Author: Akancha Mishra

During the recent BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage by presenting traditional artworks to world leaders. He showcased Jharkhand’s artistic legacy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while leaders from Iran and Uzbekistan received handcrafted items from Maharashtra. Notably, PM Modi gifted a stunning Mother of Pearl (MOP) seashell vase to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, a testament to India’s exquisite craftsmanship. Putin was presented with a traditional Sohrai painting from Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, an item recognized under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Sohrai paintings are distinguished by their use of natural pigments and simplistic…

Demand for gems and jewelry during Dhanteras and Diwali is expected to remain strong this year, with Diwali sales projected to exceed $3.57 billion (Rs. 30,000 crore) in the domestic market, according to industry experts. Rising prices of precious metals are leading consumers to view gold as a dependable asset, while silver is gaining popularity due to its lower cost and significant industrial applications. Some analysts predict a year-on-year sales growth of 10-15%, although overall volume may decrease. Silver has emerged as the top performer in the market, boasting returns of over 40%, while gold has seen returns of 23%,…

Former President Donald Trump and his team have adopted unconventional methods to encourage voters to support his re-election on November 5. Their tactics include engaging teams for door-to-door campaigning and Elon Musk’s America PAC, which has initiated a $1 million-a-day giveaway for registered voters who sign a petition in favor of the First and Second Amendments. However, the giveaway has faced legal challenges due to potential violations of federal laws against vote-buying, prompting the Republican candidate to pivot to a different strategy. This approach, however, inadvertently led to humorous interactions on social media, particularly among Indian users, despite Vice President…

Indian-Americans, traditionally supportive of the Democratic Party, are exhibiting evolving political preferences, with more considering Republican candidates in recent surveys. This community, comprising over 5.2 million people and now the second-largest immigrant group in the US, holds substantial influence in the country’s political sphere. Their strong professional presence and growing demographic significance make them a pivotal voting bloc, especially as the 2024 presidential race draws near. In a historic context, this election cycle includes Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian roots, as one of the key presidential contenders. The 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey provides insight into voting patterns…

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has unveiled 170 new seed categories on its platform, aiming to facilitate easier access to quality agricultural and horticultural seeds in light of the approaching cropping season. This launch includes approximately 8,000 seed varieties available for purchase by Central and State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and other governmental bodies, enhancing the distribution of quality seeds throughout the nation. The initiative was developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, including state seed corporations and research institutions, ensuring adherence to the Government of India’s regulations and standards. This launch is part of GeM’s larger effort to improve category-based procurement,…

Sirish Subash, a 9th-grade student from Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Snellville, Georgia, was recently crowned the winner of the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a premier national science competition for middle school students. Jointly organized by 3M and Discovery Education, the challenge encourages students to use STEM skills to devise real-world solutions. Sirish gained recognition for his project, Pestiscand, a handheld device powered by AI that identifies pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. For his innovative work, Sirish was awarded a $25,000 cash prize and received the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” His journey to…

India’s gold reserves, overseen by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), have reached 854.73 metric tonnes, according to the central bank’s latest report on foreign exchange reserves. The report, covering updates as of September 2024, reveals that most of this gold, approximately 510.46 metric tonnes, is stored domestically within India. The remainder, about 324.01 metric tonnes, is safeguarded abroad with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements. An additional 20.26 metric tonnes are kept as gold deposits, enhancing liquidity and financial security. The report also highlights that gold’s share in India’s overall foreign exchange reserves has increased,…

As the U.S. gears up for elections, Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump concluded their campaign rallies on Monday, with both aiming to win over voters in a closely contested race. Alongside this high-profile presidential election, nine Indian American candidates are also campaigning for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds and policy focuses. Among these candidates, five are incumbents vying for re-election, while four are new contenders aspiring to make their mark in Congress. Shri Thanedar, a current representative from Michigan’s 13th district, previously served in the Michigan State House…

Indian-origin engineer Dhruv Loya recently shared on LinkedIn the inspiring journey he undertook to secure a job at Tesla. Loya applied to more than 300 jobs and sent over 500 cold emails during his extended job search. Despite his solid academic background and experience in three internships, he encountered an unexpectedly difficult job market. His journey involved not only searching for jobs but also managing financial challenges and navigating the complexities of visa requirements in the United States. The months of waiting brought uncertainty and required substantial financial sacrifice. Loya, determined to pursue his career, reduced his expenses, stayed with…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Sunday that India’s progress in reducing tuberculosis cases reflects the nation’s dedicated, innovative measures. Modi underscored his commitment to a “TB-free India,” highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in this mission. Modi’s remarks followed a statement by Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who shared that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized India’s “remarkable” advancements. Nadda reported a 17.7% reduction in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023—over twice the global average decline of 8.3%. In his post on X, Modi expressed satisfaction with the progress, calling it “commendable” and reaffirming that the nation’s “dedicated and innovative…