Author: Bhakti Narayanan

A proposed bill by US lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi aims to increase the annual intake of foreign workers on H-1B visas, a popular work permit for Indians seeking opportunities in the US. The bill seeks to raise the current H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 130,000. An association called ITServe, which comprises over 2,100 small and mid-size IT companies owned and operated by Indian Americans, has been advocating for this increase. They argue that the shortage of highly skilled workers in the US is affecting their businesses and the country’s overall competitiveness. Apart from doubling the H-1B visa quota, ITServe also…

On July 17, 2023, Anjali Sud was appointed as the CEO of Tubi, the streaming service owned by Fox Corp. Sud will assume her new role on September 1, 2023. Paul Cheesebrough, CEO of Tubi Media Group, expressed confidence in Sud’s appointment, stating that she is the ideal candidate to lead Tubi into a new era of creativity, growth, and market leadership. Tubi is recognized as the most watched free TV and movie streaming service in the United States. Currently, Sud is working closely with her successor at Vimeo and will be leaving the company in August. Commenting on her…

During the Second National Hindu Advocacy Day event held at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, a prominent group of Indian Americans appealed to lawmakers to address the increasing instances of Hinduphobia in the United States and safeguard the rights of the Hindu community. Approximately 21 members of Congress attended the event, where they emphasized the need to address discrimination against Hindus in the US. Congressman Rich McCormick, speaking at the day-long conference organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), highlighted the issue of discrimination based on race and religion, stating that the intimidation and Hinduphobia faced…

The recent census conducted at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Bargarh district has shown positive outcomes as a result of the efforts made by the State Forest Department officials. The survey, conducted over six days, revealed an increase in the number of carnivorous animals, along with a rise in the density of their prey. Interestingly, the census also confirmed the presence of a tiger in the sanctuary. The survey, organized by the Hirakud Wildlife Division from May 29 to June 3, allocated the first three days to survey carnivore signs and the last three days to survey herbivore signs. According…

The Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), a premier design and technology institute in the Textile city of Surat, recently hosted the first-ever fashion show IDFL ‘Fashionova-2023’ in Surat, where students presented a range of garments and one sequence, specifically curated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated prints. Fashionova-2023 took place at the Platinum Hall of the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) in Sarsana, inaugurated by Chief Guest Smt. Darshna Jardosh (Union Minister of State for Textiles) and graced by Guest of Honour Shri Rajiv Saxena (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India). In conjunction with the fashion…

The Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP), a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, has been selected as the beneficiary for July as part of ‘The Giving Year’ initiative by Basie Center and Bank of America. This year-long program aims to recognize and support organizations that have made significant contributions to the local community. As the beneficiary, RSCP will receive a donation of US$1 for every ticket sold at the Count Basie Center for the Arts during the month of July. In addition, the organization’s clients and volunteers will also receive complimentary tickets to events at the renowned performing arts center…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strong connection between India and France during his address to the Indian diaspora at the La Seine Musicale in Paris on July 13. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome that made him feel at home, PM Modi stated, “Wherever we go, we create a ‘mini-India’.” He highlighted that the world is shifting towards a new world order and acknowledged that India is increasingly sought after in areas such as climate change, supply chains, counter-terrorism, and counter-radicalism. PM Modi made significant announcements during his speech, including the extension of India’s Unified Payment System (UPI) to…

Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy, an Indian Air Force helicopter pilot, will lead the marching contingent of the Indian Air Force during the Bastille Day parade in Paris. The parade, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the guest of honour, will feature marching contingents from the Army, Navy, and IAF, alongside their French counterparts. Expressing her pride and gratitude, Squadron Leader Reddy acknowledged the honor of representing the IAF on foreign soil and credited the country and the Air Force for entrusting her with this responsibility. She eagerly anticipated the reaction of the French people. When asked…

According to the Times of India, Tesla has initiated talks with the Indian Government regarding an investment proposal to establish a car factory in India. The factory would have the capacity to manufacture up to 500,000 electric vehicles annually. The report also stated that the prices for these electric vehicles would begin at 2 million rupees ($24,400.66). At the time of reporting, Tesla had not provided a response to the request for comment. The company, led by billionaire Elon Musk, is also considering India as a potential base for exporting cars to countries in the Indo-Pacific region, as per government…

During an event organized by Indian community organizations in Washington DC on July 11, Venkaiah Naidu, the former Vice President of India, commended the Indian American community for their remarkable achievements in the United States and their contributions to both nations. Naidu emphasized the significant role of the Indian diaspora in the growth and development of the US, underscoring the partnership, cooperation, and trust between India and the US. He expressed immense pride in witnessing the accomplishments of Indian individuals who have excelled in diverse fields, acknowledging that their collective efforts have not only brought honor to India but also…