Author: Bhakti Narayanan

In the annals of history, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar stands as a formidable figure, reigning as the Holkar Queen over the Maratha Malwa kingdom in India. Born in the quaint village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, she later shifted the seat of power to Maheshwar, nestled along the Narmada River, south of Indore. Ahilyabai’s ascension to power was marked by tragedy, with the demise of her husband, Khanderao Holkar, in the battle of Kumbher in 1754. Subsequently, the passing of her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, thrust her into the throne as the queen of the Malwa kingdom. Undeterred by adversity,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, inaugurated the new Agaléga Islands airstrip in Mauritius and unveiled six community development projects, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations. Mr. Modi reaffirmed Mauritius’s significance as a crucial partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, underscoring the deepening cooperation between the two countries. The newly inaugurated projects aim to enhance connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, strengthen maritime security, and promote socio-economic development, emphasizing the longstanding development partnership between India and Mauritius. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth expressed gratitude for India’s continuous support, acknowledging the special consideration given to Mauritius.…

Guests at the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are greeted with an array of sweet and savory delicacies, including ‘saffron penda’, ‘mohanthal’, and refreshing drinks like ‘aam panna’. Luxury convoys filled with eminent personalities and celebrities have been arriving at Jamnagar airport for the three-day pre-wedding festivities. Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, is set to marry Radhika Merchant, the daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of Encore Healthcare, and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant. A green room adorned with various flowers has been prepared for guests, with tight security measures in…

According to the Internet in India Report 2023 by IAMAI and Kantar, India has amassed an impressive internet user base exceeding 800 million, with 86% utilizing over-the-top (OTT) audio and video services, indicating the predominant use of technology in the country. Despite daily internet usage surpassing 90%, the growth rate of the user base has decelerated, reaching 55% of the population in 2023, with rural India contributing 53%. Communication and social media emerge as the second and third most popular services, boasting 621 million and 575 million users, respectively. The proliferation of digital entertainment is driven by a substantial 58%…

Dr. Johnson Varkey, a Texas-based Indian American biology professor, has been reinstated to his position a year after being terminated for teaching fundamental human biology and reproduction concepts to his students. St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, where he taught, discharged him for instructing that sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes, aligning with his scientific study. The college, known as a historically Black and Hispanic-serving institution, faced legal action from First Liberty Institute, which advocated for Varkey’s case. After First Liberty Institute filed a discrimination charge at the EEOC against St. Philip’s and the Alamo Community College District,…

Salil Parekh, the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys, and Arvind Krishna, the CEO of IBM, have recently joined the Board of Directors of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), a dedicated institution aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. Parekh, renowned for his expertise in the IT services industry, brings valuable experience from his tenure at Infosys, which includes involvement in business turnarounds and acquisitions. Expressing his delight, Parekh emphasized the deepening bilateral ties between India and the US and extended wishes for the continued success of USISPF in fostering collaboration between the two nations. Mukesh Aghi, President…

Yoga has been practiced for nearly 5000 years mainly in India but in last few decades it has gained popularity throughout the world as people have discovered the many health benefits of yoga. Yoga which is derived from the word “Yoke” means to bring together the mind, body and spirit. Since the practice of yoga affects both the body and the mind it helps one both physically and mentally. It helps achieve peacefulness of the body and the mind, helping one relax completely. We can easily see the physical benefits from yoga but its practice can also give one psychological…

A recent report published under the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) highlighted India’s imminent expansion in the semiconductor value chain, buoyed by conducive government policies, a pilot visa program, and a skilled workforce. The report underscored the fierce global competition for chip investment and the strategic positioning of India to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the semiconductor sector. Recommendations outlined in the report included fostering collaboration between the US and India in the semiconductor domain through initiatives like the CHIPS for America International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI) and instituting a pilot visa program to facilitate…

Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian American Democrat, earns a spot on Chicago Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Chicagoans list, ranking 24th, marking him as the highest-ranking South Asian on the list. Serving four terms since his election in 2016, he represents Illinois’ 8th District, covering Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs and the 41st ward. Krishnamoorthi holds a significant role as the ranking member of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, making him the first South Asian American to lead a Congressional Committee. Additionally, he serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence…

Several Indian-American non-profit organizations in the United States have introduced a new initiative aimed at establishing digital libraries in underserved communities throughout India. The endeavor, named “Project Umeed,” seeks to enhance education and digital literacy in rural areas of India through a partnership with Teach for Life, India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), Guru Krupa Foundation, and SM Sehgal Foundation. Project Umeed, to be executed by the SM Sehgal Foundation on-site in India, will utilize innovative technology and infrastructure to create fully equipped digital libraries in remote villages. These libraries will offer schoolchildren and community members access to computers, internet…