Author: Bhakti Narayanan

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…

The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), located in Bhubaneswar, India, has achieved a remarkable feat. Twelve of their students have successfully qualified to compete in the Paris Olympics 2024, which kick off on July 26th. This is a tremendous source of pride and joy for the entire KIIT institution. KIIT has the distinction of being the first Indian university to send the largest contingent of athletes to the Olympics among all universities in the country. The qualified students represent a wide range of sporting disciplines. Amit Rohidas will be competing in men’s hockey, while Kishore Kumar Jena will showcase…

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur of Indian descent, has expressed interest in stepping into the spotlight of American politics by considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat from Ohio. The opportunity arises if J.D. Vance, currently the Republican nominee for Vice-President, vacates the seat should former President Donald Trump win the upcoming presidential election. Ramaswamy revealed his potential candidacy in an interview with NBC News, stating he would seriously contemplate the role if approached to serve. Under U.S. electoral procedures, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine holds the authority to nominate a successor to complete Vance’s term, which began in January…

Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American Congressman from Michigan, has introduced a bill to allow foreign students to remain in the US after completing their studies. The bill, HR 9023, known as the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act, seeks to reform the H-1B visa process and increase the number of available visas each year, thereby making it easier for graduates to stay in the US. This legislation is expected to benefit numerous Indian students and millions of international students. HR 9023 aims to expand America’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workforce by retaining graduates through an increased availability of H-1B…

Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy condemned the attack on former US President Donald Trump, who was injured during an assassination attempt at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Ramaswamy, who had previously challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, expressed his views in a detailed post on X. Ramaswamy wrote, “We believe Trump’s current safety is nothing less than an act of God. My heart tells me that God intervened not only for Trump but for our nation. Today, the future survival of the United States came down to a mere hair’s width from a bullet’s path.” Ramaswamy praised Trump, stating…

With almost thirty years of experience, Dr. Krishnan assumes this role with a distinguished background in patient care, education, and advocacy. Her longstanding association with NYSDA spans three decades, holding various leadership roles, culminating most recently as president-elect. Dr. Krishnan’s tenure aims to broaden dental care access, advocate preventive dentistry, and elevate professional growth among NYSDA members. She also seeks to bolster the association’s influence in public policy and advocacy initiatives. Dr. Krishnan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the 143rd President of the New York State Dental Association. “I’m committed to advancing our profession, enhancing dental care…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with 181 Officer Trainees of the IAS 2022 Batch, currently serving as Assistant Secretaries in various Ministries and Departments, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi today. The interaction included discussions on the trainees’ training experiences, with the Prime Minister recalling their earlier meeting during the Aarambh programme in 2022. He underscored the Assistant Secretary programme’s purpose, emphasizing its role in providing hands-on learning opportunities across the administrative hierarchy. Addressing the trainees, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the vision for New India demands proactive governance focused on enhancing quality of life and manufacturing standards. He…