Author: Bhakti Sharma

India must enhance its steel-making capacity by 100 million tonnes (MT) by 2030 to avoid dependence on imports, according to Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik. Speaking at an event hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in New Delhi, he addressed concerns about global overcapacity and sluggish demand affecting the domestic steel industry. Currently, India has an installed steel capacity of approximately 200 MT, with an additional 20 MT incorporated in 2022-23. To align with the National Steel Policy (NSP) 2017, the country must reach 300 MT by the decade’s end to meet future demands. Poundrik highlighted the necessity of…

A delegation of 118 members, comprising heads of mission, diplomats, and their spouses from 77 countries, is set to visit the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Saturday. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, during a press briefing. Addressing concerns about reports of a stampede, Jaiswal confirmed that the visit would proceed as planned on February 1. Meanwhile, a three-member judicial commission has been formed to investigate the tragic stampede that occurred during the Mauni Amavasya festivities at Mahakumbh. The incident, which took place early Wednesday at the Sangam, claimed at least 30…

A star-studded fundraiser titled “Together for LA” took place at the iconic Hotel Bel-Air, drawing attention to the families and children devastated by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Hosted by author Jay Shetty and real estate mogul Anita Verma-Lallian, the event raised an impressive $700,000 in just a short time. The funds will be donated to Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization that has already provided over 6 million emergency supplies to families affected by the fires. Verma-Lallian, who heads Arizona Land Consulting and Camelback Productions, became widely known when she moved into the former home of Matthew Perry. Despite her own…

The University of Pennsylvania has appointed Dr. Sindhu Srinivas as the Executive Director of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s (HUP)-Cedar Avenue public health campus. A professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine and a senior fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Dr. Srinivas brings extensive experience in quality improvement, maternal health, and health equity to her new leadership role. Previously serving as HUP’s Associate Chief Medical Officer for Quality and Safety, Dr. Srinivas was also Vice Chair for Quality and Safety in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In her new…

Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), recently addressed rumors surrounding his exit during an interview on Fox News. The biotech entrepreneur and cultural commentator dismissed claims of discord with Elon Musk, co-leader of DOGE, explaining that his decision to leave was directly tied to his entry into electoral politics. Ramaswamy confirmed his political intentions, saying he would be making an announcement soon, though he remained tight-lipped on specifics. Reports suggest he might be preparing for a gubernatorial run in Ohio, with elections scheduled for 2026. Ramaswamy also praised the Trump administration’s recent…

Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has been awarded the 2025 Scientific and Technological Activities Commission Outstanding Service Award by the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to advancing tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems in the Indian Ocean region. Known as the “Cyclone Man of India,” Dr. Mohapatra has been instrumental in improving forecasting accuracy and reducing errors in cyclone track and intensity predictions by up to 25% and landfall errors by 40-70% during 2018-2022 compared to 2013-2017. A PhD holder in physics, Dr. Mohapatra serves as the…

Thirteen Indian American students have been named finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious competition for science and math. Each finalist will be awarded $2,000, with an additional $2,000 being granted to their schools for every enrolled finalist. The finalists’ research covers a diverse range of critical issues, including crop disease detection, species migration, AI-based disease diagnosis, genetic therapies, and low-cost pest treatment solutions. “We celebrate these exceptional students for their outstanding achievements,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science. “These young innovators represent the future of scientific and…

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has been cautioned about the significant health risks she faces during her extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Dr. Kirsty Lindsay, an aerospace medicine expert, highlighted the physical toll of space missions, including muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and metabolic changes. Dr. Lindsay described spacewalks as equivalent to the “heaviest gym session” on Earth, with added challenges from microgravity. She noted the critical need for astronauts, including Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, to prepare for reduced atmospheric pressure by breathing pure oxygen in an airlock to prevent decompression sickness. This condition, caused…

Yale astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan has been honored with the 2025 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics for her innovative contributions to black hole and dark matter research. The prize, awarded by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP), recognizes exceptional mid-career achievements in astrophysical science. Natarajan is the first Yale faculty member to receive this accolade since the award’s establishment in 1980. Renowned for her work, Natarajan has advanced theoretical models that explore critical astrophysical phenomena, including the genesis of black holes and the mysteries of dark matter. Her expertise in gravitational lensing has allowed for…

JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States on Monday during a ceremony held at the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their daughter, Mirabel Rose, Vance took the oath of office administered by US Chief Justice John Roberts. At 40 years old, he becomes the third youngest Vice President in US history. Expressing his gratitude, Vice President JD Vance described the moment as an “incredible honor.” In a post on X, he expressed his excitement for the position, saying, “It’s a tremendous honor to be sworn…