Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

As the Diwali festivities draw closer, markets across India, particularly in Delhi, are bracing for an impressive shopping surge, with total sales expected to reach approximately $50.57 billion (Rs 4.25 trillion). Delhi is anticipated to contribute around $8.92 billion (Rs 75,000 crore) to this festive turnover. Following the successful celebrations of Raksha Bandhan, Navratri, and Karva Chauth, merchants are going all out to attract customers by presenting lavish decorations, festive lighting, and an extensive range of discounts and offers. Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, a Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT),…

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, brought lively energy to Diwali celebrations at the US Embassy in Delhi on Wednesday. Garcetti surprised the crowd with a spirited Bhangra dance to the hit song “Tauba Tauba” from the Bollywood film Bad Newz, wearing a traditional brown kurta, stylish shades, a red dupatta, and taupe shoes to embrace the festive look. Earlier, Garcetti had shared his excitement for the holiday by posting a photo of the embassy glowing with golden lights for Diwali. He shared, “Our Embassy is all lit up, and we’re ready for Diwali. How are you celebrating the Festival…

Indian-origin actress Poorna Jagannathan, recognized for her performances in films such as Delhi Belly and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, as well as the Netflix series Never Have I Ever, has publicly endorsed US Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election. In an exclusive interview with India Today, the 51-year-old actress stated, “I am wholeheartedly supporting Kamala Harris. This election is very multi-faceted for me. As an immigrant, a survivor of sexual violence, and an advocate for a ceasefire in the Middle East, I have directly felt the impacts of climate change.” Jagannathan emphasized her strong…

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Waterloo, has been appointed as the institution’s 12th chancellor, bringing a wealth of global experience to his new ceremonial role. Serving as Waterloo’s ceremonial head, Dr. Bachher will preside over convocation ceremonies, confer degrees, and represent the university at public events. His appointment marks a new era of leadership aligned with Waterloo’s values of innovation, purpose, and collaboration. Dr. Bachher, who holds degrees from Waterloo in engineering and a doctorate, has been involved with the university since 2018 as a Board of Governors member and vice-chair. Reflecting on his…

In a video conference prior to Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the special significance of this year’s celebrations, as it marks the first Diwali at the newly built Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. “After 500 years, Lord Ram is now seated in his grand temple, making this the first Diwali celebrated with him in such a magnificent setting. We are truly fortunate to witness this special and grand Diwali,” PM Modi stated. On this auspicious occasion, the Prime Minister noted that appointment letters for government jobs are being distributed to 51,000 young individuals at the employment fair, emphasizing…

Just a week before the US presidential election, Republican candidate Donald Trump reiterated his dedication to strengthening the US-India relationship, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi his “good friend.” In a Diwali message posted on X, Trump pledged to bolster ties with India, emphasizing shared economic and strategic interests. Trump’s statement came as violence against Hindu and minority communities in Bangladesh made headlines. He condemned these attacks, noting the importance of global security and community protections. Trump’s relationship with Modi has been well-established, highlighted by events like the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Texas, where the two leaders addressed over 50,000 attendees,…

On October 26, 2024, Indian seniors from Chicago gathered for their annual celebration and Diwali festivities at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville, Illinois. With around 430 attendees, including both members and guests, the event was organized by Bhupendra Suthar and Daxa Parikh, who created an atmosphere of joy and unity. Panna Shah, an Executive Board member, shared insights on the 24-year history of the Indian Seniors of Chicago, highlighting the organization’s journey and community involvement. Distinguished guests, including Manav Seva Mandir Trustee Chairman Dahyabhai Prajapati, President Raju Chauhan, and several board members such as Shirish Patel, Narsinh Patel, Bhailal Patel,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the opening of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, describing it as a significant achievement for India’s defense and aerospace sectors. This facility, created through a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus, marks the establishment of the first private final assembly line for military aircraft in the country. During the inauguration ceremony on Monday, which was attended by Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, PM Modi highlighted the project’s impressive speed. In a LinkedIn post on Wednesday, he stated, “The pace of execution is astonishing—from the laying of the foundation to a functioning…

Paraphrased news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with personnel from the Indian armed forces in Kachchh, Gujarat, asserting that his government will not compromise on the nation’s borders. Addressing members of the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force at Sir Creek, he expressed gratitude for their role in ensuring national safety. Modi emphasized that the Indian military’s presence instills confidence in the populace, stating, “People of India feel their country is safe because of you; when the world sees you, it sees India’s strength.” He noted that past attempts to turn the region into a battlefield…

A recent survey highlights that Indian American voters continue to favor the Democratic Party in the upcoming 2024 US presidential election, but their attachment to the party has weakened compared to past years. According to the Indian American Attitude Survey (IAAS), 61% of registered Indian American voters support Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, while 32% lean towards Republican Donald Trump. The IAAS, published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) and conducted with YouGov, surveyed 714 Indian American citizens from September 18 to October 15, 2024. The results indicate that 47% of Indian Americans currently identify as Democrats, a decline…