Author: Malavika Subramanyan

The Indian government is poised to bestow the Padma Shri, its fourth-highest civilian honor, upon two individuals residing outside India: Kiran Vyas, a France-based Indian-origin yoga teacher, and Ravi Prakash Singh, an agriculture scientist based in Mexico. Kiran Vyas, aged 79, is the founder of the Tapovan Open University of Yoga and Ayurveda in Paris. His decision to settle in France was driven by the goal of popularizing and gaining acceptance for Ayurveda, the “science of life,” in Europe. The Indian embassy in Paris congratulated Vyas on his Padma Shri, acknowledging his impactful journey in education, Ayurveda, sustainable living, and…

Indo-Canadian director Nisha Pahuja’s film, “To Kill a Tiger,” has earned an Oscar nomination for Documentary Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Co-produced by Pahuja’s Notice Pictures and the National Film Board of Canada, the documentary unfolds the narrative of Ranjit, a Jharkhand farmer in India, advocating for justice for his sexually assaulted 13-year-old daughter. In a country where rape is alarmingly frequent, with conviction rates below 30%, Ranjit’s unprecedented decision to support his daughter sets a remarkable story in motion. Pahuja expressed her excitement about the Oscar nomination, acknowledging the honor for the creative team and underscoring the…

The City of London Corporation has recently granted the Freedom of the City of London Award to Ajit Mishra, a distinguished legal practitioner and founder of the UK-India Legal Partnership. The honor recognizes Mishra’s significant contributions to strengthening the business ties between London and India. Nominated by Chris Hayword and Shravan Joshi, Mishra’s efforts in uniting key business stakeholders in the UK and Indian markets have been commended for enhancing the relationship between the two nations. Ajit Mishra, a dual-qualified lawyer and British solicitor, boasts a notable career as a senior partner in various leading Indian and international law firms,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon his return from presiding over the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, revealed the government’s new initiative, the ‘Pradhanmantri Surydaya Yojana.’ This project aims to generate electricity through solar energy, with Modi expressing his strengthened resolve to provide Indians with solar rooftop systems on their houses. Through this initiative, the government targets installing rooftop solar on ten million houses, not only reducing electricity bills for the poor and middle class but also enhancing India’s self-reliance in the energy sector. Modi shared his commitment on social media, posting pictures of discussions with officials about…

Nikki Haley, an Indian American Republican presidential candidate, has reiterated her belief that America, founded on equality, was not inherently racist. Responding to questions about her statement that America has “never been a racist country,” Haley acknowledged historical flaws but emphasized the nation’s intent to do right. Sharing her personal experiences of racism growing up in South Carolina, she rejects the notion of labeling the entire country as racist, asserting it diminishes opportunities for brown and Black children. Haley, the first female minority governor, stresses America’s imperfections but advocates for progress and unity. Critiquing both Trump and Biden, Haley questions…

Hagerty, a US-based automotive lifestyle and membership company, has named Arjun H. Chowdri as its senior vice president of membership and retention. In this role, Chowdri will oversee the global membership programs, including the world’s largest paid car club, the driver’s club, boasting over 800,000 members. Additionally, Chowdri will be in charge of Hagerty’s garage and social business, which comprises five premium car storage and clubhouse locations across the US and Canada. Paul Rehrig, president of Hagerty media, marketing, and membership, emphasized Chowdri’s extensive experience, notably his previous role at the PGA of America, making him the ideal executive for…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, where he was greeted by a massive crowd lining his route. Expressing gratitude, the Prime Minister waved to the enthusiastic onlookers from his vehicle. Following the warm welcome, Modi proceeded to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, India’s largest temple compound dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This historic temple, constructed during the Vijayanagara period, is revered as one of the world’s most significant religious complexes. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, often referred to as the abode of Lord Ranganatha, holds immense spiritual importance. The Chief Priest, Sundar Bhattar, extended a special welcome to the Prime Minister,…

Amit Gupta has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for TiE Global in 2024. Hailing from Singapore, Gupta, an experienced entrepreneur and impact investor, is the Group CEO and Founder of Ecosystm Group. Alongside his role, he actively engages in angel investing and co-chairs the MIIM Blended Finance Fund, emphasizing support for women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and sustainability in Indonesia and India. Gupta aims to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and positive change as the global chair of TiE. Murali Bukkapatnam, the founder and CEO of Volksy Technologies, has been named Vice Chairman. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Bukkapatnam has…

India achieved a significant milestone at the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos by establishing the “Global Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality.” The announcement, made in the presence of Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, saw the participation of India’s Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Hardeep Puri during a gathering of prominent Indian businessmen hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This alliance aims to advance women’s empowerment and gender equality globally by consolidating best practices, facilitating knowledge sharing, and attracting investments in women’s education, health,…

The 2024 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK have honored nine outstanding scientists, distributing a total of £480,000 (US$608,000). Notably, three Indian scientists—Rahul R. Nair, Mehul Malik, and Tanmay Bharat—are among the laureates. Rahul R. Nair, a materials physicist at The University of Manchester, will receive £100,000 (US$127,000) for his pioneering work on novel membranes using two-dimensional materials, addressing challenges in water filtration and separation technologies. Mehul Malik, a quantum physicist at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, is set to receive £30,000 (US$38,000) for his contributions to quantum internet, promising unparalleled information security and laying the groundwork for high-capacity…