Must Read News

V.V. Ganeshananthan Wins 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction

American writer V.V. Ganeshananthan clinched this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction on June 13 with her novel Brotherless Night, depicting a family torn apart by Sri Lanka’s lengthy civil war. The inaugural Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction went to author-activist Naomi Klein for Doppelganger, a personal narrative exploring her immersion into the realm of online misinformation. Each award carries a £30,000 ($38,000) prize. Both winners addressed the global backdrop marred by conflict, amidst ongoing debates in the arts community concerning ..... Read More

India to highlight Global South issues at Italy’s G7 Summit

PM in a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Mr. Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy on June 14, 2024. India plans to spotlight the issues of the Global South during its participation in the G7 Summit in Italy, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend.  Following its recent G20 presidency, India has established itself as a strong advocate for the Global South. Modi is expected to emphasize these issues during his interventions at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, according to s ..... Read More

G7 summit impacts India: Corporate tax, Middle East-Europe corridor

The G7 has evolved significantly from its origins as a White House “Library Group” of finance ministers navigating the aftermath of Bretton Woods and oil shocks. Initially comprising West Germany, France, UK, and the US, it progressed into a formal platform for managing global economic issues, later joined by Italy, Canada, and Japan. In 1981, the European Union became a non-enumerated member, solidifying the G7’s role as a coordinating body for economic, trade, finance, and foreign policy matters among the world’s we ..... Read More

Pope Francis to meet at G7 summit with Modi, Biden, Zelenskiy and Macron

The Vatican announced on Thursday that Pope Francis will meet with leaders from the United States, Ukraine, France, India, and other nations on the sidelines of the Group of 7 (G7) summit in Italy. On Friday, he will participate in discussions regarding the new technology, including artificial intelligence, which he previously cautioned against in January due to its “perverse” dangers. This marks the first time a pope has joined G7 discussions. The Vatican’s schedule for Francis’ one-day visit includes a bilateral mee ..... Read More

Laapataa Ladies beats Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ on Netflix

Laapataa Ladies, a simple and poignant movie, achieved a great milestone by beating the blockbuster 2023 Animal on Netflix’s OTT platform. While Animal had its OTT release on January 26, 2024, Laapataa Ladies was released on Netflix on April 26 and captured the attention of viewers.  The simple story of two brides getting lost during a train journey had enough strength to beat a blockbuster in Bollywood! It seems unbelievable, but it is true. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ directed by Kiran Rao beat ‘Animal’ directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga an ..... Read More

Luv Ki Arrange Marriage

On June 14, 2024, Zee5 released its original film, Luv Ki Arrange Marriage, a family-based romantic comedy. Ishrat Khan directs this Zee5 original movie, with Sunny Singh, Avneet Kaur, Supriya Pathak, Annu Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, and others in lead and supporting roles.  What happens when a young boy and girl fall in love and find that their single parents also fall in love with each other? Luv Ki Arrange Marriage, a romantic comedy, reveals the answer. It offers a refreshing alternative to thrillers, horror, cop, and courtroom dramas, allowing ..... Read More

Gaanth, Chapter 1: Jamnaa Paar

Gaanth, Chapter 1: Jamnaa Paar, the web series, began streaming in Jio Cinema on June 11, 2024. The crime thriller revolves around an under investigation mass suicide or murder incident. The word ‘Gaanth’ in Hindi means a knot. The new web series ‘Gaanth Chapter 1: Jamnaa Paar’ tells the story of a mysterious mass suicide or murder, its investigation, and the involvement of a doctor. As the name suggests, the story’s plot is on the eastern banks of the river Yamuna, also known as ‘Jamnaa Paar’ and co ..... Read More

Tata Consultancy Services Launches Advanced Innovation Lab in Cincinnati

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global frontrunner in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has inaugurated the Bringing Life to Things™ Lab in Cincinnati, Ohio. This facility is set to enhance the rapid prototyping, experimentation, and large-scale deployment of AI, GenAI, and IoT engineering solutions, enabling TCS to assist clients in swiftly and efficiently bringing innovative solutions to market. Covering 3,000 square feet, the lab will bolster the implementation of TCS’ extensive IoT so ..... Read More

India in top 5 APAC for developmental assets

According to Colliers’ Asia Pacific Global Capital Flows report, India has emerged as a top-5 global destination for cross-border capital in the Asia Pacific region, specifically for land and development sites. In the first quarter of 2024, foreign investors accounted for 55% of real estate inflows, with 73% of these investments directed towards ready assets. In 2023, foreign investors contributed $3.6 billion to the Indian real estate market, representing 67% of the total share. Alongside India, China, Singapore, and Australia were al ..... Read More

IPL’s value rises 6.5% to US$ 16.4 billion in 2024: Houlihan Lokey

According to the 2024 IPL Brand Valuation Study by American investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) business value has increased by 6.5% year-on-year to US$ 16.4 billion, while its stand-alone brand value has risen by 6.3% to US$ 3.4 billion. This growth can be attributed to a US$ 6 billion media rights deal with Disney Star and Viacom18 in 2022 and a US$ 300 million title sponsorship deal with Tata Sons in 2023. Harsh Talikoti, Senior Vice President of Corporate Valuation Advisory Services at Houlihan Lokey, not ..... Read More

Indian GCCs lead in AI as digital twins of HQs

Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India have undergone a remarkable evolution since the early 1990s, transforming from mere ‘captives’ of their global parent companies to dynamic ‘digital twins’ today. Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom), highlights the newfound significance of Indian GCCs, emphasizing their role as indispensable as any other office for multinational corporations, especially in the post-pandemic era. This evolution is exemplified b ..... Read More

India triumphs over USA in T20 Cricket match

In Wednesday’s ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup match, the clash between the rising USA team and the seasoned Indian squad promised excitement and delivered just that. India, after winning the toss at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium and opting to bowl, effectively restricted USA to 110-8 in their innings. Led by Arshdeep Singh’s formidable bowling performance of four wickets for nine runs in four overs, India’s strategy paid off as they set a modest target for themselves. Despite six USA batsmen reaching do ..... Read More

Panchayat 3: How was the third season?

Viewers have been waiting eagerly for the third season of the simple, entertaining, and emotional tale of Indian rural life, ‘Panchayat’. Finally, it began streaming on Prime Video on May 28, 2024. Like the first two seasons, the third season of Panchayat has won appreciation from both viewers and critics.  Panchayat is a classic example of simple storytelling with deep emotional expression and bonding among the characters. A qualified engineer and MBA aspirant, Abhishek Tripathi, works as a Panchayat Secretary (Sachiv) in a ..... Read More

PM Modi, President Biden to meet at G7 Summit: NSA Sullivan

US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to meet at the G7 Summit in Italy, as confirmed by the White House on Wednesday. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted their recent conversation where Biden congratulated Modi on his reelection for a third term as Prime Minister. During a press briefing, Sullivan mentioned, “President Biden spoke with President Modi by phone while we were in Paris to congratulate him on the election outcome and his third term as Prime Minister.” He expressed expec ..... Read More

‘Cricket – cooler than Baseball’ bonds Indian-American fans

Rohit Sharma led Team India to a resounding victory over the USA in the T-20 Cricket World Cup match held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Long Island. While the match itself was a straightforward win for India, the true excitement and pride were palpable among the Indian-American community in attendance. The stadium, packed with 34,000 supporters, overflowed with Indian-American pride as flags waved and chants echoed with slogans like “USA is home. India is heart” and “I live in the US but my heart always ..... Read More

Zeshan B’s New Album: Preet Bharara as Music Producer

Indian American singer-songwriter Zeshan B is set to release his new album, “O Say, Can You See?,” on July 26. According to Variety, the album features gospel-infused R&B paired with lyrics focused on social justice themes. An intriguing aspect of this project is the involvement of Preet Bharara, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who serves as the album’s executive producer. Bharara, renowned for his legal battles against organized crime and financial fraud, and for his confrontations with ..... Read More

Haley Voters: Former Underdogs Could Now Be Kingmakers

Earlier this year, David Wardlaw was frustrated when former President Trump criticized Nikki Haley, his then-rival, on his Truth Social account, warning that anyone supporting her campaign would be excluded from the MAGA camp. Wardlaw decided to donate to Haley’s campaign in response to Trump’s statement, expressing his discontent by saying that Trump needed their votes but was alienating them instead. Wardlaw traveled from Georgia to South Carolina to attend a rally for Haley, accompanied by family members. Although he had voted ..... Read More

Indian American Prof. R. Panneer Selvam Named EMI Fellow

Panneer Selvam, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Arkansas, has achieved the distinction of being named a Fellow of the Engineering Mechanics Institute (EMI). This esteemed honor is given to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to engineering mechanics and have shown exceptional leadership in the field, as highlighted in a press release by the Engineering Mechanics Institute. Selvam, who has been a part of the University of Arkansas faculty since 1986, is recognized for his pioneering work in computational mech ..... Read More

Norway envoy: Yoga India’s ‘greatest gift’

Norwegian Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sentiment regarding Yoga’s unifying power across the globe, considering it one of India’s most significant contributions to the world. She expressed this view in response to PM Modi’s announcement on X regarding the upcoming 10th International Day of Yoga, scheduled for June 21. Stener further demonstrated her endorsement by sharing videos and images of herself practicing Yoga. PM Modi emphasized the universal appeal of Yoga, transce ..... Read More

Oxford returns 500-year-old Hindu sculpture

Oxford University has decided to return a 500-year-old bronze sculpture of Hindu saint Tirumankai Alvar to India. The almost 60cm-tall statue had been showcased at the Ashmolean Museum. The Indian high commission claimed ownership of the Tamil poet’s sculpture, suspecting it was looted from an Indian temple. The University’s council supported the claim, and the decision is pending approval from the Charity Commission. In another instance, Queen Consort Camilla wore Queen Mary’s crown without the Koh-i-noor diamond during Ki ..... Read More

India joins Gaza humanitarian conference in Jordan

India’s participation in the High-Level Conference on ‘Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza’ in Amman, Jordan, was represented by Muktesh Pardeshi, the Secretary of the Consular Passport and Visa Division and Overseas Indian Affairs at the Ministry of External Affairs. Pardeshi emphasized India’s continuous humanitarian, capacity building, and developmental efforts at the conference, co-hosted by King Abdullah of Jordan. India’s support for Palestine has amounted to nearly USD 120 million, with an additional USD 2 ..... Read More

Indian-origin spiritual leader hosts Toronto event

Renowned spiritual leader Rajinder Singh will host an event in Toronto to spread joy, impart spiritual wisdom, and foster community connections. This anticipated gathering offers residents of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) a chance to directly experience his transformative teachings. Scheduled for June 29 and 30, the event includes an English public talk on ‘Meditate to Experience Spiritual Love’ and a Hindi public talk with English translation focusing on meditation techniques. Both sessions will be held at the Delta ..... Read More

US Cricket Team Nears Major Success at 2024 T20 World Cup

The United States national cricket team recently made waves by defeating Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a notable achievement given cricket’s relative obscurity in America compared to the intense following it enjoys in countries like England. Cricket, which shares some superficial similarities with baseball, features distinct differences, such as the intentional bouncing of the ball by the bowler and the method of scoring runs. This year, the T20 World Cup is bringing the sport closer to American audiences with matches held across Ne ..... Read More

Nikki Haley firm after ‘finish them’ controversy

Former US ambassador Nikki Haley has taken a contrasting position amid calls for a truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict, diverging from the prevailing sentiment favoring Palestine. During her visit to Israel alongside Israeli parliament member Dani Danon, Haley criticized the Biden administration for overlooking Hamas’s actions on October 7. She expressed her views in an article published in The New York Post, calling attention to the need for Israel’s decisive response to Hamas. In her op-ed, Haley highlighted her recent trip to I ..... Read More

APSA to host global Arya summit at Hofstra University, NY

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha America (APSA), in collaboration with Arya Samajs from the Tri-States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, is set to host the 2024 International Arya Mahasammelan (Global Arya Summit) from July 18 to July 21 at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. APSA, a leading religious and cultural organization, is instrumental in promoting the teachings and principles of the Arya Samaj in North America.  The 2024 Global Arya Summit will mark two significant anniversaries: 150 years since the founding of the Arya S ..... Read More