Must Read News

Jiya Patil awarded scholarship during National Conscience Month

Credits to :- American Meditation Jiya Patil of California has been selected by the American Meditation Institute (AMI) as the recipient of the fifth Annual National Conscience Month Essay Contest. For her insightful reflection on relying on conscience in decision-making, Patil will receive a $2,000 scholarship towards higher education. National Conscience Month, celebrated in January yearly, aims to encourage individuals from all backgrounds to depend on their conscience in decision-making. Patil, a senior at Foothill High School in Pleasant ..... Read More

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen Recognized as Influential AAPI ‘Change Maker’

Bobbie Singh-Allen, the Punjabi American mayor of Elk Grove, has been recognized in the Sacramento Bee’s 2023 list of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Change Makers, alongside three other alumni from Sacramento State. Described as individuals who challenge norms, build community, and lead with unwavering commitment, the Change Makers list celebrates 20 individuals for their impactful contributions. Singh-Allen assumed office as Mayor of Elk Grove in November 2020 after serving on the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees, ..... Read More

India’s Vande Bharat trains may soon run on international routes

India is actively exploring the possibility of exporting Vande Bharat trains, announced Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the Global Business Summit. The Indian Railways has been fielding inquiries from various countries, including distant ones like Chile, expressing interest in procuring the flagship locomotive. To facilitate this initiative, the rail ministry is enhancing its manufacturing capacity by producing a wide array of components in its workshops, as well as engaging public and private sector units with indigenous expertise and ..... Read More

PM Modi pays tribute to CRPF martyrs on Pulwama attack anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the 40 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, paying homage to their bravery and sacrifice. On ‘X,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his respects, stating, “I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their dedication and sacrifice in service to our country will forever be commemorated.” February 14, 2019, marks five years since the Pulwama terror attack, where 40 Indian soldiers were killed after a suicide bomb ..... Read More

Harvard University to organize the biggest conference focusing on India in the United States

Scheduled for February 17 and 18, 2024, the conference aims to provide a platform for informed discussions and insights into India’s diverse landscape and promising future. Co-chair Taniya Bajaj emphasizes the participation of renowned experts and global influencers across different sectors to enrich the discourse on India’s trajectory. The event encompasses a wide array of topics, ranging from geopolitics and business dynamics to cultural contributions and societal challenges. The conference agenda includes panel discussions, keynote speeches ..... Read More

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in the (UAE)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple today, marking the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The inauguration ceremony begins at 6 PM IST. Located in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, the iconic stone temple stands as a symbol of cultural and religious significance. Here are five interesting facts about the BAPS Hindu Mandir: – The sprawling BAPS Hindu Mandir occupies a vast 27-acre plot of land. – Sheikh ..... Read More

Deepak Bhargava Appointed President of JPB Foundation

Deepak Bhargava, an Indian American social activist, assumed the role of president at the JPB Foundation, a major grant-making organization in the United States. In his new capacity, Bhargava aims to leverage philanthropy to bolster the advancement of multiracial democracy and its associated institutions and practices. Expressing enthusiasm for his new position, Bhargava shared his excitement on LinkedIn, emphasizing the pivotal moment for the nation and the world. With expertise in social justice movements, Bhargava co-founded Leadership for ..... Read More

NYC Mayor chooses Meera Joshi to join MTA board

NYC Mayor Eric Adams has proposed Meera Joshi, currently serving as Deputy Mayor for Operations, to join the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board. Additionally, Dan Garodnick, chair of the NYC Planning Commission, has been selected to join the board alongside Joshi. Adams expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the MTA’s future success, aiming to enhance New York City’s transportation system for all residents. Meera Joshi, known for her oversight of the city’s infrastructure and public realm as Deputy Mayor, has pla ..... Read More

Sonali Korde, Indian-American, takes oath as Assistant to USAID Administrator

  Indian-American Sonali Korde assumed her role on Monday as assistant to USAID Administrator Samantha Power for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. At the swearing-in ceremony, Power hailed Korde as a valuable addition, emphasizing her upbringing shaped by her parents’ migration from India and their commitment to justice and equity. Korde’s childhood experiences, including frequent visits to India, exposed her to stark socioeconomic disparities, fueling her sense of justice and determination to address inequities. Before her current posi ..... Read More

PM Modi expresses pride in the diaspora’s role in enhancing global engagement ahead of the Ahlan Modi event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in the Indian diaspora’s efforts to enhance India’s global engagement, ahead of the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event in Abu Dhabi today. He eagerly anticipated being among the UAE’s Indian diaspora at the programme. Despite challenging weather conditions, over 2,500 individuals participated in full-ground rehearsals and volunteer briefings. Scheduled to address the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event at Zayed Sports City Stadium, PM Modi embarks on a two-day official visit to the UAE, his seventh since 2015 and third in the last ..... Read More

Oscar nominee Dev Patel debuts as director with ‘Monkey Man’

Dev Patel, acclaimed for roles in ‘Lion’ and ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ steps into directing with ‘Monkey Man.’ The action thriller unfolds the story of a man seeking vengeance against corrupt leaders for his mother’s murder and the oppression of the powerless. Patel’s character, Kid, navigates an underground fight club, enduring brutal beatings for survival. His journey intertwines with the legend of Hanuman, embodying strength and bravery. Driven by childhood trauma, Kid’s quest for justice intensifies, culminating in a confrontation with the ci ..... Read More

NASA EarthData features essay by Indian American

Indian American NASA scientist Rahul Ramachandran’s essay, “From Petabytes to Insights: Tackling Earth Science’s Scaling Problem,” is now available on NASA’s EarthData. It discusses the challenge of scaling in Earth science due to growing data volumes and proposes incorporating artificial intelligence into informatics as a potential solution. Ramachandran emphasizes the multifaceted nature of Earth science’s scaling problem, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses technical aspects of data management along with broader s ..... Read More

5 Indian-Americans selected for Presidential Leadership Scholars program

The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program introduced its ninth annual class in January 2024, featuring five Indian-Americans among the 60 scholars selected. Henish Bhansali, Nina Kshetry, Amol S. Naik, Neeti Sanyal, and Shashank Sinha join the program, offering them an opportunity to explore leadership through the experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidencies. Dr. Henish Bhansali, as the chief medical officer of Medical Home Network, has spearheaded healthcare transformation ..... Read More

Qatar court releases 8 former Indian Navy; 7 return: MEA

India expressed gratitude for Qatar’s decision to release eight former Indian Navy personnel, previously sentenced to death, with seven having returned home. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lauded Qatar’s Amir for facilitating their release, following diplomatic negotiations between the two nations. Earlier, the death sentences of the Indian Navy veterans were commuted to prolonged prison terms after bilateral discussions. Out of the eight imprisoned individuals, seven have returned to India, with arrangements underway for the remaining ..... Read More

Sameer Mehra assumes role of Chief Revenue Officer at MCR

MCR Hotels, positioned as the third-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has named Sameer Mehra, an Indian American executive, as its chief revenue officer. Bringing with him a wealth of experience spanning 25 years in the hospitality sector, Mehra’s appointment emphasizes his proficiency across revenue management, distribution strategies, e-commerce, strategic alliances, and sales leadership, as highlighted in an official statement by the company. Prior to joining MCR, Mehra served as the chief revenue officer at Hersha Hospita ..... Read More

PM Modi mentions Article 370, Sengol, Ram Mandir in 17th Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the achievements of the past five years, emphasizing the themes of ‘reform, perform, and transform.’ Expressing gratitude, particularly to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, during the final session of the 17th Lok Sabha, PM Modi commended the parliamentarians for their response to challenges such as the Covid pandemic, including a voluntary 30% salary reduction and halting subsidies for canteen food to avoid public scrutiny. Addressing the transition to the new Parliament building, PM Modi highlighted the sy ..... Read More

Monica Saigal’s ‘A Kiss in Kashmir’: Love Amidst Scenic Splendor

Monica Saigal’s third novel, “A Kiss in Kashmir,” delves into love, loss, and the human heart against the backdrop of India’s Kashmir Valley. Drawing inspiration from her travels and culinary expertise, Saigal infuses vibrant culture into her storytelling, creating a captivating narrative. The novel follows Sharmila, a Rajasthani artist, and George, a retired American professor, as they navigate profound loss and unexpected love. Set amidst the enchanting beauty of Kashmir, their journey is intertwined with the rich tapestry of the region, add ..... Read More

Priyamvada Natarajan appointed as fellow by the American Astronomical Society

Renowned theoretical astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan, based at Yale University, has earned the distinction of being elected a fellow of the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Her groundbreaking research focuses on unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and black hole physics, illuminating the hidden facets of the cosmos. The recent announcement by the AAS introduces 21 new fellows, honoring their significant contributions to advancing humanity’s comprehension of the universe. Among them, Natarajan stands out for her seminal work in eluc ..... Read More

AIAA Names Madni and Ekkad as Fellows

Azad M. Madni and Srinath Ekkad have received prestigious recognitions from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Laura McGill, president of AIAA, described the Class of 2024 AIAA Honorary Fellows and Fellows as esteemed figures within the aerospace field, lauding their remarkable contributions and standing within the science and engineering community. AIAA defines honorary fellows as individuals who have achieved eminence in the aerospace industry, embodying the highest standards in aeronautics and astronautics. Azad ..... Read More

By 2030, renewables to meet 65% of India’s energy needs: Union Minister RK Singh

Approximately 44 percent of India’s current energy needs are met by non-fossil sources, with projections indicating a potential increase to as high as 65 percent by 2030, surpassing the commitments made at the COP26 summit in 2021, stated Union Minister RK Singh. During COP26 in Glasgow, India made a comprehensive pledge known as “Panchamrit,” aiming to achieve various targets by 2030. These included reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy from renewables, reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes, decrea ..... Read More

Mood of the Nation: Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath popular to lead India after PM Modi

The Mood of the Nation survey conducted by CVoter and the India Today group indicates that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are perceived as the most suitable leaders to succeed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It credits Modi’s charismatic appeal for driving the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to success in past Assembly elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Projections from the survey suggest that the NDA is likely to secure 335 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, marking a decre ..... Read More

Biden nominates Indian-American Judge Sanket Bulsara to US District Court

US President Joe Biden has nominated an Indian-American judge, Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara, to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Bulsara, currently serving as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York since 2017, specializes in securities, contracts, bankruptcy, and regulatory matters. Born to immigrant parents from India and Kenya, Bulsara, aged 46, brings extensive legal experience to his new role. The White House emphasized Bulsara’s qualifications, describing him as “extraordinar ..... Read More

Trump’s Indian American supporters call for Haley’s reconciliation.

Indian Americans for Trump, a group advocating for Donald J. Trump’s re-election as President of the USA, has urged his opponent, Nikki Haley, to reconcile her differences with the former president. The group contends that Haley’s critical remarks about Trump, such as labeling his administration as “chaos,” are being exploited by Democrats to attack him. In a statement, the group highlighted how Democrats are weaponizing Haley’s words in their political battle for the presidency, inadvertently aiding the Democrat’s agenda. Indian Americans for ..... Read More

Bridgenext Welcomes Rajesh Khanna as Chief Revenue Officer

Bridgenext, a leading digital consulting services firm based in Florida, has named Rajesh Khanna as its Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). With over 25 years of experience in technology consulting, Khanna’s appointment is expected to bring significant expertise to his new role, according to a company statement. As the CRO, Khanna will lead Bridgenext’s revenue generation efforts, overseeing the company’s go-to-market strategy, client acquisition, and expansion initiatives. Additionally, he will be responsible for guiding offerings development, estab ..... Read More

ICRA: India’s consumption fuels mall operators, warehousing growth

It is expected that mall operators will see a year-on-year increase of 9-10% in rental income for the current financial year, followed by a slightly lower growth of 8-9% in 2024-25. This growth is driven by robust occupancy levels, trading value growth, and rental escalations. In India’s top six cities, around 9-10 million sq ft of new supply is anticipated in 2023-24 and approximately 6 million sq ft in 2024-25. Despite healthy net absorption in the first three quarters of the financial year, vacancy levels rose to 20% by December 2023 due to ..... Read More