as a leading global supplier, according to a report released on Tuesday. The report highlights a major transformation in India’s auto component export landscape, which reached $21.2 billion in FY24, marking a remarkable shift from a $2.5 billion trade deficit in FY19 to a $300 ..... Read More

LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo Visits India to Explore New Growth Opportunities

LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo recently visited India as part of the company’s broader strategy to identify and capitalize on new growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding South Asian market, the company announced on Tuesday. During his four-day visit, Koo engaged with employees, business leaders, and company executives to assess LG’s competitiveness across the entire value chain, spanning from research and development (R&D) to manufacturing and distribution. The visit was a strategic move aimed at reinforcing LG’s ..... Read More

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont Concludes Economic Mission to India

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont concluded a week-long economic development mission to India on March 1, visiting Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai to strengthen business relationships and attract Indian investments to the state. The high-profile delegation, co-led by former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, engaged with key industry figures, government representatives, and investors to expand trade ties, foster new investments, and enhance academic collaborations. The mission was organized by AdvanceCT, Connecticut’s economic development organizat ..... Read More

Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives Honorary UK Knighthood

Sunil Bharti Mittal, the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been honored with the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). The British High Commission in Delhi announced that he received the prestigious insignia on February 22, 2025. A special investiture ceremony took place at the British High Commissioner’s residence, where Mittal was presented with the medal in the presence of family and close associates. The honor follows a 2024 announcement by King Charles III, recognizing Mittal&rsquo ..... Read More

Indian Startups Raise Over $1.65 billion in February, AI Funding Surges

Indian startups collectively secured nearly $1.65 billion in funding during February 2025, marking a 19.5 percent increase compared to January’s funding total of $1.38 billion, according to a newly released report. The report also highlighted that the median valuation of these startups in February 2025 stood at $83.2 billion, reflecting the growing investor confidence in India’s startup ecosystem. Funding Trends in FY 2024-25 Throughout the 2024-25 financial year, Indian startups have collectively raised $25.4 billion a ..... Read More

Champions Trophy: Indian Team Wears Black Armbands to Honour Padmakar Shivalkar

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team donned black armbands during their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal clash against Australia on Tuesday as a tribute to legendary left-arm spinner Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away on Monday at the age of 84. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed this gesture of respect through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In honour of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is wearing black armbands today.” Shivalkar was a giant in Indian domestic cricket, widely reco ..... Read More

India’s Economy to Expand 6.5% in FY26: IMF

India is expected to sustain its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasting a 6.5% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate for the fiscal year 2025-26. This expansion is attributed to strong private sector investment and stable macroeconomic conditions. Additionally, India’s second advance estimate for 2024-25 also projects a similar 6.5% growth, while inflation is likely to stabilize as food prices moderate. According to the IMF’s Article IV consultation, ..... Read More

Indian Designers Shine at the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards were not just a celebration of cinema but also a showcase of high fashion, with Indian designers making a strong impression on the red carpet and at after-parties. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, turned heads in a striking red saree by Sabyasachi, pairing it with an exquisite statement necklace and earrings from Sabyasachi High Jewellery. Adding to the presence of Indian couture at the event, Thai singer and actress Lalisa Manoban wore a sleek black tonal leotard from Rahul Mishra’s Spring C ..... Read More

Real Madrid vs Barcelona Legends Set for Historic Clash in India

India is set to witness a footballing spectacle like never before as legends from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona reignite their historic rivalry on April 6, 2025, at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Titled Legends Faceoff, this iconic showdown will bring football royalty to Indian soil for the first time. Football greats Luis Figo, Fernando Morientes, and Rivaldo are among the first confirmed names, with more legendary players set to be announced soon. Organized by The Sports Front, this event aims to celebrate the magic of football while positi ..... Read More

NASA astronaut praises India’s beauty after Taj Mahal visit

Renowned theoretical physicist Brian Greene has commended India’s unique approach to education and scientific research, highlighting the drive and ambition of Indian students to contribute globally. During his visit to the Taj Mahal, he expressed admiration for the country’s passion for science and innovation, stating that the enthusiasm and curiosity he witnessed were truly remarkable, according to the Ministry of Culture. Meanwhile, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino shared his appreciation for India’s beauty, noting th ..... Read More

PM Modi Calls India-EU Partnership ‘Natural,’ Eyes Trade Deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the growing partnership between India and the European Union, describing it as a natural and strategic alliance. He expressed optimism that a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the EU could be finalized by the end of the year, marking a major step in economic collaboration. Speaking at Hyderabad House alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, PM Modi emphasized that discussions had been meaningful and productive. He noted that both sides have directed their teams to work on ..... Read More

US Researcher Documents Sikh-Era Monuments at Lahore Fort

A US-based researcher, Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, has identified nearly 100 Sikh-era monuments at Lahore Fort, of which about 30 no longer exist. To provide a detailed historical account, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has engaged Dr. Butalia to write a tour guidebook, Lahore Fort during the Sikh Empire. Dr. Butalia, whose ancestors held positions in the Sikh court, described Lahore Fort as a site of deep historical and emotional significance for Sikhs. “The fort was the seat of power for the Sikh Empire for nearly 50 years,” he sa ..... Read More

UGA’s Hitesh Handa Named Regents’ Entrepreneur

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has named Hitesh Handa, associate professor in UGA’s College of Engineering, a Regents’ Entrepreneur. The recognition, awarded at the board’s February 11 meeting, celebrates faculty members who successfully translate research into commercial applications. Handa, a Distinguished Faculty Fellow and director of UGA’s Biointerface Translation and Engineering Center, has pioneered nitric oxide-releasing biomaterials that help prevent infections and blood clots from implanted medical devices. His work ..... Read More

Kash Patel’s Historic FBI Appointment Signals Shift in Indian American Politics

Kash Patel’s swearing-in as the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) marked a significant moment for the Indian American community, particularly for those supporting the Republican Party and former President Donald Trump. His decision to take the oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita underscored the growing acceptance of diverse religious traditions in American governance. Political analysts see Patel’s appointment as a step forward for Indian Americans within the Republican Party, which has historically had fe ..... Read More

Maha Kumbh Boosts Spiritual Tourism in Uttar Pradesh

Maha Kumbh has opened new opportunities for spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a major pilgrimage hub. To improve accessibility to revered religious sites, the Uttar Pradesh government has developed five key spiritual corridors, offering pilgrims a seamless travel experience across sacred destinations. During his visit to Prayagraj, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed gratitude to police officers, sanitation workers, medical teams, boatmen, media personnel, and transport staff for their role in ensuri ..... Read More

Piyush Goyal pushes for bold, competitive industry strategies

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, has urged businesses to prioritize competitiveness and innovation instead of depending on government aid. Speaking at an IMC Chamber of Commerce event, he questioned the industry’s reliance on subsidies, high import tariffs, and protectionist policies, stating that such short-term measures cannot drive sustainable economic growth. He referenced Mr. Michael Porter’s theories on competitive advantage, highlighting the need for businesses to embrace innovation, enhance manu ..... Read More

Indian-Origin Tushar Shah Soars to Space on Blue Origin

Indian-origin Tushar Shah, a graduate of MIT and a member of Blue Origin’s six-person crew, successfully completed an 11-minute suborbital journey aboard the NS-30 mission. The spaceflight, launched from West Texas on Tuesday night, is part of Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin space tourism program. Shah, known for his private nature, holds a PhD in high-energy experimental particle physics from MIT. Currently a hedge fund partner, he and his wife, Sara, are philanthropists focused on tackling issues related to poverty, healthcare, and ed ..... Read More

UK-India Trade Ties Strengthen with £100 Million in New Deals

In a significant boost to UK-India economic ties, UK Ministers announced 17 new export and investment agreements during their visit to India this week, with deals exceeding £100 million. These agreements, primarily focused on the technology and life sciences sectors, are expected to create hundreds of jobs and further strengthen bilateral trade. Leading the UK delegation, Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds and Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson highlighted the growing economic partnership, noting that UK-India trade had surged to £41 billio ..... Read More

Meta Faces Lawsuit Over Hiring Bias-Favoring Visa Holders

A group of American tech professionals has taken legal action against Meta Platforms, alleging the company systematically favors foreign workers over U.S. citizens to minimize labor expenses. The lawsuit, led by information technology worker Purushothaman Rajaram, software engineer Ekta Bhatia, and data scientist Qun Wang, claims that Meta’s hiring practices disadvantage American applicants. On February 25, U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler ruled that the case could move forward as a proposed class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs, all highly q ..... Read More

Lisa Patel Amplifies Student Voices on UT System Board

Lisa Patel’s journey as a student advocate began in high school when she successfully pushed back against a proposal to remove International Baccalaureate classes. That experience showed her the power of her voice, a lesson she has carried into her role as the student trustee on the University of Tennessee (UT) System Board of Trustees. Now a junior majoring in biomedical engineering, Patel has taken on the responsibility of representing student concerns at board meetings. She actively seeks input from students across disciplines, reco ..... Read More

Shikhar Dhawan Praises Shubman Gill, Calls Him India’s Present and Future in Cricket

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has heaped praise on Shubman Gill, emphasizing that the young batter has both a promising present and a bright future for the Indian cricket team. Gill has been in stellar form in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, making significant contributions to India’s campaign. Gill made a powerful start to the eight-team tournament, smashing an unbeaten century against Bangladesh in India’s opening match. In the high-pressure game against arch-rivals Pakistan, he followed it up with a crucial 46-run knock, ..... Read More

India and EU Forge Bold Roadmap Beyond 2025, Strengthening Trade, Defence, and Technology Ties

India and the European Union (EU) have outlined an ambitious roadmap for their partnership beyond 2025, focusing on key areas such as trade, defence, technology, and sustainability. This strategic plan, which includes the finalization of a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the development of a secure value chain across industries, is set to be officially launched during the next India-EU Summit, as announced on Friday. Speaking at a joint press conference alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Narend ..... Read More