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Modi commits India to be the third-largest economy in the third term

Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated his commitment to propel India into the third-largest global economy during his consecutive third term. Inaugurating various development projects in Uttar Pradesh, valued at over $2.289 billion USD, covering railways, electricity, roads, water supply, and Ganga river ghats, Modi emphasized the integral role of Kashi’s development in India’s progress. Mr. Modi reiterated his focus on four categories: youth, farmers, the poor, and women, asserting that strengthening these pillars would fortify the nation. ..... Read More

Indian ninth-grader triumphs in New York’s Congressional App Challenge

Bianca Jain, a ninth-grade student of Indian origin, secured victory in the Congressional App Challenge within New York’s 17th Congressional District. The Briarcliff High School freshman developed an app aimed at raising awareness about cancer causes, driven by a personal connection to the ailment. Motivated by limited awareness about cancer despite its status as a leading cause of death, Jain set out to dispel the notion that genetics play a predominant role. Her app includes a questionnaire allowing users to assess their risk based on lifest ..... Read More

App by Indian-origin Doctor Tracks COVID-19 Immunity Antibodies

Shaili Gupta / Image – Yale University In response to the recent surge in SARS-CoV-2 cases, a team of doctors at Yale University, led by Dr. Shaili Gupta, an associate professor of medicine, has developed a tool to assist individuals in determining whether they require a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Dr. Gupta, specializing in general medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, crafted an algorithm to aid in this decision-making process, building upon research initiated in 2020. The research methodology involved collecting specimens both before ..... Read More

Poll: Nikki Haley Tops as Trump Alternative in New Hampshire

Nikki Haley is emerging as a prominent alternative to Donald Trump in the upcoming Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire, as indicated by a CBS/YouGov poll released on December 18. While Trump maintains his lead, Haley has made significant strides by consolidating much of the non-Trump vote. The poll results follow the endorsement of Haley by New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who emphasized the state’s opportunity to lead the country forward. According to the CBS poll, 29% of respondents expressed their preference for Haley in th ..... Read More

Ayodhya Temple Consecration Invitations Sent, Confirms Trust Official

Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, revealed the trust’s action plan for the Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22 in Ayodhya. Rai, also the International Vice President of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), stated that the guest list, including individuals from various fields, has been finalized, and invitations have been dispatched. The invitees encompass artists, poets, industrialists, doctors, scientists, and families of kar sevaks who sacrificed during the Ram Mandir struggle. Three idols are being ..... Read More

Congressman Sessions Inaugurates First Hindu Caucus in U.S. Congress

Earlier this month, Congressman Pete Sessions and Representative Elise Stefanik jointly announced the establishment of the Congressional Hindu Caucus in the 118th Congress. This caucus, chaired by the two representatives, is dedicated to representing the values significant to the Hindu-American community, encompassing individuals from diverse countries such as India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the United Kingdom,Bhutan, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. Since its inception during the 115th Congress, the caucus has playe ..... Read More

Modi’s Rule: Banking Sector’s Evolution from ‘Phone Banking’ to Prudential Banking

Over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian banking system has undergone significant transformations, moving from the era of ‘phone banking’ to implementing prudential norms, mega mergers, recapitalization, and fostering a banking culture through initiatives like Jan Dhan accounts, digital banking/payment systems, and Mudra loans. According to a research report by the State Bank of India (SBI), the banking system’s total asset/liabilities growth during FY14-23 is 1.3 times higher than the growth in the last ..... Read More

India exceeds NDC goals ahead of schedule emission reduction and non-fossil fuel power targets achieved.

As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, India initially presented its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2015. The NDC included targets to achieve a 33 to 35% reduction in the emissions intensity of its GDP by 2030, compared to the 2005 level, and to reach around 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030. Surpassing expectations, as of October 31, 2023, India’s cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil ..... Read More

Annu Khot: Indian American Entrepreneur in Cannabis Spotlight

Annu Khot, an Indian American entrepreneur managing a Cannabis dispensary in Chicago, recently shared her entrepreneurial journey with Hindustantimes.com. Despite the legal acceptance of cannabis for recreational use in 24 US states, it remains a contentious subject. Khot, originally from India and having moved to the US in 2008, embarked on launching Socíale, one of the world’s pioneering cannabis dispensaries owned by an Indian-American woman, after witnessing the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Opening up about the initial stages of her ent ..... Read More

Ashwin Ramaswami’s bid for Georgia State Senate

Ashwin Ramaswami, an Indian American software engineer with experience in election security and technology law and policy research, is running for the Georgia State Senate to represent District 48. If successful, he would be the first Indian American and Gen Z member in the Georgia State Senate, holding degrees in computer science and law. Ramaswami, a Democrat, announced his candidacy after the indictment of the Republican incumbent, Senator Shawn Still, for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Advocating for lower costs, increase ..... Read More

Hindu Americans rejoice at Ram Mandir Inauguration in Maryland

In anticipation of the forthcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and local Hindu temples in the Washington, DC area orchestrated a mini car and bike rally at the Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple in Maryland. The street where the riders convened was christened “Ayodhya Way” in homage to the inaugural ceremony, attracting a diverse gathering of Hindu Americans across age groups. Mahendra Sapa, president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America DC chapter, announced a larger celebration on January 20, 2 ..... Read More

PM Modi’s Unassailable Strength for 2024: Unraveling the Key Reasons!

In a recent development, Russian President Vladimir Putin showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending his resolute commitment to India’s national interests. This commendation came on the heels of significant victories for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in three Indian states, underscoring Modi’s enduring popularity among voters. With the 2024 general elections on the horizon, the BJP finds itself in a formidable position, bolstered by Modi’s consistently high approval ratings, a factor acknowledged by international observers. ..... Read More

UIS Names Priyanka Deo Jain Media Strategy Assistant Director

The University of Illinois Springfield has appointed Priyanka Deo Jain as the new assistant director of media strategy within the Department of Media Strategy. Jain, previously associated with The Times of India Group in New Delhi, India, served a significant role in the chief operating officer’s office and hosted her own digital show. With experience at Associated Broadcasting as an anchor and deputy editor in English, Jain is a national political commentator in India and was part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s communications team du ..... Read More

Vivek Ramaswamy covers 42 stops, campaigns caffeine-free, fueled by energy from the crowds.

Indian-American Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been leading the 2024 campaign with a remarkable 42 stops this week, the highest among candidates. Despite the logistical challenges, Ramaswamy remains motivated by the energetic crowds in Iowa, emphasizing that he is campaigning caffeine-free. The 38-year-old entrepreneur appreciates the earnestness of people attending his events, building a community and movement that transcends traditional campaign methods. Ramaswamy values grassroots engagement, expressing a preference f ..... Read More

PM Modi inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse and new airport terminal, boosting trade and connectivity

PM at the inauguration of Surat Diamond Bourse, in Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on December 17, 2023, unveiled the Surat Diamond Bourse in Gujarat, a sprawling 6.7 million square feet facility equipped with international banking services, secure vaults, and a jewelry mall. This state-of-the-art establishment is expected to create around 150,000 job opportunities. Simultaneously, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal at Surat Airport, designed for 1,200 domestic and 600 international passengers. The Surat Diamond Bourse, tou ..... Read More

India, Pakistan face off in 2024 T20 World Cup in New York: Report

New York is poised to host a high-stakes clash between cricket rivals India and Pakistan in the first group stage of the T20 World Cup next year, targeting cricket enthusiasts in the South Asian community in America. The USA, co-hosting with the West Indies, will see India, Pakistan, and eight other nations play their opening group-stage games. The anticipated India-Pakistan face-off is expected to unfold in a new 34,000-seat modular stadium in Eisenhower Park, Nassau County, New York, a strategic move given the substantial Indian and Pakistani ..... Read More

Indian American lawmakers urge India to probe Pannun assassination plot

Clockwise from left – Rep Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Shri Thanedar, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi / image – Twitter Indian American lawmakers have expressed deep concern over the allegations involving two Indian nationals in a foiled assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Nikhil Gupta and an Indian government officer identified as “CC-1” face DOJ charges for planning to kill Khalistani supporter Pannun on U.S. soil. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, and Shri Thanedar is ..... Read More

Generative AI poised to contribute $1.2-$1.5 trillion to India’s GDP by 2030

EY’s report highlights the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI), projecting a significant injection of $1.2 – 1.5 trillion into India’s GDP over seven years, with an additional $359-438 billion expected in the 2029-30 period. Key sectors such as business services, finance, education, retail, and healthcare are identified as pivotal drivers, collectively contributing to 69% of GenAI’s impact. Mr. Mahesh Makhija, Technology Consulting Leader at EY India, emphasizes the rapid adoption of an AI-first approach, noting its role in enhan ..... Read More

Ria Paul assumes Chief Medical Officer role at Santa Clara non-profit

Ria Paul / Santa Clara Family Health Plan California’s Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) has appointed Indian American Ria Paul as its Chief Medical Officer (CMO) effective December 18, 2023. In this role, Paul will foster relationships with healthcare providers, enhance clinical systems, and lead SCFHP’s population health efforts for health equity. She succeeds Laurie Nakahira, who transitions to the role of Medical Director. With over 25 years of commitment to equitable healthcare, Paul is enthusiastic about joining a team emphasizing c ..... Read More

BJP readies in Thrissur; Modi aims to attract women voters

As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the BJP is strategically targeting the Thrissur constituency, anticipating a breakthrough. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the party’s election campaign on January 2 at Thekkinkadu Maidan, hosting a women empowerment conference. The BJP aims to attract over 2 lakh women, transcending party lines for support. Kerala BJP chief K Surendran expects the participation of prominent women, including ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, MGNREGA workers, entrepreneurs, and social activists. The event double ..... Read More

Oman Sultan welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, discusses with PM Modi

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman embarked on a three-day state visit to India, commencing on Friday. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, and the visit was extended at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. In the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu received the Sultan. A Guard of Honour by the combined defence services was presented, followed by bilateral talks and a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House. The Ministry ..... Read More

The MIT team, led by an Indian American, creates a robotic heart right chamber

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), including an Indian American, have created a robotic replica of the heart’s right ventricle, emulating the beating and blood-pumping action of live hearts. Combining real heart tissue with synthetic, balloon-like artificial muscles, the robo-ventricle allows scientists to control contractions and observe natural valves. Tunable to mimic healthy and diseased states, it was manipulated to simulate conditions like right ventricular dysfunction. The team tested cardiac devices, implantin ..... Read More

ICC World Cup 2023: Local business thrives with 400% surge in foreign tourist spending

The recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup left a substantial imprint on India’s economy, as revealed by the “ICC Cricket World Cup: A boost to India’s economy” report from the Mastercard Economics Institute. The tournament notably elevated spending by foreign tourists, particularly in sectors like hospitality and dining. Despite Australia clinching victory in the finals, the Indian economy emerged as a substantial beneficiary. Key matches, including India vs Pakistan, India vs England, and the final clash against Australia, witnessed a remarkable ..... Read More

Rep Bera urges Gaza humanitarian aid supply.

U.S. Representatives Ami Bera and Andy Kim have proposed a resolution urging the swift, secure, and ample delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. The resolution, led by Rep Bera, addresses the aftermath of a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th, resulting in tragic loss of life and the displacement of millions. It calls on the Biden Administration to facilitate the secure flow of aid convoys, ensure unimpeded delivery by humanitarian organizations, and distribute fuel to support their operations. The resolution also emp ..... Read More

Pranav Arora featured among USA’s top entrepreneurs in 2023.

Pranav Arora, an Indian-origin serial entrepreneur, secures a spot on USA Today’s Top 10 Emerging Entrepreneurs for 2023. The list recognizes individuals making a mark with innovative approaches and notable business achievements. Arora, currently CEO of JMTD Holdings, a private equity firm, leverages his upbringing in an entrepreneurial environment to assist early-stage businesses in funding strategies and client base expansion. Leading JMTD Holdings, Arora strategically invests in over 20 startups across medical, ecommerce, and fintech s ..... Read More