Must Read News

India’s Renewable Energy Investment to Double by 2025

India has made impressive strides in renewable energy, surpassing an installed capacity of 205 GW by the end of 2024. This progress has positioned the country as a significant player in clean energy, with annual additions projected to quadruple by 2030. The government is targeting an ambitious renewable energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030, requiring $32 billion annually to achieve this goal. In 2024 alone, a record-breaking 24.72 GW capacity was added, primarily from solar and wind projects, alongside a surge in rooftop solar installations und ..... Read More

Shri Thanedar Condemns Hinduphobia and Racism After Backlash

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan, has spoken out against racism and Hinduphobia after facing an outpouring of xenophobic and hateful comments. The backlash followed Thanedar’s support for the H-1B visa program and his push to expand legal immigration to maintain America’s competitive edge in innovation. Thanedar, born in Karnataka, India, criticized the way the H-1B visa conversation had been co-opted by “MAGA racism and xenophobia,” stressing the importance of streamlining the visa ..... Read More

India’s Global Leadership Grows Across Key Sectors in 2024

The year 2024 was pivotal for India, highlighting its global leadership in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, defense, nuclear energy, space exploration, and emerging technologies, including quantum computing, AI, and blockchain. Transformative reforms and innovations positioned India at the forefront of sustainable and inclusive growth. India’s pharmaceutical sector saw a substantial rise in exports, growing from over $15 billion to $28 billion in the decade ending FY24, driven by initiatives such as the Production Linked ..... Read More

India’s Historic Space Docking Experiment Marks New Milestone

In a landmark achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched PSLV-C60 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Monday, carrying the SpaDeX payload and innovative technology. This mission is significant for its attempt to achieve the rare feat of docking two satellites in space, a crucial step for India’s future space endeavors. The SpaDeX mission, a cost-effective technology demonstration, aims to show how two small spacecraft can rendezvous, dock, and undock in low Earth orbit. The primary goal is to develop the ..... Read More

Indian-American Doctors Lead Stem Cell Registration Drive

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), representing over 35,000 Indian American physicians, has launched an initiative to increase bone marrow and stem cell registrations across the United States. Partnering with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), the campaign aims to expand the Indian donor pool, especially for patients suffering from leukemia and lymphoma, who face difficulty finding matching donors, particularly from Indian and South Asian ethnicities. Dr. Satheesh Kathula, an oncologist based in Dayton, Ohio, ..... Read More

Rojita Rai Lands Ivy League Admission with Full Scholarship

Rojita Rai, a senior at Fairfield High School in Ohio, has been awarded a full four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the QuestBridge National College Match program. She is the first student from Fairfield High to receive such an Ivy League scholarship in 12 years. Rojita is one of 2,626 students selected nationwide for the prestigious scholarship, which is the highest number of recipients to date. The average unweighted GPA of the honorees is 3.94, with 92% of them ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class. Nota ..... Read More

AI and Cybersecurity to Create 1 Million Jobs

A report from Quess IT Staffing predicts that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science will generate around one million new jobs in India by 2030. The ‘Technology Skills Report, December 2024’ highlights that advancements in these fields, along with blockchain and quantum computing, are revolutionizing industries like BFSI, healthcare, and retail. These transformative technologies are paving the way for innovative applications and driving significant economic contri ..... Read More

US Issues Record One Million Non-Immigrant Visas to Indians in 2024

The US Mission to India has announced that it issued over one million non-immigrant visas to Indian citizens for the second consecutive year in 2024. This includes a record number of visitor visas, reflecting a significant surge in travel demand for tourism, business, and education. Non-immigrant visas enable temporary visits to the US for various purposes, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, and specialized work. Over two million Indians traveled to the US in the first eleven months of 2024, a 26% increase compared to the previous ye ..... Read More

Trump Backs Musk and Ramaswamy in H-1B Visa Debate Amid MAGA Divide

In a heated debate over immigration, former President Donald Trump has voiced his support for the H-1B visa program, backing tech figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump, known for his hardline stance on immigration, stated that he has always been in favor of the visa program, which helps highly skilled workers enter the United States. This endorsement comes amid a clash between Musk, Ramaswamy, and traditional Trump supporters who argue that America should prioritize its own workforce and limit immigration. Musk, who himself benef ..... Read More

Deloitte Projects India’s Economy to Grow at 6.5-6.8%

Deloitte has forecast that the Indian economy will grow between 6.5% and 6.8% in FY25, driven by robust domestic consumption, with projections for FY26 rising to 6.7% to 7.3%. Despite a slower-than-expected growth rate in the first half of fiscal 2025, influenced by election-related uncertainties, heavy rainfall, and geopolitical issues impacting exports and domestic demand, India’s economy remains resilient. The key growth sectors include consumption, services, and high-value manufacturing exports. Economist Mrs. Rumki Majumdar pointed out t ..... Read More

Indian Startup Funding at $12 Bn in 2024

At the previous Inc42 MoneyX conclave, industry leaders expressed optimism about the Indian startup ecosystem, despite concerns about the funding winter. Sanjeev Bikhchandani of Info Edge refuted claims of a funding freeze, while Rajan Anandan from Peak XV Partners revealed that the VC firm had over $2.34 billion in dry powder. Their confidence stemmed from the belief that many startups were focusing on solid, sustainable businesses, not just cash-hungry ventures. However, just after this event, funding levels dropped drastically. Weekly fundin ..... Read More

RBI Authorizes Third-Party UPI Access for PPIs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted permission for prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) to conduct UPI transactions through third-party apps. This marks a significant change from the previous rule, where UPI payments could only be made from bank accounts via the bank’s own UPI app or approved third-party applications. Payments involving PPIs, however, could only be processed through the issuer’s app. In its regulatory announcement on April 5, 2024, the RBI clarified that this new policy applies exclusively to full-KYC PPIs, which ..... Read More

Loomer Faces Backlash for Anti-Indian Migrant ‘Tech Bro’ Rant

Far-right activist Laura Loomer, known for her controversial views, is igniting tensions within the MAGA movement over the reliance of Silicon Valley on foreign-born workers. Loomer has launched a scathing attack on Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, accusing them of undermining American STEM graduates by supporting H-1B visas and skilled immigration. Loomer’s ire escalated after former President Donald Trump appointed Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as a senior policy adviser for artificial intelligence. She criticized Krishnan’s ..... Read More

PM Modi Calls for Unity Ahead of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj

In his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for national unity ahead of the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He highlighted the event’s potential to bring people together, emphasizing the importance of eliminating division and hatred from society. Modi urged the nation to embrace the occasion with the slogan, “Maha Kumbh ka sandesh, ek ho poora desh” (the message of Maha Kumbh, let the whole country be united), and encouraged people to share their selfies with the hashtag #E ..... Read More

Black Duck Announces New CIO and CISO Appointments

Black Duck Software, Inc., a leader in application security, has appointed Ishpreet Singh as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Bruce Jenkins as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These appointments mark a significant step in the company’s mission to foster innovation and ensure cybersecurity. CEO Jason Schmitt emphasized the importance of these roles, stating, “With our organization entering a phase of rapid growth, Ishpreet and Bruce bring the expertise needed to advance our IT and security strategies. Our goal is to prot ..... Read More

Vivek Ramaswamy Faces Backlash for Comments on American Workers and Immigration

Vivek Ramaswamy, former Republican presidential candidate, has faced intense backlash after stating that American workers are not being hired due to mediocrity. In a post on X, he argued that American culture has prioritized mediocrity over excellence, particularly since the 1990s. His comments were met with criticism from both the left and right, with figures like Nikki Haley and John Cardillo condemning his views. Ramaswamy’s remarks coincided with a broader immigration debate, sparked by far-right activist Laura Loomer’s criticism of Tru ..... Read More

Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif Return from Holiday

After a peaceful and refreshing Christmas break in the tranquil outdoors, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif were spotted at Mumbai Airport, making their way back from the vacation. The couple, known for their preference for privacy, kept it casual and relaxed as they walked through the airport. Wearing comfy hoodies, overcoats, caps, and sunglasses, they looked carefree and content, ready to dive back into their busy schedules after the rejuvenating holiday. On the professional front, Vicky Kaushal has several thrilling projects in the works. The ..... Read More

GOPIO-CT Hosts Event Empowering High School Students for College and Career Transitions

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) hosted a highly engaging event in Stamford on December 24th, focusing on empowering high school students as they navigate their transitions to college and professional life. Held at the Hamilton Inn and Suites, the event featured a panel of diverse speakers, including college students, recent graduates, early-career professionals, and a professor, all sharing their insights and actionable advice. Moderated by Nandu Kuppuswamy, the panel included speakers such ..... Read More

IAPAC Hosts Annual Gala to Address Mental Health Crisis in America

The Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC) hosted its annual gala at the Junior League of Houston, focusing on the urgent mental health crisis in America. The event, with over 220 attendees, aimed to inspire dialogue and collective action in addressing mental health challenges. Dr. Roopa Gir, President of IAPAC, welcomed guests and emphasized the need to reduce stigma and create culturally relevant solutions for diverse communities. The evening’s keynote address, delivered via video by Dr. Rahul Gupta, National Director for Drug Polic ..... Read More

Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Release on OTT

Directed by Rohit Shetty, Singham Again is a high-energy action film set to debut on OTT this year for Diwali. The film, starring Ajay Devgn in the lead role, also features Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor in key supporting roles. Starting December 27, the film will be available exclusively on Prime Video in India and across 240 other countries and territories worldwide. As the fifth installment in Rohit Shetty’s acclaimed cop universe, Singham Again follows the ..... Read More

US Hindu-Americans Kickstart Awareness Campaign on Bangladesh Violence

Outraged by ongoing anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, Hindu Americans in Silicon Valley have launched a significant awareness campaign called “Ask Yunus Why.” The campaign, spearheaded by the United Hindu Council, kicked off with a billboard unveiling at a prime spot on 880-N and Market Street in Oakland, just before Christmas. Over the next three months, the campaign will roll out digital billboards at six key locations across the Bay Area, including major bridges and high-traffic areas. These billboards aim to raise awareness and ..... Read More

Ranbir and Alia’s Raha Wows Paparazzi with Kisses

Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and their daughter Raha made a heartwarming appearance at the Kapoor family’s annual Christmas lunch, just as they did last year. Raha, who had already made waves with her debut appearance before last Christmas, once again captured attention during the event. In a viral video, Alia is seen gently requesting the paparazzi to keep their voices down so that Raha wouldn’t feel scared. Dressed in a lovely white frock and sitting comfortably on her father’s lap, Raha sweetly greeted the photographers, saying, ..... Read More

Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Satya’ to Re-release in Cinemas

Ram Gopal Varma’s crime classic Satya, originally released in 1998, marked a turning point in Indian cinema. This year, the film celebrated its 25th anniversary, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Starring notable actors such as Manoj Bajpayee, Urmila Matondkar, JD Chakravarthy, and Shefali Shah, the film captivated audiences with its intense narrative about Mumbai’s underworld. In a thrilling announcement, Ram Gopal Varma confirmed that Satya will make its way back to theaters in a re-release on January 17, 2025. The filmmaker took ..... Read More

Jackie Shroff’s Jaw-Dropping ‘Baby John’ Makeover Wows Fans

Baby John, an action thriller starring Varun Dhawan, hit theaters on December 25, 2024. The film had a strong opening, earning $1.35 million on its first day. However, its box office performance experienced a notable decline on the second day, with earnings dropping to approximately $470,000. Directed by Kalees, the film also stars Keerthy Suresh and Kajal Aggarwal in key roles. The movie revolves around DCP Satya Verma, played by Varun Dhawan, who fakes his death to protect his daughter after a confrontation with the ruthless gangster Babba ..... Read More

Eboo Patel Honored with the 2024 Civility Award for Promoting Religious Cooperation

Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Newsweek/Stubblefield Institute Civility Award under the category of State & Community Leaders. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify civility in political communication, bipartisan collaboration, and fostering unity. Patel, a civic leader dedicated to making religious diversity a strength of American democracy, has worked extensively with governments, universities, and private organizations to bridge divides through faith cooperatio ..... Read More