Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Foxconn, the iPhone contract manufacturer, has seen its business in India grow significantly, reaching over $10 billion by 2024, according to its chairman, Young Liu. The company has invested $1.4 billion in the country to date, reflecting its strong commitment to the Indian market. Liu mentioned that by the end of last year, Foxconn’s business in India had surpassed $10 billion, and they anticipate even greater achievements in the upcoming year, as he shared in a conversation with PTI. He made these remarks at the inauguration of Foxconn’s women-only residential complex near its plant in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Liu,…

In recognition of his significant contributions to both the United States and India, Representative Tom Suozzi has honored Varinder Bhalla with a Special Congressional Award. This accolade, which acknowledges Bhalla’s four decades of dedicated community service, includes an American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol and a formal Citation from Congressman Suozzi. Varinder Bhalla’s impactful journey as a community leader began in 1981 when he served as Vice President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA). He successfully advocated for the inclusion of Indian Americans as a recognized minority group eligible for federal contracts, a move that…

In the vast landscape of Indian cinema, few films have left an indelible mark like *Sholay*. Released on August 15, 1975, this cinematic gem, crafted by the renowned writers Salim-Javed and directed by Ramesh Sippy, has not only endured but thrived as a cultural icon. As we celebrate its 49th anniversary, it’s a fitting time to reflect on what has made *Sholay* an enduring classic. Birth of a Classic *Sholay* emerged during a period of transformation in Bollywood, when filmmakers were eager to explore new genres and storytelling techniques. This film brilliantly combined action, drama, romance, comedy, and music into…

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is focusing her economic agenda on reducing the costs of essential goods such as groceries, housing, and healthcare. Her plan also emphasizes strengthening the child tax credit while clearly distinguishing her approach from that of Republican Donald Trump, particularly on issues like tariffs and taxes, according to her aides and advisers. As the U.S. vice president, Harris is set to outline elements of her economic strategy in a speech in North Carolina on Friday. Her speech will address lowering consumer costs and tackling “price gouging,” reflecting the importance of consumer prices in the minds of…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver his eleventh consecutive Independence Day address on Thursday, marking his first since securing a record-equaling third consecutive term in office. With his swearing-in on June 9, Modi matched the three-term record set by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi is poised to join Nehru and his daughter, Indira Gandhi, as only the third Prime Minister to address the nation from the Red Fort on August 15 for eleven consecutive years. Nehru delivered seventeen consecutive speeches, while Indira Gandhi, who served as Prime Minister from January 1966 to March 1977 and again…

Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar successfully defended her position in Minnesota’s 5th District primary, securing a victory over former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels. Omar, known for her outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and as a member of the progressive “Squad,” led the race with 56.2% of the vote compared to Samuels’ 42.9% after nearly all precincts had reported their results. Previously, in 2022, Omar had also defeated Samuels, who aligns more with centrist liberal values. During her victory speech in Minneapolis, Omar drew on themes from the Harris-Walz presidential campaign, underscoring her commitment to fighting for…

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…