Author: Akancha Mishra

India’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced on June 12 that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) has reached $3.75 trillion in 2023, compared to around $2 trillion in 2014. This places India as the fifth-largest economy globally and a “bright spot” in the global economy. At current prices, India’s GDP surpasses that of the UK, France, Canada, Russia, and Australia. Last year, India overtook the UK to become the fifth-largest economy, trailing only the US, China, Japan, and Germany, according to projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Recent government data reveals that India’s GDP grew by 6.1% in the fourth…

The White House has announced that Ashish Jha, the White House’s COVID-19 coordinator, will be leaving the administration next week. Jha, who previously served as the dean of Brown University’s school of public health, joined the White House in April 2022. With the conclusion of the national emergencies related to the virus, Jha’s departure comes at a time when COVID-19 no longer dominates daily life. President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude to Jha, acknowledging his role in effectively translating and communicating complex scientific challenges into actionable measures that have saved and improved the lives of millions of Americans. Biden commended…

Uma V. Mysorekar, an experienced medical professional originally from India, has been selected by the Interfaith Center of New York to receive the esteemed James Parks Morton Interfaith Award for her outstanding community service. The award ceremony will take place at the Interfaith Center’s annual gala in New York on June 26, 2023. Having obtained her medical degree from Bombay University and hailing from Bengaluru, Mysorekar has not only excelled in her medical career but has also devoted her time to various social and cultural charities in different capacities, as stated in her biography. Recognized with the prestigious Ellis Island…

Vandita Sarjya, an Indian filmmaker, was awarded the special prize in the Climate Change and Health Film category at the 4th Annual Health for All Film Festival held in Geneva. Sarjya’s documentary titled “When climate change turns violent” explores the connection between gender-based violence and climate change. The powerful 4-minute 32-second film highlights the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly women, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 to utilize audio-visual language as a key tool in their “communicating for health…

Nachhattar Chandi, the President and CEO of Chandi Group U.S., has been appointed as the chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). This announcement was made in April 2023, following the resignation of Harold Matzner, who had held the position since 2000. Chandi currently oversees the Palm Springs International Film Society and is preparing for the upcoming PSIFF, scheduled to take place from January 4 to 15, 2024. As an Indian American entrepreneur who owns and manages more than 30 businesses across the Coachella Valley and California, Chandi expressed his commitment to preserving the festival’s legacy, emphasizing its…

The successful flight test of the new generation ballistic missile Agni Prime was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Taking place on 7 June at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, the test achieved all its objectives, as confirmed by the ministry of defence. This particular launch marked the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users, following three previously successful developmental trials of the missile. The success of this test further validated the system’s accuracy and reliability, according to the defence ministry. To capture flight data throughout the missile’s trajectory, range instrumentation…

A legislation has been introduced by an Indian-American lawmaker in the state of Michigan, United States, to classify defacing a place of worship as a hate crime. Michigan State Representative Ranjeev Puri, whose parents immigrated from Amritsar to the US in the 1970s, has also put forth a bill to designate Diwali, Baisakhi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Lunar New Year as official state holidays in Michigan. Puri, currently serving his second term as State Representative and holding the influential position of Michigan House Majority Whip, has been actively addressing social issues. The proposed legislation aims to update the definition of hate…

Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered on Thursday to participate in the consecration ceremony at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest temples. Recognized as a national monument by the government in 2014, the temple holds significant importance during the Thaipusam festival. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, a revered deity symbolizing courage, strength, and virtue in Hinduism, the temple serves as the final destination for the traditional Thaipusam pilgrimage. This consecration ceremony, the first since the temple’s designation as Singapore’s 67th National Monument, occurs every 12 years.  The event commenced with morning rituals and blessings conducted by priests, followed by Kumbhabhishekam, where…

The Finance Ministry has released data indicating that the country’s gross Goods & Services Tax (GST) revenue collected in May this year has shown a 12% increase compared to the same month last year, surpassing the Rs 1,57,000 million mark. For the past 14 consecutive months, monthly GST revenues have consistently exceeded Rs 1,40,000 million, indicating strong economic activity in the country. This is only the 5th time since the introduction of GST that the collection has crossed Rs 1,50,000 million. The government has allocated Rs 53,690 million to Central GST and Rs 2,97,690 million to State GST from IGST.…

Report predicts India to have over 1,900 global capability centres (GCCs) by 2025, creating 2 million jobs and valued at $60 billion. India is set to establish more than 1,900 global capability centres (GCCs) by 2025, employing approximately 2 million individuals and contributing an estimated value of $60 billion, according to a report titled “GCC 4.0 – India Redefining the Globalisation Blueprint.” The research was conducted by Nasscom in collaboration with consultancy firm Zinnov. The report defines Indian GCCs as operational hubs that handle various functions of organizations, aiming to develop capabilities, foster global leadership, and generate revenue through services.…