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…
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.
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…
A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that women are more prone to experiencing symptoms of depression during the perimenopause phase compared to their premenopause or postmenopause years. Conducted as a meta-review, researchers examined the risk of developing clinical depression and depressive symptoms across different menopausal stages. The analysis, comprising seven peer-reviewed longitudinal prospective studies with over 11,965 participants, focused on females aged 18 and above who were pre-, peri-, or postmenopausal. These studies evaluated the variance in depression symptoms using standardized inventories. The findings indicated a higher risk of depression during perimenopause, underscoring the importance…
Amidst strained relations with India, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada is positioning himself as a champion for Khalistanis, which has further soured ties between the two countries. During a Khalsa Day event on Sunday, where pro-Khalistan sentiments were vocalized, Trudeau pledged to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the nearly 800 thousand Canadians of Sikh heritage, stating that his government would stand against discrimination and hatred directed at the Sikh community. This declaration comes at a time when Khalistanis in Canada have targeted the Indian High Commission and posed threats to Indian diplomats, exacerbating diplomatic tensions. Last year, the…
Millions of Indian citizens participated in the second phase of the national elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aiming to rally support through his assertive Hindu nationalist approach. Despite scorching temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius, voters queued outside polling stations as voting commenced at 7 a.m. local time. According to election officials, approximately 60.96% of the 160 million eligible voters cast their ballots in the second round. The results of this phase are critical for Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as it includes 88 constituencies across 13 states, encompassing BJP strongholds like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Projections…
Phoenix Children’s Hospital, a premier acute pediatric facility in Arizona, has appointed Ashish S. Patel, MD, an Indian American, as physician-in-chief of its expanding health system. Dr. Patel now heads four of the hospital’s eight clinical centers, including Emergency and Diagnostic Medicine, the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, the Aerodigestive Clinic, and Medical Subspecialties, according to an official statement. In his new capacity, Dr. Patel also supervises hospitalist medicine, mental and behavioral health services, and Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics practices. Additionally, he joins the health system’s Executive Physician Leadership team and the Phoenix Children’s Medical Group Governance Council. Jared Muenzer,…
In a notable departure from convention, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has opted to throw its support behind Adam Hollier, challenging first-term Indian American Representative Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th congressional district. Hollier’s candidacy has gained significant traction, particularly with endorsements from CBC chair Rep. Steven Horsford and former chair Rep. Joyce Beatty. Their backing underscores Hollier’s commitment to community service and addressing constituent needs, adding weight to his campaign, especially in a district where a significant portion of the population is black. Despite Thanedar’s incumbency, Hollier’s momentum has been bolstered by additional endorsements from Michigan’s secretary of state, the…
