Author: Bhakti Sharma

Directed by Rohit Shetty, Singham Again is a high-energy action film set to debut on OTT this year for Diwali. The film, starring Ajay Devgn in the lead role, also features Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor in key supporting roles. Starting December 27, the film will be available exclusively on Prime Video in India and across 240 other countries and territories worldwide. As the fifth installment in Rohit Shetty’s acclaimed cop universe, Singham Again follows the storyline of DCP Bajirao Singham, played by Devgn, as he embarks on a…

India is poised to set a record in 2025, with equity raised through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) projected to exceed $23.46 billion, according to a report by Pantomath Group. With 76 companies generating $15.25 billion in IPO fundraising during the first 11 months of 2024, India has outpaced both the United States and Europe in the number of IPOs. This achievement highlights the nation’s growing prominence in global financial markets. Although the United States remains the leader in total IPO value, raising $35.6 billion in 2024, India is rapidly closing the gap with $22.7 billion raised by year-end. The disparity…

According to the Association for Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), India’s mutual fund industry witnessed a significant 40% growth in asset size, rising to $798 billion in November 2024 from $572 billion in November 2023. The surge was primarily driven by retail investors’ growing preference for equity schemes. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) witnessed a 48% rise, with contributions soaring from $2 billion in November 2023 to $2.97 billion in November 2024. Equity-oriented schemes now constitute 59.7% of the total mutual fund assets, a notable increase from 54.9% last year, while debt-oriented schemes declined to 14.8% from 18.5%. Individual investors, including…

To mark a significant stride toward establishing India’s space station and interplanetary ventures, ISRO is gearing up to launch the SpaDeX mission on December 30 at 9:58 PM from Sriharikota using the PSLV-C60 rocket. This mission is designed to develop and showcase cost-effective space docking and undocking technologies, a crucial capability for India’s ambitious space goals. Once successful, India will join an elite group of four nations with space docking technology. The SpaDeX mission will utilize two small spacecraft, Target and Chaser, each weighing about 220 kg, which will be launched into a 470 km circular orbit at a 55°…

On December 12, a historic event unfolded in New York with the inauguration of the New York State Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission. During this momentous occasion, Neeta Bhasin, the founder of Diwali at Times Square and Sammaan for All, was appointed as a commissioner. The mission of the Commission is to improve the economic and social well-being of AAPI communities while addressing critical issues like health and education. The Commission, established in response to the rapid growth of the AAPI population and the challenges they face—including rising hate crimes—aims to create policies, implement programs, and raise awareness…

President-elect Donald Trump is set to assume office next month on January 20, bringing in a wave of new appointments as part of his 2.0 administration. Several Indian-Americans, including prominent figures like Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy, have been entrusted with significant roles, showcasing their influence in shaping key policies. Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, is expected to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Collaborating with Elon Musk, Ramaswamy will focus on dismantling bureaucracy and restructuring federal agencies to enhance efficiency. Known for his advocacy for limited government and free markets, he…

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple project in Ayodhya has been honored with the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ by the British Safety Council, Chairman of the Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, announced. This award recognizes the highest standards in safety management, with only projects scoring a five-star rating in safety audits being eligible. The construction of the temple, managed by Larsen and Toubro and Tata Consulting Engineers, has also earned a ‘Golden Trophy’ from the National Safety Council for its exemplary safety measures throughout the process. The project’s ongoing work, which includes the completion of the first and second floors, is expected…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order,’ in a ceremony held at Bayan Palace by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The prestigious award is traditionally granted to Heads of State, foreign dignitaries, and royal family members as a symbol of friendship. PM Modi joins the ranks of notable recipients such as former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, and UK’s King Charles III. This accolade, presented for his efforts in fostering stronger India-Kuwait relations, marks another milestone among the 20+ international honors he has received. Kuwait’s state news agency, KUNA,…

In FY 2024, Indians emerged as the second-largest group to achieve US citizenship, with 49,700 individuals naturalizing, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This milestone underscores the Indian-American community’s growing prominence in the United States, which now boasts a population of five million. The USCIS report revealed that Indians accounted for 6.1% of all new US citizens, trailing only Mexico, which led to 13.1%. Other countries among the top five included the Philippines (5.0%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%), and Vietnam (4.1%), collectively contributing to 33% of the year’s naturalizations. Naturalization is a significant process that enables foreign-born…

At the Democratic National Convention this summer, Kamala Harris shared a touching tribute to her mother, who emigrated from Chennai, India, with dreams of becoming a scientist. Harris, a trailblazer poised to be the first female and South Asian president, lost the race to President-elect Donald Trump, who triumphed in all seven swing states. While many might assume Indian Americans would be disheartened by Harris’ defeat, their political influence is at an all-time high under Trump’s leadership. The incoming administration includes influential Indian Americans, such as Kash Patel, nominated to lead the FBI, and Jay Battacharya, appointed to the National…