Author: Bhakti Narayanan

India has entered into agreements with ten countries to cooperate in the realm of digital public infrastructure, as reported by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, in a written statement to the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The nations partnering with India are Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Kenya, Cuba, and Colombia. To boost accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity, India has developed robust Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) across multiple domains. Aadhaar: Aadhaar stands as the world’s largest digital identity system, offering a unique, biometric, and demographic-based identity that can…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed immense joy and pride over the inclusion of Assam’s Charaideo Maidams on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This significant cultural milestone, announced on Friday during the 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi, highlights the Indian government’s focus on the Northeast’s development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past decade. The ‘Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty’ is now recognized as a World Heritage site, marking a first for the Northeast region. Jaishankar celebrated this achievement as a testament to the government’s dedication to enhancing the cultural prominence…

Deepika Padukone, who is expecting her first child, has declared July as her official ‘Self-Care Month’ and is sharing her experiences and skincare tips on Instagram. In her recent update, she posted new selfies and detailed her skincare routine. Deepika’s caption read, “It’s Self-Care Month! While it’s great to dedicate a month to self-care, I believe in incorporating simple self-care practices into daily life. For skincare, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, sleep, hydration, and exercise is crucial, but a consistent routine is key. My regimen includes three steps: Cleanse, Hydrate, and Protect.” She revealed that she sets aside…

Dr. Mehmet Oz, renowned surgeon, educator, television personality, former U.S. Senate candidate, and best-selling author, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural World Health Congress. This event, organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), took place at the iconic Marriott Marquee in Times Square, New York City, on July 19, 2024. Dr. Oz captivated the audience of over 1,000 AAPI delegates in the Broadway Ballroom with his 30-minute talk on “Living the Good Life,” where he shared valuable insights into wellness and health optimization that resonate across the medical community and beyond. The World Health Congress…

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gears up to address a joint session of Congress, a significant faction of Democratic lawmakers have decided to abstain. This boycott arises amid escalating tensions in Gaza and growing concerns over Netanyahu’s policies. U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-CA) voiced his reasons for not attending in a statement, citing his deep concern for Israel’s future and the heart-wrenching pleas from families of American hostages held by Hamas. Bera emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a commitment to peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians. He called on Netanyahu…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will journey to Drass in Ladakh on July 26 to honor the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. On Sunday, Ladakh’s Lt. Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra held a meeting at the secretariat to oversee preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit to the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. The Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh, shared on X that the Hon’ble Lt. Governor had reviewed the arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the memorial. LG Mishra emphasized the importance of timely completion of all necessary arrangements. He specifically inquired from the GOC of…

Indian-American microbiologist Lalita Ramakrishnan has been honored with the 2024 Robert Koch Prize for her groundbreaking research on the molecular mechanisms of tuberculosis (TB). She will be awarded approximately $132,000 at a ceremony in Berlin on November 8. This prestigious prize is awarded annually to recognize researchers with internationally renowned scientific achievements and is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Health. Lalita Ramakrishnan, a professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Cambridge, has conducted research with significant global implications, as TB remains a leading cause of death in many countries. Ramakrishnan employs zebrafish as a model…

President Joe Biden has decided to withdraw from the presidential race, garnering praise from all five Indian-American lawmakers. Among them, three have expressed strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s likely nominee. Biden, at 81 years old, announced on Sunday his decision to step down from re-election efforts, endorsing his deputy, Harris, for the Democratic nomination, just 107 days before the November 5 elections. The House of Representatives currently includes five Indian-American Democrats: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera. Of these, Khanna, Thanedar, and Jayapal have officially endorsed Harris, who is…

Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films are set to deliver an explosive cinematic experience this Valentine’s Day 2025 with the release of “Deva,” an intense thriller featuring Shahid Kapoor. Under the direction of renowned Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews, the film is expected to be a high-energy spectacle brimming with action, suspense, and dramatic twists. In “Deva,” Shahid Kapoor portrays a brilliant yet rebellious police officer, showcasing his compelling screen presence. Pooja Hegde stars alongside him as a journalist, adding to the film’s dynamic character ensemble. Far from the traditional Valentine’s romance, “Deva” promises a fresh take with its mix of…

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the BJP headquarters to express his gratitude to the officials for their efforts in securing the party’s third term in office. The event, dubbed ‘Sneh Milan,’ marked his first engagement with party staff since beginning his third term. Upon arrival, PM Modi was warmly received by BJP President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, along with Party General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh and General Secretary Arun Singh. The gathering, which lasted about two and a half hours, provided a platform for Modi to address the staff. In his address, PM Modi emphasized the familial…