Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Alia Bhatt’s much-awaited action thriller Jigra is finally set to stream on Netflix starting December 6, 2024, following its theatrical release in October. Netflix India revealed the release date with a bold Instagram post, featuring a poster and the intriguing caption, “Phoolon aur taaron ne kaha hai, ulti ginti shuru karlo (stars emoticon),” hinting at the film’s suspenseful and thrilling tone. Directed by Vasan Bala, Jigra is Bhatt’s only solo film release in 2024. The film also features Manoj Pahwa, Vivek Gomber, and Vedang Raina in supporting roles. Jigra follows the story of Satya Anand (Alia Bhatt), a dedicated sister…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver a virtual address at the ‘Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav’ of the BAPS Swaminarayan sect this Saturday in Ahmedabad, as announced by a sect leader. The grand golden jubilee event, hosted at the Narendra Modi Stadium, will also feature Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and several state ministers and former officials. The celebration aims to honor the contributions of 100,000 BAPS volunteers from around the world and pay tribute to the late Pramukh Swami Maharaj on his birth anniversary. Volunteers from over 30 countries, including the UK, the USA,…

A heartwarming photo of US Vice President-elect JD Vance enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with his wife Usha Vance’s Indian family has gone viral. The picture, shared by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani, showcases Vance with his son on his shoulders, and Usha holding their daughter, surrounded by 21 family members dressed in traditional Indian attire. The family, seen celebrating in a backyard, is admired for its connection to Indian culture, with many praising Vance for embracing his wife’s heritage. The viral photo has sparked positive reactions on social media, with users admiring Vance for his openness to Indian…

Several Indian-origin individuals have been appointed to prominent roles in Donald Trump’s incoming administration, reflecting the growing influence of the Indian-American and Hindu-American communities. Johnnie Moore, former Commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, highlighted the importance of the Indian-American community in Trump’s second term, saying, “Usha, Tulsi, Vivek, Jay and now Kash. The Indian-American / Hindu-American community will be at the very heart of the second Trump administration.” Usha Vance, wife of Vice President-elect JD Vance, hails from Andhra Pradesh, India, while Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy, born in the U.S. to parents from Kerala, has gained prominence.…

Zscaler’s ThreatLabz 2024 Mobile, IoT, and OT Threat Report has unveiled concerning trends in cybersecurity, particularly for India. Covering data from June 2023 to May 2024, the report shows India as the top target for mobile malware globally, accounting for 28% of incidents. This surpasses the United States at 27.3% and Canada at 15.9%. India’s leap from third to first place underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity, especially as digital transformation accelerates. The report also indicates that India dominates the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, representing 66.5% of mobile malware attacks. This increase aligns with a surge in advanced phishing campaigns…

The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) proudly awarded Dr. Uday Vaidya the 2024 Innovator of the Year Award during the UTRF Multi-Campus Office Innovation Awards ceremony in Knoxville on November 25th, 2024. Dr. Vaidya, the Governor’s Chair of Advanced Composites Manufacturing at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has revolutionized lightweight, high-performance materials, driving technological advancements across various sectors. Dr. Vaidya’s expertise lies in fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, and his research spans critical fields such as military applications, housing, healthcare, and commercial transportation. His work has led to the development of numerous patents, solidifying his reputation…

Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the director of national intelligence role, has garnered significant support from Indian Americans, particularly those in Silicon Valley. Many view her potential confirmation as a positive step for their community in Washington DC. Rishi Kumar, a Silicon Valley tech executive and author, emphasized Gabbard’s symbolic importance to Indian Americans in the tech sector. As the first Hindu member of Congress, Gabbard has inspired many with her advocacy for innovation and resilience. Her anti-interventionist stance and commitment to global cooperation align well with Silicon Valley’s ethos, and her leadership could greatly impact critical areas…

India is enhancing its global trade facilitation efforts by negotiating Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with customs authorities in about 30 countries, announced Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. These MRAs reduce compliance costs by removing dual certifications and simplifying regulatory procedures, ultimately fostering more seamless trade opportunities. India has already established MRAs with significant trade partners, including the US, South Korea, the UAE, Taiwan, Australia, and Malaysia. Discussions are also progressing with Japan and South Africa. These agreements bolster the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program, which streamlines trade by recognizing exporters and importers…

Indian-American scientist Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been appointed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation’s leading health research institution. This historic nomination marks the first time Trump has selected an Indian-American for a significant administrative position. Previously, Trump had chosen Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to head the Department of Government Efficiency, a voluntary position not requiring Senate confirmation. Elon Musk will also contribute to this department. Announcing the nomination, Trump expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I am proud to appoint Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, to lead the NIH. Dr. Bhattacharya, alongside…