Author: Malavika Subramanyan

An Indian-American student and activist has raised concerns over the content of a Hinduism course offered by the University of Houston, alleging that it promotes “Hinduphobia” and misrepresents India’s political landscape. According to a report by an Indian television channel, the university has acknowledged the concerns raised by the student, Vasant Bhatt, and is currently reviewing them. The course in question, titled Lived Hindu Religion, is an online offering that features weekly video lectures delivered by Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey. Bhatt, who is pursuing a degree in political science at the university, has filed a formal complaint with the Dean…

Bounteous, a global digital transformation consultancy, has announced the appointment of Sudarshan Mandayam as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025. His appointment follows the successful merger of Bounteous and Accolite Digital, marking a new phase of innovation and AI-driven digital transformation for the company. Mandayam brings extensive global leadership experience, having worked in senior roles at Cognizant, Infosys, L&T Infotech, JPMorgan, and Citi. Before this role, he served as President, Americas at Bounteous, where he played a key role in integrating the merged companies and refining their strategic focus. “I am honored to lead Bounteous into…

The US Senate has confirmed Jay Bhattacharya as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford School of Medicine, secured the position with a 53-47 vote in the 119th Congress. US President Donald Trump had previously nominated Bhattacharya for the role, citing his extensive expertise in health policy and economics. Currently a professor at Stanford University, he is also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a senior fellow at multiple Stanford research institutions, including the Hoover Institution. Bhattacharya has played a significant role in public health debates and…

Indian Railways has implemented an advanced AI-based system to safeguard elephants and other wildlife from train collisions. The AI-powered Intrusion Detection System (IDS) utilizes Distributed Acoustic Sensors (DAS) to detect animals on railway tracks and promptly notifies train pilots of their presence, enabling preventive measures. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently addressed the Upper House of Parliament, emphasizing the railway’s commitment to protecting elephants and other wild animals. He detailed the IDS technology, explaining that it includes optical fiber components, hardware, and pre-programmed signatures of elephant-prone areas. The system promptly alerts train pilots, station masters, and control rooms when animals are…

After spending over nine months in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth. Their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was initially planned for just eight days, but unexpected challenges prolonged their stay significantly. Despite spending far more time in space than originally intended, reports confirm that the two astronauts will not receive any overtime pay, sparking public discussion and prompting a response from former President Donald Trump. Unlike employees in other industries, NASA astronauts are considered federal government workers, meaning their salaries follow the General Schedule pay scale. According to NASA regulations,…

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, a pioneering voice in postcolonial theory, feminism, and literary criticism, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Holberg Prize, one of academia’s highest honors. The award recognizes her profound impact on global intellectual discourse, particularly through her analysis of power, marginalization, and representation. A University Professor at Columbia University since 2007, Spivak gained international acclaim with her seminal 1988 essay, Can the Subaltern Speak?, which exposed how marginalized voices—especially subaltern women—are erased within dominant intellectual frameworks. Her work continues to shape discussions on colonialism, gender, and resistance. Spivak’s academic journey began at the University of Calcutta,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Bihar Diwas on Saturday, reaffirming his government’s commitment to the State’s comprehensive development. He acknowledged Bihar’s deep-rooted influence on Indian culture and traditions, emphasizing that every possible effort would be made to ensure its progress. In a message shared on X, Modi described Bihar as a land of remarkable individuals and courageous leaders. He highlighted the State’s immense contribution to India’s historical legacy and praised the dedication and talent of its people, who continue to play a crucial role in shaping its future. Bihar, known for being home to…

Abhishek Kambli, a lawyer of Indian descent, has been appointed by former US President Donald Trump to defend his administration’s controversial application of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The legal battle erupted after the deportation of hundreds of immigrants allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, despite a federal judge’s order to temporarily halt the process. Kambli, who joined the US Department of Justice just a month ago as Deputy Associate Attorney General, has quickly become a central figure in defending the Trump administration’s stance on the matter. Who is Abhishek Kambli? Born in India, Kambli relocated…

Indian American physician Sion Roy has officially launched his campaign for California State Senate, aiming to represent District 24, which includes West Los Angeles and Santa Monica. A seasoned cardiologist and vice chair of the Santa Monica College Board, Roy is stepping up to fill the seat currently held by Sen. Ben Allen, who will be leaving office in 2026 due to term limits. Roy, 44, has made healthcare accessibility, education, and disaster recovery central themes of his campaign. Having lost his family home in the Palisades fire, he understands the challenges faced by local residents. He vows to streamline…

India’s online gaming industry is poised for substantial growth, with forecasts suggesting an increase from $3.7 billion in 2024 to $9.1 billion by 2029, according to a report by WinZO Games and the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council. The findings highlight that Real Money Gaming (RMG) is the dominant force in this sector, generating 85.7% of total revenue, equating to $3.2 billion in 2024. However, by 2029, RMG’s market share is expected to slightly decline to 80% as non-RMG games gain traction. Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to play a crucial role in the sector’s growth, with $3 billion invested…