Maharaja Club members can now earn Maharaja Points when they shop with brands like Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, New Balance, GAP, Victorinox, and Alamowith more partners coming onboard soon to offer even more opportunities to earn and enjoy exclusive rewards.

From fashion and beauty to everyday essentials, these opportunities allow members to accumulate points on daily purchases, bringing them closer to their next rewarding travel experience with Air India when they redeem points for award flights or cabin upgrades.

Earning rates vary with each brand, offering members diverse ways to maximize their points across categories.

The offers are available on the Maharaja Club Partner Offers page on Air India’s website (https://bit.ly/MaharajaClubPartners), where members simply need to select their preferred brand to shop with and follow the next steps.

“We’re happy to partner with Loyyal as we continue to make Maharaja Club even more rewarding for our rapidly expanding member base across the globe,” said Shailesh Kumar Singh, Head of Loyalty, Air India. “This partnership makes it easier for our members to earn Maharaja Points on everyday essentials and shopping, without needing to fly frequently. By combining points earned from such purchases with those from flying, members can quickly unlock free flights or cabin upgrades and enjoy a transforming Air India experience.”

“We are thrilled to work with Air India to enhance the Maharaja Club experience through our expanded network of partners across the globe to enrich each member’s journey,” said Ashish Kumar Singh, CEO, Loyyal. “This initiative significantly boosts the earning potential for Maharaja Club’s members, allowing them to earn points through everyday purchases across the UK and USA. The Maharaja Club is designed to go the extra mile, ensuring members feel recognized, acknowledged, and privileged at every step. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to making every journey with Air India exceptional, enriching the daily lives of members with meaningful opportunities that ultimately enhance their travel experiences.”

Air India recently overhauled its frequent flyer programme, rebranding it to Maharaja Club and introducing a simplified new structure, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity for the programme.

With Air India being part of Star Alliance and the airline’s close cooperation with fellow Star Alliance member airlines, Maharaja Club members enjoy global recognition and benefits across the alliance’s extensive network worldwide.

Over the last 18 months, Air India has added over 50 partners for the Maharaja Club to offer greater ease, more rewards, and recognition for its members.

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• Dr. Harshad Patel, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith
• Shri Nithin Mathuria ji, President of Aditya Birla Group of Companies
• Other distinguished guests included Dr. H. R. Shah (Chairman, TV Asia), Nishith Patel (President, Edison Council), Kenny Desai (Ex-President, FIA), Dr. Sudhir Parikh (Chairman, Parikh Media), Viru Patel (Councilman, Woodbridge), Dipak Shah (President, FISANA), Dr. Mukund Thakur (President, INH), and Dilip Chouhan (Deputy Commissioner of International Affairs, NYC).

NEW JERSEY, USA: Held at Msquare Fitness and Recreation Center, the event commenced with a captivating display of acrobatics and martial arts on rope and pole by members of the Mallakhamb Federation of the USA. Following the performance, Mandar Patil, a board member of the Federation, addressed the audience, introducing the organization and its activities. Surgum Godbole, a dedicated young volunteer of the Gandhian Society, then graced the occasion with a soulful rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite bhajan, “Vaishnav Jan Tu.”

The Gandhian Society volunteers accorded a traditional welcome to all guests of honor with cotton garlands.

The evening featured remarks from esteemed guests:

• Dr. Sudhir Parikh commended the Gandhian Society’s tireless efforts in promoting Gandhian values among young people.
• Nishit Patel expressed his appreciation for the Society’s dedication to serving underprivileged communities worldwide.
• Biral Patel applauded the Society’s commitment to keeping youth at the forefront of all its initiatives.
• A highlight of the event was the presentation of a plaque by Mr. Bhadra Butala, Founder and Grand Patron of the Gandhian Society, to Shri Nitin Mathuria in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the community.

The event followed the Gandhian Society team’s visit to New York City earlier that day, where they explored the new premises for the upcoming Gandhian Museum. This museum will showcase digital artifacts chronicling the life of Mahatma Gandhi and serve as a platform to propagate his timeless message and ideals that continue to inspire generations. The Aditya Birla Group deserves special mention for its generous donation of artifacts and ongoing support for the project, mirroring its efforts worldwide.

The evening concluded with a delightful dinner reception.

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PUNE: Some of the leading healthcare brands are planning to expand their base in India and one of these brands is on the verge of announcing a MoU in the country soon, I estimate that 5-6 healthcare brands are in the process of expanding their base in India. One of the brands is in the process of signing a MoU with an Indian partner. It is likely to be announced in the next few days, asserted David Wolff, Chairman of Aaron Capital, Inc. USA.

David Wolff was here to deliver a speech on ‘America is coming to India’ which formed part of the second annual Dr DY Patil Lecture, organized by D Y Patil International University(DYPIU), Akurdi, Pune. University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabhat Ranjan was present on the occasion.      

Aaron Capital Inc. is a sector agnostic Global Boutique Investment Banking Firm that operates in India through its affiliate Aaron Financial Advisory India.

David Wolff said “To further smoothen their relations, India and the USA are making efforts to resolve their persisting bottlenecks,” while addressing a gathering. The healthcare sector is the one where India needs structural changes which makes a huge potential for investment by global investors and hence some of the big brands in the healthcare sector in the US are coming to India.

Prof Prabhat Ranjan, Founder Vice Chancellor of the DY Patil International University, who was heading TIFAC, the technology think-tank of the government of India before taking up his current assignment, said that the Technology Vision 2035 document, which was released by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in 2016, had discussed at length on the topic. He mentioned that as compared to expectations in the vision document, India is lagging in the healthcare sector. India is a major importer of biomedical equipment at present. We can change the game if we can develop the same on our own, he said.

Prof Ranjan mentioned that for the first time in the country, DYPIU has started a course B Tech in semi-conductor engineering given the large growth expected in the semiconductor industry.

India and the US are making efforts to resolve their persisting bottlenecks, said David. The current impediments to bilateral relations include tariff and non-tariff barriers, complex custom clearance procedures, IPR, and data localization issues, he added.

The foundation of India-US bilateral relations rests upon several key elements, which encompass the expanding market size of the Indian economy, the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora in American business and politics, and a shared recognition of the imperative to address Chinese aggression.

As the United States deepens its involvement in the Indo-Pacific region and India consolidates its regional influence, the collaboration between these democratic powerhouses possesses the capacity to redefine the geopolitical landscape, he said.

The US accounted for 18 percent of the gross FDI inflows into India

The US accounted for 18 percent of the gross FDI inflows into India during 2021-22, ranking second behind Singapore which stood at 27 percent. Computer software and hardware; the services sector and the automobile industry attracted the maximum FDI equity inflow and Gujarat; Karnataka and Delhi are the top FDI-receiving states from the USA.

To further smoothen their relations, India and the USA are trying to resolve their persisting bottlenecks. The current impediments to bilateral relations include tariff and non-tariff barriers, complex customs clearance procedures, IPR, and data localization issues.

According to David Wolfe, “The United States is the third largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India with equity investment of $ 59.1 billion (April 2000 to December 2022), which represents 9.45 percent of the cumulative inflows received by India.”

The bilateral trade relationship between India and the United States has experienced a remarkable expansion over the years’ partners. The bilateral trade between the two countries has risen by 72 percent between 2017-18 and 2022-23. During 2022-23, the USA was the top destination of Indian exports to the world and the third source of India’s imports from the world. Further, India’s exports to the USA stood at $ 78.5 billion in 2022-23 and its imports from the USA were $ 50.2 billion, he said.

In 2014, the two countries also initiated the bilateral Investment Initiative, aimed at facilitating foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, capital market development, and infrastructure financing. Notably, the US-India Infrastructure Collaboration Platform in 2014 has also been established, with a focus on deploying advanced US technologies to meet India’s infrastructure requirements.

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Over the past five decades, TNF Life Members, TNF Chapters, and TNF Convention donors have collectively supported over 700 projects, positively impacting more than 500,000 underprivileged individuals across Tamil Nadu. This includes providing aid to over 200,000 students in government schools through TNF’s flagship ABC education initiative, assisting over 60,000 victims of the 2015 floods, aiding more than 20,000 victims of Cyclone Gaja in 2018, and donating over 1 million USD during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

To commemorate TNF’s Golden Jubilee, a significant milestone, we are delighted to announce our celebratory event scheduled from May 24 to 26 in Rosemont, IL (Chicago), marking fifty years of our Foundation’s impactful journey.

TNF lifetime members and the Tamil diaspora are eager to celebrate their accomplishments, reflecting on our journey from a small group of visionaries to impacting over 250,000 children and families across 650 villages in Tamil Nadu. The event promises a rich blend of music, dance, and informative sessions, providing an opportunity to engage with our Youth Force, the future bearers of our mission, and to minimize administrative costs through event profits, ensuring that 100% of donor dollars directly benefit the beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu.

Event Highlights:

• Grand Music Concert: Featuring the legendary “Isai Gnyani Illayaraja.”
• Therukoothu: By Sangagiri Rajkumar with 260 participants (Attempting to make a Guinness record).
• “EGAI” Tamil Symphony: A spectacular musical event by Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran featuring over a hundred artists.
• Fusion Dance Performance: Showcasing 150 local talents.
• Tamil Isai – Featuring traditional Tamil musical instruments.
• The Renowned YouTube – Village Cooking Channel Team.
• Emerge 2024: An all-day Entrepreneurs Event sponsored by TNF and ATEA.
• Youth Conference: Organized by young adults.
• College Alumni Gathering: Expecting participation from over 25 colleges.
• Districts Parade: Representing 38 districts from Tamil Nadu.
• Other high-quality programs from TNF Chapters and local organizations.

Guests from various parts of North America and at least 50 other countries will converge to witness this mega-event. Visit www.tnfusa.org for more details.

Photo Credits: Asian Media USA

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The event’s centerpiece was the keynote address by Mr. Sam Pitroda, a distinguished political and technology thought leader. Mr. Pitroda’s political acumen, reflected in his tenure as an advisor to former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his instrumental role in India’s telecommunication revolution, aligned seamlessly with the event’s essence and the broader objectives of the IOCUSA.

Following his address, Mr. Pitroda engaged in an interactive session, addressing queries from the Indian diaspora present, further enriching the discourse. The panel featured an array of distinguished and seasoned leaders within the IOCUSA, USA, and the broader community.

Mr. Minhaj Akhtar was appointed as the Working President for the Midwest Region during the Membership Drive. The appointment reflects the organization’s continuous mission to galvanize the Indian diaspora towards active socio-political participation. The panel also featured Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of IOCUSA, who said in his address, “We are on our way to establishing a team in all the states of the USA and uniting the Indian Diaspora to support freedom and justice for everyone back in our motherland.”

Ms. Sophia Sharma, General Secretary IOCUSA, moderated the event, and Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Chairman of IOCUSA Haryana Chapter, Mr. Satheesan Nair, Executive Vice-President of the Kerala Chapter and Senior Leader of IOCUSA, and Mr. Iftekhar Sharif, prominent community member, seasoned businessman, and philanthropist, were also present at the event.

The Membership Drive was not just a means to augment IOCUSA’s membership but also became a celebration of the diaspora’s collective achievements and aspirations. The event provided a rich networking platform and fostered a collaborative spirit amongst like-minded individuals.

The Indian Overseas Congress, USA, is a vanguard in fostering social, economic, and political engagement among the Indian diaspora in the United States. Through various initiatives and events, IOCUSA is committed to crafting a vibrant platform for dialogue and action that propels a stronger India-US alliance.

For those inspired by the event’s objectives and looking to join the Indian Overseas Congress, USA, contact 646-732-5119 for more information on membership and upcoming events. Visit www.iocusa.org for more information.

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To be eligible for this increase, taxpayers must apply for and receive an allocation of capacity limitation with respect to their facility. The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have developed the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program to allocate capacity limitations. The program is open to eligible solar and wind facilities that are placed in service in low-income communities or on Indian land, or that are part of either a qualified low-income residential building project or a qualified low-income economic benefit project.

The annual capacity limitation for each of the calendar years 2023 and 2024 is 1.8 gigawatts, divided across the facility categories. For 2023, 50% of the capacity limitation within each category is reserved for facilities meeting certain ownership and/or geographic selection criteria, known as additional selection criteria.

Facilities that receive an allocation must be placed in service within four years of the date of the allocation award. Facility owners will report to the Department of Energy that the facility has been placed in service through the same portal they used to apply.

Taxpayers who are eligible to claim the increase to the energy investment credit will calculate their energy investment credit and the increase by using Form 3468, Investment Credit. The credit increase will be calculated as the basis of eligible property in the solar or wind facility and the applicable increase of either 10 or 20 percentage points, based on the project category under which the facility was awarded an allocation.

The DOE and the Treasury Department hosted a virtual informational webinar for potential applicants on September 29, 2023. Additional information can be found on IRS.gov and the Department of Energy website.

Overall, this increase in the energy investment credit for solar and wind facilities benefitting low-income communities is a positive step towards promoting renewable energy and environmental justice.

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National Preparedness Month outlines specific steps for communities to take to prepare for a disaster and possibly avoid potential economic and physical damage to individuals, small businesses, and their communities.  

“Natural disasters caused by climate change are increasing in frequency and economic impact, and the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in sustainability and committed to helping small businesses and individuals prepare to recover quickly when disaster strikes,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “SBA is helping businesses across the country create emergency response plans so they can limit damage and disruption – building resiliency for our neighborhoods and our economy.”

The SBA recommends three critical steps to build upon the tools of resilience:

Step 1: Assess Risk
Every business has unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Knowing what type of disasters will most likely affect your business can help you return to operations faster. A back-to-business self-assessment can help assess risks for common hazards such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, or even cyberattacks.

 Step 2: Create a Plan
The response plan is the roadmap to recovery and should be tailored to the business’s specific needs and operations.  It should address immediate priorities and be easy to access.

Every disaster is different. Review the resources to lessen the physical and financial impact of a disaster:

Step 3: Practice and Test Your Plan with Employees

“There are no geographical boundaries for a potential disaster. Climate change only adds to the uncertainty, amplifying the frequency and catastrophe,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., Associate Administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “The most important thing small businesses can do to mitigate a disaster’s impact is to have a plan and be prepared. As National Preparedness Month, September is an important reminder that we should always stand ready to protect our homes, businesses, and communities from the challenges that disasters bring.” 

In the past year, the SBA approved more than $2 billion to help residents, renters, private nonprofits, and small businesses across all 50 states and territories recover from the tremendous physical and financial impacts of natural and non-pandemic physical disasters, including multiple hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, all of which have been rising in frequency and severity at significant physical, human, and economic costs.

The SBA’s disaster loan program is the only federal assistance program for businesses of all sizes and can be used to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Additionally, businesses of all sizes are eligible for up to 20 percent of the total physical loss of real estate damages, as verified by SBA, to add protective measures to mitigate future damages against the next event.

If a small business cannot meet its obligations and operating expenses after a disaster, Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to provide working capital until the small business can resume normal operations. This assistance is available regardless of any property damage.

Questions about disaster loans can be emailed to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or directed to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing). Information on SBA’s core lending programs, revenue growth opportunities, and technical assistance can be found at SBA.gov.

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Before the pandemic, appointment wait times for immigrant visa applicants stood at over two years. However, now applicants whose immigrant petitions are current can schedule their appointments for immigrant visa interviews within the standard time frame. This will facilitate faster reunification of families in the United States.

The U.S. Mission to India remains committed to reducing nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview wait times. With increased staffing in the Embassy and all Consulates around India, they have processed a record number of NIV applications – 900,000 – and will soon surpass one million visas. They continue to implement innovative approaches, including remote processing of interview waiver applications, to better meet the needs of visa applicants, and they regularly open new visa appointments to meet the high demand.

The significant demand in India for visas to travel to the United States and the increase of people-to-people ties reflects the strength and vitality of U.S.-India relations. The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is the designated center for processing immigrant visas in India.

More information about immigrant visa applications and approval times can be found on Travel.State.Gov under Visa Bulletin. This move by the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is a positive step towards reducing visa interview wait times and facilitating faster reunification of families in the United States.

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