Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have sharply criticized the stopgap spending deal, urging all members of Congress to reject the bill, which they claim will result in excessive spending. The deal, which was introduced days before the December 20 shutdown deadline, aims to extend government funding and push the decision-making on next year’s budget to the next Congress and president. Ramaswamy highlighted the high costs associated with the bill, noting that keeping the government open until March 14 would cost around $380 billion, but the true price tag is much higher when factoring in new spending measures. These include the…
Author: Deepika chandrasekar
On December 21, 2024, the world will commemorate the inaugural World Meditation Day, following a historic resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on November 29, 2024. This groundbreaking event will create an annual global observance of meditation, underscoring its profound benefits for mental and physical health and its potential to foster global peace and unity. To mark this milestone, India’s Permanent Mission at the UN hosted a special ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York. The event featured a live global meditation session, led by renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of…
U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted that, over the past year, Indian companies secured $3.4 billion in deals and investments in the United States during the SelectUSA Investment Summit. During an event hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) titled “Promise and Prosperity of the U.S.-India Relationship,” Garcetti emphasized India’s increasing influence on the U.S. economy. Garcetti pointed out that while American investments generate employment opportunities in India, Indian investments are simultaneously creating jobs for Americans. Referring to the SelectUSA Investment Summit, Garcetti noted that, for the second consecutive year, India sent the largest delegation of any country. He…
For years, coffee has been a subject of debate, with studies highlighting both its benefits and potential drawbacks. As one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, with approximately 2 billion cups drunk every day, coffee has been linked to numerous health effects. Some studies suggest that coffee may lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and obesity due to its rich content of nutrients and antioxidants. However, there are concerns about its potential to cause issues like increased anxiety, migraines, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems. A recent review conducted by researchers at the University…
The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially launched the G20 Talent Visa to position India as a global hub for academic and technological collaboration. This visa is designed for scholars, researchers, and professionals from G20 nations and aims to enhance India’s scientific and educational ecosystem. The announcement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal at the 2024 G20 Summit, where he stressed the importance of fostering opportunities for top talent in science and technology. Modi highlighted the need for a visa that would allow exceptional talent to explore global opportunities and significantly contribute to the economies of participating nations. The…
British-Indian director Sandhya Suri’s Santosh has been selected for the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Academy Awards. The film, the U.K.’s official entry, is one of just 15 films chosen from 85 global submissions. India’s entry, Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, did not make the shortlist. Other films included in the list are I’m Still Here (Brazil), Universal Language (Canada), Waves (Czech Republic), and Emilia Perez (France), among others. Santosh stars Shahana Goswami as a young Hindu widow who becomes a police constable through a government program and faces institutional corruption. She works alongside…
Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu American to serve in Congress, attended a celebration at BAPS Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on December 15, 2024, marking the 103rd birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Addressing an audience of about 2,000 people, Gabbard expressed admiration for the spiritual significance of the temple, highlighting the intricate carvings and sculptures that depict stories from the Bhagavad Gita. During her visit, Gabbard discussed the importance of unity, peace, and harmony, values that she believes are essential for today’s world. She shared her thoughts on the temple’s many quotes from figures like…
Anoushka Kale, a British Indian student at the University of Cambridge, has been elected as the President of the prestigious Cambridge Union Society for the Easter 2025 term. Known as one of the oldest debating societies in the world, the Cambridge Union has championed free speech since 1815. Kale won the election uncontested, securing 126 votes. Currently serving as the society’s Debate Officer, Kale campaigned on a platform focused on strengthening ties with cultural groups at the university, particularly the India Society. She expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying she was “absolutely delighted and honored to have been elected as…
Indian-American lawmaker Shri Thanedar has raised alarms over the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the US government to take immediate action. Speaking on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Thanedar condemned the attacks on Hindu temples and religious practitioners, calling on Congress and the US government to use all available measures to stop these atrocities. Thanedar referenced the history of violence against minorities in Bangladesh since its independence in 1971, highlighting recent incidents such as the arrest of a Hindu priest and the murder of his lawyer. The lawmaker expressed concern that the situation has worsened…
In 2024, India’s cement sector witnessed a significant rise in mergers and acquisitions, with more than ten deals announced, the highest since 2014. These transactions totaled over $3.5 billion, with major players like UltraTech Cement and Adani-backed Ambuja Cements leading the charge, especially in the South Indian region. This wave of consolidation has resulted in greater concentration of cement assets, now dominated by the top four companies: UltraTech, Ambuja, Shree Cement, and Dalmia Bharat. Despite the surge in mergers, cement prices remain under pressure. Factors such as sluggish demand driven by elections and the monsoon season have made it difficult…