Lalit K Jha

Stories by Lalit K Jha

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

Rediff.com   30 Jan 2025

'Brazil, China, Colombia and India each had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstaying student/exchange visas, with India having the highest number (7,000).'

Anti-Trump protests rock Washington ahead of inauguration

Anti-Trump protests rock Washington ahead of inauguration

Rediff.com   19 Jan 2025

Thousands of people gathered in Washington to protest against Donald Trump's policies ahead of his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The People's March, a coalition of nonprofit bodies, organized the demonstration to voice their opposition to Trump's policies and values. The protesters, displaying anti-Trump posters and banners, chanted slogans against Trump and his supporters, including Tesla owner Elon Musk. Similar protests, though on a smaller scale, were also held in cities like New York, Seattle, and Chicago.

Growth in India slowed more than expected: IMF

Growth in India slowed more than expected: IMF

Rediff.com   17 Jan 2025

Led by a sharper-than-expected deceleration in industrial activity, economic growth in India slowed more than anticipated and is projected to remain at 6.5 per cent till 2026, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday. "Growth in India slowed more than expected, led by a sharper-than-expected deceleration in industrial activity," the IMF said in its latest update of the World Economic Outlook, according to which the global economy is holding steady. In 2023, India's growth rate was 8.2 per cent, which dropped to 6.5 per cent in 2024.

'Trump Wants To Avoid Conflict With China'

'Trump Wants To Avoid Conflict With China'

Rediff.com   16 Jan 2025

'The President-elect firmly believes we can avoid conflict with the Chinese Communist party because they need our markets.'

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com   11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Indian economy likely to be 'a little weaker' in 2025: IMF MD

Indian economy likely to be 'a little weaker' in 2025: IMF MD

Rediff.com   11 Jan 2025

The Indian economy is expected to be "a little weaker" in 2025 despite steady global growth, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva has said. Georgieva also said she expects quite a lot of uncertainty in the world this year mainly around the trade policy of the US. In her annual media roundtable with a group of reporters on Friday, she said global growth is expected to be steady in 2025, but with regional divergence.

Soros connection? US lawmaker challenges Adani probe

Soros connection? US lawmaker challenges Adani probe

Rediff.com   8 Jan 2025

Challenging the decision of the Biden Administration to investigate the activities of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his companies, an influential Republican lawmaker on Tuesday said such selective actions risk damaging critical alliance partners.

Understand Russian feeling; will acquire Canada: Trump's big remarks

Understand Russian feeling; will acquire Canada: Trump's big remarks

Rediff.com   8 Jan 2025

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he understands the Russian feeling with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) being on their doorstep.

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Rediff.com   7 Jan 2025

Subramanyam's mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport, watched her son being sworn-in on the Bhagavad Gita.

Trudeau resigns, Trump renews offer to make Canada 51st US state

Trudeau resigns, Trump renews offer to make Canada 51st US state

Rediff.com   7 Jan 2025

US President-elect Donald Trump has renewed his offer to make Canada the 51st state of the United States, hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned. Trump has been pushing this idea since his November 5 electoral victory, citing economic benefits and security concerns. Trump's offer has not been met with much reaction from the Canadian side.

Will Trump 2.0 continue pro-India policies?

Will Trump 2.0 continue pro-India policies?

Rediff.com   5 Jan 2025

A leading expert predicts that the incoming Trump administration will likely continue its pro-India policies, including the Indo-Pacific strategy and Quad, but highlights potential challenges such as trade disagreements, immigration issues, and a possible quid pro quo for technology sharing. The expert also notes that the Trump 2.0 administration may prioritize great power politics over strategic altruism, potentially impacting human rights and religious freedom concerns.

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2025

Soros, 94, in the recent past has spoken openly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ruling BJP believe that he tried to interfere in Indian elections.

Record 6 Indian Americans enter US House of Representatives

Record 6 Indian Americans enter US House of Representatives

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2025

Six Indian American leaders were sworn in as members of the US House of Representatives, marking the largest number of Indian American representatives in the US Congress. The group includes Congressman Dr Ami Bera, who has served seven consecutive terms, and newcomers Suhash Subramanian and Shri Thanedar. The six lawmakers, all Democrats, represent a significant milestone for the Indian American community in the US.

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2025

'The message that we intend to leave with at the end of this trip is one of real gratitude for the friendship and the close partnership that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have enjoyed over the last four years, but also one of tremendous optimism because we see a lot of opportunity in the future.'

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Rediff.com   30 Dec 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president and a champion of peace and human rights, has died at the age of 100. Carter, who was known for his work with the Carter Center, promoting democracy and conflict resolution, was also a close friend of India. He visited the country in 1978, forging a lasting relationship between the two nations.

US urges action against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

US urges action against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Rediff.com   24 Dec 2024

Amid growing outrage here about the large-scale attack on minority Hindus and their places of worship in Bangladesh, United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Monday spoke with the interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and both leaders expressed commitment to protect human rights in the troubled South Asian nation.

Trump picks Indian American as senior AI policy advisor

Trump picks Indian American as senior AI policy advisor

Rediff.com   23 Dec 2024

Krishnan, who has previously led product teams at Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook and Snap, will work along with David O. Sacks who will be the White House AI & Crypto Czar.

Stunning Caitlin Sandra Neil Is Miss India USA 2024

Stunning Caitlin Sandra Neil Is Miss India USA 2024

Rediff.com   19 Dec 2024

Chennai-born Indian American teenager Caitlin Sandra Neil has been crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey.

'If they tax us, we tax them': Trump's tough message to India over high tariffs

'If they tax us, we tax them': Trump's tough message to India over high tariffs

Rediff.com   18 Dec 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs in retaliation for the high tariff imposed by New Delhi on import of certain American products. Trump said India and Brazil were among countries that impose high tariffs on certain US products. He also said that reciprocity is something that is going to be a key topic for the Trump administration.

Make Canada a state of US: Trump mocks Trudeau

Make Canada a state of US: Trump mocks Trudeau

Rediff.com   11 Dec 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump took a jab at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the social media platform Truth Social, describing him as the 'Governor of Canada'.