Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

During his election campaign, US President Donald Trump emphasized large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants, and since taking office, ICE arrests have significantly increased. His administration has also removed restrictions that previously prevented ICE from operating in places like schools, churches, and hospitals. Amid growing concerns, Indian American influencer Vidya Gopalan shared on TikTok that, despite being a US citizen, she always carries her passport and advises her family to do the same, particularly due to their accents. Axios reported that a lawyer also recommended her children, who hold US passports, keep them on hand because their Nigerian last names might…

The Maha Kumbh Mela authorities are preparing to set four Guinness World Records through large-scale events aimed at cleanliness, sustainability, and community participation. The first attempt, scheduled for February 14, will see 15,000 sanitation workers collectively cleaning the ghats, surpassing the previous record set in Kumbh 2019 when 10,000 workers participated in a similar effort. This initiative will allow India to break its own record in sanitation efforts. The second record-breaking event, set for February 15, will involve over 300 volunteers cleaning the water stream at Sangam, marking a new Guinness World Record. On February 16, a fleet of 1,000…

India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector recorded a 10.6% sales growth in the October-December quarter of 2024, primarily due to strong rural demand and rising prices of essential products like wheat and edible oil, according to NielsenIQ’s latest update. Despite inflationary pressures leading to a 3.3% average price increase, overall sales volume grew by 7.1%, highlighting continued consumer demand. The festive season also played a crucial role in driving purchases, with smaller and local businesses outperforming major FMCG brands by maintaining steady volume growth. Rural regions spearheaded this expansion, with sales volume climbing 9.9% during the December quarter—an increase of…

Inogen, Inc., a leader in medical technology known for its innovative homecare respiratory products, has announced the addition of Mira Kirti Sahney to its Board of Directors, effective January 31, 2025. This decision follows the retirement of Tom West, who had been serving on the board since April 2023, with his departure on January 30, 2025. “I’m truly honored to join Inogen’s Board during such a transformative period for the company,” stated Mira Sahney. “I’m eager to contribute to Inogen’s efforts in delivering exceptional value to shareholders and cutting-edge solutions to our patients.” As part of her new role, Sahney…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday, where he took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Arriving by boat from Arail Ghat, he was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Dressed in a saffron jacket and blue trackpants, with rudraksh beads in his hands, Modi immersed himself in the spiritual atmosphere, performing the ritual with devotion. After the dip, he participated in an aarti on a floating platform in the river. Wearing a black jacket and a Himachali cap, he offered milk…

Tulsi Gabbard, the former U.S. Representative, has secured a crucial vote from the Senate Intelligence Committee for her nomination to become the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The vote, which passed narrowly with a 9-8 margin, came after significant support from key Senate members. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chair of the Intelligence Committee, expressed confidence in Gabbard’s nomination, stating that the committee’s favorable vote moves her one step closer to full Senate confirmation, where they hope to continue their efforts in keeping America safe. The vote followed an endorsement from Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a critical swing vote, who…

This is a good summary of the opening of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Johannesburg. Here are some of the key takeaways and strengths of the summary: Highlights the significance: The summary effectively emphasizes the importance of the temple as the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere and its role as a beacon of unity, heritage, and interfaith dialogue. Covers key details: It includes important information such as the location, the Pran Pratishtha ceremony led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the 12-day festival, and the presence of Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Emphasizes its multi-faceted role: The summary clearly…

Kash Patel, the nominee for FBI director, distanced himself from former President Donald Trump’s controversial pardons of January 6 rioters. During his Senate confirmation hearing, he stated that he does not support commuting sentences for individuals who engaged in violence against law enforcement. On January 30, Patel affirmed his stance, emphasizing that he does not agree with reducing sentences for anyone who attacked law enforcement officers. His remarks mark a notable divergence from Trump-aligned figures, but he will require both moderate and conservative backing to secure confirmation. Earlier this month, Trump sparked widespread criticism by issuing approximately 1,500 pardons related…

British-American sitarist Anoushka Shankar is set to represent India as a presenter at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. This marks another milestone for Indian artists gaining global recognition, following comedian Vir Das’ role as host at the 2024 Emmy Awards. In addition to presenting, Anoushka has received two Grammy nominations this year—one for her album Ch II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn and another for her featured performance on Jacob Collier’s A Rock Somewhere. These latest nominations bring her total Grammy nods to 11. Expressing her excitement on Instagram, Anoushka shared how honored she feels…