Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Indian American singer-songwriter Zeshan B is set to release his new album, “O Say, Can You See?,” on July 26. According to Variety, the album features gospel-infused R&B paired with lyrics focused on social justice themes. An intriguing aspect of this project is the involvement of Preet Bharara, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who serves as the album’s executive producer. Bharara, renowned for his legal battles against organized crime and financial fraud, and for his confrontations with Donald Trump, met Zeshan in early 2022. Their mutual interest in justice and music led to a…

Norwegian Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sentiment regarding Yoga’s unifying power across the globe, considering it one of India’s most significant contributions to the world. She expressed this view in response to PM Modi’s announcement on X regarding the upcoming 10th International Day of Yoga, scheduled for June 21. Stener further demonstrated her endorsement by sharing videos and images of herself practicing Yoga. PM Modi emphasized the universal appeal of Yoga, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries, in his X post commemorating the upcoming International Day of Yoga. He urged people to embrace Yoga as a…

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha America (APSA), in collaboration with Arya Samajs from the Tri-States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, is set to host the 2024 International Arya Mahasammelan (Global Arya Summit) from July 18 to July 21 at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. APSA, a leading religious and cultural organization, is instrumental in promoting the teachings and principles of the Arya Samaj in North America.  The 2024 Global Arya Summit will mark two significant anniversaries: 150 years since the founding of the Arya Samaj in 2025 and 50 years since its establishment in the United States. The…

Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, has named Chandrashekar V.S. as the new director of Americares India. In his capacity, he will be responsible for devising, executing, and overseeing health programs aimed at fortifying health systems and broadening access to care for individuals impacted by poverty or calamities across 23 states in India. Chandrashekar will take the lead in response efforts, supervise climate and disaster resilience endeavors, administer a highly effective mobile clinic initiative for economically disadvantaged urban residents, and manage a comprehensive health facility enhancement initiative. Additionally, he will be in charge of overseeing the operations of the…

Exercise has been associated with increased muscle strength, better heart health, and reduced blood sugar levels, among other health benefits. Activities such as running, biking, lifting weights, or brisk walking offer advantages beyond physical appearance or stamina improvement. Studies indicate that regular physical activity can enhance mood, reduce stress, and sharpen cognitive function, indicating a strong mind-body connection. Different individuals may respond differently to various exercise forms, such as aerobic workouts or strength training. While regular exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, older research has suggested potential negative effects of intense exercise. However, recent research indicates that elite athletes…

On Wednesday, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma set several new records, including becoming the first batter to hit 600 sixes in international cricket. During India’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland at the Nassau Stadium in New York, Rohit Sharma, known as the ‘Hitman’, climbed multiple records’ lists with his outstanding performance. Chasing a modest target of 97 runs on a challenging pitch, Rohit first surpassed the 4000-run mark in T20 internationals. Needing just 26 runs to reach this milestone, Rohit achieved it in the 6th over of the chase, becoming only the third player, after Virat Kohli (4037) and Babar…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be sworn in on June 9, following the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, according to sources reported by India Today. Alongside him, the newly appointed cabinet of Union Ministers will also take their oaths on the same day.  In a related development, the 17th Lok Sabha cabinet has recommended its dissolution. The 2024 Lok Sabha election results came as a surprise, with the Opposition INDIA alliance exceeding exit poll expectations, thereby preventing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from achieving the projected clear majority of over…

As a result of adverse weather conditions, offline registration for the Char Dham Yatra was suspended, leaving thousands of pilgrims stranded in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Rishikesh on Monday to assess the situation and address the needs of the pilgrims. He assured them that no devotee would be turned away without having the opportunity for darshan. The government is contemplating reopening offline registration to alleviate the situation. The challenging weather conditions have taken a toll on the health of pilgrims returning from the Char Dham Yatra, with approximately 60% exhibiting symptoms such as cough, cold,…

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin praised the current state of U.S.-India relations, describing them as stronger than ever before. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the two nations, particularly in the co-production of armored vehicles. During his address at Asia’s premier security summit, Austin elaborated on the longstanding initiative to enable India to build jet engines for fighter aircraft domestically. He noted the significant strides made in co-producing both fighter jet engines and armored vehicles with India. Austin emphasized the positive momentum in the U.S.-India bilateral relationship, citing it as an…

Indian pharmaceutical companies, with a strong presence in the U.S. market, are projected to maintain their revenue growth in fiscal 2025 due to ongoing drug shortages in the United States, according to Mumbai-based India Ratings and Research. As a major hub for bulk generic drug manufacturing, Indian firms such as Dr. Reddy’s, Cipla, and Sun Pharma generate a significant portion of their revenue from markets in both the U.S. and Europe. The U.S., the largest pharmaceutical market globally, is experiencing its highest level of drug shortages in a decade, as reported by India Ratings and Research, which referenced data from…