Author: Akancha Mishra

NASA has confirmed that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth in late March 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, following an extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for a ten-day mission in June 2024, their stay was prolonged due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. To ensure their safe return, NASA has opted to use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which will transport Williams, Wilmore, and two other astronauts back to Earth. The crew will experience a controlled reentry, followed by a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, where recovery teams…

Israel holds deep admiration for India’s achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, according to Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India. He emphasized Modi’s unwavering support, especially following the October 7 Hamas attack, and noted that both nations share similar perspectives and challenges, which will drive further cooperation in the coming years. Azar described India as a rising global power that plays an increasingly vital role in Israel’s economy, not only as a trade partner but also as an essential part of supply chains. He credited the thriving India-Israel relationship to the strong leadership of Modi and Israeli Prime Minister…

Indian-American politician Vivek Ramaswamy has officially announced his candidacy for governor of Ohio, unveiling a bold plan to standardize civic education across the state. As part of his vision, he proposes that all Ohio high school seniors must pass the same civics test required for legal immigrants to gain U.S. citizenship. He believes this initiative will deepen students’ understanding of American history and values, instilling pride and patriotism. “We must teach young Americans to take pride in their country and state rather than feeling ashamed,” Ramaswamy stated. “They should know what it means to be American and recite the pledge…

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Monday that the nation’s defense exports have climbed to $2.8 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, with ammunition production now at 88% self-sufficiency. Speaking at the 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, Singh highlighted the government’s ambitious goal of reaching $6 billion in defense exports by 2029. During his address, he urged institutions like IIT Mandi to take the lead in technological advancements critical to national security. He emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence in warfare, cybersecurity measures, indigenous AI chip manufacturing, and quantum technology. Encouraging innovation, he called upon researchers to…

Lehigh University has appointed Dr. Vinod Namboodiri as the inaugural Ellen and Vincent Forlenza ’75 Endowed Chair in Health Innovation and Technology. This prestigious position, housed in the College of Health, will support his research on assistive technology for people with disabilities and aging populations. Namboodiri, a professor with joint appointments in the College of Health and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, will hold the position for five years. His work will focus on leveraging technology to enhance mobility, healthcare, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He also aims to establish an interdisciplinary research center…

During the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra and champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, shed light on the increasing obesity crisis in India. The discussion emphasized the dangers of excessive cooking oil consumption and how small dietary changes can contribute to a healthier society. PM Modi noted that obesity rates have surged, with one in every eight individuals now affected. The situation is particularly alarming among children, where obesity cases have multiplied four times over recent years. He urged citizens to take proactive steps by reducing their cooking oil purchases by…

LUNGevity, the leading lung cancer research foundation in the U.S., has appointed Dr. Sandip Patel to its Scientific Advisory Board. His expertise will help shape key research initiatives aimed at improving lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Patel to our Scientific Advisory Board,” said Dr. Charles Rudin, chair of LUNGevity’s board and deputy director at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “His knowledge will be invaluable as we expand our research investments and work toward meaningful advancements in lung cancer care.” Dr. Patel, a professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), specializes…

Newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel has announced plans to relocate up to 1,500 employees, moving 1,000 to field offices across the country and 500 to a facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The move aligns with Patel’s vision of reducing the FBI’s Washington presence and emphasizing crime-fighting over intelligence-gathering. The announcement came on Patel’s first day in office after his Senate confirmation in a narrow 51-49 vote. His appointment has been met with political division, with Democrats expressing concerns over potential bias and Trump allies praising his leadership. Former President Donald Trump called Patel the “best ever” FBI director, while Patel…

New Delhi witnessed the launch of the first-ever SOUL (School of Ultimate Leadership) Leadership Conclave on Friday, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay was also present at the event, marking a significant moment in fostering leadership across diverse sectors. The two-day conclave, running from February 21 to 22, serves as a platform for prominent figures from politics, sports, media, arts, business, public policy, and social sectors to share their leadership journeys. Through discussions on success and failure, the conclave aims to nurture a new generation of leaders by offering valuable insights and…

Ashutosh Chilkoti, a distinguished professor of biomedical engineering at Duke University, has been honored with the 2025 Technology Innovation and Development Award by the Society for Biomaterials. This prestigious award acknowledges significant advancements in biomaterials research that contribute to medical and surgical innovation. Chilkoti received this recognition for his groundbreaking work in developing protein-resistant polymer coatings and protein-based biomaterials. Expressing gratitude, he credited his research team, both past and present, for their contributions to the success of his projects. In addition to his role as a faculty member, Chilkoti served as the chair of Duke’s Biomedical Engineering Department from 2016…