Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Vivek Ramaswamy responded candidly to an Iowa caucusgoer’s query regarding the possibility of inviting former president Donald Trump as his running mate if he secures the Republican presidential nomination. At a recent Iowa campaign event, the Indian-American candidate deemed it a “reasonable choice” and shared the interaction on X, acknowledging it as the fourth instance of such a question in two weeks. Addressing the voter’s inquiry, Ramaswamy expressed the sensitivity of the prospect, emphasizing Trump’s senior and mentor-like role despite their age difference. He acknowledged the former president’s age, stating, “He is going to be in his 80s,” and suggested…

The crew members, including Indians, expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for rescuing them from the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk off Somalia’s coast. In a video shared by the Navy, the rescued crew chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and praised the Indian Navy, highlighting their relief after being stuck for 24 hours. The marine commandos successfully evacuated 21 crew members, 15 of whom were Indians, in a swift operation in the North Arabian Sea, foiling armed pirates’ hijack attempt on January 6, 2024. The Indian Navy’s prompt response and warning likely thwarted the hijacking attempt, as confirmed by the…

California State University, Long Beach, has introduced a new endowed chair of Jain Studies within the Department of Religious Studies, allowing students to delve into the intricacies of Jainism. Dr. Shivani Bothra has been appointed as the assistant professor and the Bhagwan Suvidhinath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies, marking a significant development for the university. Expressing her thoughts on the appointment, Bothra emphasized the Department of Religious Studies’ acknowledgment of Jainism’s profound impact on the study of religions. She highlighted Jainism’s unique philosophy, emphasizing the unity of humanity and the crucial importance of harmonious coexistence among all beings. Bothra, who…

In an article titled “Bharat Narrative,” China’s state-controlled Global Times, authored by Zhang Jiadong, Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, Shanghai, praises India’s economic policies and diplomatic achievements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past four years. The article acknowledges India’s robust economic growth, improvements in urban governance, and a notable shift in attitude towards international relations, particularly with China. It highlights India’s evolving stance on the trade imbalance issue, with a new emphasis on India’s export potential. Moreover, the piece commends India’s proactive approach in shaping a “Bharat narrative,” showcasing the nation’s…

The upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, has prompted a meeting chaired by the Lucknow Joint Commissioner of Police. During the gathering, discussions revolved around alternative routes and security arrangements for the event, with a focus on ensuring a smooth journey to Ayodhya. Presently, the primary route to Ayodhya is through Kamta to Chinhat Matiyari via Barabanki, but the utilization of the alternative Sultanpur route has declined. In response, efforts are being made to raise awareness about these alternative routes, as stated by Upendra Kumar Agarwal, Lucknow Joint Commissioner of Police. Simultaneously, security…

Nikesh Arora, CEO and chairman of Palo Alto Networks Inc., boasting a net worth of $1.5 billion, recently made an entry into the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Education and Early Life Born on February 9, 1968, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Arora, an Indian-American business executive, investor, and entrepreneur, completed his schooling at The Air Force School. He pursued Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, BHU, Varanasi, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northeastern University and a Master of Science (MS) in Finance from Boston College. Professional Journey Kicking off his career in 1992 at Fidelity Investments,…

On January 22, Ayodhya will witness the Pran Pratishtha or consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, boasting a guest list meticulously curated to include representatives from over 150 communities across the country. Regarded as the second “Ram Mandir Andolan” by the Sangh Parivar, this event aims to unite Hindu society, transcending caste divisions. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar highlights the inclusivity of the guest list, spanning saints from Dalit and tribal communities, individuals from impoverished families who contributed to the temple fund, and those involved in its construction. The extensive list, featuring 4,000 saints and 2,500 eminent persons,…

On January 1, Professor Ved Prakash Nanda, a distinguished Indian American legal scholar, passed away. Renowned for his contributions to literature and education, he had been honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed their condolences on his demise. Professor Nanda, serving as a Distinguished University Professor and Thompson G. Marsh Professor of Law at the University of Denver, Colorado, founded the International Legal Studies Program in 1972. The Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law, established in his honor, reflected…

The Shah Happiness Foundation, a non-profit founded by Indian American couple Manu and Rika Shah, is set to establish the Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness at Chapman University’s George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics. This philanthropic initiative aims to advance research, education, and innovation where low-tech industries intersect with high-tech thinking. The Shah Family Endowed Chair will play a pivotal role in nurturing innovative thinking through a specialized full-semester course titled “Creativity and Innovation — Corporate Entrepreneurship.” Additionally, the endowed chair will actively engage in research and service activities, focusing on applying high-tech thinking to traditionally low-tech…

In the midst of political discourse surrounding the January 22 inauguration of the Ram Temple, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam expressed that those declining the invitation to the grand event are unfortunate. Responding to comments by Karnataka minister Dasharathaiah Sudhakar, who accused the BJP of exploiting the event for electoral gains, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah affirmed support for the temple, emphasizing their favorable stance. Acharya Pramod criticized the unfortunate politicization of the event, stating that such negativity contradicts the democratic spirit. He highlighted the need for constructive opposition rather than animosity towards Prime Minister Modi. He argued against opposition leaders…