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…
Author: Deepika chandrasekar
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…
On Friday, ISRO announced a major milestone in its Gaganyaan mission, marking significant progress toward India’s first human spaceflight. The space agency successfully transported the first solid motor segment from the production facility to the launch complex. This achievement paves the way for the upcoming HLVM3 G1 flight, a crucial part of the Gaganyaan program. This announcement closely follows successful “well deck” recovery trials conducted with the Indian Navy on December 6. The well deck on a naval vessel can be filled with water to allow boats, landing crafts, or recovered spacecraft to dock directly inside the ship. These trials…
The second trilateral consultation between India, Iran, and Armenia took place on Thursday, where representatives from all three nations discussed key issues such as connectivity projects, multilateral cooperation, and regional developments. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared details in a press release, emphasizing the importance of enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural ties. The Indian delegation was led by JP Singh, Joint Secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran Division. Hashem Ashja’ Zadeh, Director General of the South Asia Division from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Iran. Anahit Karapetyan, Head of the Asia-Pacific Department from Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign…