Author: Malavika Subramanyan

A team of scientists in the U.S., led by Indian-origin astrophysicist Raga Deepika Pucha, has uncovered the largest-ever sample of intermediate-mass black holes and dwarf galaxies hosting an active black hole. The discovery triples existing records and paves the way for deeper research into the link between black hole growth and galaxy evolution. Using early data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), Pucha’s team compiled a dataset featuring 2,500 dwarf galaxies with active black holes, marking a significant jump from past studies. These findings indicate that a higher percentage (2%) of dwarf galaxies host black holes than previously thought…

India’s space regulator and promoter, IN-SPACe, has introduced the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) to boost the commercialization of early-stage space innovations. Designed for startups, MSMEs, and private companies, the fund will help transition space tech ideas into market-ready solutions while reducing reliance on imports. TAF offers partial funding to non-government entities, covering up to 60% of project costs for startups and MSMEs and 40% for larger companies, with a maximum funding cap of $3 million per project, according to IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka. “We aim to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization,” Goenka stated, emphasizing that the fund will…

The integration of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize drug discovery in India, significantly enhancing the country’s position as a global leader in pharmaceutical advancements, according to Dr. Balram Bhargava, Former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Dr. Bhargava made these remarks while addressing the 9th International Symposium on Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research at the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow. Highlighting India’s rich heritage in chemistry, he emphasized that this foundational strength has already made the country a key player in the pharmaceutical industry. “India’s strength in drug…

The City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy (CUNY SPH) has appointed Davinder Kaur as its new director of online learning. With over 15 years of experience in academic administration, Davinder specializes in online education, particularly for adult and non-traditional students. She has worked across various institutions, including research universities, technology-driven schools, public and private colleges, and non-profit organizations, successfully managing diverse student and faculty needs. Her approach integrates data-driven strategies and continuous feedback to enhance student success and faculty development. At CUNY SPH, she aims to reshape online learning by implementing innovative, technology-enhanced…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the commencement of the 2025-26 Budget Session on Friday, declared it the first time since 2014 that India’s Parliament would witness no foreign interference in its affairs. Addressing the media before heading to Parliament, PM Modi referred to it as a significant shift, stating that no foreign forces had attempted to influence India’s domestic policies, especially before previous budget sessions. PM Modi outlined the government’s vision for its third term, focusing on “all-round development” through the guiding principles of innovation, inclusion, and investment. He highlighted these elements as key drivers of the nation’s economic…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ and its accompanying exhibition in Bhubaneswar on January 27, 2025. This marked his second visit to Odisha in January, following his participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 event. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted that the 2025 edition of the conclave was the most significant business summit in the state’s history, with investor participation increasing five to six times compared to previous years. He commended the Odisha government for successfully organizing such a large-scale event. Modi emphasized Eastern India’s crucial role in the nation’s economic growth,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, January 27, advocated for a nationwide debate on the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, emphasizing its significance for India’s democratic framework. He encouraged young citizens to actively participate in the discussions, citing the proposal’s direct impact on their future. PM Modi pointed out that India has faced continuous election cycles since independence, disrupting governance and development. He highlighted that initially, elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha were conducted simultaneously. However, this synchronized pattern eventually broke, posing challenges for the nation’s progress. Addressing the issue, the prime minister explained that holding state and…

The 2025 Padma Awards, one of India’s most esteemed civilian honors, recognized four Indian Americans and one American for their exceptional contributions in various fields. The honorees include Vinod Dham, Ajay Bhatt, Nitin Nohria, Sethuraman Panchanathan, and Stephen Knap. Presented annually on India’s Republic Day, these awards fall into three categories: Padma Vibhushan for extraordinary service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for notable service in any domain. The awards are conferred by India’s President during ceremonies held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March or April. This year, the President has approved 139 awards, including seven…

India’s Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, has announced an ambitious goal of achieving 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030. Speaking at the GI Samagam event in New Delhi, organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and India Today Group, he detailed plans for a coordinated government approach, including the formation of a dedicated committee to ensure effective implementation. Currently, the department has issued 605 GI tags. Highlighting the progress made under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s leadership, Mr. Goyal noted the transformation of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) landscape. Over…

World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende highlighted India’s potential to achieve 7-8% economic growth with strategic reforms in investment, infrastructure, education, and research. Speaking at Davos, Brende praised India’s startup ecosystem, which boasts over 120,000 startups and more than 120 unicorns, as a critical driver of future growth. He also noted India’s role in contributing 20% to global growth in the coming years, underscoring its evolving position as a major economic player. India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 aligns with its progress in digital trade and services, which are expanding three times faster than traditional goods…