Must Read News

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

Zohran Mamdani Joins the Competitive 2025 NYC Mayoral Race

New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani has officially launched his campaign for the 2025 New York City mayoral race. At just 33 years old, the politician, who was born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is the son of notable filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani. As a member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, he emerges as the youngest and most left-oriented candidate challenging Mayor Eric Adams, who faces federal corruption charges. In a video announcing his candidacy, Mamdan ..... Read More

India ETFs expected to attract billions from Amundi, BlackRock.

Prominent exchange-traded fund (ETF) providers are vying for the expected influx of billions into Indian bonds, driven by their recent inclusion in major global indices. BlackRock Inc., Amundi SA, and Janus Henderson’s Tabula Investment Management have introduced new ETFs following JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s decision to integrate Indian debt into its significant emerging-market index last year. DWS Group, an asset management firm, estimates that these ETFs could attract between $5 billion and $10 billion in the medium term. Benoit Sorel, gl ..... Read More

Nitin Gadkari advocates AI, tech for improved road safety.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed the 12th Traffic InfraTech Expo in New Delhi, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle India’s road safety issues through technological innovation. India records around five lakh road accidents every year, with over half of the fatalities among young adults aged 18 to 36. These accidents lead to an economic loss estimated at 3% of the country’s GDP, making road safety a government priority. Gadkari highlighted the role of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, in identify ..... Read More

Nirmala Sitharaman: Soft landing for global economy possible.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed optimism about a potential soft landing for the global economy, noting the stabilizing effect of coordinated actions among countries and multilateral financial institutions. Speaking at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, she emphasized that inflation has been controlled effectively, allowing the global economy to slowly move toward recovery. However, she cautioned that economic growth remains moderate, with advanced economies showing limited demand, th ..... Read More

Ro Khanna Reintroduces Bill to Curb Corporate Homeownership

On October 23, Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Katie Porter (CA-47), and Mark Takano (CA-39) reintroduced the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act, targeting large institutional investors using taxpayer funds to acquire single-family homes. This bill aims to stop the rapid rise in housing costs and limit the influence of corporate landlords in the housing market. Following the 2008 housing market crash, investor interest in the real estate market surged, driving housing and rental prices to unprecedented levels. According to Khanna’s office, ..... Read More

US Welcomes India-China LAC Agreement, Highlights Strategic Cooperation

The United States has expressed its approval of India’s recent agreement with China concerning the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which effectively ended the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. American Ambassador Eric Garcetti noted that the US has consistently backed India’s efforts to safeguard its strategic interests and uphold its borders. The agreement was ratified during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Russia, marking their first official interaction in five years. Modi highlighted t ..... Read More

Government Plans to Build 50 New Airports by 2029

Trolley luggage Available at a large airport, a concept about traveling, adventures around the world The Indian government aims to significantly expand its aviation infrastructure by adding 50 new airports over the next five years, as announced by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. This ambitious project seeks to broaden India’s airport network, boosting the country’s connectivity and creating numerous job opportunities. Over the last ten years, India has seen its airport count double, reaching 157 o ..... Read More

India to become largest intelligence market, says Ambani

Ai technology city landscape. Futuristic big data city with transport, business, technology network. . High quality photo Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has entered a partnership with US chipmaker Nvidia to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in India. The announcement took place on Thursday at the Nvidia AI Summit 2024 in Mumbai, where Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Ambani engaged in a fireside chat about the collaboration. Huang stated that the partnership aims to enable India to manufacture its own AI capabilities.He em ..... Read More

PM Modi Celebrates Strengthened India-Germany Relations

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the deepening relationship between India and Germany, referencing recent collaborative efforts as evidence of their growing friendship. Speaking at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, he stated, “While the CEO Forum convenes here, our navies are also conducting joint exercises, with German naval vessels making a port visit in Goa. Shortly, the seventh inter-governmental consultations between India and Germany will take place.” He added, “This signifies ..... Read More

India Delivers First Humanitarian Aid Tranche to Lebanon

On Thursday, India’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh, officially handed over the first batch of humanitarian aid from India to Lebanon. This significant delivery was received by Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firas Abiad, who acknowledged the importance of this support during challenging times. The Indian Embassy in Lebanon expressed its commitment to fostering closer ties between the two nations. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy announced, “The first tranche of India’s humanitarian assistance has arrived in Beirut. Heal ..... Read More

IndiXspark’s Inaugural Event Celebrates Indian American Voices

On October 19, 2024, the inaugural IndiXspark event, “Celebrating Indian American Ideas,” took place in Spotswood, NJ, and emerged as a remarkable success. The event, co-founded by Neha Mahajan and Dr. Asha Menon, drew the Indian American community together for an enriching day filled with thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural festivities, all centered around the theme “First-Time Immigrant Experience.” The event kicked off with a captivating sitar performance by Anju Bedi from Vancouve ..... Read More

Minnesota Celebrates Diwali at State Capitol with Dignitaries

On October 15, 2024, Indian Americans marked Diwali with a vibrant celebration at Minnesota’s State Capitol in St. Paul. Hosted by the Association of Indians in America, AIA-Minnesota, this event featured Lt. Governor Peggy Flannigan, who joined in lighting the traditional Diwali lamp alongside community leaders, emphasizing Minnesota’s support for cultural inclusiveness. This gathering marked the second consecutive year of celebrating Diwali at the Capitol, signifying an effort toward making this celebration an annual event in M ..... Read More

PM Modi to Xi: Prioritize Border Peace and Mutual Trust

In their first bilateral meeting since 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Kazan, Russia, during the BRICS Summit. This meeting comes after a significant breakthrough at diplomatic and military levels, leading to a restoration of the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which had been disrupted since the military standoff in Ladakh began in May 2020. Tensions between the two countries had escalated following the Galwan Valley clash, but recent agreements on a new patrolling arrangement ..... Read More

Germany Accelerates Military Deal Approvals for India

Germany has granted India a special status to accelerate approvals for military purchases, aiming to fast-track deals, according to German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann. A significant deal, the multi-billion-dollar P-75I submarine project, is currently under review, with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Spain’s Navantia competing to supply six advanced submarines to the Indian Navy. The deal, valued at over $5.16 billion, is set to top the agenda during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India this week, with Span ..... Read More

India strengthens global leadership with 1,800+ capability centers

India has emerged as the leading destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), now home to over 1,800 centers serving more than 1,400 global companies, according to a recent report by JLL India. Since 2022, the country has added more than 100 new GCCs, reinforcing its significance in the global operations of multinational firms. The GCC sector now occupies over 240 million square feet of Grade A office space across the seven largest cities in India. Bengaluru, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” is at the forefro ..... Read More

IMF director: India remains world’s fastest-growing economy

Krishna Srinivasan, the head of the IMF’s Asia Pacific department, announced that India is on track to maintain its status as the world’s fastest-growing economy, projecting a growth rate of 7% for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This forecast is underpinned by robust macroeconomic fundamentals, including a rebound in rural consumption, which has been bolstered by favorable agricultural yields. During a recent interview with PTI, Srinivasan indicated that inflation is expected to moderate to 4.4% in FY24-25, despite experiencing some flu ..... Read More

Diplomats Awed by Diwali Celebration at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, LA

On October 17, 2024, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Los Angeles, California, hosted its inaugural “Diwali for Diplomats” event, aimed at promoting international relations while celebrating the festival of Diwali. This remarkable evening attracted representatives from over 15 diplomatic missions, including Consuls General and staff from various countries. The initiative was inspired by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision of enhancing global harmony, embodied in the saying, “In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutu ..... Read More

Tirlok Malik’s ‘On Golden Years’ to Premiere at Teaneck International Film Festival 2024

The Teaneck International Film Festival 2024 will showcase Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s acclaimed film ‘On Golden Years’ on Sunday, November 10, at 11:30 AM. The screening will take place at Teaneck Cinemas, located at 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ 07666. This film marks a significant milestone in Malik’s career, known for its exploration of the immigrant experience in America, with previous works including ‘Lonely in America,’ ‘Khushiyaan,’ and ‘Love Lust and Marriage.’ Tirlok Malik has collaborated wit ..... Read More

Kaivan Munshi Appointed Frederick W. Beinecke Professor of Economics at Yale

Kaivan Munshi, a prominent figure in economic development, was appointed Frederick W. Beinecke Professor of Economics at Yale University in June 2024. He is associated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) within the Department of Economics and is also linked to the Economic Growth Center. With over 30 years of research experience, Munshi has focused on the impact of informal community institutions on development. His initial research provided robust empirical evidence demonstrating how social norms and community networks significantly ..... Read More

Three Indian Americans Named 2024 Moore Inventor Fellows

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation announced on September 19 that three Indian Americans have been selected as this year’s Moore Inventor Fellows. This annual fellowship aims to support scientist-inventors who develop innovative tools and technologies, with a focus on making significant advancements in scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and patient care. Harvey V. Fineberg, M.D., Ph.D., president of the foundation, emphasized, “The Moore Inventor Fellowship honors the creativity and ingenuity essential for addressi ..... Read More

Laxmi Vilas Palace to Host Historic Meeting Between PM Modi and Spanish PM

During the Gaekwadi era, the Laxmi Vilas Palace’s ornate durbar hall was the site of extravagant banquets and concerts for royals and state officials. On October 28, the palace will make history by hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for their first official meeting. Modi and Sanchez will also enjoy lunch at the royal residence, with preparations currently underway. Samarjit Gaekwad, a member of the Gaekwad royal family, stated, “This is the first time two heads of government are being re ..... Read More

India’s Rise as a Global Export Hub for Passenger Vehicles

In September, Ford Motor Company made headlines by announcing plans to reopen its Chennai facility, which had ceased operations in 2021, primarily focusing on exports. While specific details remain undisclosed, reports suggest the automaker is exploring opportunities in the light commercial vehicle and pickup markets, considering both internal combustion engines and electric variants. Additionally, potential collaborations with other manufacturers, including Volkswagen, have surfaced, although Ford declined to comment on these speculations. ..... Read More

India’s PM Gati Shakti: Paving Infrastructure Growth Path

Marking the third anniversary of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, India is witnessing a significant transformation in its infrastructure landscape. This initiative has introduced a coordinated and integrated approach, focusing on multi-modal connectivity across road, rail, air, and waterways, thereby enhancing the nation’s logistics system. PM Gati Shakti is driving efficient project execution, reducing costs, and preparing India for infrastructure-led economic growth. The plan’s key achievements include evaluating over 2 ..... Read More

India poised to seize growth opportunities: Finance Minister

India is in a strong position to tap into new growth possibilities despite the current global economic uncertainties, according to the Union Minister of Finance, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman. Speaking at Columbia University, she pointed out that India is set to play a significant role as countries look to diversify their supply chains. With a strategy to enhance its domestic capabilities and improve resilience to external economic disruptions, India could gain from the trend towards a more fragmented global market. Despite ongoing global challenge ..... Read More