Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Amazon announced its commitment to creating 2 million direct and indirect jobs in India by the end of 2025. To date, the company has generated 1.4 million jobs across industries such as IT, e-commerce, logistics, manufacturing, content creation, and skill development. In addition, Amazon has raised its export target four times higher, now aiming to achieve $80 billion in cumulative exports by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects Amazon’s confidence in India’s potential as a global export hub. At the first Smbhav Summit in 2020, Amazon set major goals to support small businesses. These included digitizing 10 million small enterprises and…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi on Sunday, highlighted collaborative governance as a key element of India’s development strategy. He stated that the concept of “Pro-People, Proactive, Good Governance (P2G2)” is central to achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). PM Modi emphasized the importance of focusing on “reform, perform, and transform” and stressed the need to keep citizens informed about the government’s initiatives. He urged states to redesign their governance models to foster greater citizen participation, or Jan Bhagidari. Addressing the conference, he discussed strategies…

The Indian Americans Forum (IAF) held a significant event at Hotel Daspalla in Hyderabad, bringing together thought leaders, social activists, and policymakers to promote democratic values, social reforms, and community welfare. The gathering celebrated the contributions of distinguished individuals who have played pivotal roles in fostering democratic and social change. Dr. Mohammed Jameel, President of the IAF, emphasized the importance of collective action for India’s progress, particularly highlighting the impact of Indians abroad. He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting candidates who advocate for secularism and constitutional values. Prof. Kodanda Ram, MLC, discussed the need for social democratic reforms, focusing…

Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent, has been named the 2025 Hospitality Executive of the Year by the Penn State School of Hospitality Management and the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS). The 2025 PSHRS Industry Awards and Reception will recognize Aggarwal on April 8, 2025, at the Nittany Lion Inn. The event will gather alumni, faculty, students, and industry partners. Expressing his gratitude, Aggarwal highlighted the significance of the hospitality industry in creating memorable experiences and praised Penn State for cultivating new talent in the field. He noted that Cvent’s mission of bringing people together aligns closely…

Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has been appointed to lead a criminal investigation into a significant reduction in traffic enforcement by New Jersey state police. Announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the investigation focuses on an eight-month period where traffic stops for violations such as speeding and drunk driving dropped by 61%. This decline began after a July 2023 report highlighted racial disparities in enforcement practices. Platkin expressed concern that this slowdown may have contributed to a rise in car crashes and fatalities across the state, while the national average showed a decline. He criticized the impact on the…

India holds the second position globally, following the United States, for the number of companies consistently posting a return on equity (ROE) above 20% for over a decade, according to a report by DSP Mutual Funds. This performance underscores the strength of Indian businesses and the solid fundamentals that are driving the country’s stock market success. The report highlights that this consistent ROE is a result of the financial health and operational efficiency of Indian companies, rather than relying on popular market narratives. The report also emphasized the steady growth in the book value of Indian companies, which has been…

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal expressed confidence in India’s economic trajectory, predicting that the country’s exports would surpass $1 trillion within the next two to two-and-a-half years. Speaking at the India Economic Conclave organized by Times Network, he noted that India is on track to exceed $800 billion in exports this year, demonstrating the country’s increasing presence in global trade. Goyal highlighted India’s growing reputation as a prime investment destination. He stated that exports are expected to surpass $800 billion this year and approach a trillion dollars within the next two to two-and-a-half years, adding that India…

On Tuesday, Amazon announced its ambitious goal to achieve US$ 80 billion in cumulative exports from India by 2030, joining forces with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The collaboration is part of Amazon’s strategy to help establish India as a global manufacturing hub. Amit Agarwal, Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets at Amazon, emphasized the company’s intensified efforts to boost exports, aiming to increase its impact in India fourfold. Earlier, Amazon set a target to digitize 10 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, facilitate US$ 20 billion in exports, and generate 2…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit on Monday in Jaipur, running from December 9 to 11. The summit aims to attract global investors and industry leaders, focusing on Rajasthan’s innovation and development potential. In his address, PM Modi emphasized India’s economic growth, stating that the country has become the world’s fifth-largest economy by following the principles of “Reform, Perform, and Transform.” He noted that in the past decade, India has doubled its economy and exports, making the nation a preferred destination for global investors. Highlighting India’s advancements in digital infrastructure, democracy, and demographics, PM Modi…

The Flower Mound Town Council in Texas has honored two Indian Americans, Kirti Patel and Samadhi Basnayake, with the 2024 Outstanding Citizenship Award for their contributions to community life. Their dedication highlights a blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm, both aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Flower Mound. Kirti Patel was named the winner in the individual category. For over 15 years, she has organized community events like Holi and Diwali, promoting unity and cultural awareness. She leads the Dancing Diva group, a collective of 50 women of various ages who share a passion for dance. Through her…