Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Rijul Maini, a 24-year-old medical student and model from Michigan, achieved the title of Miss India USA 2023 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey. The event also crowned Sneha Nambiar as Mrs India USA and Saloni Rammohan as Miss Teen India USA. This marks the 41st anniversary of the pageant, the longest-running Indian pageant outside of India, initiated by Dharmatma and Neelam Saran under ‘Worldwide Pageants.’ Maini, aspiring to be a surgeon, aims to serve as a role model for women globally. Greeshma Bhat (Virginia) and Ishita Pai Raikar (North Carolina) were declared first and second runners-up, respectively.…

A team of researchers from Pennsylvania State University, led by Suvrath Mahadevan of Indian descent, has identified a planet beyond our solar system that challenges conventional wisdom. This newfound celestial body, named LHS 3154b, defies expectations by being excessively massive in relation to its host star. With a size equivalent to 13 Earth masses, its discovery prompts a reassessment of existing theories on planetary formation. LHS 3154b’s distinctiveness arises from its proximity to an ultracool dwarf star, marking the first instance of such a massive planet orbiting a low-mass star. Mahadevan highlighted the significance of this discovery, emphasizing the limited…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again achieved the highest global leader approval rating, securing an impressive 76 percent in a survey conducted by Morning Consult, a US-based consultancy firm. The ‘Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker’ indicates that 76 percent of Indians approve of PM Modi’s leadership, while 18 percent disapprove, with 6 percent withholding an opinion. These ratings, collected from November 29 to December 5, 2023, serve as a substantial boost for Modi and the BJP, especially as they approach the general elections in 2024, seeking a third consecutive term. Morning Consult calculates approval ratings based on a seven-day…

Professor Brajesh Singh, an Australian-based microbiology expert of Indian descent, has been bestowed with the 2023 Dorothy Jones Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to microbiology. This prestigious accolade acknowledges his significant role in advancing our understanding of terrestrial life and preserving the global ecosystem. The award ceremony took place at the BMA House in London last month, highlighting the international recognition of Singh’s achievements. As a renowned specialist in microbial functional ecology at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, located within Western Sydney University, Singh’s pioneering work goes beyond the laboratory. His research delves into crucial global challenges, such as…

Ravi Bishnoi’s stellar performance in India’s 4-1 T20I series win against Australia propels him to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, surpassing Rashid Khan. The leg-spinner’s remarkable rise includes nine wickets in five matches, securing the number one spot with 699 ratings points. Bishnoi, since his T20I debut in February 2022, has consistently taken 34 wickets in 21 matches, contributing to his meteoric ascent. Among bowlers, Axar Patel makes a significant jump to 11th place, Mukesh Kumar climbs 45 slots to 104th, Avesh Khan rockets 125 places to 176th, and Australia’s Aaron Hardie ascends 341…

Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) achieves global recognition, securing the second position among solar PV developers, according to the Annual Global Report by Mercom Capital Group. The report, covering July 2022 to June 2023, highlights AGEL’s substantial contribution to the renewable energy sector. AGEL, with an impressive 18.1 GW of total solar capacity, closely follows France-based TotalEnergies, ranked first with 41.3 GW. Canada-based Brookfield Renewable Partners claims the third spot with 18 GW. AGEL’s notable position underscores its significant impact on the global solar energy landscape. The top 10 global solar developers, collectively contributing 145 GW to operational, under-construction, and…

Krystle Kaul, a national security expert of Kashmiri origin, has announced her candidacy for the US House of Representatives from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Her campaign, rooted in the Democratic Party, prioritizes key issues like public safety, education, and healthcare. If successful in the 2024 elections, Kaul would be the second Indian-American woman in the House of Representatives, following Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Notably, Susheela Jayapal, Pramila’s sister, has also entered the race for Congress from Oregon’s third Congressional District. Fluent in eight languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Dari, Urdu, and Arabic, Kaul is the first Kashmiri-origin individual to run for Congress.…

S&P Global Ratings has projected India’s growth rate for the fiscal year 2023-24 to be 6.4%, a slight dip from the previous year’s 7.2%. The agency expects this growth to continue at 6.4% in the following fiscal year (2024-25), rising to 6.9% in the subsequent year and further increasing to 7% in 2026-27. The rating agency envisions India becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, forecasting it to be the fastest-growing major economy in the next three years. The shift from a service-oriented economy to a manufacturing-focused one is contingent on establishing a robust logistics framework. Harnessing the potential of…

Dr. Agimol Pradeep, of Indian origin and a liver transplant coordinator at King’s College Hospital, has been acknowledged by the prestigious Health Services Journal (HSJ) for her innovative campaign efforts aimed at improving the lives of healthcare professionals. Her notable achievements include winning the award for “Workforce Initiative of the Year” and receiving high commendation in the “NHS Race Equality Award” category, according to a media release from King’s College Hospital. In the UK healthcare system, persistent challenges such as nursing workforce shortages and ethical recruitment have been prevalent. Despite these challenges, thousands of internationally educated nurses have worked as…

Bill Gates has commended Indian-American author Siddhartha Mukherjee as a prominent science writer, particularly praising Mukherjee’s latest work, “The Song of the Cell.” Gates reflects on his early disinterest in biology during high school, suggesting that Mukherjee’s enlightening book could have sparked his passion for the subject at an earlier age. “The Song of the Cell” delves into the intricate world of cellular biology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cells and their crucial role in health and disease. Mukherjee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and practicing oncologist, passionately explores the evolution of life, connecting cellular dysfunction to various illnesses and consequences of…