Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Indian American Impact, an organization established in 2016 to engage Indian Americans and South Asians in public life and politics in the U.S., is actively rallying support for U.S. Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The group has been dedicated to increasing civic participation, addressing political issues relevant to Indian Americans and South Asians, and enhancing the representation of community members in public office. Chintan Patel, the executive director of Impact and a seasoned campaign and political organizer who joined the organization earlier this year, shared with the Times of India that Impact is now fully focused on…

Over 300 Indian Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus gathered peacefully outside Sugar Land City Hall on Sunday morning to protest the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The event, named “Save Hindus in Bangladesh,” was organized by the Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities. It brought together various major Hindu organizations from Houston, including Maitri, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, HinduAction, HinduPact, Houston Durgabari Society, ISKCON, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, among others. Protesters called on the Biden Administration to take immediate action against the violence targeting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Emotional speeches were delivered, urging the U.S. government to…

“House of the Dragon,” the globally acclaimed prequel to “Game of Thrones,” has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and cinematic brilliance. Among the talented directors who have shaped this epic saga, Geeta Vasant Patel has truly made her mark, delivering standout moments that resonate with fans worldwide. She directed three episodes, including some of the series’ best and highest-rated ones. Geeta Vasant Patel, an Indian-origin filmmaker, was born on December 22, 1975, in Illinois, USA. She is a well-established figure in the American film industry, known for her roles as a television director, screenwriter, and producer. Her notable works…

India’s renewable energy sector has seen dramatic expansion, with capacity increasing by 165% over the past decade. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi reported that installed capacity surged from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024. During a Rajya Sabha discussion on the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s budget, Joshi announced that India has climbed to fourth place globally in renewable energy capacity, achieving notable advancements in both solar and wind power. Joshi emphasized the country’s success, citing that India ranks fourth globally in wind power and fifth in solar photovoltaic capacity. The total non-fossil fuel capacity now exceeds…

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is set to lead Bangladesh’s interim government following the sudden departure of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid a severe uprising. The unrest, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities and pushed the nation to the edge of chaos, prompted Hasina to flee the country. The announcement of Yunus’s appointment came early Wednesday from Joynal Abedin, press secretary to President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The decision was made during a high-level meeting that included military leaders, student protest organizers, prominent business figures, and members of civil society. Yunus, a 67-year-old entrepreneur and Nobel Peace Prize winner, is renowned for…

India and Zimbabwe recently conducted their third round of Foreign Office Consultations in Harare, where they evaluated and discussed the state of their bilateral relations. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in various areas including development partnerships, trade, economic relations, digital technology, agriculture, health, defense, consular affairs, and cultural exchanges. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the consultations took place on August 6, 2024. Puneet R. Kundal, Additional Secretary for East and Southern Africa at the MEA, led the Indian delegation, while Mike Chigiji, Chief Director of Political Affairs at Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade,…

Neeraj Chopra has secured a spot in the final of the Javelin event at the Paris Olympics 2024 with an impressive first throw. The reigning Olympic champion launched his spear to an impressive 89.34 meters, instantly qualifying for the finals. Competing in Group B, this remarkable throw not only secured his place but also surpassed his season’s best of 88.36 meters, achieved at the Doha Diamond League in May 2024. As is often the case, Neeraj managed to clinch his spot on his very first attempt. In parallel, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem also advanced to the 12-man final, with a strong…

Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and the military has now taken control amid escalating protests demanding her departure. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the chief of the Bangladesh Army, announced that the military will establish an interim government and urged protesters to embrace peace. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and assured that their concerns will be addressed, while calling for an end to the violence. In his statement, General Waker-Uz-Zaman revealed that discussions with Opposition leaders had resulted in the decision to form a temporary government. He also confirmed Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Notably, he mentioned that while…

In July, the central and state governments collected $22.3 billion in Goods and Services Tax (GST), reflecting a 10.3% year-on-year increase, according to data from the finance ministry. This amount also represents a rise from the $21.2 billion collected in June 2024. Although July’s GST collections were below the record $25.4 billion achieved in April, experts view the figures as consistent with strong revenue trends and anticipate further increases as the festive season approaches. The July figures represent sales from June 2024, which is typically slower before the festive period begins. Abhishek Jain, indirect tax head and partner at KPMG…

Day 6 at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a whirlwind for the Indian team, showcasing a mix of triumphs and challenges. The day featured notable achievements in shooting, alongside setbacks in race walking, boxing, archery, and hockey. Here’s a look at the highlights. Swapnil Kusale made history by winning a bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3P event, marking the first time an Indian has medaled in this category. This accomplishment also represents India’s best-ever shooting medal tally at a single Olympics. In race walking, India’s competitors faced difficulties. Vikash Singh finished 30th, Paramjeet Singh Bisht was 37th, and…