Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

As the much-anticipated ‘pran pratishtha’ or consecration ceremony of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya approaches, Indians abroad are fervently celebrating. In Times Square, the Indian community in New York brightened the surroundings with sizable depictions of Lord Ram. Events across the United States, including Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, coincide with the ceremony in India. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindus across the US erected over 40 billboards in 10 states, conveying messages about the ceremony at Ram Lalla’s birthplace. To mark the inauguration of the Ram temple, the Hindu-American community organized car rallies and various events…

The US Congress recently approved a resolution acknowledging the significant contributions of the Indian-American community and graduates from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in the United States. Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the US representative for Illinois’s 8th congressional district, successfully introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives. Krishnamoorthi emphasized that the presence of Indian-American residents enriches the United States, recognizing the valuable and substantial contributions made by the Indian-American community and IIT graduates across various professions and disciplines. Describing IIT graduates as ‘Committed,’ he highlighted their dedication to research, innovation, and fostering trade and international cooperation between India and…

An assistant professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering has secured a $505,286 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for a three-year research initiative. The grant will support advanced research on digitizing bridges using robots, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) to address intricate safety issues related to highway bridges. Vedhus Hoskere, assistant professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, emphasized Texas’s unique challenge of overseeing 55,000 bridges, more than double the number in any other state. Hoskere aims to revolutionize traditional inspection procedures by leveraging technology such as drones, cameras, sensors, and AI to…

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) hosted the CII-Deloitte Breakfast Session on “Digital Public Infrastructure and India’s Impact on Global Technology Value Chains.” This session showcased India’s capabilities as a vibrant democracy proficient in delivering digital solutions. Union Minister Smriti Irani emphasized India’s success in providing technology-driven solutions to its massive population, exceeding a billion. She highlighted the country’s digital capabilities and the substantial demand for data science professionals. Irani stated, “India is a vibrant democracy that can deliver digitally. It has delivered through technology to a billion+ population.” Despite pandemic challenges, India…

A research team from Mississippi State University (MUS) has been awarded a substantial grant of over $550,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear physics program to delve into the burgeoning realm of quantum computing. This initiative, entitled “Three-body Interactions on a Quantum Computer,” will unfold over a three-year period and is spearheaded by Professor Gautam Rupak from MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Quantum computing, an interdisciplinary domain merging computer science, physics, and mathematics, exploits the principles of quantum mechanics for more efficient problem-solving compared to classical computers. The project aims to enhance models elucidating atomic and nuclear interactions,…

Indian American Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley acknowledged her third-place finish in the Iowa caucus but claimed to be the “last best hope of stopping Trump-Biden nightmare.” Haley asserted that her performance made the Republican primary a head-to-head race with Trump. She criticized both Trump and Biden, emphasizing their shared lack of vision for the country’s future. Heading to New Hampshire, Haley positioned herself as an alternative to the potential Biden-Trump rematch, highlighting the disapproval of both candidates by the majority of Americans. Haley argued that a Trump nomination could result in another contentious election and presented herself as the…

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) recently hosted a roundtable discussion in New Delhi featuring Ambassador Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative (USTR), to underscore the significance of small and medium-sized enterprise companies (SMEs) in the US and India. The focus of discussions revolved around the vital role played by SMEs in fostering economic relations between the two countries. Companies like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Meta, and others, along with their SME partners, actively participated in the session. The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration between SMEs and USISPF’s large multinational corporations (MNCs), emphasizing mutual benefits for the domestic market and exports. Ambassador…

As per a Goldman Sachs report, the count of “affluent” Indians, individuals earning $10,000 or more annually, has surged 12 times faster than the overall population in the last four years, with an expected count of 100 million by 2027. This growing affluent class is significantly impacting consumption in areas like leisure, jewelry, out-of-home food, healthcare, and premium brands, with mid-teen growth anticipated in the medium term. The report highlights the outpacing growth of the affluent segment within the working-age population, contributing to a positive impact on various sectors. The report reveals that the affluent population in India has grown…

In the initial race of the 2024 presidential election, Nikki Haley, a Republican, secured the third position in the Iowa Caucus on January 15, trailing behind former president Donald Trump, who garnered over 51 percent of the vote. Despite sub-zero temperatures, voters turned out in Iowa to cast their votes, making it a crucial event shaping the trajectory of the presidential primaries. Traditionally, Iowa serves as a pivotal indicator of primary outcomes. Haley claimed 19 percent of the vote, with DeSantis slightly ahead by fewer than 1,500 votes as of 9 pm. The Associated Press, declaring Trump as the winner,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed the initial installment to one million beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) through Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) via video conferencing. Over the last two months, 7500 camps in 100+ districts facilitated essential document creation, ensuring Adhar cards, birth certificates, and bank accounts for citizens to avail themselves of central government schemes. Various ministries have approved schemes amounting to $56.63 million, including durable housing for one million beneficiaries and 1200 km of roads for underdeveloped regions. Additionally, proposals for 100 girls’ hostels, 900 Anganwadi centers, 100 medical units, and…