Author: Deepika chandrasekar

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a five-day international tour, which includes visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16 to 21. This strategic trip focuses on deepening bilateral ties, attending the G20 Summit in Brazil, and receiving a prestigious honor in Guyana. The first leg of the journey takes PM Modi to Nigeria from November 16 to 17, at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Highlighting the close partnership between the two nations, the visit aims to strengthen their strategic relationship. PM Modi will also meet the Indian diaspora in Nigeria, acknowledging their significant contributions and…

The University of Central Florida’s India Center celebrated a key moment with the appointment of Dr. Yogesh Joshi as its first Indian Community Endowed Chair and Director during a special Investiture Ceremony. Founded in 2012, the India Center was envisioned to become the premier institution for the study of contemporary India’s influence on global affairs. It offers a range of educational programs, research, and outreach initiatives to the Indian community across Florida and beyond. The Center is part of UCF’s College of Sciences and the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs, led by Director Bruce Wilson. During the ceremony,…

At the US Capitol, over two dozen lawmakers and prominent Indian Americans gathered to celebrate Diwali, marking the first major post-election event in Congress. The “Diwali at Capitol Hill” celebration, hosted on November 12, was organized by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in collaboration with Indian American organizations including the Sikhs for America, Hindu American Foundation, Art of Living, and the Jain Association of North America. President-elect Donald Trump, who was recently elected, is preparing to assume office. During the Diwali event, Senator Rand Paul emphasized the identity of America as a nation that draws talented immigrants from all over the…

The recent victory of Republican candidate Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election has left several global leaders unsettled, including Bangladesh’s unelected leader, Mohammed Yunus. Originally backed by populist groups and the military, Yunus was installed in August, replacing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Many South Asian observers suggest that the United States discreetly endorsed this change, as evidenced by the Biden administration’s favorable interactions with Yunus—a notable shift from the relatively strained relations between Bangladesh and India. With Trump set to assume office, Yunus now faces an uncertain future. Known for his adaptability, Yunus has quickly pivoted to reach out…

India is striving to establish itself as a global leader in drone technology, a move expected to invigorate the Indian economy while advancing the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat agendas, according to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. During the Delhi Defence Dialogue at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, Singh highlighted multiple initiatives designed to position India at the forefront of the drone sector. These include bolstering Research and Development, creating robust certification processes, encouraging Indian intellectual property development, and rewarding innovative efforts through schemes like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Atal Defence Technology and…

India’s gaming market saw significant growth in 2023-24, reaching US$ 3.8 billion in revenue, a 23% increase year-over-year (YoY), despite the imposition of a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming, as reported by gaming-focused venture capital firm Lumikai. The market is projected to exceed US$ 9.2 billion by FY29, expanding at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. Real-money gaming (RMG) continues to be the largest revenue generator, contributing US$ 2.4 billion. However, in-app purchases are the fastest-growing segment, rising by 41% YoY in FY24. By FY29, with a CAGR of 44%, in-app purchases are…

India is eagerly anticipating positive developments as Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025. The Modi administration and the Indian public see potential for deeper connections with the United States, despite some past friction over trade tariffs. Both countries are set to build on a foundation of mutual interests established during Trump’s previous term. Prime Minister Modi and President-elect Trump share a close rapport, as evidenced by their recent conversation following Trump’s victory in the U.S. election, where he praised Modi and India as valued allies. This friendship is anchored in their shared focus on national priorities—Trump’s…

India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games draws attention to its rich cultural diversity, historical significance, and growing global influence. In a letter sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last month, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) outlined the country’s intent to host both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, backed by the government. India is competing with other nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, for the prestigious event. The letter highlights India’s unique position as a cultural mosaic, home to religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The message of the bid underscores India’s spirit…

On November 8, 2024, Delegate Kannan Srinivasan announced support from Congressman-Elect Suhas Subramanyam and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for his candidacy for the Democratic nomination to fill the 32nd District State Senate seat left vacant by Suhas’ move to Congress. This endorsement comes after key backing from House Speaker Don Scott, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, and numerous Loudoun County Democratic leaders. Given the swing of Loudoun County to the right in the Presidential election, state and local leaders are uniting behind Kannan, acknowledging him as the strongest candidate to win the district and safeguard the slim Democratic majority in the…