Must Read News

SBI Named Best Bank in India for 2024

The State Bank of India (SBI) has been honored as the Best Bank in India for the year 2024 by Global Finance Magazine during its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards ceremony. This prestigious event took place alongside the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, D.C. SBI’s Chairman, CS Setty, accepted the award on behalf of the bank, which has been acknowledged for its steadfast dedication to delivering outstanding banking services. The recognition highlights SBI’s efforts to foster fin ..... Read More

Prabir Roy Chaudhury Appointed President of the American Society of Nephrology

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has announced the appointment of Prabir Roy Chaudhury, MD, PhD, FASN, as its next president, set to take office on January 1, 2025. Dr. Roy Chaudhury, who succeeds Deidra C. Crews, brings extensive experience as a physician, academic leader, and researcher. He currently serves as the Drs. Ronald and Katherine Falk Eminent Professor and Co-Director at the University of North Carolina’s Kidney Center in Chapel Hill, NC, and is a staff nephrologist at the WG (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salis ..... Read More

Biden ignites Diwali spirit, lighting a diya at the White House.

President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House on Monday, honoring the South Asian American community’s contributions to the United States. With an esteemed guest list of over 600 Indian American leaders, including members of Congress, government officials, and business executives, the event underscored Diwali’s growing importance in American culture. During the celebration, President Biden lit the ceremonial diya in the White House’s Blue Room, calling the South Asian American community “the fastest-growing and most e ..... Read More

Survey: 60% of Indian Americans back Harris; young men favor Trump.

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 S ..... Read More

OpenAI Appoints Dr. Ronnie Chatterji as Chief Economist

OpenAI, a prominent American AI research firm, has recently announced the selection of Dr. Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji as its inaugural Chief Economist. Dr. Chatterji, a professor at Duke University specializing in business and public policy, previously held the position of CHIPS coordinator at the White House. In his new capacity, Dr. Chatterji will spearhead investigations into how artificial intelligence impacts economic expansion and job opportunities. This research will encompass the worldwide economic ramifications of establis ..... Read More

Two Indian-origin alumni in Stony Brook’s top 40

Stony Brook University in New York has recently unveiled its 2024 list of 40 Under Forty alumni honorees, with an official ceremony scheduled for October 24 at the Charles B. Wang Center as part of Homecoming week. Among the recognized individuals are two Indian-origin alumni: Dr. Amruta G. Desai in healthcare and Marvin Parasram in science and engineering. These prestigious awards highlight outstanding young alumni who have made significant impacts as leaders within their respective fields and communities. According to the university’ ..... Read More

Capgemini Appoints Indian-Origin Leaders in Major 2024 Reshuffle

Capgemini has announced a significant leadership reshuffle to drive global growth, with Indian-origin executives playing pivotal roles in the company’s strategic realignment. Anirban Bose, who currently heads the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit, has been promoted to CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit. He will succeed Jim Bailey, with the transition expected in November 2024. In his new role, Bose will lead operations across North and South America, focusing on boosting AI-driven digital transformation initiatives. S ..... Read More

Short bursts of walking burn more energy than long workouts

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B discovered that short bursts of walking or stair climbing can burn 20% to 60% more energy than consistent, sustained activity. Researchers from the University of Milan conducted the study with 10 participants averaging 27 years of age. Participants engaged in walking or stair climbing intervals, ranging from 10 to 240 seconds. By measuring their oxygen consumption, researchers found that short bouts consumed significantly more energy than steady activities. They noted that the i ..... Read More

Kamala Harris signals support for enhancing Trump’s wall

At a recent CNN Townhall, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to soften her opposition to Trump’s controversial border wall, a project she previously ridiculed as a “medieval vanity project” and called racist. When questioned on her current stance regarding border security, Harris sidestepped giving a direct answer about her position on further wall construction. Despite having criticized Trump’s wall in 2020 as a “waste of taxpayer money,” Harris now seems to be leaning toward the idea, as she backs a bipartisan b ..... Read More

Desai Foundation hosts 11th ‘Diwali on the Hudson’ in NYC.

The Desai Foundation’s annual “Diwali on the Hudson” event, now in its 11th year, took place on October 17 at HK Hall in New York City. This star-studded celebration brought together celebrities, creators, and community supporters to mark Diwali and raise funds for impactful programs. Notable attendees included artist Jay Sean, manager and yoga teacher Thara Natalie, actor Ami Sheth, Broadway performer Ari Afsar, artist Meah Pace, entrepreneur Krishna Subramanian, musician Monica Dogra, and various other figures across the arts and busine ..... Read More

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Wins A+ Rating Again

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has achieved a remarkable feat once again, receiving an A+ rating as a central bank governor for the second consecutive year. The prestigious recognition was awarded by Global Finance, a U.S.-based magazine, which ranks Das among the leading central bankers globally. He tops the list of three governors who have received the A+ distinction, alongside Christian Kettel Thomsen of Denmark and Thomas Jordan of Switzerland. In a social media update on platform X, the RBI announced, “Governor @Das ..... Read More

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi praises Indian animation, cites ‘Chhota Bheem.’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that India is on the brink of a transformative era in animation, citing the widespread appeal of popular Indian animated series like ‘Chhota Bheem,’ ‘Hanuman,’ and ‘Motu-Patlu.’ During his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, he urged citizens to commit to making India a significant player in the global animation landscape. He highlighted how Indian animated characters and films are increasingly appreciated worldwide for their creativity and engaging content. Recall ..... Read More

India’s AI Growth Sparks Global Leadership Potential

India’s artificial intelligence (AI) market is currently valued at $6.4 billion, with spending predicted to soar to $11.78 billion by 2025, according to Shanti Ekambaram, deputy managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. Speaking at the ET Conversations event, Ekambaram emphasized that India is at the forefront of AI skills globally and ranks second in the adoption of generative AI. Initiatives like the “IndiaAI Mission” and investments from technology giant Nvidia are accelerating the nation’s AI ecosystem. Ekambaram ..... Read More

U.S. Election Outcome Could Shape Key Economic Sectors in India

As the U.S. election approaches, investors are watching closely, anticipating the potential economic impacts on global markets, particularly India. According to a report by PhillipCapital, the election results could significantly influence India’s economy, especially if there is a shift in U.S. economic policy. If Trump wins, Indian IT firms might face challenges due to stricter immigration policies, potentially limiting the workforce’s flexibility. However, many Indian firms have reduced risk by hiring locally and establishing n ..... Read More

Indians now Singapore’s 3rd largest tourist group.

Indian tourist arrivals in Singapore have increased by 13% in the first nine months of 2024, reaching 898,180 visitors and making India the third-largest source of tourists after Indonesia and China. This rise highlights the tourism sector’s post-pandemic rebound, with 2023 alone recording over 1.1 million Indian visitors to Singapore. Factors driving this growth include enhanced flight options, successful marketing efforts, and relaxed travel restrictions. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been central to this resurgence, launchin ..... Read More

Trump Criticizes Kamala Harris in Fiery Rally at MSG

At a Madison Square Garden rally in New York City, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump launched a series of sharp attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, addressing a crowded arena, accused Harris of “destroying” the nation and called her a “low IQ individual,” vowing change if he is elected. He framed the upcoming election as a choice between “four more years of incompetence” or a new direction that he promises to lead. Trump’s speech, lasting about 75 minutes, revisited many of his key cam ..... Read More

Young Indian-American Fights for Georgia Senate Seat

On November 5, American voters won’t only be choosing a new president. Elections will also take place for 34 Senate seats, 435 House positions, 11 governor seats, and more than 5,800 state legislature roles. Ashwin Ramaswami, a young Democrat who turned 25 this May, making him eligible, is challenging Georgia state Senator Shawn Still in Senate District 48. Although the district has typically leaned Republican, Ramaswami is giving the GOP incumbent a fierce challenge. Still is one of the people facing indictment related to alleged interferenc ..... Read More

Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji, Indian American, Named OpenAI’s First Chief Economist

Indian American Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji, a professor of business and public policy at Duke University, has been appointed OpenAI’s first Chief Economist. With a distinguished career that bridges academia and government, including key roles in the Obama and Biden administrations, Chatterji will lead research on the economic impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and its effects on global growth and labor markets. Chatterji has served as the Biden administration’s CHIPS coordinator, overseeing the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Ac ..... Read More

AIA-NY Celebrates 37th Annual Diwali with Cruise Festivities

The Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter (AIA-NY), hosted its 37th Annual Diwali Festival with vibrant celebrations aboard a Skyline Princess cruise on October 6, 2024. The event attracted over 400 guests from the community, who were dressed in traditional Indian attire, and sailed from World Fair Marina in Flushing, NY. The stunning fall weather added to the festivities, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere. AIA-NY President, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, delivered the welcome address, noting the breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skylin ..... Read More

President Biden Hosts Diwali Celebration with Indian-American Community

As part of a cherished annual tradition, President Biden will light a Diwali diya lamp in the White House Blue Room before addressing a gathering of Indian-American guests. The White House has announced that this will be Biden’s last Diwali reception, as he will not seek re-election. Following the diya lighting, Biden will deliver remarks at a reception honoring the Indian-American community. His speech will include a special video message from Sunita “Suni” Williams, a prominent NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain, who ..... Read More

India ranks among top global trading partners: Germany’s Vice-Chancellor.

At the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business held in New Delhi, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, emphasized the urgency of reshaping Germany’s trade policies. In response to growing geopolitical tensions and rising skepticism, he highlighted the need to reduce Germany’s economic reliance on primary partners, especially China and Russia. “We are in a very complex situation, and we must reshape and recalibrate our economic success story,” Habeck noted, under ..... Read More

PM Modi, Spain’s Sanchez to inaugurate Tata’s aircraft facility in Gujarat.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, will inaugurate the Tata Advanced Systems’ new aircraft complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, dedicated to producing the C-295 military aircraft. This facility represents India’s first private-sector final assembly line for military aircraft, setting a new milestone in the country’s defense manufacturing landscape. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that this Vadodara-based plant, developed by Tata Advanced Systems, will in ..... Read More

Germany Increases Visa Quota for Skilled Indian Professionals to 90,000 Annually

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant increase in Germany’s annual visa quota for skilled Indian professionals, raising it from 20,000 to 90,000, a 3.5-fold boost. Modi highlighted that this expansion will help fulfill Germany’s demand for skilled labor, fostering economic growth and strengthening the economic partnership between India and Germany. Modi made these remarks at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference German Business 2024 in Delhi, an event that followed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India. Prior to the ..... Read More

India Launches $119 Million Venture Capital Fund to Propel Space Sector Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a $119 million venture capital fund dedicated to advancing India’s space sector. This initiative is designed to foster innovation, create job opportunities, and support the growth of businesses within the industry. Modi shared the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the fund’s “phenomenal impact on the youth.” According to a government statement, the fund will aid companies by providing essential resources for scaling their operations, in ..... Read More

Indian American Shahnaz Habib Wins Prestigious Book Award

Indian American writer Shahnaz Habib was honored with the 7th Annual New American Voices Award for her nonfiction work, Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel. This award celebrates recently published books by immigrant authors that reveal intricate layers of human experience and challenge underrepresented perspectives in literature. On October 17, Habib received her $5,000 award at George Mason’s Center in Fairfax, Virginia, where she was joined by finalists Alex Espinoza, author of The Sons of El Rey, and Carrie Sun, author o ..... Read More