Must Read News

India’s Gold Reserves Rise Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

India’s gold reserves, overseen by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), have reached 854.73 metric tonnes, according to the central bank’s latest report on foreign exchange reserves. The report, covering updates as of September 2024, reveals that most of this gold, approximately 510.46 metric tonnes, is stored domestically within India. The remainder, about 324.01 metric tonnes, is safeguarded abroad with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements. An additional 20.26 metric tonnes are kept as gold deposits, enhancing li ..... Read More

Apple shifts $6B iPhone production from China to India.

Apple Inc. has significantly boosted its India-manufactured iPhone exports by roughly a third in the past six months, marking a strategic shift to diversify production outside of China. The tech giant exported approximately $6 billion in iPhones from India during this period, setting the company on track to exceed $10 billion in exports for fiscal 2024, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. Taking advantage of India’s supportive policies, skilled labor, and evolving tech infrastructure, Apple is rapidly expanding its produ ..... Read More

PM Modi Celebrates Special Diwali Marking First at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

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 ..... Read More

Indian Seniors in Chicago Celebrate Diwali with Music and Joy

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 Ma ..... Read More

Indian-origin Engineer Lands Tesla Job After Struggles

Indian-origin engineer Dhruv Loya recently shared on LinkedIn the inspiring journey he undertook to secure a job at Tesla. Loya applied to more than 300 jobs and sent over 500 cold emails during his extended job search. Despite his solid academic background and experience in three internships, he encountered an unexpectedly difficult job market. His journey involved not only searching for jobs but also managing financial challenges and navigating the complexities of visa requirements in the United States. The months of waiting brought uncertain ..... Read More

India Achieves Record High Foreign Exchange Reserves, Ranks 4th Globally

In a significant economic achievement, India now ranks as the world’s fourth-largest holder of foreign exchange reserves, surpassing the US, Germany, and Canada. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently reported that India’s forex reserves reached a record high of $704.9 billion as of September 27, up by $12.6 billion from the previous week. This new peak not only highlights India’s robust economic standing but also provides a strong financial buffer against global market uncertainties. This achievement marks a dramatic shi ..... Read More

How Trump’s 2024 win could impact India: trade, H-1B, defense, geopolitics.

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� ..... Read More

Nine Indian Americans Compete in U.S. Elections 2024

As the U.S. gears up for elections, Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump concluded their campaign rallies on Monday, with both aiming to win over voters in a closely contested race. Alongside this high-profile presidential election, nine Indian American candidates are also campaigning for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds and policy focuses. Among these candidates, five are incumbents vying for re-election, while four are new contenders aspiring to make their mark i ..... Read More

Survey reveals inflation and abortion as key concerns for Indian-Americans.

In a recent survey, Indian-Americans have flagged inflation as the leading election issue, with other top concerns varying among different groups. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s “2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey” reveals that inflation, impacting prices, was the main concern for 17% of those surveyed, while issues like abortion and the job market/economy followed closely, each cited by 13% of respondents. The survey also pointed out a partisan divide among Indian-American voters. Republican respondents p ..... Read More

PM Modi: Collective effort key for a TB-free India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Sunday that India’s progress in reducing tuberculosis cases reflects the nation’s dedicated, innovative measures. Modi underscored his commitment to a “TB-free India,” highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in this mission. Modi’s remarks followed a statement by Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who shared that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized India’s “remarkable” advancements. Nadda reported a 17.7% reduction in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023—over twice ..... Read More

Hindu American groups praise Trump for protecting global Hindu rights

Hindu American organizations have expressed their support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has pledged to safeguard the human rights of Hindus worldwide, including in the U.S. and Bangladesh. In his Diwali message, Trump condemned the “barbaric violence” against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh, describing the situation there as chaotic. “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America,” Trump stated, criticizing ..... Read More

Ayodhya Celebrates Diwali with Two New World Records

This Diwali, Ayodhya radiated with unprecedented vibrancy, hosting its inaugural Deepotsava since the installation of Ram Lalla in the newly constructed Ram Mandir. The city was alive with color and enthusiasm, welcoming countless visitors and devotees to partake in this momentous occasion. Descriptions like “Incredible,” “Divine,” and “Energetic” scarcely encapsulate the lively atmosphere of Ayodhya during the celebrations. On Wednesday, the festivities soared as Ayodhya accomplished two remarkable feats, ea ..... Read More

Modi calls Vadodara aircraft facility a ‘watershed moment’ for India’s defense

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 impress ..... Read More

Indian Americans Shift Political Support Towards Trump

Recent polling indicates a notable change in the political preferences of Indian Americans, with a growing inclination towards Donald Trump. In response, Vice President Kamala Harris is making a deliberate effort to engage with Indian American voters by celebrating her mother, Shyama Gopalan, and her journey as an immigrant. In a post shared on X, Harris reflected on her mother’s solo immigration from India at a young age, emphasizing her bravery and the impact it had on her life. This strategy aims to reinforce her connection with the Indian ..... Read More

Aurora Celebrates 10th Annual Diwali Festival Together

On October 26, 2024, the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB) celebrated its 10th annual Diwali festival at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, attracting over 3,000 participants. This lively event honored the Festival of Lights, showcasing the Indian community’s rich cultural legacy while promoting unity and joy inherent in Diwali. Diwali, recognized as the “Festival of Lights,” symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the illumination of darkness. Traditions such as lighting lamps, exchanging sweets, and pa ..... Read More

India Launches First Simulated Space Mission in Leh

India’s inaugural analogue space mission has kicked off in Leh, with leadership from ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre and partnerships including Aaka Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, and IIT Bombay. The mission also has the backing of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. This venture is designed to mimic the conditions of a space habitat, tackling challenges tied to establishing human bases off Earth. Aaka Space Studio, founded by Ms. Aastha Jhala, has created a sophisticated habitat prototype that includes features such as ..... Read More

Festival Season Sparks Record October EV Sales in India

India’s electric vehicle (EV) market enjoyed a significant surge in October, thanks to the festival season, ending a two-month slowdown and reaching a new monthly sales record. Registrations jumped to 217,716, up 35% from 160,237 units in September. This marks the highest monthly sales on record, even surpassing March’s 213,063 units, which saw strong demand in the final days of the FAME-II program. October also marked the second time this year that monthly EV sales crossed 200,000, pushing the year-to-date total to over 1.6 million, accord ..... Read More

Jaishankar opens the Indian consulate in Brisbane, honors Gandhi

Photo Credit instagram.com External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a five-day visit to Australia from November 3 to November 7, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane. Reflecting on Gandhi’s lasting influence, he shared on social media that Gandhi’s principles of peace and harmony continue to resonate worldwide. Jaishankar also inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, India’s fourth consulate in Australia. He noted that the new consulate will strengthen India’s ties with Quee ..... Read More

PM Modi celebrates Diwali with troops, vows border integrity.

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 ..... Read More

India’s First Analog Space Mission Begins in Ladakh

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh. In partnership with AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and with support from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, this mission will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat, advancing research for future space bases beyond Earth. On X, ISRO announced the launch of India’s first analog space mission in Leh. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Human Spaceflight Center, ISRO, AAKA ..... Read More

US Leaders Celebrate Diwali with Indian-Americans Nationwide

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris joined Americans across the nation in celebrating Diwali, with temples and prominent sites adorned in lights. “This Diwali, may we highlight the strength of unity, truth, and freedom, creating a future where anything is achievable,” Biden shared in a social media post on X. Earlier, Biden hosted an unprecedented Diwali gathering at the White House, inviting around 600 prominent Indian-Americans to mark the festival. Vice President Harris also shared Diwali wishes, celebrating from ..... Read More

Former US President Donald Trump condemned the “barbaric violence” against Hindus in Bangladesh and vows to boost ties with India in his Diwali message.

  Former US President Donald Trump has criticized the Muhammad Yunus-led administration in Bangladesh for failing to protect Hindus while pledging to strengthen ties with India and his “good friend,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump’s remarks, part of a Diwali message shared on X, also targeted his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, ahead of the upcoming November 5 elections. In his post, Trump strongly condemned the ongoing violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minority groups in Bangladesh, where mobs have ..... Read More

US envoy Garcetti praises Indian Americans at White House Diwali event.

Photo Credit X.com The White House recently hosted a Diwali celebration, honoring the significant contributions of Indian Americans to the U.S.-India relationship. U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti praised the event, emphasizing Diwali’s meaning and the vital role Indian Americans play in strengthening bilateral ties. In a heartfelt message shared on X, Garcetti stated, “What a beautiful celebration of Diwali at the @WhiteHouse! As we celebrate the journey of light, we also honor the invaluable contributions of Indian Americ ..... Read More

Five Indian Americans Elected to National Academy of Medicine

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has honored five Indian Americans by electing them to its distinguished membership. These new members—Nina Bhardwaj, Reshma Jagsi, Monika Kumari Goyal, Uma M. Reddy, and Avindra Nath—join 90 other regular members and 10 international members elected in NAM’s annual meeting. This election is seen as a top honor in health and medical fields, highlighting individuals who have made exceptional contributions and shown dedication to their profession. With these new members, NAM’s total ..... Read More

New York Schools Close for Diwali in Historic Move

In a landmark decision, schools across New York City will close on November 1 to observe Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This will be the first instance of the city officially recognizing the holiday within its school calendar. Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, expressed enthusiasm about the change. “This Diwali is momentous. For the first time, schools in New York City will shut down on November 1 for Diwali,” Chauhan noted. Chauhan acknowledged the challenges of esta ..... Read More