Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Indian American owners of a Circle K convenience store in Cottonwood, California, ended the year with a massive milestone. The store, Sunshine Food and Gas, sold a winning $1.22 billion Mega Millions ticket on December 27, making it the fifth-largest jackpot in the game’s history. Jaspal Singh and his son, Ishar Gill, who run the store, expressed their excitement upon hearing the news. “It felt surreal,” Gill shared with KRCR, recounting how the family reacted to the life-changing announcement. This success comes after a challenging period for the family. A devastating fire in August 2021 destroyed their gas station, and…

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for December 2024 reached $20.7 billion, reflecting a 7.3% year-on-year increase. This marks the tenth consecutive month of collections surpassing $19.89 billion. Contributions included $3.84 billion from Central GST, $4.74 billion from State GST, and $5.59 billion from Integrated GST, along with $1.34 billion from cess collections. Revenue from domestic transactions climbed by 8.4% to $15.44 billion, while GST collections on imports rose by 4%, amounting to $5.18 billion. Despite the robust performance, December’s figures remained below the record $24.56 billion collected in April 2024 and the $21.29 billion achieved in November 2024.…

India’s remarkable rise as a global economic superpower under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has drawn widespread acclaim from world leaders, economists, and business tycoons. In 2024, the country’s status as a growth engine, tech innovator, and sustainability leader was prominently recognised. Prominent voices have consistently highlighted India’s progress. Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, admired India’s climate change efforts. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, in 2017, praised PM Modi for his receptiveness and intelligence. In 2023, Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holdings, lauded India’s infrastructure and manufacturing growth under Modi’s leadership. Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motors, credited…

The year 2024 was pivotal for India, highlighting its global leadership in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, defense, nuclear energy, space exploration, and emerging technologies, including quantum computing, AI, and blockchain. Transformative reforms and innovations positioned India at the forefront of sustainable and inclusive growth. India’s pharmaceutical sector saw a substantial rise in exports, growing from over $15 billion to $28 billion in the decade ending FY24, driven by initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and Bulk Drug Parks. The biotechnology industry expanded impressively, with its value jumping from $10 billion in 2014 to $130 billion in 2024,…

The US Mission to India has announced that it issued over one million non-immigrant visas to Indian citizens for the second consecutive year in 2024. This includes a record number of visitor visas, reflecting a significant surge in travel demand for tourism, business, and education. Non-immigrant visas enable temporary visits to the US for various purposes, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, and specialized work. Over two million Indians traveled to the US in the first eleven months of 2024, a 26% increase compared to the previous year. The mission also highlighted the completion of a pilot program allowing H-1B…

In his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for national unity ahead of the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He highlighted the event’s potential to bring people together, emphasizing the importance of eliminating division and hatred from society. Modi urged the nation to embrace the occasion with the slogan, “Maha Kumbh ka sandesh, ek ho poora desh” (the message of Maha Kumbh, let the whole country be united), and encouraged people to share their selfies with the hashtag #EktaKaMahakumbh. Scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, this Maha Kumbh, which occurs…

The Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC) hosted its annual gala at the Junior League of Houston, focusing on the urgent mental health crisis in America. The event, with over 220 attendees, aimed to inspire dialogue and collective action in addressing mental health challenges. Dr. Roopa Gir, President of IAPAC, welcomed guests and emphasized the need to reduce stigma and create culturally relevant solutions for diverse communities. The evening’s keynote address, delivered via video by Dr. Rahul Gupta, National Director for Drug Policy at the White House, highlighted the intersection of mental health and substance use, urging immediate action and…

Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Newsweek/Stubblefield Institute Civility Award under the category of State & Community Leaders. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify civility in political communication, bipartisan collaboration, and fostering unity. Patel, a civic leader dedicated to making religious diversity a strength of American democracy, has worked extensively with governments, universities, and private organizations to bridge divides through faith cooperation. Named one of “America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, Patel also served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council and has authored five books, including We Need…

In a move highlighting the growing presence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics, President-elect Donald Trump has named Sriram Krishnan, a well-known Indian-American venture capitalist, as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Krishnan’s new role positions him to influence key areas like technology and immigration reform in the country. This appointment aligns with ongoing U.S. government discussions about removing the country cap on H-1B visas. Such a reform could open doors for a greater number of skilled Indian workers, particularly in technology and engineering. Krishnan, a strong advocate for merit-based…

On December 24, 2024, the Indian government unveiled several initiatives to bolster consumer protection, spearheaded by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. These efforts include launching cutting-edge AI-driven tools such as the National Consumer Helpline, the e-maap portal, and the Jago Grahak Jago mobile app. These advancements are designed to empower consumers, detect deceptive marketing practices, and expedite dispute resolution. Prominent e-commerce players like Reliance Retail, Tata Sons, and Zomato have pledged their support to improve the safety of online shopping. Speaking at the National Consumer Day celebration, Mr. Joshi underscored the nation’s progress in addressing consumer grievances. Between January and November…