Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially submitted his nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday morning. This came after an extravagant six-kilometer roadshow the previous evening, accompanied by senior leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. Among those present were BJP President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Key alliance partners in attendance included Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary, Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (Sonelal) head Anupriya Patel, and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party…

The revered Himalayan shrines, including Badrinath Dham, Kedarnath Dham, and Gangotri Dham, are gearing up to welcome pilgrims as the Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage begins. Scheduled openings: Badrinath Dham on May 12, Kedarnath Dham on May 10, and Gangotri Dham on Akshaya Tritiya. Gangotri Temple, perched amidst snow-capped peaks, stands tall with its intricate carvings on white granite. Encircled by the Himalayas, Gangotri experiences heavy snowfall from December to March. The Char Dham Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Hinduism, covers Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, attracting devotees seeking spiritual solace. It typically occurs from April/May to October/November, contingent on…

The latest posters for the upcoming movie ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, were unveiled on May 8 by Dharma Productions and the lead actors themselves. Directed by Sharan Sharma, the film centers around the intricacies of a cricket-loving couple’s relationship, portraying an imperfectly perfect partnership. Originally scheduled for an April release, the film, produced by Karan Johar, Zee Studios, Hiroo Yash Johar, and Apoorva Mehta, will now hit theaters on May 31, 2024, just a day before the commencement of the T20 World Cup in the United States. In their announcement on X, Dharma Movies…

The second round of consultations on security and defense between the European Union and India took place in New Delhi. During the discussions, both parties exchanged views on various international and regional issues, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, developments in South Asia, and the Middle East. On May 6, the consultations also focused on recent developments in security and defense policies. The EU provided updates on the progress of implementing the EU’s Strategic Compass and the Indo-Pacific Strategy, along with initiatives such as the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and new EU operations like the EUNAVFOR Aspides. Additionally, there was…

Ashwin Ramaswami, a 24-year-old first-generation Indian-American, is making history as the inaugural Gen Z candidate from his demographic to vie for a seat in a US State legislature, specifically in Georgia’s District 48 Senate. His fundraising efforts have garnered considerable attention, having amassed over $280,000 in campaign contributions, a substantial sum particularly noteworthy at the state level. In contrast, his opponent Shawn Still trails significantly, having raised a mere $6,400. Ramaswami’s campaign disclosed the latest figures from the public campaign finance report, revealing a total fundraising tally exceeding $280,000, with $208,000 in available cash reserves. This financial support reflects the…

The BJP is likely to achieve its strongest performance in West Bengal yet, with a significant rise in vote share and potential seat wins. Over the years, the state’s political landscape has shifted from Congress to Communists and eventually to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). However, the BJP’s consistent growth, especially in the past three elections, signals its emergence as a major player. The demographic composition of West Bengal, with significant Muslim, Dalit, and tribal populations, has influenced electoral dynamics. Historically, these groups formed a stronghold for the Left parties but have seen a shift in allegiance towards the TMC and,…

In the lead-up to this year’s Indian election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen mingling with prominent figures from the social media sphere like BeerBiceps and Curly Tales at an awards event in Delhi, highlighting the increasing influence of digital personalities. This recognition of influencers underscores their potential to sway the opinions of young, disengaged, and disillusioned voters, a role that was previously unforeseen. While some hail social media for democratizing information sharing, others caution against its pitfalls, where authenticity can be compromised for financial gain. The emergence of “influencer” as a viable profession, according to Vinay Deshpande of Rajneethi,…

Richa Chadha, an established actress and producer, reflects on her journey in Bollywood, challenging norms and stereotypes. Despite past mistakes, she’s resilient and passionate about her craft, as evidenced by her recent roles in “Heeramandi” and “Girls Will Be Girls.” Chadha’s authenticity shines through, contrasting with what she perceives as the industry’s tendency toward superficiality, especially in older male actors’ fashion choices. She looks forward to future collaborations with her husband, Ali Fazal, in their production ventures. Anushka Sen, the lead in “Dil Dosti Dilemma,” embodies a mature perspective despite her young age. Playing Asmara, she navigates the clash of…

Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams is gearing up for her third journey to the international space station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, scheduled for May 6. Alongside astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, Williams will embark on the first piloted flight of Starliner, launching atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket at 10:34 pm EDT. Upon a successful launch, they are anticipated to dock at the space station on May 8, with a return to Earth planned for May 15 or shortly after. NASA intends to commence operational Starliner crew rotation flights in 2025, alternating with SpaceX launches. Williams and Wilmore, both…

Neetu Kapoor took to social media to honor her late husband, Rishi Kapoor, on the fourth anniversary of his passing. The beloved actor, known for roles in films like ‘102 Not Out,’ lost his battle with cancer in 2020. Sharing a poignant picture of them together, Neetu Kapoor penned a heartfelt message, reflecting on the enduring void left by Rishi’s absence. Her post evoked an outpouring of love and support from fans, grateful for the glimpse into their cherished memories. Their daughter, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, also paid tribute to her father with a touching message, emphasizing the enduring presence of…