Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Rajendra Apte, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award. The award was given at the 26th annual ceremony, held on April 21 at 5:00 p.m. in Steinberg Auditorium on the Danforth Campus. The Graduate Student Senate has organized this event for 25 years to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to students through mentorship, teaching, and service. The Graduate and Professional Student Council hosts the ceremony. Dr. Apte shared his appreciation, stating, “Mentoring students, residents, research and clinical fellows,…

VTDigger has announced Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, accomplished author, and academic leader Geeta Anand as its new editor-in-chief, effective July 1. This marks a pivotal moment for independent journalism in Vermont, according to CEO Sky Barsch, who hailed Anand’s appointment as a powerful step toward shaping the future of public-interest reporting in the state. Anand, who previously headed the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, brings close to three decades of journalism experience to her new position. She will oversee a team of over 20 reporters at VTDigger, steering the newsroom toward bold investigative projects and deeper…

 Siv Panicker, an Indian American entrepreneur, has been chosen as a trustee for the Village of Plainfield, Illinois. He will now join the village president on the governing board. His election marks a meaningful step for community representation in a region where Indian Americans are still a minority. Panicker, who has called Plainfield home for the past eight years, shared with the Times of India that his decision to run stemmed from a genuine desire to serve. “I care deeply about Plainfield and its people,” he said, noting his past involvement with political groups and campaign work. As someone from…

Amidst the echo of Vedic hymns and chants of “Hara Hara Sankara, Jaya Jaya Sankara,” Sri Satya Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi was formally consecrated as the 71st Acharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam on April 30, coinciding with the sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya in Kancheepuram. The induction was led by the current pontiff, Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi, who performed the traditional Sanyasa Deeksha Samaroh. During the ceremony, the sacred tandam (spiritual staff) was handed over at the Ganga Theertham within the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam, signifying the formal spiritual succession. Following the anointment, devotees gathered along the streets to welcome both…

In a decisive move following the devastating terrorist strike in Pahalgam, which took the lives of 26 civilians including one from Nepal, the Indian government has overhauled the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Alok Joshi, who formerly led the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), now chairs the restructured board. Joining him are six newly inducted members with extensive experience in military, diplomatic, and law enforcement roles. The new members include retired Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, ex-Lieutenant General A.K. Singh, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna. Representing the Indian Police Service are Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh, both retired officers. Diplomatic…

India is intensifying its defense capabilities following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. The Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have launched significant drills, reflecting the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The Indian Navy’s INS Surat, a guided missile destroyer, successfully tested a medium-range surface-to-air missile, with an impressive range of approximately 70 km. This achievement highlights India’s growing self-reliance in military technology. The Navy’s successful missile engagement demonstrates its ability to defend national maritime interests and strengthen its defense capabilities. At the same time, the IAF…

Rising actress Imanvi, who stars opposite Prabhas in director Hanu Raghavapudi’s upcoming Telugu film, took to Instagram to share a deeply personal message. She strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, mourning the loss of lives and offering deep condolences to the bereaved. “My heart breaks for the victims and their loved ones,” she expressed. “I strongly condemn this needless violence and dream of a world where art unites, not divides.” Addressing a wave of online misinformation, Imanvi strongly denied any connection between her family and the Pakistani military. She denounced the rumors as damaging lies, calling out social…

The spiritual journey of Char Dham Yatra 2025 is set to begin this May, following the Uttarakhand government’s official announcement of opening dates for the sacred Himalayan shrines—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. This annual pilgrimage continues to inspire faith among millions across India and around the globe, marking a major event in contemporary Hindu tradition. To manage the anticipated surge in pilgrim numbers, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has initiated both online and offline registration processes. Devotees can complete their registration on the official Char Dham website (https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/) or through the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app, which is available…

 In response to the devastating terror attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, which claimed multiple civilian lives on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a high-level security review at the site on Wednesday. Arriving by helicopter, Shah surveyed the violence-struck region from the air before walking the grounds under tight security. The attack, one of the gravest in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has triggered a state of high alert across the valley. Though the official death toll has not been confirmed, the assault—targeting tourists in the scenic meadow—has drawn widespread condemnation. Before arriving…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following a meeting with visiting United States Vice President J.D. Vance on Monday, emphasized that the strategic relationship between India and the US will play a pivotal role in shaping the 21st century. Sharing his thoughts on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi posted, “Pleased to welcome US VP JD Vance and his family in New Delhi. We reviewed the fast-paced progress following my visit to the US and meeting with President Trump. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges.” He further added, “India-US Comprehensive Global…