Author: Bhakti Narayanan

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard admitted on March 26 that a journalist was mistakenly included in a Signal group chat where senior national security officials discussed military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Speaking before the House Intelligence Committee alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, Gabbard acknowledged the error, stating, “A reporter was inadvertently added to a high-level Signal chat where policy discussions took place regarding imminent strikes and their potential impact.” However, she emphasized that no classified details were disclosed. She explained that while sensitive discussions are ideally held in person, the urgency of coordinating unclassified matters sometimes…

The 2025 US election cycle has seen a surge in Indian-American candidates running for office across the country. Among the most prominent is Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who has officially launched his campaign for Ohio’s gubernatorial race in 2026. Ramaswamy, who previously headed the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk, has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and is advocating for major reforms in Ohio’s education system. In another key Ohio race, former state senator Niraj Antani has entered the contest for Chief Financial Officer. Antani, first elected at the age of 23 in 2014, holds the distinction…

Mayor Eric Adams has appointed Randy Mastro as New York City’s first deputy mayor. A lifelong New Yorker, Mastro has a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, known for his leadership in government, civil rights advocacy, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. In this position, he will manage essential initiatives that impact New York City’s 8.5 million residents. Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the administration has delivered historic achievements, including three consecutive on-time budgets, record job growth, affordable housing expansion, and improved public safety. Mastro will work closely with senior officials to build on these accomplishments. “Randy is…

Anand Sharma, a Shrewsbury resident since 2001, has officially announced his candidacy for the town’s Select Board. Alongside his wife, Meenu, and their children, Jiya and Arvin, Sharma has built deep ties within the local community. With a background in electrical engineering and an MBA, Sharma currently works as an IT specialist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He believes his expertise in technology and management will offer a strategic approach to town leadership. Over the years, Sharma has actively contributed to Shrewsbury’s civic life. He has been involved in town meetings, served on the 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee, and participated in…

The UK Prime Minister has appointed Akshata Murty as a trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum, alongside five other prominent figures. Her four-year term began on March 10, 2025. The announcement, made by Culture Minister Chris Bryant on March 21, emphasized the diversity and expertise the new trustees bring to one of the UK’s leading cultural institutions. A total of 16 trustees have been appointed across the British Museum, Tate, and V&A Museum as part of a broader effort to refresh leadership in national institutions. Akshata Murty was recognized for her strong advocacy for education and creativity, reflected in…

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged a “very good relationship” with India but criticized the country for being “one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.” In an interview with Breitbart News, Trump stated that he expects India to substantially lower tariffs, adding that from April 2, the US will impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that charge high levies on American goods. Trump’s Stand on Trade & Tariffs Trump also referred to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as a “group of wonderful nations” working together to counter trade adversaries. However, he emphasized that even US allies, including the European…

Divya Tyagi, an aerospace engineering graduate student of Indian origin at Pennsylvania State University, has made a groundbreaking discovery by refining a century-old mathematical problem. Her innovative approach simplifies the complex calculations, making them more practical for further exploration. The problem, originally formulated by British aerodynamicist Hermann Glauert, has been a key component of aerodynamics research for decades. By building on Glauert’s work, Tyagi has introduced a fresh perspective that could revolutionize wind turbine design, as highlighted by Penn State University’s official website. “I developed an extension to Glauert’s work that determines the optimal aerodynamic conditions for a wind turbine,…

At just 10 years old, Sri Nihal Tammana witnessed a TV report about a lithium-ion battery explosion at a California waste plant. Realizing the environmental dangers of discarded batteries—such as pollution, fire hazards, and toxic emissions—he took action. Sri Nihal founded Recycle My Battery (RMB), a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing easy solutions for battery recycling. Over the past five years, his initiative has evolved into a worldwide movement. Since launching the campaign, Nihal has successfully helped recycle over 625,000 batteries, preventing hazardous waste from contaminating the environment. His efforts have educated approximately 40 million people through educational…

During her visit to India, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard expressed her deep connection with the country, calling it a place where she always feels at home. She spoke fondly of India’s rich culture, spiritual heritage, and cuisine, emphasizing the profound influence of the Bhagavad Gita on her life. “India holds a special place in my heart. Every time I visit, I feel an incredible sense of belonging,” Gabbard stated on Monday. She praised the country’s warm and hospitable people, as well as its flavorful cuisine, sharing that dal makhani and fresh paneer dishes are her personal favorites.…

As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, FIA Chicago stands as a pillar of empowerment, cultural unity, and inclusivity within the Asian Indian community. Under the leadership of Sunil Shah, the organization has grown threefold in just two years, making it the largest and most influential Asian community organization in the Midwest. Behind Sunil Shah’s success is the unwavering support of Mrs. Rita Sunil Shah, whose belief in his vision has been a driving force behind FIA’s remarkable journey. Her steadfast encouragement has played a key role in shaping the organization’s legacy. FIA Chicago has made historic…