Author: Akancha Mishra

India’s inaugural analogue space mission has kicked off in Leh, with leadership from ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre and partnerships including Aaka Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, and IIT Bombay. The mission also has the backing of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. This venture is designed to mimic the conditions of a space habitat, tackling challenges tied to establishing human bases off Earth. Aaka Space Studio, founded by Ms. Aastha Jhala, has created a sophisticated habitat prototype that includes features such as an extravehicular activity (EVA) preparation zone, circadian lighting, hydroponic systems, solar power, and environmental sensors. The high-altitude,…

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris joined Americans across the nation in celebrating Diwali, with temples and prominent sites adorned in lights. “This Diwali, may we highlight the strength of unity, truth, and freedom, creating a future where anything is achievable,” Biden shared in a social media post on X. Earlier, Biden hosted an unprecedented Diwali gathering at the White House, inviting around 600 prominent Indian-Americans to mark the festival. Vice President Harris also shared Diwali wishes, celebrating from the campaign trail and reflecting on the symbolism of light overcoming darkness and knowledge triumphing over ignorance. Previously, Harris…

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has announced the appointment of Prabir Roy Chaudhury, MD, PhD, FASN, as its next president, set to take office on January 1, 2025. Dr. Roy Chaudhury, who succeeds Deidra C. Crews, brings extensive experience as a physician, academic leader, and researcher. He currently serves as the Drs. Ronald and Katherine Falk Eminent Professor and Co-Director at the University of North Carolina’s Kidney Center in Chapel Hill, NC, and is a staff nephrologist at the WG (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. Dr. Roy Chaudhury expressed enthusiasm for his new role, noting the…

President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House on Monday, honoring the South Asian American community’s contributions to the United States. With an esteemed guest list of over 600 Indian American leaders, including members of Congress, government officials, and business executives, the event underscored Diwali’s growing importance in American culture. During the celebration, President Biden lit the ceremonial diya in the White House’s Blue Room, calling the South Asian American community “the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world.” He praised their impact, saying, “The South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life.” In his…

Capgemini has announced a significant leadership reshuffle to drive global growth, with Indian-origin executives playing pivotal roles in the company’s strategic realignment. Anirban Bose, who currently heads the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit, has been promoted to CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit. He will succeed Jim Bailey, with the transition expected in November 2024. In his new role, Bose will lead operations across North and South America, focusing on boosting AI-driven digital transformation initiatives. Simultaneously, Kartik Ramakrishnan will step into Bose’s previous role as CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit. Ramakrishnan, an experienced leader with deep…

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has achieved a remarkable feat once again, receiving an A+ rating as a central bank governor for the second consecutive year. The prestigious recognition was awarded by Global Finance, a U.S.-based magazine, which ranks Das among the leading central bankers globally. He tops the list of three governors who have received the A+ distinction, alongside Christian Kettel Thomsen of Denmark and Thomas Jordan of Switzerland. In a social media update on platform X, the RBI announced, “Governor @DasShaktikanta received the award for A+ grade in Central Bank Report Cards 2024, for the…

As the U.S. election approaches, investors are watching closely, anticipating the potential economic impacts on global markets, particularly India. According to a report by PhillipCapital, the election results could significantly influence India’s economy, especially if there is a shift in U.S. economic policy. If Trump wins, Indian IT firms might face challenges due to stricter immigration policies, potentially limiting the workforce’s flexibility. However, many Indian firms have reduced risk by hiring locally and establishing near-shore delivery centers. The auto industry may also experience shifts, with a possible reduction in EV incentives that could impact Indian EV component suppliers. Yet, a…

Indian American writer Shahnaz Habib was honored with the 7th Annual New American Voices Award for her nonfiction work, Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel. This award celebrates recently published books by immigrant authors that reveal intricate layers of human experience and challenge underrepresented perspectives in literature. On October 17, Habib received her $5,000 award at George Mason’s Center in Fairfax, Virginia, where she was joined by finalists Alex Espinoza, author of The Sons of El Rey, and Carrie Sun, author of Private Equity: A Memoir. The event featured judges Myriam J. A. Chancy, V. V. Ganeshananthan, and Karin…

On October 23, Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Katie Porter (CA-47), and Mark Takano (CA-39) reintroduced the Stop Wall Street Landlords Act, targeting large institutional investors using taxpayer funds to acquire single-family homes. This bill aims to stop the rapid rise in housing costs and limit the influence of corporate landlords in the housing market. Following the 2008 housing market crash, investor interest in the real estate market surged, driving housing and rental prices to unprecedented levels. According to Khanna’s office, these investors accounted for 18% of home purchases this past quarter, with a notable 26% in more affordable segments. States…

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed the 12th Traffic InfraTech Expo in New Delhi, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle India’s road safety issues through technological innovation. India records around five lakh road accidents every year, with over half of the fatalities among young adults aged 18 to 36. These accidents lead to an economic loss estimated at 3% of the country’s GDP, making road safety a government priority. Gadkari highlighted the role of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, in identifying traffic violations and enhancing overall safety. The government is also exploring advanced toll collection systems, possibly using satellite technology, to…