Must Read News

Over 30 Million Register on e-Shram Portal in 3 Years

Over the past three years, more than 30 million workers have successfully registered on the e-Shram portal, according to information shared in the Lok Sabha. Union Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Pankaj Chaudhary, reported that the number of people enrolled in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has also risen sharply. For instance, in the fiscal year 2014-15, approximately 158 million were registered, while this figure surged to over 290 million by 2023-24. The e-Shram portal’s primary purpose is to create a detailed d ..... Read More

IAMA-IL Marks 44th Anniversary with a Grand Fundraising Gala in Naperville

The Indian American Medical Association, Illinois (IAMA-IL) marked its 44th anniversary with a memorable fundraising gala on December 7, 2024, at the Matrix Club in Naperville. The event brought together leaders, influencers, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the organization and raise funds for its future initiatives. IAMA-IL President Dr. Radhika Chimata organized a spectacular evening that featured speeches from U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, representing Illinois’s 8th Congressional District, and Indian ..... Read More

PM Modi Highlights Collaborative Governance for India’s Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi on Sunday, highlighted collaborative governance as a key element of India’s development strategy. He stated that the concept of “Pro-People, Proactive, Good Governance (P2G2)” is central to achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). PM Modi emphasized the importance of focusing on “reform, perform, and transform” and stressed the need to keep citizens informed about the gov ..... Read More

US Lawmaker Urges Action on Bangladesh Minority Violence

Indian-American lawmaker Shri Thanedar has raised alarms over the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the US government to take immediate action. Speaking on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Thanedar condemned the attacks on Hindu temples and religious practitioners, calling on Congress and the US government to use all available measures to stop these atrocities. Thanedar referenced the history of violence against minorities in Bangladesh since its independence in 1971, highlighting recent incidents such as the ar ..... Read More

OSOP Initiative Boosts Local Crafts and Women Entrepreneurs

The One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative, a government scheme designed to promote local crafts and products at railway stations throughout India, has experienced substantial growth. The program now boasts 1,854 operational outlets showcasing a diverse range of Indian products. Central Railway alone operates 157 of these outlets, demonstrating strong support for the initiative. Within the Central Railway, the Bhusaval Division stands out with 25 successful OSOP outlets, all managed by women, highlighting the significant role women play in t ..... Read More

Pushpa 2: The Rule Shatters Box Office Records with Historic Hindi Collection

Allu Arjun continues to prove his pan-Indian superstar status with the monumental success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar. The film has shattered box office records and maintains its unstoppable momentum. In its second weekend, Pushpa 2 became the first Indian film to surpass $12 million in the Hindi belt, with the second Sunday collection nearly touching a staggering $6.48 million. The film’s total Hindi collection now stands at an impressive $67.38 million, demonstrating its immense popularity across the country. The Hindi ..... Read More

IAF Hosts Event on Democratic Values and Social Reforms in Hyderabad

The Indian Americans Forum (IAF) held a significant event at Hotel Daspalla in Hyderabad, bringing together thought leaders, social activists, and policymakers to promote democratic values, social reforms, and community welfare. The gathering celebrated the contributions of distinguished individuals who have played pivotal roles in fostering democratic and social change. Dr. Mohammed Jameel, President of the IAF, emphasized the importance of collective action for India’s progress, particularly highlighting the impact of Indians abroad. He ..... Read More

Delhi Airport Hits 150-Point Global Connectivity Milestone

Delhi Airport has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first airport in India to connect to 150 global destinations. The landmark was marked on Sunday with Thai AirAsia X launching direct flights between Delhi and Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK), making it the 150th destination added to the airport’s network. The new service will initially operate with Airbus A330 aircraft twice a week, expanding to four times a week by mid-January 2025. Highlights of Delhi Airport’s Growth: 1. Expanding Global Reach: Delhi Airport has added over 20 ..... Read More

India’s cement sector sees 10+ major deals in 2024

In 2024, India’s cement sector witnessed a significant rise in mergers and acquisitions, with more than ten deals announced, the highest since 2014. These transactions totaled over $3.5 billion, with major players like UltraTech Cement and Adani-backed Ambuja Cements leading the charge, especially in the South Indian region. This wave of consolidation has resulted in greater concentration of cement assets, now dominated by the top four companies: UltraTech, Ambuja, Shree Cement, and Dalmia Bharat. Despite the surge in mergers, cement prices r ..... Read More

Priyanka Chopra Honoured at Red Sea Film Festival 2024

At the 2024 Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, actress Priyanka Chopra received an honorary award celebrating her significant contributions to global cinema. Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker presented the accolade, describing it as a “true honour” to recognize Chopra’s achievements. Chopra, who shined in a dazzling gown, was accompanied by her husband, singer-actor Nick Jonas, who looked sharp in a black blazer. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the festival for the recognition and shared the moment on social media ..... Read More

AAPI Leads Nationwide Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Registration Drive

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), led by President Dr. Satheesh Kathula, is spearheading a national initiative to promote bone marrow and stem cell donor registration, focusing on increasing the donor pool for South Asians. Recognizing the challenges faced by patients of Indian descent due to limited donor matches, AAPI has partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) to create awareness and enroll more potential donors. Dr. Sashi Kuppala, Chair of the AAPI Stem Cell Drive, highlighted the importance ..... Read More

Dr. Pooja Khatri Appointed Chair of Neurology at Yale

Dr. Pooja Khatri, MD, MS, has been appointed as the new chair of the Department of Neurology and chief of neurology at Yale New Haven Hospital and Health System, effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Khatri brings over 20 years of NIH and industry-supported research expertise, focusing on acute stroke therapy, the prevention of early stroke recurrence, radiological biomarkers, and clinical trial design. She has significantly advanced stroke treatment, particularly demonstrating the time-dependent benefits of endovascular therapy. Dr. Khatri’s current ..... Read More

Reggie Aggarwal Named Penn State’s 2025 Hospitality Honoree

Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent, has been named the 2025 Hospitality Executive of the Year by the Penn State School of Hospitality Management and the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS). The 2025 PSHRS Industry Awards and Reception will recognize Aggarwal on April 8, 2025, at the Nittany Lion Inn. The event will gather alumni, faculty, students, and industry partners. Expressing his gratitude, Aggarwal highlighted the significance of the hospitality industry in creating memorable experiences and praised Penn State for cult ..... Read More

Apple to start assembling AirPods in India by 2025

Apple Inc. is set to assemble its AirPods in India for the first time, with production beginning in early 2025. This strategic shift aims to reduce Apple’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing. The assembly will be managed by Foxconn Technology Group, a primary Apple supplier, at a new facility located near Hyderabad in Telangana. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, trial production at the Hyderabad site has already started. Full-scale manufacturing operations are anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2025, following successfu ..... Read More

ISRO Advances Gaganyaan: Solid Motor Segment Delivered Successfully

On Friday, ISRO announced a major milestone in its Gaganyaan mission, marking significant progress toward India’s first human spaceflight. The space agency successfully transported the first solid motor segment from the production facility to the launch complex. This achievement paves the way for the upcoming HLVM3 G1 flight, a crucial part of the Gaganyaan program. This announcement closely follows successful “well deck” recovery trials conducted with the Indian Navy on December 6. The well deck on a naval vessel can be filled with water ..... Read More

India-UAE Strengthen Ties Through IMEEC and Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC) as a groundbreaking initiative to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth during his meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In discussions held on Thursday, PM Modi extended warm regards to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the ongoing high-level exchanges, including the September 2024 visit of ..... Read More

India’s AI Revolution: Shaping Global Tech Advancements

Despite global economic challenges, India remains a standout performer, positioned to surpass many leading economies. This resilience stems from a dynamic consumer market, a thriving start-up culture, and a talented workforce. With Gen Z and millennials making up more than 52% of the population, India holds the largest working-age group globally, representing 20% of the world’s Gen Z population. This provides a crucial advantage for global companies in search of skilled professionals. India’s technology sector, comprising over 5.43 ..... Read More

Baby John Trailer Ignites Excitement Nationwide

The buzz around Baby John has reached new heights, and the recently released trailer has only intensified the anticipation. Starring Varun Dhawan and Wamiqa Gabbi, the trailer was unveiled in Pune with Presenter Atlee and Producers Murad Khetani and Priya Atlee, drawing a massive, enthusiastic crowd. Directed by Kalees, Baby John promises a thrilling mix of action, humor, and entertainment. S. Thaman’s dynamic music and background score add an electrifying dimension to the trailer, leaving audiences eager for more. Varun Dhawan’s powerf ..... Read More

Indian American Filmmakers Geeta Gandbhir and Rohan Kanawade Shine at Sundance 2025

Two Indian American filmmakers are making headlines at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Geeta Gandbhir’s documentary “The Perfect Neighbor” will compete in the U.S. Documentary Competition, exploring a neighbourhood dispute in Florida that escalates into fatal violence, highlighting the impact of “stand your ground” laws. Gandbhir, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, has an extensive portfolio, including HBO’s “Black and Missing” and the short “How We Get Free.” Meanwhile, Rohan Kanawade’s Marathi film “Sabar Bo ..... Read More

ISRO Achieves Breakthrough in Cryogenic Engine Testing

On Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a major achievement in propulsion technology with the successful sea-level test of the CE20 cryogenic engine. This milestone is crucial for future missions like Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission. The test was conducted on November 29 at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The CE20 engine powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and has now demonstrated its ability to restart, a vital feature for advanced space missions. ..... Read More

Aziz Ansari Announces 27-City “Hypothetical Tour” for 2025

Indian American comedian Aziz Ansari is set to embark on a 27-city standup comedy tour titled the “Hypothetical Tour.” The tour begins on February 21, 2025, in Kansas City and will include performances in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Toronto, and Las Vegas. The final show will be held in Boston on April 19, 2025. Pre-sale tickets became available on December 11, with the general sale starting December 13. Ansari, best known for his roles in “Parks and Recreation” and the Netflix series “Master of None,” continues to make ..... Read More

Preet Bharara to Lead Probe into NJ State Police Traffic Enforcement Slowdown

Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has been appointed to lead a criminal investigation into a significant reduction in traffic enforcement by New Jersey state police. Announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the investigation focuses on an eight-month period where traffic stops for violations such as speeding and drunk driving dropped by 61%. This decline began after a July 2023 report highlighted racial disparities in enforcement practices. Platkin expressed concern that this slowdown may have contributed to a rise in car crashes and ..... Read More

PM Modi: Ayurveda can boost global healthcare systems

The 10th World Ayurveda Congress and AROGYA Expo commenced on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing Ayurveda’s potential to enhance global healthcare systems. In a message read during the event’s inauguration, PM Modi reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting Ayurveda. He noted that Ayurveda’s holistic approach, addressing prevention, nutrition, and mental health, makes it a valuable tool for modern healthcare challenges. He encouraged delegates to develop a blueprint to further Ayurveda’s global out ..... Read More

India-Iran-Armenia Discuss Connectivity and Trade Growth

The second trilateral consultation between India, Iran, and Armenia took place on Thursday, where representatives from all three nations discussed key issues such as connectivity projects, multilateral cooperation, and regional developments. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared details in a press release, emphasizing the importance of enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural ties. The Indian delegation was led by JP Singh, Joint Secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran Division. Hashem Ashja’ Zadeh, Director General of the Sout ..... Read More

India Surpasses $1 Trillion in Foreign Investments

India has achieved a major economic milestone, with total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows surpassing $1 trillion since April 2000. During the first half of FY25, FDI inflows rose by nearly 26%, reaching $42.1 billion. This sharp increase underscores India’s rising status as a global investment hotspot, driven by business-friendly reforms, a thriving economy, and competitive advantages. Key initiatives like the “Make in India” campaign, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and relaxed regulations for various sectors have significantly ..... Read More