Author: Akancha Mishra

India has set an ambitious target of taking its gems and jewelry exports to $100 billion by 2040, with the government looking to transform the sector into a stronger global industry through innovation, distinctive design, branding and increased value addition. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal outlined the long-term vision during the “Chintan Shivir: 2040 Roadmap for Gems and Jewellery,” organized by the Department of Commerce in collaboration with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. The strategy aims to significantly expand exports from about $28 billion in fiscal year 2026 to $100 billion over the next 14 years. Under the proposed…

The growing influence of Indian Americans in the United States is becoming increasingly visible in local government, business, technology and community life. In Washington state, a generation that once built careers primarily in engineering and technology is now taking on leadership roles and participating more actively in civic affairs. The trend was evident during India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations in Seattle on August 15. The event, hosted by Indian Consul General Prakash Gupta, attracted a large crowd of Indian Americans, technology executives, community members and public officials. The turnout extended for more than a block outside the venue, highlighting the…

India and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in public administration, governance reforms, capacity building and the exchange of best practices. The commitment was made during the second India-Malaysia Joint Working Group Meeting, where officials reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed new opportunities for institutional engagement. The meeting focused on capacity-building programmes under India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. Malaysia shared positive feedback on academic modules, institutional visits, field visits, programme coordination and hospitality, while also welcoming proposals for specialised programmes for senior Malaysian officials. Officials reviewed progress since the inaugural Joint Working Group meeting…

India is set to host the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 from September 17 to 19 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, bringing together major players from the global semiconductor industry. The three-day event will connect technology companies, policymakers, investors, researchers, startups and industry executives as India seeks to strengthen its position in the global chip ecosystem. Organized by the India Semiconductor Mission in partnership with SEMI, the event will follow the theme “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.” Discussions will cover a broad range of topics, including chip manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, supply-chain resilience, chemicals and materials, sustainability,…

The Indian American community in Atlantic County, New Jersey, marked India’s 80th Independence Day on August 15 with a vibrant gathering at the Vaikunth Hindu Jain Temple in Pomona. The celebration brought together families, students, community volunteers, business leaders, social organizations and elected representatives, creating an occasion that combined cultural pride with civic engagement. The program began with prayers led by Jayesh Jha, followed by performances of the U.S. and Indian national anthems by local children. The simultaneous raising of both flags represented the close relationship between the two countries and reflected the community’s effort to preserve its Indian heritage…

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer marked India’s 80th Independence Day by recognizing the contributions of Indian Americans in New York and highlighting the longstanding relationship between the United States and India. In his message, Schumer extended his wishes to India and praised the Indian American community for the significant role it plays across New York and the wider United States. He described the community as an important part of the country’s diverse social fabric, emphasizing the contributions Indian Americans make through their work, dedication and community involvement. Schumer noted that Indian Americans have helped strengthen communities across the state while contributing…

Indian American golfer Ami Gianchandani has secured a major milestone in her professional career, winning the South Carolina Women’s Open at Cobblestone Golf Club for her first professional title. The victory represents an important breakthrough for the former Yale University standout as she continues working toward a place among the sport’s top professionals. Gianchandani delivered a consistent performance throughout the tournament, recording rounds of 68, 68, and 69. Her three-round total was enough to earn the championship and provide a significant boost to her developing professional career. Originally from New Jersey, Gianchandani is now based in Barnwell, South Carolina. Her…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has joined the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations. Jaishankar shared a photograph on social media showing the national flag displayed at his residence, encouraging citizens to embrace the campaign and celebrate the significance of the Indian Tricolor. The minister posted the image on X with a simple message supporting the initiative. The Ministry of External Affairs subsequently reshared the post with the message, “Tiranga in every heart, every home,” reinforcing the campaign’s focus on making the national flag a visible part of Independence Day celebrations across the country. Launched…

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers is calling on the Trump administration to give greater priority to the Great Sea Interconnector, an ambitious undersea electricity project linking the power networks of Greece, Cyprus and Israel. The lawmakers believe the initiative could also contribute to the broader India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC. US Representatives Brad Schneider and Gus Bilirakis led the effort, sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US International Development Finance Corporation CEO Ben Black. They also requested a classified briefing to discuss challenges that could affect the project. The proposed electricity connection is designed…

An Indian entrepreneur based in the United States has sparked discussion online after comparing his experiences with banks in India and America, arguing that differences in lending practices can influence how easily individuals and businesses access capital. Shreyans Jain, co-founder of Y Combinator-backed startup Manicule, shared his observations on X after dealing with financial institutions in both countries. He said his experiences highlighted a significant contrast in how lenders evaluate borrowers and process loan applications. According to Jain, American banks and credit unions can be more willing to extend substantial credit to borrowers who have a solid credit score and…