Author: Deepika chandrasekar

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…

The University of Arizona has announced Dr. Sunita Mishra as a recipient of its Alumni of the Year award. A graduate of the College of Medicine – Tucson (Class of 1989 and 1994), Dr. Mishra is recognized for her outstanding contributions to healthcare innovation and leadership. The university will celebrate the award recipients on Feb. 27 at the Student Union Memorial Center Grand Ballroom. Currently serving as the chief medical officer of Amazon Health Services, Dr. Mishra is dedicated to improving accessibility and affordability in healthcare. She has spent over 20 years as a primary care physician, practicing in both…

During the 119th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded ISRO for reaching a remarkable milestone with its 100th rocket launch. On January 29, the GSLV-F15 rocket successfully carried the NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit, marking a significant achievement in India’s space journey. Modi likened the moment to a cricket century, emphasizing that it was not just a number but a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to space exploration. Reflecting on India’s progress in space, the Prime Minister highlighted key missions such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Aditya L1, and the historic feat of deploying 104 satellites in…

Aman Kumar Sharma, Secretary-General of the Association of Traditional Sports and Games, India, has been invited to represent India and the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) at a prestigious United Nations event on sports security. Titled “Securing the Legacy: Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events,” the conference will take place on March 5, 2025, in a hybrid format at the UN Headquarters in New York. Organized by the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism (UNOCT) in partnership with the Permanent Mission of France, the event is part of UNOCT’s Global Programme on Major Sporting Events…