Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his three-day visit to France, describing it as both historic and productive. As a gesture of cultural appreciation, he presented handcrafted Indian gifts to French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, emphasizing India’s rich artisanal traditions. For President Macron, PM Modi gifted a striking Dokra artwork, a metal-casting masterpiece from Chhattisgarh. This traditional piece, crafted using the ancient lost-wax technique, depicts musicians in dynamic postures, reflecting the deep cultural connection between music and tribal heritage. Made from brass and copper, the artwork is further adorned with lapis lazuli and coral, enhancing its…

Tulsi Gabbard has officially been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trump. The US Senate approved her nomination with a 52-48 vote, with all Democratic senators and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell opposing her appointment. She will replace Avril Haines and oversee 17 intelligence agencies. Once met with skepticism due to her controversial political history, the 43-year-old military veteran and former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii has gained favor among Senate Republicans. Gabbard, a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s policies on Ukraine, has often echoed views that align with Russia. She previously called for Ukraine to remain…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India, during its G20 presidency, successfully built a consensus on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly for all. He made this statement while addressing the AI Action Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, an event he co-hosted with French President Emmanuel Macron. Highlighting India’s advancements in AI, PM Modi stated that the country leads in AI adoption and technological solutions for data privacy. He emphasized that India boasts one of the largest AI talent pools in the world. “India has developed a robust digital public infrastructure catering to over 1.4 billion people at minimal…

As Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) turns 30, Bollywood giant Yash Raj Films (YRF) has partnered with Britain’s railway system to mark the milestone alongside Railway 200, celebrating 200 years of Britain’s railways. The collaboration brings Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, a stage adaptation of the 1995 blockbuster, to the Manchester Opera House from May 29 to June 21, 2025. Featuring an original score with 18 English songs, the musical is helmed by Vishal-Shekhar (music), Nell Benjamin (lyrics), and a creative team blending East and West. The production pays tribute to DDLJ’s iconic railway moments, including King’s…

To honor the legacy of Professor K. Mani Chandy, Simon Ramo Professor of Computer Science, Emeritus, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has established The Professor K. Mani Chandy Innovations in Education Fund. This endowed fund, supported by alumni contributions exceeding $100,000, will promote excellence in teaching within the Computing and Mathematical Sciences (CMS) department. Professor Chandy is widely respected for his unwavering support and mentorship of students. Inspired by his impact, alumni including Roman Ginis, Rajiv Gupta, Peter Hofstee, and others collaborated to create this fund as a tribute to his dedication to education. The fund will support CMS…

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…