Author: Akancha Mishra

Ajay Anand has been named the inaugural Executive in Residence at the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI), where he will contribute his industry expertise to shape AI research, mentor students, and participate in discussions and events. Anand, currently the senior vice president of Global Services, Strategy & Business Services at Johnson & Johnson, will collaborate with Wharton faculty to ensure AI research aligns with real-world business applications. Achim Welter, senior director of ERP, Digital & IT Strategy at The Hershey Company, will also join WAIAI in this initiative. Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Anand shared on LinkedIn that…

Duke University has awarded Samit Dasgupta the prestigious James B. Duke Distinguished Professorship in the Department of Mathematics. He is among 31 faculty members honored with distinguished professorships this year. The university will formally recognize Dasgupta at a ceremony at the Washington Duke Inn on May 14. Expressing pride in the honorees, Duke University President Vincent E. Price highlighted their contributions to research, innovation, and education. He emphasized that their work leads to groundbreaking solutions and advancements that benefit society. Distinguished professorships are reserved for faculty who have made exceptional contributions to their disciplines and demonstrated outstanding academic leadership within…

India’s ambitious joint space mission with NASA, aimed at sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), has faced a substantial budget cut, leading to a deferral of the mission to the next fiscal year, a Parliamentary panel report revealed on Tuesday. Despite the postponement, the budget allocation for 2025-26 has been drastically reduced to just one-sixth of the original amount set for 2024-25, raising concerns over India’s spaceflight timeline. The Gaganyaan program, India’s first human spaceflight initiative, has also experienced a budget reduction of over $42 million due to delays in hardware realization and milestone-based payments. Announced…

Vice President JD Vance has significantly shortened his planned trip to Greenland, now limiting his visit to a brief stop at the U.S.-operated Pituffik Space Base. This decision follows heightened tensions after former President Donald Trump’s renewed comments about America’s interest in the Arctic island. Originally, his wife, Usha Vance, and one of their children were scheduled to spend multiple days in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, attending cultural events such as a prestigious dogsled race. However, on March 25, the White House announced that JD Vance would accompany them, but the visit would now be restricted to a single-day stop at…

Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s former prime minister, is transitioning from politics to public relations as he prepares to join Washington, D.C.-based Penta Group next month. The PR firm, which acquired Ireland’s Hume Brophy in 2023, specializes in strategic communications. The 46-year-old’s new role aligns with Penta’s commitment to data-driven policymaking, according to CEO Matt McDonald, who praised Varadkar’s leadership skills and extensive policy expertise. Varadkar stepped down as Ireland’s prime minister in March last year, citing both political and personal reasons. His unexpected resignation came just 15 months into his second tenure. Expressing gratitude for his time in office, he acknowledged…

Thousands gathered in Richmond Hill, Queens, on Sunday, March 23, to welcome spring with the vibrant celebration of Holi at the 37th annual Phagwah Parade. Liberty Avenue was transformed into a sea of colors as revelers joyfully threw powdered pigments, danced, and participated in a grand cultural display. The festivities kicked off well before the official 10 a.m. start, with dozens of floats rolling down the parade route. Spiritual leaders from the Federation of Hindu Mandirs led the event with traditional mantras and prayers, setting a reverent tone before giving way to high-energy performances. Indian dancers in regal sarees captivated…

Second Lady Usha Vance is proving to be more than just a supportive spouse in the public eye. With a strong professional background, she is actively embracing her role without overshadowing it. However, her approach under the Trump administration remains a subject of discussion. Vance is set to travel to Greenland on Thursday with her young son as part of a U.S. delegation. This visit has stirred fresh diplomatic tensions, given President Donald Trump’s past remarks about acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory. Officials from both countries have expressed concerns about the trip’s implications. The White House announced on Sunday that…

The University of Michigan Board of Regents has confirmed Neel U. Sukhatme as the upcoming David A. Breach Dean of Law and a professor of law. Currently a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, Sukhatme will assume his role on July 1, 2025, for a renewable five-year term. Provost Laurie K. McCauley welcomed Sukhatme, praising his innovative scholarship and commitment to public good. She expressed confidence in his visionary leadership, which will strengthen Michigan Law’s standing in legal education and research. Sukhatme, who has served as associate dean for research and academic programs at Georgetown, brings extensive experience in faculty…

Arizona State Senator Priya Sundareshan, an Indian-origin lawmaker, has been nominated for the Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award by EMILYs List, recognizing her leadership in voting rights, environmental protection, and reproductive rights. Representing Arizona’s 18th Senate District, Sundareshan has emerged as a strong progressive voice, opposing extreme abortion bans and advocating for contraception access through new legislation. Who is Priya Sundareshan? Currently serving as Minority Leader in the Arizona Senate, Sundareshan plays a crucial role in state policy. She was honored with the Rising Environmental Leader Award in 2023 for her work in sustainability and conservation. Born into an Indian-American…

People’s Light has appointed Shonali Burke, an Indian-origin leader, as its new Managing Director, effective June 1, 2025. Burke’s selection follows a national search, and she brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, audience engagement, and revenue growth in the nonprofit and regional theatre sectors. Burke will work alongside Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman as a co-equal leader, focusing on strategic planning, financial management, and operational oversight. Her appointment comes as People’s Light celebrates its 50th anniversary season and prepares for further innovation and expansion. “Shonali’s leadership and passion for storytelling make her the perfect person to guide us into the…