Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Harvard University has selected Abraham Verghese—bestselling author, Stanford professor, and renowned physician—as the principal speaker for its 374th Commencement ceremony on May 29. Verghese, known for his contributions to medical humanities and patient-centered care, will also receive an honorary degree during the event. A professor in Stanford’s Department of Medicine, Verghese has dedicated his career to enhancing the physician-patient relationship. He founded Presence, a Stanford center focused on the human experience in medicine, and the Stanford Medicine 25, an initiative emphasizing bedside diagnostic skills. His teaching stresses the importance of empathy and human connection in healthcare. Harvard President Alan M.…

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont concluded a week-long economic development mission to India on March 1, visiting Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai to strengthen business relationships and attract Indian investments to the state. The high-profile delegation, co-led by former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, engaged with key industry figures, government representatives, and investors to expand trade ties, foster new investments, and enhance academic collaborations. The mission was organized by AdvanceCT, Connecticut’s economic development organization. In Chennai, the delegation attended VentureClash India, a pitch event hosted by Connecticut Innovations at IITM Research Park, connecting Indian startups with Connecticut’s business ecosystem. A Memorandum of Understanding…

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team donned black armbands during their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal clash against Australia on Tuesday as a tribute to legendary left-arm spinner Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away on Monday at the age of 84. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed this gesture of respect through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In honour of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is wearing black armbands today.” Shivalkar was a giant in Indian domestic cricket, widely recognized for his extraordinary skill and commitment to the sport. He was a dominant force…

The 97th Academy Awards were not just a celebration of cinema but also a showcase of high fashion, with Indian designers making a strong impression on the red carpet and at after-parties. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, turned heads in a striking red saree by Sabyasachi, pairing it with an exquisite statement necklace and earrings from Sabyasachi High Jewellery. Adding to the presence of Indian couture at the event, Thai singer and actress Lalisa Manoban wore a sleek black tonal leotard from Rahul Mishra’s Spring Couture 2025 collection, ‘Gaian Genesis,’ during her Oscars performance. Filmmaker Karan Johar also made…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the growing partnership between India and the European Union, describing it as a natural and strategic alliance. He expressed optimism that a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the EU could be finalized by the end of the year, marking a major step in economic collaboration. Speaking at Hyderabad House alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, PM Modi emphasized that discussions had been meaningful and productive. He noted that both sides have directed their teams to work on an FTA that will benefit both regions and aim for its completion by…

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, has urged businesses to prioritize competitiveness and innovation instead of depending on government aid. Speaking at an IMC Chamber of Commerce event, he questioned the industry’s reliance on subsidies, high import tariffs, and protectionist policies, stating that such short-term measures cannot drive sustainable economic growth. He referenced Mr. Michael Porter’s theories on competitive advantage, highlighting the need for businesses to embrace innovation, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and invest in workforce development to secure India’s global standing. He stressed that without a strong competitive edge, India’s ambition to become a developed nation and…

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, 300 members of United Senior Pariwar in Chicago gathered at Swaminarayan Mandir, Wheeling, IL, to celebrate Maha Shivratri and Valentine’s Day, along with an insightful health seminar by Dr. Ashish Patel. The event began with a serene prayer session led by Mrs. Jyotsna Chokshi, who sang devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dr. Ashish Patel and President Ramesh Chokshi performed the traditional deep pragtya, while Vice President Prof. Rohit Joshi led the chanting of sacred verses. A soulful bhajan honoring Lord Shiva was sung by Mrs. Meena Patel. To express gratitude, Vice President Joshi presented…

Indian American scientist Rhina Kaur, a researcher at Howard University College of Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Next Gen Leadership Award by the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT). The award recognizes early-career scientists who show exceptional promise in genomics and related fields. Kaur’s research focuses on methylation dysregulation and imprinting disorders—key areas in understanding how genetic modifications influence gene expression and disease development. As part of her award, she will present her work at the AGBT General Meeting, one of the world’s leading genomics conferences, which fosters collaboration and professional growth among emerging scientists. The 2025…

Australia has unveiled a strategic plan to deepen and diversify its economic relationship with India by launching the Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund. As part of this initiative, Canberra is investing $16 million to strengthen collaboration in key sectors such as clean energy, education, agribusiness, and tourism. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized India’s crucial role in expanding trade partnerships to enhance national prosperity. He described the roadmap as a pivotal step in unlocking the full potential of the Australia-India economic alliance, benefiting businesses, job creation, and overall economic growth. The newly introduced strategy outlines nearly 50 targeted opportunities…

Kash Patel, who recently assumed the role of FBI Director, has now been sworn in as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This development, confirmed by a source familiar with the matter, places Patel in charge of two major Justice Department agencies. The ceremony took place at ATF headquarters just days after his FBI appointment. However, it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will officially nominate him for the ATF role or if this is a temporary assignment. Both the Justice Department and the White House have yet to comment on the administration’s…