Must Read News

India reaffirms commitment to Palestinians, endorses two-state solution at UNGA

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, reaffirmed the country’s longstanding relationship and support for a two-state solution on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Kamboj emphasized India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and the universal obligation to uphold international humanitarian law. She condemned civilian deaths, labeling them unacceptable, and called for responsible actions from all parties in addressing the humanitarian crisis. Kamboj advoca ..... Read More

Shivinder Singh seeks Yorba Linda City Council for community leadership

Shivinder Singh, an Indian American entrepreneur, has declared his candidacy for the Yorba Linda City Council in northeastern Orange County, California. Currently serving as the chair pro tem of the Yorba Linda planning commission, Singh aims to leverage his extensive leadership and community involvement to uphold Yorba Linda’s reputation as the “Land of Gracious Living.” Singh’s priorities encompass preserving local government authority, property and equestrian rights, parental rights, public safety, economic development, accountability, and ..... Read More

PM Modi converses with Uttarakhand tunnel-rescued workers by phone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to the workers rescued from the collapsed Uttarkashi tunnel, expressing appreciation for the successful operation. All workers gathered in a room, engaging with the Prime Minister over the phone. Modi commended the rescue team’s efforts and lauded the trapped workers’ courage and patience, wishing them good health. The collapsed tunnel, part of the Char Dham project, faced a challenging rescue mission initiated on November 12. The final operation involved specialized miners, accomplishing the ..... Read More

PM Modi leads the Union Council of Ministers meeting, focusing on the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers in New Delhi on Tuesday. Although the meeting’s agenda wasn’t disclosed, it was reported that PM Modi urged ministers to actively engage in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a large-scale outreach campaign aimed at highlighting central schemes. During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized that the outreach program is a crucial part of building a “viksit Bharat” (developed India). He directed ministers to concentrate on disseminating information about how the gover ..... Read More

Indian engineering exports increased positively in October to 18 major markets

In October, Indian engineering exports witnessed a significant uptick to 18 key markets, with positive growth recorded in countries such as the UK, the US, and the UAE, as per the Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC) India. Notably, the US experienced a 2.2% increase in engineering exports, reaching $1391.5 million compared to $1361 million the previous year. Germany also displayed robust growth with a 20% surge, totaling $342.7 million in October. Conversely, countries like China, Italy, Singapore, and Indonesia reported a decline in e ..... Read More

India’s IT spending to hit $124.6B in 2024, up 10.7%, as per Gartner forecast

As per Gartner’s latest forecast, India’s IT spending is projected to reach US$ 124.6 billion in 2024, marking a 10.7% increase from 2023’s flat growth (-0.5%). The surge will be driven by devices, IT services, and software. Notably, the devices and IT services segment shows significant growth, with device spending shifting from a -7% decrease in 2023 to a 10% increase in 2024. Similarly, IT services are anticipated to rise by 14.6% in 2024, following a 6.5% growth in 2023. This aligns with global trends, as Gartner forecasts an overall IT gro ..... Read More

Krishnamoorthi, Indian American Congressman, featured in Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy magazine recently featured Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, recognizing his significant role in shaping the United States’ China policy within Congress. The profile highlights his leadership of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, alongside Congressman Mike Gallagher, who chairs the China Committee. The joint profile emphasizes the committee’s establishment in February of the current year, focusing on investigating and formulating policies to ..... Read More

VP Dhankhar hails PM Modi as ‘yugpurush’; Congress MP reacts

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the birth anniversary celebrations of Jain mystic Shrimad Rajchandraji. Referring to Modi as a ‘yugpurush’ (man of the generation), Dhankhar drew parallels between Mahatma Gandhi and Modi, noting that both leaders have reflected on the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji. Highlighting Gandhi’s role in securing India’s freedom through truth and non-violence, Dhankhar acknowledged Modi’s contribution in steering India towards long-cherished development goals ..... Read More

Indian Prime Minister Modi lauded an American investor of Indian origin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to Indian American entrepreneur Balaji S Srinivasan’s post on X, acknowledging the optimism within the entrepreneurial community about India as an investment destination. Srinivasan, emphasizing India’s potential as a global investment hub, highlighted its emergence as an attractive start-up destination. Expressing appreciation for Srinivasan’s positive outlook, PM Modi welcomed global investment in India, emphasizing the innovative spirit of the Indian people. In response to Srinivasan’s investment, Modi ..... Read More

First Indian-origin Aussie in NSW Senate, marking historic achievement

Dave Sharma, a candidate of Indian descent from the Australian Liberal Party, has been chosen to fill the New South Wales (NSW) senate seat vacated by Senator Marise Payne, Australia’s longest-serving female in that position. Sharma emerged victorious in the selection process, surpassing contenders Zed Seselja and Andrew Constance. Seselja secured the third position, while Sharma won against Constance with a 251-206 vote. This milestone marks Sharma as the inaugural person of Indian origin from the Liberal Party to assume a federal senator rol ..... Read More

Indian ecologist spearheads a project enhancing crop yields in India

In the 1960s, “Flower power,” a term symbolizing peace within the hippie culture, took on a new, literal meaning in the farms of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India. Led by Dr. Deepa Senapathi from the University of Reading, a team collaborated with the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation to enhance crop yield and quality by strategically planting marigold, sunflower, sesame, cowpea, red gram, or black gram alongside crops like mango and moringa. The initiative aimed to attract a greater variety of bees and insects to these companion crops, subseq ..... Read More

India kickstarts Rs. 1.4 trillion defense endeavors

India is poised to grant initial approval for three major indigenous projects worth approximately Rs. 1.4 trillion (US$ 17 billion). These projects encompass the construction of an additional aircraft carrier, 97 Tejas fighters, and 156 Prachand light combat helicopters. Scheduled for November 30, 2023, the Defence Acquisitions Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to initiate the “acceptance of necessity (AoN)” during a meeting. Following AoNs, the procurement process, including tender and commercial negotiations, will p ..... Read More

India to lead the global sugar sector as Chair of International Sugar Organisation (ISO) in 2024

The Indian government has declared that India will assume the chairmanship of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) in 2024, a significant recognition given India’s status as the world’s largest sugar consumer and the second-largest producer. The declaration occurred at ISO’s 63rd council session convened in London. Expressing pride in this achievement, the food ministry highlighted India’s growing influence in the global sugar sector. During the ISO Council Meeting, Union Food Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Chopra sought support and collaboration ..... Read More

Ash Kalra chairs the California Assembly Judiciary, prioritizing justice and civil rights

Ash Kalra, the first Indian American elected to the California State Assembly, has been designated as the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Judiciary by Speaker Robert Rivas. Expressing gratitude for the appointment on Nov 22, Kalra emphasized the importance of safeguarding civil rights and ensuring a just legal system. Having served on the committee for seven years, he commended the leadership of Chairs Stone and Maienschein, expressing readiness to contribute further. Speaker Rivas praised Kalra’s commitment to justice, highlighting the fou ..... Read More

Yoga prodigy Ishwar Sharma, 13, clinches gold in European competition

In south-east England, a 13-year-old Yoga prodigy of Indian origin achieved Gold at the European Yoga Sports Championship in Sweden, adding to his impressive list of awards. Ishwar Sharma from Sevenoaks, Kent, began practicing Yoga at three, inspired by his father. Recently, he secured the Europe Cup 2023 in the Boys 12-14 category at the International Yoga Sports Federation event in Malmo. Passionate about advocating Yoga, especially for special needs children, Ishwar, diagnosed with autism and ADHD, actively engaged in teaching daily Yoga cl ..... Read More

PM Modi: Indelible memory of 26/11 terror attack remains

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the victims and heroes of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, emphasizing its enduring impact on the nation’s collective memory. During the 107th episode of his monthly broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ PM Modi acknowledged the profound shock caused by the heinous attack, stating it remains an indelible part of India’s history. Reflecting on the courage and resilience of the country, PM Modi highlighted that India, in the face of such terror, now responds with strength and determination. He specifical ..... Read More

Five Indian-Americans feature in Biotech’s Top 25 Women Leaders

The Healthcare Technology Report recently unveiled its Top 25 Women Leaders in Biotechnology for 2023, featuring five Indian-Americans: Brinda Balakrishna, Rachna Khosla, Avni Santani, Sulagna Bhattacharya, and Shreya Jani. Recognized for their contributions to global health programs, they lead successful biotech companies. Brinda Balakrishna, BioMarin Pharmaceutical’s Chief Business Development Officer, has been pivotal in global biotech initiatives, leveraging experience from Vision Medicines. With backgrounds at McKinsey & Genzyme, she hold ..... Read More

Ranbir dubs Animal ‘adult KKKG,’ discusses film’s core and complexity

Ranbir Kapoor expressed his admiration for Bobby Deol, mentioning he grew up watching him and discovered their similarities as individuals when they collaborated on their upcoming film, Animal. Describing Animal as an “adult-rated Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” Ranbir highlighted that the movie revolves around a man who goes to great lengths to safeguard his family. At the trailer launch, Ranbir revealed he portrayed the “most complex character” of his career in Animal, emphasizing the exploration of violence and societal questions in the film. In ..... Read More

PM Modi questions overseas weddings: ‘Is it necessary?’

In his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of prioritizing products made in India while shopping for weddings. With the wedding season estimated at a substantial $59.99 million business, PM Modi encouraged citizens to support locally-made goods. He expressed concern about the growing trend of families conducting weddings abroad and questioned the necessity of such practices, advocating for celebrations on Indian soil. PM Modi highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing that organizing weddi ..... Read More

S&P Global lifts India’s FY24 GDP outlook, reduces FY25 forecast amid economic adjustments

S&P Global Ratings has revised its GDP growth projection for India in FY2024 to 6.4%, up from the previous estimate of 6%, citing the influence of robust domestic factors despite challenges. Conversely, the GDP growth forecast for FY2025 has been lowered to 6.4% from 6.9%, reflecting expectations of a slowdown in the latter half. S&P notes that India’s GDP has exceeded 2019 levels by 15.5%, with fixed investment exhibiting more significant recovery than private consumer spending. The agency anticipates a gradual reduction in India’s interest ra ..... Read More

India’s economy grows steadily, propelled by urban demand amid a global slowdown

Economic growth in India is anticipated to have moderated in the September quarter, with a forecasted GDP growth of 6.8%, down from the previous quarter’s 7.8%, as indicated by a Reuters poll of economists. Despite a global slowdown affecting export growth, the robust service activity and solid urban demand are seen as key support factors. Forecasts for the upcoming years suggest India’s economy will grow more than 6.0%, outpacing major economies. Consumer demand, contributing 60% to GDP growth, remained strong, particularly among urban dweller ..... Read More

Haley and Ramaswamy rank lower than DeSantis in GOP voter support

In a recent poll, Donald Trump maintains his lead for the 2024 Republican nomination, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 28%. Indian American candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley follow with 18% and 16% respectively. The survey, conducted by the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard and Harris Poll/HarrisX, covered public opinion on topics including a 6-week abortion ban and Biden’s policy on the Israel-Hamas situation. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden’s policy garnered support, leading to a 45% approval rating. 80% o ..... Read More

Ashwin reveals Cummins’ genius in the World Cup Final showdown

In his recent YouTube video titled ‘World Cup 2023: A Reflection,’ R Ashwin extensively analyzed the strategic brilliance displayed by the captain who led the victorious 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign. Ashwin specifically focused on dissecting the remarkable tactics employed by Pat Cummins, the captain, during the final match to effectively control the opposition’s batters. Cummins’ decision to send India in to bat after winning the toss proved to be pivotal in the outcome of the match. The Australian skipper, bowling his complete 1 ..... Read More

Union Minister Mahendra Pandey: India must adopt advanced localization for Global Manufacturing Hub

Union Minister of Heavy Industries, Mr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, emphasized the need for high standards and advanced localization to make India global suppliers. Speaking at the “From Local to Global India – Manufacturing to Self-Reliance” discussion by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, he highlighted India’s swift progress toward economic strength through initiatives like the FAME and PLI schemes, aiming to promote localization and boost employment. The Minister emphasized the significance of the “local to vocal, and then local to global” approac ..... Read More

PM Modi completes successful Tejas sortie in Bengaluru, shares images

Prime Minister Narendra Modi experienced a Tejas aircraft flight at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Commending India’s self-sufficiency in defense, Modi underscored his government’s commitment to indigenous production. The visit encompassed an assessment of HAL’s manufacturing site, emphasizing the strategic importance of Tejas. Under Modi’s leadership, a substantial order of $4.9 billion for 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft has been placed, with deliveries beginning by February 2024. Over $1.2 billion has been allocated for t ..... Read More