India added 100 million new users to the Internet in 2015, taking the country to more than 400 million users - more than there are residents of the US. But with another 800 million yet to be connected, the world's biggest tech companies are eager to be a part of India's consumer tech boom in the decade ahead.
A consortium of scientists, including many from India, confirmed that they have detected gravitational waves that were first predicted by Albert Einstein on the basis of his theory of general relativity in 1916. Indian scientists played a crucial role in designing the algorithms that were used to analyze the signals to confirm that they originated from a gravitational wave.
Rahul Thakkar and Cottalango Leon, both of Indian origin, received Oscar Technical Achievement Awards, which honor those whose accomplishments contribute to the progress of the motion picture industry. Leon received his award for work on Sony Pictures Imageworks Itview, while Thakkar was awarded for his work on the DreamWorks Animation Media Review System.
A discussion event 'India and Israel: A Growing Relationship' was held at the Embassy, in conjunction with American University and Israeli Embassy. Arun K. Singh, Indian Ambassador, Ron Dermer, Israeli Ambassador, Dr. Maina Chawla Singh, Scholar-in-Residence, School of International Service, American University and Mr. Michael Brenner, American University participated in the event.
India has the largest diaspora population in the world, at 16 million, the United Nations said in its survey on migration trends. In 2015, Indians accounted for the US's third largest ethnic group, at 3.5 million.
India's Ministry of Tourism, assisted by Tata Business Support Services (BSS) Ltd., launched the country's first 24/7 toll free "Tourist Infoline," available in English, French, German and nine other languages. The infoline will provide tourists with information on travel, safety and help before or during their time in India, and international and domestic calls made in India will be free of charge. The government also announced that it would soon release the "Incredible India" mobile app to better support and enhance tourists' travel experiences during visits to the country.
