Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Indian American actress, writer, producer, and director Mindy Kaling has achieved a historic milestone by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition, managed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, makes her the first South Asian woman to be honored with a star in the television category. The achievement has been widely celebrated, particularly by the desi community in the American entertainment industry. Anip Patel, a prominent Indian American entrepreneur and media strategist, praised Kaling’s influence, emphasizing her contributions beyond acting. He highlighted her role as the CEO of Kaling International and her efforts in reshaping South…

India has expressed deep concern over allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in influencing voter turnout in the country. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that relevant departments and agencies are actively investigating the matter following revelations by the US administration regarding USAID’s activities and funding in India. “We have seen the information put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding. These reports are obviously very deeply troubling. This has led to serious concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told…

A team of scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali—an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)—has identified common metabolites linked to pancreatic and glioma cancers, offering a breakthrough in early detection and treatment strategies for these aggressive diseases. The researchers discovered key metabolites in exosomes derived from pancreatic, lung, and glioma cancer cell lines, revealing potential universal biomarkers that enhance clinical applicability for diagnosing these cancers at an early stage. “This discovery provides a promising, non-invasive method for early cancer diagnosis and also holds potential for developing therapeutic strategies,” the researchers stated…

Vikash Kumar, an assistant professor of social work at Northern Michigan University (NMU), has been recognized for his significant contributions to the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD). As a board member and director of information and technology at ICSD, Kumar was honored at the organization’s 24th biennial conference in India. Kumar emphasized the importance of global academic collaboration in shaping social work education. “Regular engagement with scholars allows us to refine our curriculum and address the evolving needs of communities worldwide,” he said. He also announced that in 2027, ICSD will partner with the University of Georgia School of…

Actress Nimrat Kaur recently shared her thoughts on how her upbringing in a Sikh family made the significance of the MahaKumbh Snan a new and profound concept for her.  While she has always been deeply connected to Sikh traditions, the iconic ritual of the Kumbh Mela has given her a fresh perspective on spirituality and the diverse practices it encompasses.  On Tuesday, the *Dasvi* actress participated in the sacred ritual by taking a holy dip at the TriveniSangam in Prayagraj. Nimrat later took to her Instagram handle to share her feelings and insights, penning a heartfelt and detailed note about…

After much speculation, Anurag Basu’s upcoming musical film has confirmed Kartik Aaryan as the lead, with debutant Sreeleela starring opposite him. The makers unveiled a first-look video on Saturday, showcasing Kartik in a rugged, rockstar-inspired avatar, playing the guitar and performing the song “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai.” The video also highlights the passionate romance between Kartik and Sreeleela, with glimpses of them sharing tender moments, riding a bike together, and enjoying intimate conversations. Sreeleela, known for her dance number “Kissik” in Pushpa 2: The Rule, makes her Bollywood debut in the film. Kartik, who has dominated the box office with…

For the first time, India was showcased as the theme country at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s (APCC) 27th Annual New Year Celebration, held at Tacoma Dome in Washington State. The Consulate General of India in Seattle highlighted this milestone, marking the first time in APCC’s history that India was chosen as the central theme. The event opened with a traditional Indian prayer invocation and was attended by around fifty elected officials from Washington State, including U.S. Congress Representatives Marilyn Strickland and Emily Randall, Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins. The Consul General of…

The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has ignited controversy by announcing the cancellation of US$21 million in funds originally allocated to boost voter turnout in India. This decision is part of a broader initiative by DOGE, which has revoked funds meant for global projects under the Biden administration, including US$29 million for enhancing the political landscape in Bangladesh and US$20 million for fostering fiscal federalism in Nepal. The revelation has stirred strong reactions in India, particularly among senior political advisors. Sanjeev Sanyal, a key adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a member of…

India’s smartphone exports soared to an all-time high of $3.14 billion in January 2025, surpassing the entire export value recorded in FY21. This marks an impressive 140% increase from January 2024, when exports stood at $1.31 billion. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw projected that smartphone exports for FY25 could reach $25.92 billion, following the $15.6 billion recorded in FY24. Apple played a dominant role in this surge, contributing 70% of the total exports. Foxconn led the way with shipments worth $960 million, while Tata Electronics and Pegatron exported over $800 million and $500 million, respectively. The sharp rise in exports is…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met in Washington to reinforce the growing India-US partnership across multiple sectors, including trade, defense, and energy. The talks covered a broad spectrum of strategic interests, highlighting deeper economic ties and shared global commitments. One of the primary discussions centered on nuclear energy, where both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in atomic power. The US pledged to support India’s nuclear ambitions by enabling large-scale localization of American-designed reactors. Additionally, they welcomed India’s budgetary changes aimed at amending nuclear liability laws, which would facilitate collaboration between Indian and American firms in reactor…