teamA-GG

Biden appoints two Indian-Americans to Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations

|

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden on Friday, March 11 named two Indian-Americans — Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and Manish Bapna, CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council — to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. On Friday, Biden announced his intent to appoint 14 people to the Advisory Committee, which … Biden appoints two Indian-Americans to Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations

Two Indian American Democratic candidates to run for Virginia legislature

|

VIRGINIA (TIP): Two Indian American Democratic candidates have announced their bids for the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates. Suhas Subramanyam, of Ashburn, a two-term delegate who currently represents the 87th House district, announced March 2 that he will run in the 32nd Senate District. Kannan Srinivasan, of Potomac Falls, announced Monday, March 6 … Two Indian American Democratic candidates to run for Virginia legislature

Indian-origin professor Laxmi Balachandra files lawsuit against US college alleging racial discrimination

|

BOSTON (TIP): An Indian-origin associate professor at the Wellesley Business School, Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was subjected to racial and gender discrimination, according to a media report. Lakshmi Balachandra, associate professor of entrepreneurship at Babson College alleged she lost career opportunities and faced economic losses, emotional distress, and harm to her … Indian-origin professor Laxmi Balachandra files lawsuit against US college alleging racial discrimination

British Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill gets threatening email

|

LONDON (TIP): Britain’s first female Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill has said she was forced to contact police after receiving a threatening email message saying: “watch your back”. The senior Labor MP for Birmingham, Edgbaston said that following the email, she is forced to keep a bodyguard at her constituency surgery meetings. “It was very … British Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill gets threatening email

Biden unveils USD 6.9 trillion budget, raises taxes on rich, boosts spending on social programs, infrastructure

|

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Joe Biden on Thursday, March 10 unveiled a USD 6.9 trillion annual budget for the year 2024, which proposes a hefty tax on the rich, massive spending on social measures and investment on building key infrastructure. The budget was termed a “non-starter” by the Republicans who have a majority in the … Biden unveils USD 6.9 trillion budget, raises taxes on rich, boosts spending on social programs, infrastructure

Bipartisan bill introduced in US House to improve legal immigration

|

WASHINGTON,D.C. (TIP): A bipartisan bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Friday to properly utilize the employment-based visas currently allocated each year under existing federal immigration law. Introduced by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from the Democratic Party and Larry Bucshon from the GOP, the Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023 would give greater flexibility … Bipartisan bill introduced in US House to improve legal immigration

Cloture motion filed for Garcetti’s nomination; moves step closer to confirmation by US Senate

|

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The nomination of Eric Garcetti for US Ambassador to India moved a step closer to being confirmed by the Senate as it adopted a cloture motion, indicating that the ruling Democrats have the support of a super-majority for his selection for the key position. Such a move by Senate Majority Leader Senator … Cloture motion filed for Garcetti’s nomination; moves step closer to confirmation by US Senate

President Biden, VP Harris and US lawmakers extend Holi greetings

|

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris led the country in sending greetings to the Hindu community in the United States, in India and across the world on the occasion of Holi. While for several years now the festival of colors has been observed in various parts of the country, … President Biden, VP Harris and US lawmakers extend Holi greetings

Coalition of Nobel laureates, economists & academics endorse Ajay Banga for World Bank president

|

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A coalition of 55 leading academics, economists, including three Nobel laureates, have endorsed the nomination of Indian-American Ajay Banga as the next President of the World Bank, describing him as the right person to lead the international financial institution as a “force multiplier” at a critical moment for the world economy. Banga, … Coalition of Nobel laureates, economists & academics endorse Ajay Banga for World Bank president

Xi tightens grip

|

India needs to be wary of Chinese President’s absolute power In an inevitable outcome, Xi Jinping has been ‘unanimously elected’ Chinese President for a historic third term. This makes him the country’s longest-serving leader since the Chinese republic’s founding father Mao Zedong and paves the way for his lifelong rule. Around 3,000 members of China’s … Xi tightens grip

State Must Revise Affordable Housing Proposal

|

As an elected official and a fellow Democrat, I urge New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and our state representatives not to adopt the housing proposal in its current form as part of the forthcoming state budget. One of the most amazing things about New York State is the diverse options of places to live, … State Must Revise Affordable Housing Proposal

Media raids and breaking the silence on press freedom

|

“The Supreme Court needs to revive and apply the doctrine of “effect and consequence” to consider a broader canvas of executive actions that will shape the practices of our criminal courts. For instance, in the BBC case, a relevant fact for a court to determine is not limited to allegations of tax evasion but whether … Media raids and breaking the silence on press freedom

The unchallenged run of majoritarian encroachments

|

Indian civil society remains hierarchical and fragmented, desirous more of integrating itself into ruling power structures than challenging them. Therefore, any resistance to majoritarian encroachments on our constitutional order is not likely to come from civil society formations or the independent institutions that rely on their support. In a recent speech, senior advocate in the … The unchallenged run of majoritarian encroachments

The CBI’s fishing expedition

|

It is not clear what offences punishable by law Sisodia is being charged with “Even if kickbacks are accepted and then credited to the party’s coffers, an offence would be made out under the Prevention of Corruption Act. It may not be easy to garner the evidence to prove the receipt of monies but adequate … The CBI’s fishing expedition

Trump may be charged in connection with hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels

|

NEW YORK (TIP): Throwing a huge question mark over the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump may be criminally charged in connection with hush money he allegedly paid to silence Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, who said she had an affair with him, according to news reports. A city prosecutor has “signaled” Trump’s lawyers … Trump may be charged in connection with hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels

Silicon Valley Bank collapse sends shockwaves across the banking industry

|

SVB is one of the largest lenders to fail since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis SANTA CLARA, CA (TIP): The collapse on Friday, March 10 of Silicon Valley Bank that catered to many of the world’s most powerful tech investors sent shockwaves across the banking industry, hammering shares of other smaller and regional lenders. SVB … Silicon Valley Bank collapse sends shockwaves across the banking industry

India, US ink MoU on chip supply chain

|

NEW DELHI (TIP): India and the US on Friday, March 10, inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on establishing semiconductor supply chain and innovation partnership. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who was present along with her counterpart Piyush Goyal, said the MoU was designed to help India achieve its aspirations to play a larger role … India, US ink MoU on chip supply chain

British, French leaders seek migration deal; aim to beat Brexit tensions

|

PARIS (TIP): British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed a new pact to stop illegal cross-Channel migration after a summit in Paris on March 10, 2023 aimed at overcoming years of Brexit tensions. Both leaders hailed a new start in relations between the two neighbors, after intense talks in Paris which … British, French leaders seek migration deal; aim to beat Brexit tensions

Sikh History This Week- March 3, 2023, to March 9, 2023

|

3rd March 1644       Sixth Patshah, Guru Hargobind Ji departed from this planet at Kirtapur. This is the actual date of Joti Jot, although it is observed on a different date by Guru Khalsa Panth. 1762       Ahmad Shah Abdali, upon reaching Lahore, displays the heads of Sikhs by hanging them on doors and walls. 1921       Speaking … Sikh History This Week- March 3, 2023, to March 9, 2023

‘GATHERING OF GIVERS’ MARKS WOMEN’S DAY

|

By Mabel Pais Come get inspired at The International Day of Women celebration! Discover new connections! Women@NJPAC, for over 25 years, has enabled women to channel their time, talent and treasure in promoting the beneficial role of the arts in our everyday lives. Now, more than ever, we need the arts in all of its … ‘GATHERING OF GIVERS’ MARKS WOMEN’S DAY

ONE EARTH FILM FEST “GETS LOUD”

|

By Mabel Pais Featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, activist Varshini Prakash and others in ‘TO THE END’ Vandana Shiva in ‘SEEDS OF VANDANA SHIVA’ Children’s Films and many more The 12th Annual The ‘One Earth’ Film Festival of the greater Chicago area presents its 12th annual edition with the theme ‘Let’s Get Loud!’ The Festival, on … ONE EARTH FILM FEST “GETS LOUD”

Holi – The Festival of Colors

|

Holi is the festival of colors. The festival signifies the arrival of spring and the end of winter. In India, this is the last full moon of the year and 15 days after this full moon is the New Year in India. So before that last full moon, the tradition is to just take all … Holi – The Festival of Colors

Hola Mohalla- the Sikh festival of display of martial  prowess

|

Falling on the second day of the month of Chet, which usually comes in March as per the Gregorian calendar, Hola Mohalla is all about exploring the essence of Punjabi culture. Organized at a grand scale in Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, this festival takes people on a fun-packed ride of heritage, glorifying the Sikh Culture. … Hola Mohalla- the Sikh festival of display of martial  prowess

International Women’s Day

|

International Women’s Day, also known as IWD for short, grew out of the labour movement to become a recognised annual event by the United Nations (UN). The seeds of it were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. A year … International Women’s Day

Dubai Tennis Championships: Novak Djokovic survives thriller against Tomas Machac

|

Dubai (TIP)- World No. 1 Novak Djokovic battled past Tomas Machac in a thrilling first-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships to continue his unbeaten run in the 2023 season. The Serbian held off a ferocious challenge from Czech player for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1) win on Tuesday. He will next face the World No. … Dubai Tennis Championships: Novak Djokovic survives thriller against Tomas Machac

Lyon stars as Australia beat India by 9 wickets

|

INDORE (TIP)- Chasing 76 on Day 3, Australia started on a dreadful note losing Usman Khawaja for 0. However, following the dismissal Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne kept things moving, before going all blaze and stitching a 50-plus stand for the second wicket. India’s red-ball specialist batter Cheteshwar Pujara put up a fight on Day … Lyon stars as Australia beat India by 9 wickets

Rabada takes 6, S Africa beat West Indies in 1st Test

|

South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs in the first Test as the home bowlers saved the game after both teams’ batting collapsed on the third day March 2. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada spearheaded South Africa’s three-day victory at Centurion with 6/50 in the final innings as the West Indians were all out for … Rabada takes 6, S Africa beat West Indies in 1st Test

Copa del Rey: Barcelona earn gutsy

|

1-0 win at Real Madrid in semi-final first leg A tenacious Barcelona frustrated Real Madrid to secure a 1-0 win over their bitter rivals in an ill-tempered Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on March 2. The visitors defended superbly after Real centre back Eder Militao scored an own goal in the first half, managing … Copa del Rey: Barcelona earn gutsy

Romantic getaway to Udaipur

|

With the majestic city palace looming over the old city, a lake studded with palaces in the middle and romantic restaurants interspersed in every nook and corner, couples will never run out of things to do in Udaipur. As the backdrop of countless romantic movies, Udaipur charms with its regal splendour and stately aura. Pretend … Romantic getaway to Udaipur

Here are some of the key beliefs and practices associated with Phalgun Purnima

|

Phalgun Purnima’     Phalguni Purnima falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalguni, which typically falls between  February and March. It is a significant day in the Hindu calendar as many Devotees observe fast and perform certain religious rituals for good luck and fortune. There are various other festivals which are … Here are some of the key beliefs and practices associated with Phalgun Purnima