Golgappa, also called pani puri or puchka in North India, is now a common sight at White House receptions, such as the recent Rose Garden gathering held by President Joe Biden to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. Among the guests were numerous Asian-Americans and Indian-Americans, including US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who entertained the crowd with a drum performance and emphasized the healing power of music. Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a community leader in attendance, praised the tangy and spicy flavors of the Golgappas, which he found to be a perfect addition to the menu alongside traditional items like samosas. Bhutoria…
Author: Akancha Mishra
Akancha Mishra
Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.
Miss Teen USA 2023, UmaSofia Srivastava, has decided to step down from her title less than eight months after making history by winning it. Her resignation follows closely after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt also announced her resignation. On May 8, Srivastava took to Instagram to explain her decision, noting that her personal values no longer align with the organization’s direction, as reported by People magazine. She announced, “After months of careful consideration, I have chosen to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023.” She expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family, state directors, sister…
Vinod Khosla, a prominent Indian-American billionaire and venture capitalist, hosted an election fundraiser for US President Joe Biden at his Silicon Valley residence, where Biden raised over $1.5 million. The event, attended by many Indian-Americans from the Silicon Valley area, accommodated about 50 seated guests and around 30 standing. Tickets for the fundraiser ranged from $6,600 to $100,000. Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems and founder of Khosla Ventures, introduced Biden at the event. During his speech, Biden emphasized immigration and women’s rights, praising immigrants for their contributions to the country’s work ethic and economic growth. He acknowledged the Khosla family’s…
The Supreme Court addressed a plea filed by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding multiple FIRs and complaints against him for controversial remarks on ‘Sanatan Dharma’. A bench, led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, agreed to examine the plea and requested responses from various state governments. The petition emphasized that except for one case in Bangalore, all other cases are in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), causing logistical challenges for Stalin to appear in different courts and police stations across regions. Stalin’s comments at a Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers function sparked controversy, where he advocated for eradicating Sanatan…
India aims to commence manufacturing T100 carbon fiber within the next 2.5 years, overcoming import licensing hurdles in strategic applications, as stated by NITI Aayog member Mr. V K Saraswat. T100 carbon fiber is vital in defense, aerospace, and civil engineering, used in various applications such as hydrogen cylinders, missiles, aircraft, and bridges. Saraswat is confident in India’s capability to produce T100 carbon fiber domestically, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and addressing licensing issues. Leading institutions like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) are involved in this initiative. This underscores the…
According to the World Migration Report 2024 published by the International Organization for Migration, India emerged as the global leader in remittances in 2022, receiving a staggering sum exceeding US$ 111 billion. This marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time any country had surpassed the US$ 100 billion threshold. The report emphasizes the pivotal role of remittances in India’s economy, which has witnessed consistent growth over the past decade. India’s dominance as the top recipient in 2010, 2015, and 2020 further underscores the importance of remittances in shaping its economic landscape. Additionally, countries such as Pakistan and…
In a recent interview, Congress leader Sam Pitroda stirred controversy by drawing comparisons between Indians from different regions and various ethnic groups like Chinese, Arabs, Whites, and Africans while discussing diversity and democracy in India. He emphasized the unity of Indians despite their physical appearances, stating that regardless of regional differences, they are all interconnected as brothers and sisters. However, his remarks triggered a strong reaction, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning them as racist and unacceptable. Prime Minister Modi criticized Pitroda’s statement during a rally in Telangana, expressing anger and emphasizing that such attitudes toward fellow citizens based on…
Rishi Moudgil, an Indian American with a strong background in the social sector investment, has assumed the role of Executive Director at the Michigan Founders Fund (MFF), an organization dedicated to fostering Michigan’s startup ecosystem into the most prosperous, inclusive, and community-centric in the United States. MFF announced Moudgil’s appointment on April 30, highlighting his extensive experience in social impact and entrepreneurship. His past roles include serving as the Founding Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Detroit, where he spearheaded locally-driven initiatives aimed at addressing challenges faced by families in Detroit, with models replicated nationwide. Previously, he initiated tech and community-based…
Alia Bhatt’s inherent allure for the silver screen is undeniable, with a captivating charisma that sets her apart. She seems destined for cinematic greatness, effortlessly commanding attention whenever she graces the frame. Picture her at the center, alongside characters like ‘Avinash Rathore’ aka ‘Tiger’ and a Pathaan, or even a Major Kabir Dhaliwal; let your imagination take flight. Hinting at the expansion of the star-studded YRF Spy Universe, Alia Bhatt appears poised to join its ranks as a new superstar. The universe, much like our own, seems ever-expanding, a notion welcomed with open arms by fans and enthusiasts alike. Speculation…
A significant group of Indian-Americans has introduced the Viksit Amritsar Initiative, aimed at fostering social and economic progress in Amritsar, Punjab. With a pledged sum of $100 million, the initiative focuses on funding startups within the city, home to the revered Golden Temple of Sikhism, marking a pioneering effort for Indian cities by the diaspora, notes news agency PTI. The brainchild behind this initiative is Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former Indian envoy to the US and current BJP candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Amritsar. Spearheaded by Sanjiv Lakhanpal, the initiative involves collaboration among notable Indian-Americans, the Federation of…