Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

On Thursday, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, unveiled a report revealing that India’s leopard population has surged to 13,874, with a range between 12,616 to 15,132 individuals. According to the report titled ‘Status of Leopards’, Central India exhibits a stable or slightly growing leopard population, increasing from 8,071 in 2018 to 8,820 in 2022. Yet, the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains saw a decrease, falling from 1,253 in 2018 to 1,109 in 2022. The report highlights a 1.08 percent annual growth in leopard population across India’s sampled areas from 2018 to 2022. Conversely, the Shivalik hills…

Swati Mohan, an Indian-American scientist who moved to the US at a young age, stressed the importance of increasing female representation in space research. Speaking at a program at the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum as part of National Science Day celebrations, Mohan highlighted the growing opportunities for women in space research. Recalling her own journey, Mohan noted the scarcity of women in space research when she started her career but expressed optimism about the changing landscape, encouraging more women worldwide to pursue careers in the field. Though she didn’t provide specific figures, Mohan expressed a desire for greater female…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s aim to become a developed nation by 2047 during a public rally in Dhanbad’s Sindri, highlighting the country’s rapid economic growth. He cited the 8.4 percent growth rate in the financial quarter from October to December 2023 as evidence of India’s progress towards this goal. Acknowledging the importance of Jharkhand’s development, PM Modi stressed the need to make both India and Jharkhand prosperous. He expressed confidence that Jharkhand, with its rich heritage, would contribute significantly to India’s development aspirations. PM Modi’s speech was brief as he had to depart for Dhanbad, but he extended…

Ashok Veeraraghavan, an innovative Indian American computer engineer, has been honored with the 2024 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering for his groundbreaking imaging technology aimed at revealing the unseen. Hailing from Chennai, Veeraraghavan, currently a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering, received this prestigious accolade from The Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science, and Technology (TAMEST). His pioneering technology endeavors to capture images through challenging mediums like fog, smoke, and human tissue, where conventional visibility is limited. Utilizing novel multi-dimensional image sensors and machine learning algorithms,…

Mehdi Hasan, a British Indian American liberal commentator, is set to launch his own digital media company called Zeteo, aimed at promoting truth-seeking journalism and diverse perspectives. Hasan recently left MSNBC after his weekly show was controversially canceled in November. Zeteo, named after the Greek word meaning “to seek,” will debut on the Substack platform in April, offering a weekly streaming show hosted by Hasan, a weekly podcast, and written contributions from notable figures. Subscribers can access the platform for $6 per month. Hasan announced Zeteo’s launch on social media, highlighting the need for alternative voices amidst global conflicts and…

Sadhana Lolla and Ishan Kalburge have earned the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship, providing them the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at the esteemed Cambridge University in the UK. Founded in 2000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship initiative provides full-cost postgraduate scholarships to outstanding individuals from nations outside the UK. Its goal is to foster a worldwide community of future leaders committed to improving others’ welfare. Lolla, a computer science major with minors in mathematics and literature at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), plans to undertake an MPhil in technology policy at Cambridge. She envisions leading discussions…

Indian American Minita Sanghvi clinched the Democratic nomination for New York’s 44th State Senate district, boosted by key endorsements from the Saratoga County Democratic Committee and Schenectady County Democratic Committee. Saratoga County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Martha Devaney hailed Sanghvi as a dedicated advocate and problem solver, citing her diverse background as a parent, educator, and public servant as evidence of her ability to deliver bipartisan results. Devaney expressed confidence in Sanghvi’s leadership qualities, deeming her a fitting choice for the 44th State Senate district. Frank Salamone, Chair of the Schenectady County Democratic Committee, echoed these sentiments, praising Sanghvi’s fiscal stewardship…

From a successful entrepreneur to a vocal critic of woke capitalism, Vivek Ramaswamy has been making waves in both the business and political landscape. His sharp insights, coupled with his keen sense of social issues, have set him apart as a rising star within the Republican Party. Now, many are speculating about his potential role within the political sphere, with options ranging from a VP pick by Trump to a Senate or House run, a cabinet position, or even a bid for the Ohio Governor’s seat. Ramaswamy’s Entrepreneurial Journey to Politics Vivek Ramaswamy is no stranger to the spotlight, having…

The BIG We Foundation (BWF), a cultural intermediary, has granted funds to an Indian American artist based in Texas for a project deeply rooted in South Asian culture. Rakhee Jain received the grant for her project, ‘Beyond the Sari,’ as part of BWF’s SheStories program, which supports women storytellers from diverse backgrounds with a vision for societal change. Jain’s project aims to collect and share intergenerational stories of South Asian women who migrated to Texas between the 1960s and 1980s, capturing their lived experiences. Chosen among a group of five diverse creators spanning music, law, filmmaking, and activism, Jain is…

Indian American filmmaker Mukesh Modi recently hosted a press conference at the Metropolitan Restaurant in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, to introduce his latest film, ‘Political War.’ The event attracted members of the Indian American community. ‘Political War’ delves into the intricate world of politics, portraying the lengths politicians go to in their quest for power amidst deception, fear-mongering, and the proliferation of fake news. The film stars Prashant Narayan, Seema Biswas, Rituparna Sengupta, and other talented actors. Despite facing hurdles, including a lack of clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification in India (CBFC), which precludes its…