As part of a cherished annual tradition, President Biden will light a Diwali diya lamp in the White House Blue Room before addressing a gathering of Indian-American guests. The White House has announced that this will be Biden’s last Diwali reception, as he will not seek re-election. Following the diya lighting, Biden will deliver remarks at a reception honoring the Indian-American community. His speech will include a special video message from Sunita “Suni” Williams, a prominent NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain, who has recorded her Diwali greetings from the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, who assumed command of the…
Author: Nupur Rohila
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, will inaugurate the Tata Advanced Systems’ new aircraft complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, dedicated to producing the C-295 military aircraft. This facility represents India’s first private-sector final assembly line for military aircraft, setting a new milestone in the country’s defense manufacturing landscape. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that this Vadodara-based plant, developed by Tata Advanced Systems, will initially assemble 40 C-295 aircraft. Meanwhile, Airbus, a global aviation giant, will directly supply 16 additional aircraft, reinforcing India’s growing capabilities in military aviation. The facility not only brings assembly but…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a $119 million venture capital fund dedicated to advancing India’s space sector. This initiative is designed to foster innovation, create job opportunities, and support the growth of businesses within the industry. Modi shared the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the fund’s “phenomenal impact on the youth.” According to a government statement, the fund will aid companies by providing essential resources for scaling their operations, investing in research and development, and expanding their workforce in India’s burgeoning space economy. The fund is expected to be deployed over a period…
New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani has officially launched his campaign for the 2025 New York City mayoral race. At just 33 years old, the politician, who was born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is the son of notable filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani. As a member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, he emerges as the youngest and most left-oriented candidate challenging Mayor Eric Adams, who faces federal corruption charges. In a video announcing his candidacy, Mamdani expressed concerns about the displacement of working-class residents from…
The Indian government aims to significantly expand its aviation infrastructure by adding 50 new airports over the next five years, as announced by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. This ambitious project seeks to broaden India’s airport network, boosting the country’s connectivity and creating numerous job opportunities. Over the last ten years, India has seen its airport count double, reaching 157 operational facilities. Moving forward, projections suggest as many as 200 additional airports could be developed across the country over the next two decades. Mr. Naidu’s announcement took place during the inauguration of Airbus India and South…
On Thursday, India’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh, officially handed over the first batch of humanitarian aid from India to Lebanon. This significant delivery was received by Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firas Abiad, who acknowledged the importance of this support during challenging times. The Indian Embassy in Lebanon expressed its commitment to fostering closer ties between the two nations. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy announced, “The first tranche of India’s humanitarian assistance has arrived in Beirut. Health Minister Dr. Firas Abiad received the consignment of medicines in the presence of Ambassador Noor Rahman Sheikh. India remains dedicated…
Beyonce is scheduled to appear with Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Houston this Friday, according to sources reported by The New York Times, NBC News, and CNN. This event, which will also include country music star Willie Nelson, aims to serve as a significant closing act for Harris’ campaign leading up to Election Day. It will be the first occasion where both Beyoncé and Harris share the stage, highlighted by the music icon’s anthem “Freedom.” Months prior, the Houston native allowed Harris to adopt “Freedom” as the official anthem for her campaign. The permission was granted promptly,…
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation announced on September 19 that three Indian Americans have been selected as this year’s Moore Inventor Fellows. This annual fellowship aims to support scientist-inventors who develop innovative tools and technologies, with a focus on making significant advancements in scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and patient care. Harvey V. Fineberg, M.D., Ph.D., president of the foundation, emphasized, “The Moore Inventor Fellowship honors the creativity and ingenuity essential for addressing contemporary challenges and shaping a brighter future. We are excited to back these visionaries early in their careers as they create technologies poised to positively influence critical…
During the Gaekwadi era, the Laxmi Vilas Palace’s ornate durbar hall was the site of extravagant banquets and concerts for royals and state officials. On October 28, the palace will make history by hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for their first official meeting. Modi and Sanchez will also enjoy lunch at the royal residence, with preparations currently underway. Samarjit Gaekwad, a member of the Gaekwad royal family, stated, “This is the first time two heads of government are being received at Laxmi Vilas Palace. PM Modi is also visiting the palace for the first…
In September, Ford Motor Company made headlines by announcing plans to reopen its Chennai facility, which had ceased operations in 2021, primarily focusing on exports. While specific details remain undisclosed, reports suggest the automaker is exploring opportunities in the light commercial vehicle and pickup markets, considering both internal combustion engines and electric variants. Additionally, potential collaborations with other manufacturers, including Volkswagen, have surfaced, although Ford declined to comment on these speculations. This announcement by Ford reignites discussions about the challenges faced by American and European carmakers in the highly competitive and price-sensitive Indian automotive market. It also emphasizes India’s growing…