Author: Akancha Mishra

Yale University has appointed historian Sunil Amrith as the new director of the Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, effective March 1. Announced by Provost Scott Strobel on Wednesday, Amrith will bring his expertise in human migration and global environmental history, particularly focusing on South and Southeast Asia, to the prestigious center. Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Amrith described it as an “honor and a privilege.” He highlighted the MacMillan Center’s significant influence on Yale’s academic landscape and expressed his commitment to fostering global perspectives across campus. He looks forward to collaborating with the center’s…

Archaeological evidence indicating the existence of a civilisation dating back 2,500 to 3,000 years has been uncovered in the Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand. This significant discovery sheds new light on the region’s historical and cultural past, suggesting that it was once a thriving centre of human activity. Dr. Abhishek Singh Amar, Head of Asian Studies in the Department of History at Hamilton College, New York, recently visited the site and described it as a location of immense archaeological importance. According to him, further extensive excavations in the area could potentially reveal deeper insights into ancient civilisations that once…

Recognizing the vital role of Indian students in the US economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating legal mobility for students and professionals. With over 300,000 Indian students in the US contributing more than $8 billion annually and generating numerous direct and indirect jobs, both leaders emphasized the need to strengthen academic and professional exchange programs. They also discussed easing short-term business and tourist travel between the two nations. During their bilateral meeting, PM Modi and President Trump highlighted the significance of fostering closer academic ties. They stressed the need for international collaborations…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized a robust India-US partnership by linking India’s Viksit Bharat vision with former US President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan. During a joint briefing, Modi introduced “Make India Great Again” (MIGA), calling the combined vision a “MEGA partnership for prosperity.” Modi explained that while Americans recognize Trump’s MAGA motto, India is on a similar path of heritage and development, moving toward its 2047 goal of Viksit Bharat. In an American context, this transformation aligns with MIGA. He stated that when both countries collaborate, MAGA and MIGA merge into a MEGA partnership, expanding shared…

A recent EY India report suggests that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) could drive a 35-37% surge in productivity within India’s retail industry over the next five years. Titled The AIdea of India: 2025, the report highlights that 48% of Indian businesses have already initiated proof of concept (PoCs) for GenAI applications, while an additional 32% have budgeted or are planning investments in AI. The findings indicate that AI-driven solutions are poised to revolutionize retail, e-commerce, and consumer sectors, presenting significant opportunities for businesses. Angshuman Bhattacharya, Partner at EY-Parthenon, noted that GenAI’s impact will be particularly strong in areas like insights-driven…

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard in Washington, DC. Their discussion centered on strengthening India-US relations. The meeting took place shortly after Gabbard was sworn in as DNI in a White House ceremony. PM Modi extended a warm greeting to Gabbard, congratulating her on her new role. Sharing the encounter on social media, he wrote, “Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard, in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation and discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, a cause she has always strongly supported.” The visit marks PM Modi’s…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France for a two-day visit, where he was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace. During a formal dinner, PM Modi met US Vice President JD Vance and congratulated him on his electoral victory. This marked PM Modi’s first meeting with JD Vance under the new Trump administration. In a video shared by Macron, PM Modi can be seen shaking Vance’s hand and saying, “Congratulations. Great, great victory.” Macron welcomed both leaders, stating, “Welcome to Paris, my friend @NarendraModi! Nice to meet you dear @VP Vance! Let’s get to work!” PM…

Despite the bitter cold and dense morning fog in northern India, 12-year-old Ashleen Khela, Australia’s youngest female published author of Indian descent, is determined to bring warmth to underprivileged children in Punjab. Using funds raised from her books, 17 Stories and Journey Through Her Jersey, she donates laptops, cash, warm clothing, socks, and nutritious food to students in schools lacking heating facilities. While classrooms remain icy in the freezing January mornings, her cheerful words and inspiring speeches fill young minds with hope and joy. Ashleen’s deep connection to her Indian heritage stems from her family’s annual visits to Punjab. She…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Paris for a two-day visit, receiving a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora. Expressing their excitement, members of the community hailed PM Modi’s frequent visits and India’s growing ties with France. During his visit, PM Modi will co-chair the AI Action Summit, a gathering of global leaders and tech CEOs to discuss AI’s role in innovation and public welfare. He will also review progress on the 2047 Horizon Roadmap for the India-France strategic partnership with French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit includes a trip to Marseille, where Modi and Macron will inaugurate the…

The 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, has made an unexpected comeback at the box office. Re-released after nine years, the film is now achieving the success it initially missed. According to industry sources, the movie’s two-day earnings have already exceeded its lifetime revenue from its original run. On its opening day, the film grossed approximately $510,000, more than tripling its initial box office debut in 2016. By the second day, it saw an impressive 15% rise, bringing in another $600,000. This pushed the total earnings from its re-release to around $1.1 million, surpassing…