Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

The space agency has announced the leadership of the mission called Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path (APEP), led by Aroh Barjatya, which aims to investigate the impact of sudden sunlight reduction on the upper atmosphere. During the annular solar eclipse on October 14, observers will witness a significant decrease in sunlight, resulting in the sun appearing as a bright “ring of fire” as it is partially obscured by the moon. The ionosphere, located approximately 50 miles above the Earth’s surface, experiences a surge in electrical activity during such events, as the sun’s UV rays ionize atoms, creating a layer…

India aims to establish its first privately managed Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) by 2029-30, according to the Chief Executive of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL). This initiative grants the operator full autonomy to trade all stored oil, mirroring the model seen in countries like Japan and South Korea, where private lessees, predominantly oil majors, oversee crude trading. Previously, India allowed only partial commercialization of its existing three SPRs in southern India, with a combined capacity of 36.7 million barrels. The expansion plan entails the construction of two new SPRs: an 18.3-million-barrel cavern in Padur, southern Karnataka state, and a…

The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced on Wednesday the acquisition of its first indigenously designed and developed Crash Fire Tender (CFT), marking a significant milestone in the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities. Manufactured by an Indian MSME firm based in Noida, the CFT delivery comes under a contract valued at Rs 291 crore. Despite challenges posed by disruptions in the global supply chain, the Indian manufacturer ensured the timely delivery of the CFT within 14 months of contract signing, as highlighted by the IAF’s social media post. The IAF’s commitment to supporting indigenous defense manufacturing is underscored by its ongoing efforts…

In the annals of history, the names of exceptional individuals shine like beacons, illuminating paths of inspiration and hope for generations to come. Dr. Kiran Patel, a renowned cardiologist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is undeniably one such luminary, whose life story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and unwavering determination. The Early Years and Entrepreneurial Spirit Born to Indian parents into a world marked by racial segregation in Zambia, Dr. Kiran Patel’s journey began amidst challenges that would shape his resilience and determination. Growing up in an environment where educational opportunities were scarce for non-whites, young Kiran…

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) is gearing up for an expansive Ram Mandir Rath Yatra, slated to commence on March 25th. Embarking from Chicago on the auspicious occasion of ‘Holi’, the yatra is slated to traverse 851 temples across 48 states in the United States, covering a staggering distance of over 8,000 miles (12,800 km) within the span of 60 days. The journey symbolizes the culmination of fervent devotion for millions of Ram devotees, marking a significant milestone with the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Balak Ram on January 22nd. The celebration of this event reverberated worldwide, with elaborate…

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed hope that India would participate in a peace summit organized by Switzerland this summer and contribute to engaging Russia in negotiations. Kuleba, currently visiting New Delhi at the invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, proposed that India could potentially be the first non-Western nation to endorse Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace proposal aimed at resolving the conflict stemming from Russia’s invasion in February 2022. During discussions with Hindustan Times, Kuleba emphasized India’s potential to lead by openly supporting Zelenskyy’s peace formula, highlighting India’s influence, especially in the Global South, and its…

During the US-India Forum on Decarbonising Pathways, Mr. Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, commended India for its significant role in adopting renewable energy. He emphasized the importance of increased cooperation between New Delhi and Washington to combat climate change effectively. Mr. Garcetti stressed the urgent need to implement clean energy solutions to support sustainable economic development and safeguard vulnerable communities. Speaking about the strong partnership between the United States and India, Mr. Garcetti expressed confidence in India’s progress in renewable energy. He emphasized that both developed and developing nations share a collective responsibility in addressing climate change. Drawing…

India has transferred an additional US$ 60 million (INR/Nu 5 billion) to Bhutan for infrastructure development under the GyalSung Project, further solidifying their collaborative efforts. Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela presented the funds to Bhutan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mr. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel. This follows the initial disbursement of US$ 60 million (INR/Nu 5 billion) on January 28, 2024, making it a total of US$ 120 million (INR/Nu 10 billion) provided by India as per the Memorandum of Understanding on concessional financing for the GyalSung Infrastructure Project. Signed in January 2024, the Memorandum of Understanding delineates the disbursement framework…

The latest Brand Finance Insurance 100 2024 report has acknowledged the exceptional performance of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), recognizing it as the foremost insurance brand. LIC maintains a steady brand value of US$ 9.8 billion, coupled with an impressive brand strength index score of 88.3 and an esteemed AAA brand strength rating. Following LIC, Cathay Life Insurance emerges as the second strongest brand, witnessing a 9% growth in brand value to US$ 4.9 billion, while NRMA Insurance experienced an impressive 82% surge in brand value to US$ 1.3 billion. In the fiscal year 2023, LIC achieved remarkable success…

Actress Kangana Ranaut is poised to enter the political arena by contesting the Lok Sabha election from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. The BJP recently unveiled its fifth list of candidates, selecting Kangana, a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to run from her hometown. Born in Bhambla near Manali, situated in Mandi district, Kangana expressed her gratitude and excitement at officially joining the party. Taking to the microblogging site X, Kangana conveyed her feelings of honor and elation, declaring her unwavering support for the BJP and its national leadership’s decision to nominate her…