Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

In a disturbing pattern linked to deepfake technology, actress Alia Bhatt joins a growing list of celebrities victimized, including Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, Kajol, and Sara Tendulkar. A circulating deepfake video portrays a girl resembling Alia Bhatt engaging in explicit gestures, causing widespread concern on social media. Closer examination reveals the girl isn’t Alia Bhatt; her face has been digitally superimposed on another person’s body. This incident follows Rashmika Mandanna’s earlier concern about a deepfake video. A similar digitally altered video featuring Kajol emerged, with her face morphed onto another woman’s body, changing clothes on camera. Fact-checking platforms clarified its…

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, reaffirmed the country’s longstanding relationship and support for a two-state solution on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Kamboj emphasized India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and the universal obligation to uphold international humanitarian law. She condemned civilian deaths, labeling them unacceptable, and called for responsible actions from all parties in addressing the humanitarian crisis. Kamboj advocated for collective international efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestine. Welcoming humanitarian pauses, she disclosed India’s contribution of 70 tonnes of goods,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers in New Delhi on Tuesday. Although the meeting’s agenda wasn’t disclosed, it was reported that PM Modi urged ministers to actively engage in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a large-scale outreach campaign aimed at highlighting central schemes. During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized that the outreach program is a crucial part of building a “viksit Bharat” (developed India). He directed ministers to concentrate on disseminating information about how the government’s schemes are positively impacting various sections of society. To amplify the campaign’s reach, vehicles are being…

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the birth anniversary celebrations of Jain mystic Shrimad Rajchandraji. Referring to Modi as a ‘yugpurush’ (man of the generation), Dhankhar drew parallels between Mahatma Gandhi and Modi, noting that both leaders have reflected on the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji. Highlighting Gandhi’s role in securing India’s freedom through truth and non-violence, Dhankhar acknowledged Modi’s contribution in steering India towards long-cherished development goals. However, he expressed concern about forces opposing the nation’s growth and urged against hindering positive developments. During the event, Vice President Dhankhar received the Janakalyan Hitaishi…

In the 1960s, “Flower power,” a term symbolizing peace within the hippie culture, took on a new, literal meaning in the farms of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India. Led by Dr. Deepa Senapathi from the University of Reading, a team collaborated with the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation to enhance crop yield and quality by strategically planting marigold, sunflower, sesame, cowpea, red gram, or black gram alongside crops like mango and moringa. The initiative aimed to attract a greater variety of bees and insects to these companion crops, subsequently improving pollination for main crops. Notably, the introduction of marigold amidst moringa…

In south-east England, a 13-year-old Yoga prodigy of Indian origin achieved Gold at the European Yoga Sports Championship in Sweden, adding to his impressive list of awards. Ishwar Sharma from Sevenoaks, Kent, began practicing Yoga at three, inspired by his father. Recently, he secured the Europe Cup 2023 in the Boys 12-14 category at the International Yoga Sports Federation event in Malmo. Passionate about advocating Yoga, especially for special needs children, Ishwar, diagnosed with autism and ADHD, actively engaged in teaching daily Yoga classes to 40 children across 14 countries during the lockdown. Recognized for his efforts, he received the…

In his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of prioritizing products made in India while shopping for weddings. With the wedding season estimated at a substantial $59.99 million business, PM Modi encouraged citizens to support locally-made goods. He expressed concern about the growing trend of families conducting weddings abroad and questioned the necessity of such practices, advocating for celebrations on Indian soil. PM Modi highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing that organizing weddings in India keeps the country’s money within its borders. Aligned with the ‘vocal for local’ initiative, he suggested that supporting local systems…

In a recent poll, Donald Trump maintains his lead for the 2024 Republican nomination, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 28%. Indian American candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley follow with 18% and 16% respectively. The survey, conducted by the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard and Harris Poll/HarrisX, covered public opinion on topics including a 6-week abortion ban and Biden’s policy on the Israel-Hamas situation. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden’s policy garnered support, leading to a 45% approval rating. 80% of voters sided with Israel, and 58% approved of Biden’s approach. On the 6-week abortion ban, 41% of…

Dr. Mihir Meghani, a prominent Indian-American physician, emphasizes that Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life. He has committed $4 million to support Hindu advocacy and awareness causes in the U.S. As the founder of the Hindu America Foundation (HAF) two decades ago, Dr. Meghani pledged an additional $1.5 million at the Silicon Valley gala, making his total contributions $4 million over 20 years. In an interview, Dr. Meghani clarified that his donations come from a sense of duty, as he and his wife are not high earners. The commitment to pro-India and Hindu organizations is…

On November 21, Speaker Robert Rivas appointed Ash Kalra, California’s Indian American Assemblymember, as the chair of the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. This committee oversees family law, product and tort liability, Civil Code, and Evidence Code, excluding criminal procedure. Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Kalra emphasized the critical role of the Judiciary Committee in safeguarding civil rights and ensuring a just legal system. With seven years of prior experience on the committee, he acknowledged the leadership of past chairs Stone and Maienschein. Speaker Rivas welcomed Kalra’s appointment, highlighting the fundamental role of the justice system in ensuring public safety and…