Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

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…

Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma will headline the US India Chamber of Commerce (USICOC) 25th Annual Awards Banquet on December 10, 2024, at the Westin Dallas Park Central. The event will gather leaders from various sectors to celebrate innovation, leadership, and global partnerships. Founded in 1999 as the Greater Dallas Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, the USICOC fosters professional and business growth in North Texas. Indian American businessman Ashok Mago, CEO of Mago & Associates, served as its founding chairman. As the first Indian American U.S. Ambassador to India, Verma made significant contributions to strengthening relations between the two…

One of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema over the next two years is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War. The project, renowned for its grand scale, features an impressive star cast and has generated buzz with updates about its production, including the evolving looks of Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor. Recently, Alia Bhatt joined the film’s sets in Mumbai, kicking off her exclusive year-long commitment to the Bhansali project. Love & War, starring Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, and Ranbir Kapoor, revolves around a love triangle—a genre Bhansali excels in. While rumors previously suggested it was a remake of…

The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND, is currently taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra, from November 8 to 21. This annual event aims to enhance military coordination and operational efficiency between the two nations’ armed forces, with a focus on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrains. AUSTRAHIND, which started in 2022, alternates between India and Australia. This year, about 140 Indian personnel, including members of the DOGRA Regiment and the Indian Air Force, are joined by 120 Australian soldiers from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade. The exercise…