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Pride and Patriotism: Indian Athletes Reflect on Freedom for Independence Day 2024

As India celebrated Independence Day on Thursday, August 15, 2024, athletes from across the nation took to social media to express their patriotism and reflect on their roles in representing the country globally. Several prominent athletes, both current and retired, shared their thoughts and experiences on this significant day. Among them were Neeraj Chopra, Abhinav Bindra, Mary Kom, PT Usha, and PR Sreejesh, who posted messages ranging from simple greetings to deeper reflections on their journeys as Indian sports icons. Neeraj Chopra, the I ..... Read More

Modi Leads India’s 78th Independence Day: A Vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi for the 11th consecutive time, marking the celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day. The day began with overcast skies in Delhi, accompanied by a light drizzle. After raising the Tricolour, the Prime Minister received a ‘Rashtriya Salute.’ The Punjab Regiment Military band, led by Subedar Major Rajinder Singh and comprising one JCO and 25 other ranks, played the National Anthem during the flag-hoisting ceremony and presented ..... Read More

Vinay Mohan Kwatra Takes the Helm as India’s New Ambassador to the US, Succeeding Sandhu

Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the former Foreign Secretary, officially took on the role of Ambassador of India to the United States on Tuesday. Kwatra succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the former envoy and BJP leader. In a statement on X, Kwatra expressed his honor at assuming the position, stating, “Privileged to assume charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States of America. The team at the Indian Embassy in the U.S. will remain dedicated to working diligently to further enhance this vital partnership.” Sripriya Ranganathan, the ..... Read More

Modi Marks 11th Consecutive Independence Day Speech, Joining Nehru and Gandhi in Record-Breaking Tradition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver his eleventh consecutive Independence Day address on Thursday, marking his first since securing a record-equaling third consecutive term in office. With his swearing-in on June 9, Modi matched the three-term record set by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi is poised to join Nehru and his daughter, Indira Gandhi, as only the third Prime Minister to address the nation from the Red Fort on August 15 for eleven consecutive years. Nehru delivered seventeen consecutive speeches ..... Read More

India and Australia Unite Against Terrorism: A New Era of Global Cooperation

India and Australia have strongly denounced all forms of terrorism and stressed the importance of enhancing international cooperation to address this issue comprehensively and persistently, according to a release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The two nations also condemned the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, as noted in the MEA statement. This topic was a key focus at the 14th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, held in Delhi on August 12. The meeting was led by KD Dewa ..... Read More

Alia Bhatt Reflects on Hollywood Debut as ‘Heart of Stone’ Hits One-Year Mark

Alia Bhatt’s transition into Hollywood has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her debut in Netflix’s “Heart of Stone,” a thriller directed by Tom Harper, marked a significant milestone for both her and the Indian film industry. On the first anniversary of the film’s release, Alia took to Instagram to reflect on her journey and share heartfelt memories from the set, offering fans a glimpse into her experience in international cinema. “Heart of Stone” boasted an impressive cast, including Gal Gadot a ..... Read More

New Study Links High Folate Intake to Metabolic Issues in Older Adults

A recent study suggests that while folate intake is generally beneficial, particularly for the young, it might lead to metabolic issues in older individuals. Researchers from Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Research observed that lower folate levels, a form of vitamin B9, aided in the shift from sleep metabolism to waking metabolism in mice. During sleep, metabolism focuses on burning body fat, while waking metabolism shifts to burning carbohydrates for daily activities. This study builds on previous research where folate restricti ..... Read More

White House: US-India Relationship Among World’s Most Consequential

Praising the strong ties between the United States and India, the White House emphasized on Monday that President Joe Biden regards the relationship between the two nations as one of the most significant globally. The administration highlighted that both countries collaborate closely on key issues of mutual interest. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre underscored the close cooperation between the U.S. and India on important priorities, such as the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). She noted that Pre ..... Read More

India: Emerging Superpower of the 21st Century Through Rapid Growth and Strategic Reforms

Global leaders are increasingly recognizing India’s potential to become a major superpower, with projections indicating it could soon be the world’s third-largest economy. The nation is on a transformative path, driven by the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, a surge in local manufacturing, and impressive GDP growth. Over the past decade, India has embarked on a robust growth journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initiatives have spanned various sectors, including local manufact ..... Read More

Tina Talim Makes History as Nevada’s First Indian-American Judge: Faces Election Challenge

In June, Tina Talim made history as the first Indian American appointed to a judicial position in Nevada, joining the Eighth Judicial District Court. Talim’s appointment to Department 14, part of a busy court system where 58 judges handle nearly 100,000 cases annually, was a landmark moment for the state, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Talim, who replaced Adriana Escobar in the role, now faces the challenge of defending her seat in the upcoming November 5 election. She will compete against Alan Lefebvre, a former president ..... Read More

Ilhan Omar Triumphs in Minnesota Primary: A Key Victory for Kamala Harris’ Allies

Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar successfully defended her position in Minnesota’s 5th District primary, securing a victory over former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels. Omar, known for her outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and as a member of the progressive “Squad,” led the race with 56.2% of the vote compared to Samuels’ 42.9% after nearly all precincts had reported their results. Previously, in 2022, Omar had also defeated Samuels, who aligns more with centrist liberal values ..... Read More

Bangladesh Faces Escalating Unrest and Economic Crisis as Businesses Struggle

Bangladesh is teetering on the brink of chaos as it confronts a profound economic crisis, worsened by widespread unrest. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, July witnessed an unprecedented spike in inflation, reaching 11.66%—a record high over the past 12 years. Particularly alarming is the surge in food inflation, which soared past 14%, marking the highest level in 13 years, as reported by The Daily Star. The ongoing protests have severely disrupted the nation’s supply chain, exacerbating the challenges faced by bu ..... Read More

Vivek Ramaswamy slams attacks on Bangladesh Hindus, decries victimhood-laced quota

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has strongly criticized the recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, attributing it to the country’s quota systems that, according to him, foster a sense of victimhood. In an extensive post on X, the entrepreneur discussed the quota protests in Bangladesh, asserting that such systems often culminate in violence. At 39, Ramaswamy, who left the presidential race and supported Donald Trump in January, elaborated on the quota system’s origins and its repercussions. He rema ..... Read More

US Leads FPI Inflows to India, Followed by Luxembourg and Canada: SEBI

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revealed in its latest report that the United States dominated India’s Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) landscape in FY24. By March 31, 2024, the number of registered FPIs in India had risen to 11,219, marking a slight increase from 11,081 in the previous year. Among these, the United States led the way with 3,457 registered investors, followed by Luxembourg with 1,393 and Canada with 804. The report also delved into the Assets Under Custody (AUC) held by FPIs, which saw a substan ..... Read More

India Confident in Working with Any U.S. Election Winner, Says EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized on Tuesday that India is prepared to work with any future president of the United States, regardless of who is elected. While discussing the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, Jaishankar expressed confidence in India’s ability to collaborate with the American administration, regardless of the election outcome. Speaking at the launch of Indiaspora’s Impact report in New Delhi, Jaishankar noted, “Generally, we refrain from commenting on other countries’ elections, as ..... Read More

India’s Stock Market Resilience: Pharma, FMCG, and IT Lead the Charge Amid Global Volatility

During the recent global market sell-off, the Indian stock market demonstrated notable resilience. In a span of just 25 days, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index experienced a significant decline of over 25% from its July peak to its August low. This sharp drop had a cascading effect on neighboring markets, causing Taiwan and South Korea to see corrections of approximately 20%. In the US, the S&P 500 faced a 10% decline, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped by 16%. In contrast, the Nifty50 index in India corrected by only 5%, showcasing its re ..... Read More

Dr. Ravi Kalhan Named Associate Dean at Northwestern Feinberg

Dr. Ravi Kalhan, Louis A. Simpson Professor of Pulmonary Medicine and a key figure in Pulmonary and Critical Care, has been appointed associate dean for Faculty Affairs at Feinberg School of Medicine. In his new role, Dr. Kalhan will be instrumental in advancing faculty recruitment, retention, promotion, and career development initiatives at Feinberg, according to a recent Northwestern press release. He will also act as a key resource for departments and faculty, offering guidance on academic and professional matters. Additionally, he will s ..... Read More

Indian American Impact Rallies Behind Kamala Harris with Grassroots Power

Indian American Impact, an organization established in 2016 to engage Indian Americans and South Asians in public life and politics in the U.S., is actively rallying support for U.S. Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The group has been dedicated to increasing civic participation, addressing political issues relevant to Indian Americans and South Asians, and enhancing the representation of community members in public office. Chintan Patel, the executive director of Impact and a seasoned campaign and political ..... Read More

Indian-American leaders demand Congressional hearings on Bangladeshi Hindu atrocities

Indian American members of the House of Representatives have called for Congressional hearings to address the targeted violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Shri Thanedar stated, “When Congress returns from recess, we must hold hearings to learn more about the failures to protect the Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh and how to prevent such actions from happening in the future.” Both Thanedar and another Congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, sent separate letters to Blin ..... Read More

US rejects involvement in Bangladesh’s political crisis

The United States has firmly denied any involvement in the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh, which has seen widespread protests and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue during a media briefing on Monday, where she categorically refuted the allegations. “We have had no involvement at all,” Jean-Pierre stated. “Any reports or rumors suggesting that the United States government was involved in these events are simply false. That is not true.&rdqu ..... Read More

PM Modi Unveils 109 Crop Varieties, Boosting Agriculture with Climate-Resilient Solutions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 new crop varieties today at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. These crops, known for their high yield, climate resilience, and nutritional benefits, are expected to support both environmental sustainability and reduced agricultural costs. During the event, Modi engaged with farmers and scientists, highlighting the value of these new varieties in advancing agricultural productivity. He emphasized the growing importance of millets and the shift towards nutritious food. The farmer ..... Read More

INS Tabar at Tower Bridge: A Patriotic Moment for Indian Diaspora

The arrival of the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS Tabar, at London’s iconic Tower Bridge from August 7 to 11, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of India-UK relations. This event not only showcased India’s naval prowess but also celebrated the cultural unity and vibrant spirit of the Indian diaspora in the UK. As the Talwar-class frigate passed under the Tower Bridge, the Indian community in London came together in a spirited display of patriotism, with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” f ..... Read More

GST Unification and Fleet Expansion Could Double India’s MRO to $4B

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to developing a strong infrastructure for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services in India, catering to both domestic and international airlines. During his speech in the Lok Sabha, Naidu discussed the challenges the MRO sector faces and emphasized that the government’s efforts are geared towards not only supporting Indian airlines but also attracting global carriers to utilize India’s MRO facilities. Strategic locations such ..... Read More

India’s Tourism Boom: Outbound Travel to Hit $55.4 Billion by 2034

India’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable transformation. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) forecasts that the outbound travel market will reach $55.4 billion by 2034, driven largely by the country’s growing middle class and increasing disposable incomes, which are fueling both domestic and international travel. Indian tour operators are expected to see a 15-17% increase in revenue for fiscal 2025, according to CRISIL. This growth is attributed to enhanced infrastructure, rising incomes, ..... Read More

Indian Americans in Texas Rally to End ‘Hindu Genocide’ in Bangladesh

Over 300 Indian Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus gathered peacefully outside Sugar Land City Hall on Sunday morning to protest the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The event, named “Save Hindus in Bangladesh,” was organized by the Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities. It brought together various major Hindu organizations from Houston, including Maitri, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, HinduAction, HinduPact, Houston Durgabari Society, ISKCON, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, among others. Protest ..... Read More