Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

The University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM) has appointed Dr. Haribabu Bodduluri, Ph.D., as Chair of Microbiology and Immunology. Dr. Bodduluri, who has served as interim chair for the past year, officially assumed the role on November 1. As chair, Dr. Bodduluri will lead the department’s administrative functions, drive faculty recruitment, secure external funding, and ensure LCME accreditation standards are met. A distinguished researcher and educator, he has been instrumental in co-directing the Center for Microbiomics, Inflammation, and Pathogenesis, contributing to research at the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, and holding the prestigious James Graham Brown Foundation Chair…

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled stunning radar satellite images of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Captured by the EOS-04 (RISAT-1A) satellite, these high-resolution visuals detail the event’s vast infrastructure, including tent cities, roads, and pontoon bridges constructed at the Sangam. The satellite’s advanced radar imaging overcame dense cloud cover, offering clear images of the site. Time-series imaging from September 15, 2023, to December 29, 2024, highlighted the progressive development of the venue. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri shared these images on X, calling them “stunning visuals of the Maha Kumbh Mela as seen…

US President Donald Trump has initiated his second term with a controversial executive order, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” aimed at revoking birthright citizenship. This policy, enshrined in the 14th Amendment since 1868, currently ensures that any child born on US soil automatically acquires citizenship, regardless of the parents’ immigration status. The proposed change would exclude children born to non-citizen parents, significantly affecting communities reliant on temporary or immigrant visas. Indian-Americans, one of the largest and fastest-growing immigrant groups in the US, are among those most impacted. With over 5.4 million Indian-Americans in the US, a…

India has signaled its willingness to work with Donald Trump’s administration to repatriate illegal Indian migrants residing in the US. This move, involving around 18,000 identified migrants, is aimed at strengthening ties with the US while safeguarding legal immigration channels such as student visas and the H-1B program. Indian citizens accounted for nearly 75% of H-1B visas granted in 2023. India’s cooperation comes amid Trump’s crackdown on illegal migration and concerns over potential trade conflicts. The Modi government, cautious of unpredictable US actions, hopes its compliance will secure broader labor and mobility agreements with other nations and help address domestic…

Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani met U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday, ahead of his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday. The Ambanis will have a prominent seat at the inauguration, sharing the platform with Trump’s Cabinet nominees, elected officials, and other notable guests. The couple arrived in Washington, D.C., on January 18 and has been participating in pre-inaugural events, including a reception and fireworks display held at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. They are also attending an exclusive candlelight dinner tonight with President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and Usha Vance, among other…

Priyanka Chopra has expressed profound sorrow over the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, California, and has called on people to support relief efforts for the affected victims. Taking to social media on Thursday, Priyanka shared an emotional note accompanied by images of the wildfires. “I love you, LA. My heart feels so heavy. While I’m incredibly thankful for my family’s safety and our home, many friends, colleagues, and fellow Angelenos have suffered tremendous losses. Entire communities have been destroyed, and countless families have been displaced, creating an urgent need for support and rebuilding,” she wrote. Priyanka extended her gratitude to…

India has solidified its position as a global frontrunner in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) as a core business strategy, with 80% of firms prioritizing AI, surpassing the global average of 75%, as per Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) AI Radar global survey. This heightened focus aligns with robust investment plans, with 69% of Indian companies set to increase tech spending in 2025, and nearly one-third allocating over $25 million specifically for AI projects. These investments place India among the top AI spenders worldwide. The report, titled From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap, also emphasizes the critical need for…

In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, BAPS Charities has launched the #SOCALSTRONG Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund to assist affected families. These wildfires have destroyed communities, leaving thousands displaced without access to basic needs like food, clean water, and shelter. To support those impacted, BAPS Charities is actively delivering critical aid, including essential supplies, hygiene products, and monetary support for recovery efforts. The initiative aims to help displaced families and first responders with food, water, and essential items to ease their journey toward rebuilding. Volunteers from BAPS Charities have already distributed vital supplies at relief hubs in…

Senate Democrats have successfully stalled Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation as the director of national intelligence, requesting missing background checks and essential paperwork. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) emphasized the importance of having all required documents before proceeding with the confirmation process, particularly in the sensitive area of national security. According to Wyden, these documents are crucial, although their absence isn’t a headline-grabbing issue. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) acknowledged the delay, attributing it to an administrative issue with the Office of Government Ethics. Barrasso, who supports Gabbard’s nomination, reassured the public that the delay would likely extend to the following week, as he…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed strong optimism about the continued progress of India-US relations, highlighting the solid foundation established by previous administrations and the positive rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to assume office soon. During a press conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Jaishankar highlighted the dynamic growth in India-US ties. “India-US relations have seen remarkable progress across multiple dimensions. Given our track record and the close contacts between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, we are confident that this relationship will continue to thrive. I…