Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India has strongly criticized the United States after President Donald Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants, a move that could significantly disrupt the flow of skilled workers to America. Officials in New Delhi described the measure as one with serious humanitarian consequences, as it would impact not just professionals but also their families who depend on these work permits. The H-1B visa, widely used by American companies to hire foreign talent in fields such as IT, engineering, and healthcare, has long been a pathway for Indian professionals. In 2024, India accounted for nearly 71% of all approved…

Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender on Thursday called on students to draw inspiration from the global achievements of Indian Americans, pointing out that although they represent just 2% of the United States population, they contribute nearly 8% to the American GDP. He stressed that such milestones are a reflection of discipline, resilience, and values—qualities that Indian students must also nurture. He delivered the message during the annual Inspirational Lecture hosted by Nalanda Educational Institutions in Vengalrao Nagar. The program, designed to connect young learners with accomplished leaders and thinkers, aims to instill wisdom, courage, and vision in future generations.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday on Friday by planting a Kadamb sapling at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The sapling was a personal gift from King Charles III of the United Kingdom and formed part of PM Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, which promotes environmental awareness and tree plantation. A video shared of the occasion showed the Prime Minister personally planting and watering the young tree. The British High Commission in New Delhi had earlier announced the gift on social media, highlighting that King Charles III’s gesture was inspired by PM Modi’s environmental…

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have significantly strengthened the nation’s economy by injecting $22.77 billion in additional liquidity. Addressing the Outreach and Interaction Programme on Next Generation GST Reforms in Visakhapatnam, she explained that the reforms will save citizens an equivalent amount, easing their financial burden while giving the economy a much-needed boost. Sitharaman pointed out that the sweeping changes to the tax structure were designed to help the middle class and curb poverty. Nearly all products that once fell under the 12% GST category—about 99%—are now taxed…

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said on Thursday that a solution to the ongoing tariff dispute between India and the United States could emerge within the next eight to ten weeks. Speaking at an interactive session hosted by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, he noted that discussions between New Delhi and Washington were actively progressing behind the scenes. “My sense is that we will likely see a resolution to the tariff challenge within the next two months,” Nageswaran remarked, expressing optimism about the pace of ongoing talks. The US imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods entering…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s third-longest-serving leader, marked his 75th birthday on September 17, 2025. Alongside the celebrations, attention turned to his impact on the Indian economy, which has witnessed remarkable highs as well as persistent challenges during his premiership. Under Modi’s leadership, India climbed to the position of the world’s fourth-largest economy, trailing only the United States, China, and Germany. The nation’s GDP reached $4.19 trillion, with annual growth averaging 6.5% over the past decade. Despite a sharp contraction of -5.8% in 2020–21, largely due to the pandemic, India has rebounded strongly. The country’s nominal GDP tripled from about…

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, has honored JCNC Life Benefactor Prem Jain with its prestigious 2025 BITS Ratna Award, the highest recognition bestowed upon an alumnus. The award was presented during the institution’s annual convention at the Hyderabad campus. The BITS Ratna Award acknowledges alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to the institute, its stakeholders, and society at large, creating a lasting and transformative impact. Jain, widely respected as both a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, has dedicated much of his life to education, innovation, and community service. As part of his enduring commitment to his alma…

A groundbreaking study has revealed that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly support Democratic candidates, contributing nearly three times more to their campaigns than to Republicans. The research, titled “An Emerging Lobby: An Analysis of Campaign Contributions from Indian-Americans (1998–2022),” was conducted by scholars Karnav Popat and Vishnu Prakash of Ashoka University, along with Joyojeet Pal from the University of Michigan. Published in September 2025, the report examines over two decades of campaign donations using Federal Election Commission data compiled by OpenSecrets. The findings highlight a consistent trend: Indian-Americans have steadily aligned with Democrats through financial contributions, marking their influence in US politics. During…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark a historic step in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on Wednesday by laying the foundation stone of India’s first PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park. The event coincides with his 75th birthday and will also see the launch of the fortnight-long Sewa Pakhwada, a public service initiative running from September 17 to October 2. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed that the Prime Minister will also introduce the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan at Bhainsola village. This program aims to strengthen women’s health and family welfare through a series of activities, including…

The 14th edition of the India-Thailand joint military drill, Maitree, came to a close on Sunday in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. The two-week-long exercise, which began on September 2 at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi cantonment, was designed to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities and enhance cooperation between the two nations’ armies. During the training, contingents from both sides carried out tactical drills, field training exercises, and joint planning sessions. The focus was on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, particularly in semi-urban and jungle environments. India was represented by 120 soldiers from the Madras Regiment, while Thailand sent 53 troops from the 1st…