Author: Bhakti Narayanan

If religion vanished tonight, it would reappear at dawn, as the sun has inspired worship for centuries across civilizations. The Rig Veda, Sumerians, Egyptians, and later monotheisms all revered the sun in various forms. Sun worship has persisted globally due to its physiological and psychological impacts, from setting circadian rhythms to boosting mood. In Hinduism, grand temples like Konark’s Sun Temple and Kashmir’s Martand Temple exemplify reverence for the sun. Despite its ruinous state, Martand remains a potent symbol. The debate over its restoration intersects history, theology, and politics, reflecting India’s diverse religious landscape. Restoring ancient temples raises complex questions.…

The Hindu American Foundation captivated a packed audience at its 14th Annual Houston Fundraising Gala on Saturday, April 13th. Sundar Iyer shared his harrowing experience of false accusations of caste-based discrimination by government agencies, sparking conversation with HAF’s Executive Director Suhag Shukla. The event, held at the GSH Event Center, shed light on the infamous Cisco caste discrimination case, where exculpatory evidence was suppressed by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). This prompted HAF to file a federal lawsuit against California. Local philanthropist Ramesh Bhutada pledged $1 million over four years to HAF during the gala. The evening commenced with…

Researchers estimate that approximately one-third of adults worldwide have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, which annually claims about 10 million lives globally. While certain factors like age, ethnicity, and existing health conditions contribute to hypertension, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, healthy eating, reduced salt intake, exercise, and quitting smoking can mitigate risks. Recently, scientists from Queen Mary University of London identified over 100 new regions in the human genome and more than 2,000 genetic signals influencing blood pressure. Utilizing data from various sources, they identified novel genomic loci and genetic signals for blood pressure regulation. By calculating…

In a conversation at Delhi University’s Hansraj College, External Affairs Minister Mr. S Jaishankar highlighted India’s changing international perception, portraying it as both “friendly and fair” and “firm and fiery.” He particularly highlighted India’s efforts to protect and support citizens during crises like those in war-torn regions such as Ukraine. Jaishankar stressed the significance of “Viksit Bharat,” not just as a slogan, but as the foundational ethos guiding India’s trajectory over the past decade and into the next 25 years. Addressing students, Jaishankar outlined the upcoming “Amrit Kaal” as a pivotal phase filled with opportunities and challenges on an unprecedented…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his relentless election campaign, delivered speeches at two massive gatherings in Rajahmundry and Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh. He commenced by emphasizing the pivotal role of voter participation on May 13th, heralding it as the dawn of a new era for Andhra Pradesh’s development under the NDA’s governance. Modi lambasted the Congress and the YSR Congress, asserting their incompetence and failure to propel the state forward during their tenures. Further critiquing the Congress’s history of corruption and the YSR Congress’s squandered opportunities, PM Modi urged vigilance against both parties. He highlighted instances of corruption, condemning the misappropriation…

One of today’s most pressing issues revolves around equality, particularly gender parity and women’s rights. Despite unprecedented freedom and rights, women struggle to embrace their true feminine essence. Feminism grapples with a ‘Branding problem,’ ignoring inherent gender differences and pushing for “Equality of Outcome,” resulting in a reversal of gender roles. Women, longing for the Divine Masculine, must now cultivate it within themselves due to the lack of authentic masculinity around them, hindering their true femininity. In contrast, Hinduism reveres Shakti, the divine feminine, placing her above all else. Devi worship forms the essence of this ancient tradition, celebrating feminine…

In April 2024, India’s coal production surged to 78.69 million metric tons (MT) (Provisional), marking a robust growth rate of 7.41% compared to the same period in the previous year, which reported 73.26 MT. Coal India Limited (CIL) achieved a provisional coal production of 61.78 MT during April 2024, reflecting a commendable growth of 7.31% from the corresponding period last year, when it stood at 57.57 MT. Furthermore, coal production by Captive/others in April 2024 amounted to 11.43 MT (Provisional), indicating a significant growth of 12.99% from the previous year’s 10.12 MT. The coal dispatches for April 2024 in India…

The 4th phase of the Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) saw Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra and Deputy Ambassador of Norway Martine Aamdal Bottheim signing documents to extend cooperation in various health schemes. Since its inception in 2006, NIPI has provided support to several Indian states such as Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing maternal and child healthcare facilities. This health initiative, a collaboration between the Governments of India and Norway, builds upon the successes of its previous phases, focusing on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. NIPI Phase 3, in alignment with India’s…

The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was effectively tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, situated along the coast of Odisha. The SMART system, a next-generation missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system, aims to enhance the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities beyond conventional ranges. Comprising advanced sub-systems like a two-stage solid propulsion system and precision inertial navigation system, SMART carries an advanced lightweight torpedo payload released via a parachute-based system. Launched from a ground mobile launcher, the test validated various state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation and velocity control. Defence Minister…

A new AI Task Force initiated by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) sees Bala Subramanian (UPS), Akash Shah (BNY Mellon), and Inderpreet Sawhney (Infosys) joining to foster collaboration and innovation. The task force aims to shape AI policy and innovation through cross-sector collaboration, as discussed in its inaugural virtual meeting on April 25. The USIBC’s objective is to align U.S. and Indian leadership in the AI ecosystem, promoting common AI concepts and principles and ensuring industry competitiveness. The event gathered leaders from various sectors like logistics, semiconductor design, biotechnology, and financial services to explore cooperation and synergy. USIBC President Atul…