Author: Akancha Mishra

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Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.

The upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, scheduled from September 19 to 22, is anticipated to significantly boost the presidential campaign of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Ajay Bhutoria, an Indian American community leader, and a member of the DNC’s standing rules committee, emphasized the importance of this event for Harris’s campaign. He mentioned that the convention will be a defining moment, uniting Democrats from across the nation and highlighting Harris’s achievements, as well as the party’s vision for the future. Bhutoria pointed out that Vice President Harris’s strong ties to the South Asian community will ensure a prominent…

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Indian-American television star Mindy Kaling will take on a hosting role at the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, as reported by The Hill. Kaling is set to host the event on Wednesday, with other notable celebrities such as Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn also contributing as hosts throughout the four-day convention. Washington will host on Thursday, the day when Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to accept the Democratic presidential nomination. The DNC will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including President Joe Biden, who will deliver the opening remarks on Monday night. Harris will close the convention.…

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The India Day Parade in New York City drew large crowds, celebrating with a vibrant display of culture and patriotism. Among the highlights was a carnival float depicting the Ram Mandir, a grand pink sandstone temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The float, measuring 18 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 8 feet high, was meticulously crafted in India, adorned with flowers, and flown in by air cargo for the occasion. Participants in the parade carried Indian flags, danced to the beat of dhols, and sang patriotic songs, infusing the event with lively energy. As the float showcasing the…

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday. ISRO shared on X that the third developmental flight of the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) was a success, with SSLV-D3 precisely placing EOS-08 into orbit. This accomplishment signifies the successful completion of ISRO’s SSLV Development Project. With the technology now being transferred, the Indian industry and NSIL India will produce SSLV for future commercial missions. According to ISRO, the six-and-a-half-hour countdown for the launch began at 2:47 am. This mission represents the third and…

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the third edition of the Voice of Global South Summit, emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of countries that have long remained unheard. He described the summit as a significant platform that addresses the needs and aspirations of these nations, which have often been overlooked. Modi noted that India’s shared experiences and advancements have fostered stronger cooperation with partner countries, particularly in infrastructure, digital technology, and energy connectivity. During his virtual opening remarks, PM Modi reiterated the summit’s role in voicing the concerns of the Global South, highlighting the collective strength…

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On the anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the esteemed leader. In a message shared on X, Modi reflected on Vajpayee’s profound impact on the nation, acknowledging his unparalleled contributions to India’s development. He emphasized how Vajpayee dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for all citizens and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Vajpayee’s vision for the country. Modi also shared that he, together with other distinguished dignitaries, paid homage at ‘Sadaiv Atal’ earlier in the day. This visit was a mark of respect and recognition for…

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Nearly half of the more than 5 million Indians living in the United States have migrated since 2010. The Indian-American community is notably younger than the U.S. average, with a median age of 36 years. Additionally, Indians received around 320,000 work visas in 2022-23, accounting for an impressive 73% of the total work visas issued by the U.S. These insights are drawn from the latest report by Indiaspora, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, created in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group. Titled “Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless Horizons: The Indian Diaspora in the United States,” the report highlights the significant impact…

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Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the former Foreign Secretary, officially took on the role of Ambassador of India to the United States on Tuesday. Kwatra succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the former envoy and BJP leader. In a statement on X, Kwatra expressed his honor at assuming the position, stating, “Privileged to assume charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States of America. The team at the Indian Embassy in the U.S. will remain dedicated to working diligently to further enhance this vital partnership.” Sripriya Ranganathan, the Deputy Ambassador at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, warmly welcomed Kwatra, saying, “Delighted…

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In June, Tina Talim made history as the first Indian American appointed to a judicial position in Nevada, joining the Eighth Judicial District Court. Talim’s appointment to Department 14, part of a busy court system where 58 judges handle nearly 100,000 cases annually, was a landmark moment for the state, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Talim, who replaced Adriana Escobar in the role, now faces the challenge of defending her seat in the upcoming November 5 election. She will compete against Alan Lefebvre, a former president of the State Bar of Nevada. Before her judicial appointment, Talim was the…

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Dr. Ravi Kalhan, Louis A. Simpson Professor of Pulmonary Medicine and a key figure in Pulmonary and Critical Care, has been appointed associate dean for Faculty Affairs at Feinberg School of Medicine. In his new role, Dr. Kalhan will be instrumental in advancing faculty recruitment, retention, promotion, and career development initiatives at Feinberg, according to a recent Northwestern press release. He will also act as a key resource for departments and faculty, offering guidance on academic and professional matters. Additionally, he will support programs aimed at developing faculty members’ clinical, teaching, and leadership skills. Reflecting on his new responsibilities, Dr.…

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