The Consulate General of India in New York, along with the Indo-American Arts Council, is set to commemorate India’s Independence Day at Times Square. Vikas Khanna, a renowned Indian American chef, revealed the event details, including the hoisting of the Indian Flag and the unveiling of a remarkable modern art piece.

Khanna emphasized that this India Day celebration would create history. The Indian American community will raise the Indian National Flag on 45th Street & Broadway, followed by unveiling an artifact weighing around 8000 pounds.

Regarding the artwork, Khanna expressed its ability to evoke pride and emotion. He mentioned, “After almost 5 years of dreaming, planning, coordinating, and executing, and importantly, keeping it a secret, the brilliant artists in India have worked day and night for many months to bring this to life.”

He further shared how the concept emerged, influenced by peacocks visiting his restaurant @kinaradxb, and how their feathers inspired the artwork. Khanna urged people to join in the celebration, marking a significant historical moment that embodies India’s magic and power.

Independence Day celebration

Times Square New York

Indian Flag hoisting

Vikas Khanna

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Indian American community

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Their extensive hour-long discussion encompassed artificial intelligence’s implications, India’s progression, Bachchan’s family legacy, and the US-India relationship’s significance. Khanna stressed that Amitabh Bachchan’s life story reflects India’s narrative and is symbolic of the nation’s rise on the global stage.

Khanna shared his hope that Amitabh Bachchan would consider visiting the United States again, as his journey resonates with many Indian American immigrants, offering them hope and inspiration. They explored the essence of timeless values such as compassion, respect, consideration, and empathy, discussing their paramount importance for the future.

In a short video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Khanna and Bachchan’s meeting at Bachchan’s residence was captured, with Bachchan expressing his delight at the honor. Khanna commemorated the encounter, stating that Bachchan proudly connected India’s post-independence journey with his own life, even sharing a book authored by his father that resonated with Khanna’s family history.

Aside from the interaction with Amitabh Bachchan, Khanna also met actor Anupam Kher during his Mumbai visit. Kher, who shared their interaction on social media, expressed his pleasure in hosting Khanna and his colleague, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, at his acting school. Their interactive session with aspiring acting students left a positive impression, as Kher showcased his school and received warm appreciation from the visiting representatives.

Ro Khanna

Amitabh Bachchan

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artificial intelligence

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The post Ro Khanna: Amitabh Bachchan, India’s Premier Brand Ambassador, Inspires Indian-American Immigrants. first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Since its establishment in 2016, the GeM platform has resulted in savings of over US$ 5.43 billion (Rs. 45,000 crore) in government procurement costs, as per the commerce ministry. The ministry’s statement highlights the platform’s commitment to cost efficiency, having facilitated savings exceeding US$ 5.43 billion (Rs. 45,000 crore) since 2016.

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) serves as India’s digital marketplace for public procurement, offering transparent and efficient sourcing for government entities, organizations, and PSUs.

Furthermore, the portal’s performance has surpassed prominent public procurement platforms like South Korea’s KONEPS and Singapore’s GeBIZ. In the fiscal year 2022-23, central purchasers, including CPSEs and affiliated entities, have placed more than 70 bids amounting to over US$ 12.07 million (Rs. 100 crore) on the platform.

With a registered user base of approximately 6.5 million merchants and 70,000 government customers as of July 2023, the platform has achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of over US$ 54.33 billion (Rs. 4.5 lakh crore), underscoring its enduring impact.

GeM platform

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commerce ministry

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digital marketplace

public procurement

organizations

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registered merchants

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The Supreme Court’s earlier stance, grounded in the challenge of gathering substantial evidence decades later, seemed to close the door to re-investigations and trials. However, as time has passed, circumstances have evolved, weakening the previous argument and renewing the determination for justice.

Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) asked the public for assistance in collecting evidence regarding the 1989 terrorist killing of retired Kashmiri Pandit judge Neelkanth Ganjoo. This renewed emphasis on justice reflects a broader effort to uncover potential criminal conspiracies behind a series of targeted killings. The Neelkanth Ganjoo case symbolizes the suffering endured by countless Kashmiri Pandits during that turbulent era. The J&K High Court’s reopening of the Nadimarg massacre case, where 24 Kashmiri Pandits were brutally killed by LeT terrorists, highlights the necessity for a comprehensive reevaluation of these heinous crimes.

The current initiative of the Central government to introduce a Bill during the monsoon session of parliament, aiming to reserve assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir for migrant Kashmiri Pandits and displaced individuals from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), signals a proactive approach to address historical injustices.

Nevertheless, these initial steps toward justice are tempered by the understanding that the wounds of the past cannot be swiftly healed. The Kashmiri Pandit community’s collective trauma and suffering continue to cast a long shadow. The victims’ families seek closure and justice, and the renewed efforts to revisit cases offer a glimmer of hope that accountability will eventually be established for the unspeakable atrocities committed against them.

Kashmiri Pandit genocide

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The post Renewed Investigations into Kashmiri Pandit Killings Offer Hope for Justice. first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India is playing a leading role in tackling global concerns, according to Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space. Dr. Singh highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is spearheading the global climate movement, and India is positioned to guide the world in its battle against climate change. He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change, which transcends boundaries and societal divisions.

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry is collaborating with ENTICE – Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge, a platform fostering positive energy transitions. Their Center of Excellence in Green Hydrogen (CoE-GH) acts as a knowledge hub connecting government, academia, and industry to drive partnerships for skill development and business ventures in the green hydrogen sector. Dr. Singh encouraged the PHDCCI to exploit the first domestically developed hydrogen fuel cell bus in India, which was launched in August the previous year.

Under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, India is executing the world’s largest Renewable Energy (RE) expansion program, with plans to increase the country’s RE capacity fivefold. Dr. Singh affirmed India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030, along with substantial emissions reduction.

Dr. Singh emphasized that India has already exceeded its 40% renewable energy production target, set by the 2030 Paris Agreement. He underscored Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of significant strides in Hydrogen energy and the launch of the National Hydrogen Energy Mission. Dr. Singh outlined India’s strategies, including transitioning to clean energy, boosting manufacturing, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting hydrogen through incentives.

He highlighted India’s efforts in developing a bio-based economy, which is projected to reach 150 billion USD by 2025, as well as the government’s engagement in funding clean energy innovations through public-private partnerships, as envisioned by Mission Innovation 2.0.

Dr. Singh mentioned various clean energy initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, Green India, and Smart Cities, which have fostered clean energy innovation across the country. He also referred to India’s research and development endeavors to find low-carbon alternatives to Single Use Plastics.

Dr. Singh commended Prime Minister Modi’s climate action plan presented at COP26, which aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and adopting sustainable lifestyles globally.

In the context of India’s 75th year of Independence, Dr. Singh discussed the trajectory of India’s future, emphasizing scientific and technological innovations across all sectors. He also touched upon initiatives like the International Yoga Day and the International Year of Millets, along with the healthcare program Ayushman Bharat, and India’s economic growth.

Lastly, Dr. Singh celebrated India’s accomplishments, including becoming the world’s 5th largest economy, significant growth in national highways, sanitation coverage expansion under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), and the achievement of providing clean drinking water to rural households through the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Jal’.

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Dr. Jitendra Singh

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The post Dr. Jitendra Singh: India Leading Global Efforts to Address Concerns. first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

A group of US lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle is set to travel to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Red Fort address on India’s Independence Day, August 15. The delegation is led by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Michael Waltz, who co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

Expressing his personal connection to the event, Khanna stated that his grandfather was an advocate for India’s independence. He views this trip as a historic opportunity to strengthen the US-India relationship and plans to meet with various Indian leaders in government, business, technology, sports (cricket), and the entertainment industry (Bollywood).

Khanna emphasized that this visit will further enhance collaboration between the two nations, covering topics like environmental sustainability, digital advancement, economic partnership, defense cooperation, as well as the principles of pluralism and human rights.

During their visit, the lawmakers will attend the Red Fort event where the Prime Minister will address the nation. Additionally, they will hold meetings with leaders from business, technology, government, and the entertainment industry in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi. They will also pay a visit to Raj Ghat, a historic memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

The delegation will include lawmakers such as Deborah Ross, Kat Cammack, Shri Thanedar, Jasmine Crockett, Rich McCormick, and Ed Case. Congressman Khanna highlighted the historical significance of this journey, noting that his own grandfather had been a freedom fighter and a member of India’s first parliament.

As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Khanna and Waltz expressed their pride in leading this bipartisan delegation. They stressed the importance of strengthening economic and defense ties between the two countries, considering their status as the oldest and largest democracies. Khanna and Waltz both envision the US-India relationship as pivotal in shaping the 21st century, especially in countering any potential hegemony by China. They emphasized their commitment to upholding shared values such as democracy, press freedom, assembly rights, and human rights.

The trip builds on the efforts of Khanna and Waltz, who earlier organized a significant US-India Summit on Capitol Hill this year. The summit featured discussions and speeches from government officials, experts, and Indian-American leaders from across the United States.

US lawmakers

bipartisan delegation

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Ro Khanna

Michael Waltz

PM Modi

Independence Day

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The post US lawmakers set to take part in PM Modi’s Independence Day address at the Red Fort in India. first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India is set to launch the BRICS Startup Forum in 2023, aiming to foster collaboration and share best practices among startups, investors, and entrepreneurs. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, made this announcement during the 7th BRICS Industry Ministers meeting held virtually with South Africa as the Chair.

Goyal highlighted the remarkable transformation in India, particularly through the expanding Startup India initiative that has given rise to almost 100,000 startups. The minister focused on India’s potential to aid other BRICS nations and the global community with “Transforming Production Systems,” as outlined in an official statement.

Affirming India’s commitment to the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (‘The World Is One Family’), Goyal emphasized the nation’s role as a responsible global citizen, dedicated to fostering inclusivity, tolerance, and global interconnectedness.

The Industry Ministers from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa were also present, leading to the adoption of a joint declaration. They emphasized the importance of digitalization, industrialization, innovation, inclusivity, and investment within the BRICS countries. Acknowledging Industry 4.0 and emerging technologies’ role in driving digital transformation across sectors, the declaration highlighted the significance of human resource development and cooperation on upskilling and reskilling programs.

Furthermore, the Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening industrial cooperation, expediting economic recovery, and fostering growth through an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were recognized for their pivotal role, emphasizing their integration and diversification within global industrial, supply, and value chains. The Ministers also stressed the need for market opportunities within BRICS nations to ensure inclusive growth for projects managed by women, youth, and disadvantaged groups.

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Minister Piyush Goyal

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industry ministers

The post India’s 2023 Launch of BRICS Startup Forum Aims to Boost Global Economic Ties. first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

This announcement followed the resignation of their previous CFO, Zachary Kirkhorn, on August 4, 2023. Kirkhorn, who had been with Tesla for over 13 years and was seen as a potential successor to CEO Elon Musk, departed the company.

Vaibhav Taneja, the current Chief Accounting Officer at Tesla, will assume the role of CFO until the year’s end, facilitating a smooth transition.

Taneja’s earlier experience includes 16 years with Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) in India and the US. He began as an Assistant Manager in 1999, rising to Senior Manager by 2008. Afterward, he served as Vice President of Accounting at SolarCity for a year before joining Tesla as Assistant Corporate Controller in 2017.

Zachary Kirkhorn expressed on LinkedIn, “Tesla announced that I’ve stepped down from my role as CFO, succeeded by our Chief Accounting Officer, Vaibhav Taneja.” He shared his pride in the company’s accomplishments during his tenure and thanked Tesla employees and Elon Musk for their leadership.

Vaibhav Taneja’s educational background includes a BCom degree from the University of Delhi and Chartered Accountancy qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He is also a Certified Public Accountant in the United States.

The post Tesla names Vaibhav Taneja, of Indian origin, as its fresh Chief Financial Officer. first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s recent post for Friendship Day resonates with warmth and relatability. The heartwarming snapshot captures her enjoying spaghetti, her delight evident in her expression. The caption exudes companionship, stating, “Happy Friendship Day. Each bite makes me happy.” She playfully calls herself a “spaghetti girl foreva.”

Seated elegantly at a lavish table, Kareena connects with her audience, asking, “Any spaghetti girls out there? You know what I feel?” This simple declaration reflects her love for food and everyday joys of genuine friendship.

Kareena’s strong bonds with celebrities like Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, and sister Karisma Kapoor are evident. An Instagram Stories post shows them posing together, embracing joyfully with a chocolate cake. The caption reads, “And we don’t need a day? We are everyday,” emphasizing eternal friendship.

Kareena shares a throwback picture with Amrita Arora, captioned “One for the books.” Amrita’s response, “Omg, Bebo. 20 years ago. Love you,” highlights their enduring friendship.

Amid heartwarming interactions, Kareena’s professional ventures shine. In “The Devotion Of Suspect X,” she stars with Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat. She appears in “The Crew” with Tabu and Kriti Sanon. As she excels in personal relationships and cinematic pursuits, Kareena remains an inspiration.

The post Kareena Kapoor Khan’s revelation of her best friend leaves everyone shocked. first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Alia Bhatt is set to debut in Hollywood with ‘Hearts of Stone’, starring Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. She discussed the difference between working in Hollywood and Bollywood. Alia emphasized that film stars worldwide share the same essence, vision, and intention, despite language variations. She mentioned that storytelling and core emotions remain consistent.

Alia faced challenges with English dialogues on the first day of ‘Heart of Stone’ shoot. Despite being comfortable speaking English, mouthing lines felt strange as she’s used to delivering dialogues in Hindi. In the movie, she portrays Keya Dhawan, possibly the main antagonist, and filmed action scenes while pregnant with her daughter Raha Kapoor.

The international crew ensured safety during shooting, and ‘Heart of Stone’ will stream on OTT from August 11. Alia’s Hollywood journey adds to her Bollywood success, as she shines in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kaahani’ opposite Ranveer Singh. Her experiences reflect the global unity of film stars in their craft and commitment.

The post Alia Bhatt discusses Hollywood vs. Bollywood, stating ‘film stars globally share the same essence.’ first appeared on Global Indian News Network.