Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Sukhdev Singh Bainiwal, a former candidate for the San Jose council, has announced his candidacy for District 8 once again, encompassing Evergreen and East San Jose, with the election scheduled for March 5, 2024. A 57-year-old engineer and former city airport commissioner, Bainiwal’s campaign focuses on addressing public safety through initiatives like neighborhood watches and increasing the police force. Additionally, he aims to tackle homelessness by promoting interim housing construction and streamlining the city’s permitting process to enhance affordable housing availability. San Jose faced a severe housing shortage in 2022, ranked as the worst in the U.S. According to Bainiwal,…

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its leadership team, Atlas Systems, a New Jersey-based IT company, has appointed Sam Murali, an Indian American, as Chief Partnership Officer. According to the company’s release, Murali will lead Atlas’s sales efforts, focusing on cultivating key partnerships, especially with Microsoft. His primary objective is to strengthen collaboration with Microsoft, leveraging the versatile capabilities of the Azure AI platform. Murali’s responsibilities include close coordination with Microsoft and client teams to ensure the delivery of customized services and resources for optimal outcomes. The company has a significant association with Amazon Web Services (AWS), where Animesh…

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that adjusting the timing of meals could be beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, based on data from 103,389 adults over a 7-year period, indicates a lower risk when individuals consume their first meal before 8 a.m. and the last before 9 p.m. Interestingly, this reduction in risk is more notable in women than in men. The study scrutinizes various factors, revealing that delaying the first meal or consuming the last after 9 p.m. is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Notably, the research sheds light…

Indian American executive Avi Avula has been appointed as the President and CEO of Methode Electronics Inc., a Chicago-based international engineering company. The effective date for Avula’s new role is January 29, 2024, following the retirement of Donald W Duda. The transition plan involves a three-month collaboration period between Duda and Avula, with Duda then serving as a strategic consultant for the subsequent nine months. Avula, with over 17 years of experience in the electronics industry, currently serves as the Vice President of Strategy for DuPont’s Electronics & Industrial (E&I) business. Before DuPont, he held various roles with applied materials,…

India is poised to make a substantial contribution, exceeding 16%, to global growth, earning recognition as an exceptional performer by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This acknowledgment stems from India’s strategic economic reforms, particularly in infrastructure and digitalization, solidifying its status as one of the fastest-growing major emerging markets. Ms. Nada Choueiri, Assistant Director at the IMF, lauds India’s robust economic growth, attributing it to a focused approach on infrastructure and digital advancements. The key elements for sustained progress are identified as political stability and streamlined procedures. The emphasis is placed on implementing labor reforms and harnessing the potential of…

Nikki Haley is emerging as a prominent alternative to Donald Trump in the upcoming Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire, as indicated by a CBS/YouGov poll released on December 18. While Trump maintains his lead, Haley has made significant strides by consolidating much of the non-Trump vote. The poll results follow the endorsement of Haley by New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who emphasized the state’s opportunity to lead the country forward. According to the CBS poll, 29% of respondents expressed their preference for Haley in the Republican primary, compared to Trump’s 44%. In terms of readiness, 53% of GOP primary…

Over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian banking system has undergone significant transformations, moving from the era of ‘phone banking’ to implementing prudential norms, mega mergers, recapitalization, and fostering a banking culture through initiatives like Jan Dhan accounts, digital banking/payment systems, and Mudra loans. According to a research report by the State Bank of India (SBI), the banking system’s total asset/liabilities growth during FY14-23 is 1.3 times higher than the growth in the last 60 years. Despite obstacles like demonetization, non-banking financial company setbacks, shifts in monetary policy, and the pandemic, the Indian banking system…

In anticipation of the forthcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and local Hindu temples in the Washington, DC area orchestrated a mini car and bike rally at the Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple in Maryland. The street where the riders convened was christened “Ayodhya Way” in homage to the inaugural ceremony, attracting a diverse gathering of Hindu Americans across age groups. Mahendra Sapa, president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America DC chapter, announced a larger celebration on January 20, 2024, in the Washington, DC area, featuring around 1000 American Hindu families. The…

Indian-American Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been leading the 2024 campaign with a remarkable 42 stops this week, the highest among candidates. Despite the logistical challenges, Ramaswamy remains motivated by the energetic crowds in Iowa, emphasizing that he is campaigning caffeine-free. The 38-year-old entrepreneur appreciates the earnestness of people attending his events, building a community and movement that transcends traditional campaign methods. Ramaswamy values grassroots engagement, expressing a preference for connecting with caucusgoers in Pizza Ranches across the state rather than participating in cloistered mega-donor retreats. He attributes his success to a strong work ethic, emphasizing that luck is…

Indian American lawmakers have expressed deep concern over the allegations involving two Indian nationals in a foiled assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Nikhil Gupta and an Indian government officer identified as “CC-1” face DOJ charges for planning to kill Khalistani supporter Pannun on U.S. soil. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, and Shri Thanedar issued a joint statement, urging a thorough Indian government investigation and accountability for those involved. They emphasized the potential damage to US-India ties if not addressed appropriately. The lawmakers received a classified briefing on the DOJ’s indictment, highlighting the gravity of the…