The International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) has announced Dr. Shubha Tole as its first President-elect from the developing world. Dr. Tole, currently serving as the Dean of Graduate Studies at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India, will begin her term on January 1, 2025. The announcement was made during IBRO’s annual assembly, held in Chicago, USA, on October 6, 2024. Dr. Tole expressed her excitement about the opportunity to lead IBRO and emphasized her commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the global neuroscience community. “I am honored to serve a global network like IBRO, which…
Author: Bhakti Sharma
Bhakti Sharma
Bhakti has been working as a journalist for about twenty years. She holds a postgraduate degree in mass communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Delhi.
As the 2024 US Presidential Elections approach, the potential for a significant impact on India-US relations is clear. The election, set for November 5, will determine whether Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, or Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, will lead the United States. With a growing focus on foreign relations, especially concerning India, the results could influence multiple sectors. During his campaign, Trump indicated a desire to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to the US. However, Modi opted not to meet either candidate, likely to avoid political engagements amid the election season. The historical context…
The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 commenced today, October 15, marking its eighth edition, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the event, Modi also opened the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations. “India has democratised digital technology,” the Prime Minister stated. Modi emphasized that telecommunications in India transcends mere connectivity; it serves as a tool for equity and opportunity. He recalled introducing the Digital India initiative a decade ago, outlining a comprehensive strategy based on four key pillars: reducing device costs, ensuring nationwide digital connectivity,…
The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13, 2021, has completed three years of reshaping India’s infrastructure landscape. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, emphasized how the initiative has revolutionized the coordination and planning of infrastructure projects. The integration of data from more than 44 central ministries and 36 states and union territories has significantly improved the efficiency of project implementation, reduced logistics costs, and bolstered service delivery nationwide. Through this platform, over 200 major infrastructure projects have been evaluated, prioritizing enhanced multimodal connectivity and resource allocation. Furthermore, the PM GatiShakti…
With just a month remaining before the U.S. presidential elections, Sharon D Wright Austin, a political science expert and professor at the University of Florida, believes that relations between India and the U.S. could strengthen if Kamala Harris becomes president. Vice President Harris is running for the presidency on the Democratic Party’s ticket, opposing Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump in the November 5 election. In an email interview with ANI, Professor Austin noted that Harris is likely to gain significant support from female voters, particularly women of color, due to her focus on reproductive rights. Austin described Harris’…
India is preparing to implement facial recognition technology (FRT) for international air travel, with a pilot program scheduled for June 2025, according to Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation. Khadakbhavi noted in a Hindustan Times report, “We are preparing for an international pilot project set for June 2025 between two nations. While we are careful not to overcommit, we are making progress in this area.” Digi Yatra is a mobile application that allows air travelers to securely store their identification and travel documents. The platform employs facial recognition technology to eliminate the need for physical ID checks, thereby enhancing…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are hoping for a future free from “corruption, terrorism, and separatism,” ensuring peace and a brighter future for their children. Speaking at an election rally held at M A M Stadium in support of BJP candidates, the Prime Minister highlighted the historic opportunity for voters in Jammu to shape the next government. Urging voters to seize the moment, Modi encouraged them to choose the BJP. He expressed confidence, stating, “The high voter turnout in the first two phases of the election clearly points towards the BJP securing its…
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s endorsement of India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He stated that the current Security Council, which often operates based on individual interests, struggles to advance effectively. Macron emphasized the importance of reforming the UN to enhance its representativeness, arguing that this is essential for the organization’s effectiveness. Macron reiterated France’s support for expanding the Security Council to include Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil as permanent members, alongside two African nations to represent the continent. India has…
The Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) recently unveiled the nominees for its 2024 awards, with special recognition given to two individuals of Indian descent, Alpesh Chauhan and Jasdeep Singh Degun. Alpesh Chauhan, currently serving as the music director of the Birmingham Opera Company, made his debut in 2015 and garnered attention with the release of his inaugural album featuring Tchaikovsky’s orchestral works in June of the previous year. Collaborating with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Chandos Records, his album received widespread acclaim, earning the title of BBC Music Magazine’s Orchestral Choice of the Month. Hailing from Birmingham, Chauhan has established…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the formal introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the Eiffel Tower, hailing it as a significant stride in the global expansion of UPI. The launch took place during the Republic Day reception in France, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of making UPI a worldwide phenomenon. UPI, India’s mobile-centric payment system, consolidates diverse banking features, facilitating seamless fund transfers and merchant payments. According to the joint statement in 2023, India and France committed to nurturing collaboration for a thriving digital ecosystem, leading to the implementation of UPI in France and Europe. NPCI International Payments…
