Author: Jyotsna Narayanswamy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the fourth edition of the Kashi–Tamil Sangamam as a significant milestone in India’s cultural and civilizational journey. Addressing the event on December 2, he said the initiative has “deepened the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” connecting the vibrant traditions of Tamil Nadu with the spiritual legacy of Kashi. This year’s edition of the Sangamam, which will continue until December 15, builds on an idea first introduced in 2022 — reviving historical bonds between the Tamil-speaking region and India’s oldest living city, Varanasi. Modi noted that such efforts strengthen national unity by encouraging citizens to…

The United States and India are actively working toward a trade agreement, according to USTR Jamieson Greer. Speaking at the Economic Club of New York, Greer described India’s approach in the negotiations as pragmatic and constructive, emphasizing that both nations are seeking a mutually beneficial deal. Greer addressed the recently discussed 25% tariffs imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil. He stressed that the United States is not attempting to dictate policies to a sovereign nation, but rather encouraging alignment with broader international objectives. Greer noted that India has demonstrated an understanding of the US goal to end…

In a major stride toward enhancing India’s maritime strength and economic self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala on Friday. Developed at a cost of approximately $1.07 billion, the port is set to become a key hub for global cargo movement and a pivotal player in the country’s trade infrastructure. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other dignitaries joined the Prime Minister during the high-profile launch. Highlighting the project’s significance, PM Modi referred to the seaport as a “milestone for India’s maritime capability” and emphasized the transformative impact it will have on…

Indian American professor Usha Iyer has been named the incoming director of Stanford University’s Center for South Asia for the 2025–26 academic year. An associate professor of film and media studies, Iyer is known for her expertise in cinema, gender, and performance, particularly in the context of the Global South. Her acclaimed book Dancing Women: Choreographing Corporeal Histories of Hindi Cinema delves into gender, stardom, and spectacle in Hindi film, linking South Asian cultural narratives with broader global discourses on race, caste, and sexuality. Her upcoming book, Jammin’, examines the emotional and cultural connections between Caribbean audiences and Indian cinema,…

 Aryaman Varma, an 18-year-old leg-spinner and captain of Eton College’s First XI, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year title. Aryaman delivered an outstanding performance in the 2024 season, claiming 51 wickets at an average slightly above 12 and contributing over 300 runs with the bat. His name now joins an elite list of past winners like Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. Originally born in London, Aryaman spent his early childhood in Mumbai, where he and his brother Aarav nurtured their love for cricket. Their family hails from Delhi, and his father, Munish Varma, is…

On April 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly received US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance and their three children, at his official residence in New Delhi. The meeting marked a key moment in advancing diplomatic relations and deepening strategic collaboration between India and the United States. The two leaders acknowledged a remarkable headway in ongoing discussions regarding a potential bilateral trade agreement. Emphasizing shared prosperity, both Modi and Vance agreed that the deal would aim to deliver meaningful economic benefits to citizens in both nations. Beyond trade, their dialogue covered a broader framework of collaboration,…

Chapter, a Medicare-focused advisory start-up co-founded by former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, has raised an impressive $75 million in a new funding round, pushing the company’s valuation to $1.5 billion. The investment was led by private equity and venture capital firm Stripes, reflecting growing confidence in Chapter’s client-first model. The start-up aims to assist seniors in selecting Medicare health plans based on their preferred doctors, hospitals, and prescription drug coverage. Unlike traditional Medicare insurance brokers, Chapter prioritizes the needs of its users over insurer profits, a strategy that has helped it stand out in a competitive field. This consumer-centric…

Georgia Southern University has named Dr. Avinandan (Avi) Mukherjee as its next provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, with his tenure set to begin on July 1. With over 16 years of advancing leadership roles in higher education, Dr. Mukherjee is known for his global academic impact and strategic vision. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held vital academic leadership roles, including provost, chief academic officer at a public research institution, dean at two AACSB-accredited business schools, and head of a marketing department. His teaching portfolio spans undergraduate to doctoral programs, including MBAs and executive MBAs, across the…

 Washington State University (WSU) has announced Dr. Partha Pande as the new dean of the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, starting April 16. His selection followed a national search for a leader capable of building on the college’s tradition of academic and research excellence. Dr. Pande, who joined WSU in 2005, has been serving as interim dean since February 2024. Over the years, he has shown exceptional leadership in advancing technological innovation, supporting student development, and strengthening ties with industry partners. Reflecting on his new role, Pande said, “Voiland College faculty and students are actively solving society’s biggest challenges…

The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) has named Indian American business executive Smriti Kirubanandan as a fellow for her notable social impact in the United States. Established in 1754, the RSA is renowned for honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to social progress and development, awarding fellowships to those whose work has had a remarkable social influence Alongside her position as a growth and partnerships executive with expertise in robotics and public health, Kirubanandan has actively engaged in serving communities as a raw vegan chef and nutritionist, working towards addressing food insecurity. She also founded the HLTH Forward Podcast, a…