Calling the H-1B visa programme “indentured servitude”, Indian-American Republican presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy has vowed to gut the lottery-based system and replace it with meritocratic admission if he wins the race to the White House in 2024. The H-1B visa, the much-sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Ramaswamy himself has used the visa programme 29 times. From 2018 through 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services approved 29 applications for Ramaswamy’s former company, Roivant Sciences, to hire employees under H-1B visas.

“Yet, the H-1B system is bad for everyone involved,” Ramaswamy was quoted as saying by Politico. “The lottery system needs to be replaced by actual meritocratic admission. It’s a form of indentured servitude that only accrues to the benefit of the company that sponsored an H-1B immigrant. I’ll gut it,” he said in a statement, adding that the US needs to eliminate chain-based migration. “The people who come as family members are not the meritocratic immigrants who make skills-based contributions to this country.”

Ramaswamy stepped down as chief executive officer of Roivant in February 2021, but remained the chair of the company’s board of directors until February this year when he announced his presidential campaign. As of March 31, the company and its subsidiaries had 904 full-time employees, including 825 in the U.S., according to its Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

When asked about the mismatch in the Republican presidential hopeful’s policy stance and his past business practices, press secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the role of a policymaker is to do what’s right for a country overall: the system is broken and needs to be fixed. Vivek believes that regulations overseeing the U.S. energy sector are badly broken, but he still uses water and electricity, she said in a statement. This is the same.

Ramaswamy, who is himself the child of immigrants, has captured headlines for his restrictionist immigration policy agenda. He also said he would use military force to secure the border, and that he would deport US-born children of undocumented immigrants.

H-1B visas are highly sought after, and the demand for these workers continues to increase. For fiscal year 2021, US businesses submitted 780,884 applications for just 85,000 available slots, jumping by more than 60 percent. Ramaswamy acknowledged his own experience with immigration during his opening remarks at the first Republican debate in Milwaukee. “My parents came to this country with no money 40 years ago,” he said. “I have gone on to found multi-billion-dollar companies.”

Ramaswamy’s stance on H-1B visas is reminiscent of the 2016 Trump campaign, when then-candidate Donald Trump, who has also hired a number of foreign workers under H-1B visas for his businesses, took a hardline stance on these foreign workers before later softening his rhetoric.

As president, Trump temporarily suspended new work visas and blocked hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from US employment, as part of his sweeping effort to limit the number of immigrants coming into the US. Every year, the US gives 65,000 H-1B visas which are open to all and 20,000 to those with advanced US degrees.

In July, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced a bill proposing to double the annual intake of highly skilled foreign workers on H-1B work visas coveted by Indian professionals. The bill also seeks to double the number of H-1B visas available annually from 65,000 to 130,000 to allow American employers, including in critical technology sectors, to draw the best talent from around the world. Currently, nearly three-fourths of H-1B visas go to Indian professionals.

Sunita Williams, an American astronaut of Indian descent, has captured the world’s imagination with her remarkable achievements in space exploration and her unwavering dedication to science. Her journey from a small town in Ohio to the International Space Station (ISS) is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the profound impact of Indian heritage on individuals pursuing excellence in diverse fields.

On Sunita WIlliams’ 58th birthday, we explore her remarkable journey, highlighting her Indian heritage and her role as an inspiration in the fields of space exploration and education.

Sunita Williams was born on September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, but her family roots trace back to Mehsana, a town in Gujarat, India. Her father, Dr. Deepak Pandya, emigrated from India to the United States to pursue a medical career. This blend of Indian culture and American opportunity would shape Sunita’s character and ambitions in profound ways.

Sunita’s academic journey was marked by excellence. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Florida Institute of Technology. Her academic prowess and dedication paved the way for her to become a United States Navy officer and later an astronaut.

Space Odyssey

Sunita Williams achieved her lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut when she joined NASA in 1998. Her first spaceflight was aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2006, where she conducted critical spacewalks and set a record for the longest spaceflight time by a woman at that point. Her subsequent missions, including a stint as the commander of the ISS in 2012, further solidified her status as an astronaut of exceptional caliber.

Sunita Williams’ Indian heritage has been a source of inspiration for many in India and around the world. She proudly displayed the Indian flag during her missions, emphasizing her cultural ties and serving as a role model for aspiring scientists and astronauts in India.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sunita Williams’ journey is her commitment to educational outreach. She has consistently engaged with students and young minds, encouraging them to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and pursue careers in space science. Her interactions with Indian schools and universities have left an indelible mark on the minds of countless students.

Sky is not the limit

Sunita Williams’ Indian connection goes beyond her roots; it is a testament to the limitless possibilities of human achievement. Her accomplishments in space exploration, her dedication to education, and her Indian heritage collectively showcase the power of diversity and determination.

As Sunita Williams continues to push the boundaries of space and inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers, her Indian connection remains a source of pride and inspiration for millions. She embodies the idea that with hard work, dedication, and a touch of heritage, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

Indian-American Sahith Theegala, who finished 31st las season and missed the Tour Championships by a whisker, has opened the new season in a spectacular manner. With a stunning 64 following up on his first round 68, Theegala looking for his maiden success on the PGA TOUR, is now the joint leader with Korea’s KH Kim (65-67) at 12-under.

Kim, who will turn 25 on Sunday and hopes to get the win to make it a perfect birthday at Silverado Resort’s North Course.

Another Asian, Sangmoon Bae of Korea, a two-time PGA TOUR winner was third with 67-66 one shot behind the leading duo in the first of seven re-imagined PGA TOUR Fall events.

India’s Arjun Atwal shot 77-74 and missed the cut, as did another Indian American Akshay Bhatia, who carded 73-69 as the cut fell at 3-under.

Theegala, who is fully exempted for 2024 after finishing 31st in the FedExCup Playoffs, is happy that his decision to sign up for the Fortinet Championship is paying off as he chases a first PGA TOUR victory. “I love California events and west coast swings. I love this golf course. This was one of my first sponsor invites I got, and it’s just a great event for all my family and friends to come out to. I guess more importantly, It’s just good vibes. It’s still a PGA TOUR event with all the perks, and these guys are so good. And to me, honestly, it doesn’t feel too much different. I’m such an addict, it’s tough for me to sit around and do nothing too. I felt like three weeks was ample break. I was fired up missing East Lake (TOUR Championship) by one, so just kind of wanted to play a tournament.”

Theegala felt good about his own round that included a chip-in for eagle out of a greenside bunker on No. 5.

Justin Thomas shot 5-under 67 after first round 69 and it left him four strokes off the pace. A captain’s pick for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, he is looking to get into the right frame before the team event.

Two-time defending champion Max Homa, also on the Ryder Cup team, had a 66 to match Thomas at 8 under. U.S. captain Zach Johnson (74) and co-captain Stewart Cink (72) were tied at 1-under 143 and missed the cut in the final tune-up before the Ryder Cup in two weeks.

Making a return to Napa, California where he made his full TOUR debut some 12 months ago, Kim continued to showcase his ball-striking prowess as all his birdies were from within 12 feet. His only blemish came on the par-4 13th hole, his third of the day. However, that did little to deter him from challenging for a career first PGA TOUR victory.

Kim, who’s currently 83rd on the FedExCup rankings, is feeling more at home at Silverado Resort in what is his second trip to Napa and entered the week better prepared.

Bae, who won the tournament in 2014, notched seven birdies, including three over the four holes starting from No. 5, to offset a lone bogey. Currently ranked a lowly 222nd in the FedExCup standings, Bae has a chance to take advantage of the revamped PGA TOUR Fall Schedule to secure his TOUR card by being inside the top-125. Of course a victory would make things easier as it comes with a two-year winner’s exemption.

The tournament in Napa is the first of seven that comprise the FedExCup Fall. While this is the first event of the season, there is still plenty to play for. Players who didn’t finish in the top 50 can continue to earn points, with those finishing between Nos. 51-60 getting exemption for the first two signature events of 2024 while players within the top 125 retain their TOUR cards.

India’s global ranking experienced a positive shift in 2023, ascending from the 31st position it held in the 2022 rankings to secure the 30th rank. The overall score was 40.8, indicative of this upward trajectory.

India’s Geographical and Economic Profile according to U.S. News & World Report
According to the report, India encompasses an expanse of 3,287,263 square kilometers and is inhabited by a population of 1,417,173,173, boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 3.39 trillion.

India’s Remarkable Success in Key Categories :-
India particularly excelled in the “Movers” category, an assessment that factors in a nation’s potential for future growth and its ability to confront challenges presented by the global economy. In this category, India made a remarkable leap, securing the 5th position. This is a testament to its promising prospects on the international stage.

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India is renowned for its abundant and varied traditions. In terms of cultural influence and heritage, India secured the 29th and 10th positions, respectively.

As one of the most powerful countries globally, India claimed the 12th spot in power category, underscoring its influence and significance on the world stage.

To put this achievement in perspective, it’s worth noting that in the preceding year, 2022, India held the 31st position out of a total of 85 countries. This advancement in the rankings signals India’s growing prominence and potential in the global landscape.

S.No                   Rank       Country
1                            20            China
2                           30             India
3                           54             Sri Lanka
4                          69            Bangladesh
5                           80             Myanmar

The strategic relationship between India and the United States has never been so dynamic, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Wednesday.

Speaking days after India successfully hosted the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, Blinken said that both India and the US will benefit from several collaborations they have gotten into.

“The US-India strategic partnership has never been more dynamic, as we team up on everything from advanced semiconductors to defence cooperation,” Blinken said in his remarks on “Power and Purpose of American Diplomacy in a New Era” at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) here.

Blinken said the Biden Administration has elevated the Quad partnership with India, Japan, and Australia to deliver for the countries and the world on everything from manufacturing vaccines to strengthening maritime security to addressing climate challenges.

“And just this past week at the G20, President Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced another ambitious transportation, energy, and technology corridor that will connect the ports of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the EU will team up with the US and India to turbocharge clean energy production, and digital connectivity, and strengthen critical supply chains across the region,” Blinken said.

President Joe Biden on Sunday hailed the partnership between India and the US, saying it is rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of trusteeship that is shared between the two countries.

President Biden and other G20 leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat in New Delhi on Sunday.

“The partnership between India and the United States is rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of trusteeship – trusteeship that is shared between our countries and for our shared planet. Thank you, Prime Minister for bringing us here today (sic),” Biden said in a post on platform X.

Biden, who is currently in Hanoi, Vietnam on an official visit, also posted a picture of him and the G20 leaders paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial.

At the memorial, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Biden and G20 leaders with an ‘angvastram’ or stole having in the background an image of Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, which was his home from 1917 to 1930 and served as one of the main centres of India’s freedom struggle.

The G20 leaders later paid tribute to Gandhi by laying wreaths together at his samadhi.

“It was an honor to visit the Raj Ghat Memorial today, and lay a wreath with my fellow G20 leaders. Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence, respect, and truth matters today more than ever – may it continue to inspire the world and be the basis of the bond between our countries,” Biden said in another post. He also posted a 19-second video of the event.

Earlier, President Biden said this year’s G20 summit has proven that the grouping can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues.

“At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this year’s Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues,” Biden said in a post on X as he left for Vietnam.

On his first visit to India as the US President, Biden arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the two-day G20 summit and held talks with Prime Minister Modi the same day.

In their over 50-minute talks, Modi and Biden on Friday vowed to “deepen and diversify” the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in India’s procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.

Biden also participated in key sessions of the G20 Summit on Saturday.