Author: Bhakti Sharma

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Bhakti has been working as a journalist for about twenty years. She holds a postgraduate degree in mass communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Delhi.

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has entered a partnership with US chipmaker Nvidia to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in India. The announcement took place on Thursday at the Nvidia AI Summit 2024 in Mumbai, where Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Ambani engaged in a fireside chat about the collaboration. Huang stated that the partnership aims to enable India to manufacture its own AI capabilities.He emphasized the significance of self-reliance in technology, stating that it is logical for India to produce its own AI. He remarked that India should not export data to import intelligence, just as it shouldn’t export flour…

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On October 19, 2024, the inaugural IndiXspark event, “Celebrating Indian American Ideas,” took place in Spotswood, NJ, and emerged as a remarkable success. The event, co-founded by Neha Mahajan and Dr. Asha Menon, drew the Indian American community together for an enriching day filled with thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural festivities, all centered around the theme “First-Time Immigrant Experience.” The event kicked off with a captivating sitar performance by Anju Bedi from Vancouver, setting a cultural ambiance that resonated throughout the gathering. Following this, attendees engaged in an open networking hour, where they shared ideas and fostered connections in…

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Kaivan Munshi, a prominent figure in economic development, was appointed Frederick W. Beinecke Professor of Economics at Yale University in June 2024. He is associated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) within the Department of Economics and is also linked to the Economic Growth Center. With over 30 years of research experience, Munshi has focused on the impact of informal community institutions on development. His initial research provided robust empirical evidence demonstrating how social norms and community networks significantly influence individual decisions and outcomes in developing economies. He then examined how these networks can either facilitate or hinder…

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From April to August 2024, investments by Overseas Indians in non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes surged to $7.82 billion, significantly increasing from $3.74 billion during the same timeframe in 2023, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). As of August 2024, the total outstanding NRI deposits amounted to $158.94 billion. These deposit schemes include foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) deposits, non-resident external (NRE), and non-resident ordinary (NRO) deposits. During this period, a notable portion of inflows was directed towards FCNR (B) deposits, which garnered $3.47 billion—up from $1.55 billion the previous year.  NRE deposits also saw substantial growth, receiving inflows…

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Spiritual leader Sadhguru has been awarded the CIF Global Indian Award by the Canada India Foundation for his exceptional contributions to fostering a conscious planet and his proactive leadership in addressing environmental issues. The award is part of an upcoming event aimed at recognizing individuals of Indian descent who have significantly impacted the world. Ritesh Malik, Chair of the Canada India Foundation, remarked, “Sadhguru exemplifies a deep understanding of contemporary challenges while offering solutions to the most pressing issues. He draws upon the wisdom of ancient Indian spiritual and knowledge systems combined with practical common sense, which is unfortunately rare…

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Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has asserted that India, Brazil, and African nations should be granted permanent representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This statement, reported by the state-owned TASS news agency, emphasizes the need for these countries to have a voice in the Council to better reflect the global majority. Lavrov expressed his belief that it is long overdue for countries like India and Brazil, along with African representatives, to hold permanent seats in the Security Council. He stated that doing so is crucial for ensuring that the Council is more representative of global demographics. India has…

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With the U.S. Presidential election scheduled for November 5th, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are actively campaigning to secure support from a diverse range of voters, including women, Black voters, Latino Americans, Arab Americans, and Indian Americans. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the U.S. Congress in June 2023, he praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her Indian roots, noting, “There are millions here with Indian heritage. Some proudly serve in this chamber, including one historic figure right behind me.” This statement underscores the growing significance of Indian Americans in U.S. politics. Presently, five Indian Americans serve in…

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Sirish Subash, a ninth-grade student from Snellville, Georgia, has claimed first place in the prestigious 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a renowned competition held in St. Paul, Minnesota. Attending the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Sirish earned the top honor with his invention, “Pestiscand,” an AI-powered handheld pesticide detector. His creation secured him a USD 25,000 prize and the esteemed title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” Organized by 3M and Discovery Education, the competition brought together ten exceptional finalists, each having spent months refining their projects. Sirish’s Pestiscand stood out for its practical application and creativity. The device…

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In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mr. Khalid bin Abdulqader Al-Ghamdi, the Deputy Minister of Media, commended the vital contributions of the 20.6 million Indians residing in the Kingdom. His remarks were made during the launch of the ‘Global Harmony’ initiative, part of Saudi Arabia’s “Quality of Life” Programme, which aims to fulfill the objectives of Vision 2030. The Riyadh Season, which began on October 13, features a diverse array of events celebrating the cultures of 11 nations, including India, the Philippines, and Egypt, over 45 days. The festivities include concerts, cultural performances, entertainment, traditional cuisines, and handicraft exhibitions. Mr. Al-Ghamdi emphasized…

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Kash Patel, a prominent attorney and a key advisor to former President Donald Trump, is poised to assume a significant position within the federal government should the Republicans succeed in the 2024 elections. Reports indicate that Trump has compiled a list of individuals for his potential administration, with Patel anticipated to head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) if he returns to the White House. Patel, 44, has previously served as Trump’s counterterrorism adviser on the National Security Council and was the chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense during Trump’s final term. His career also encompasses roles as…

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