Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Ronak M. Jani, the Managing Director of the Jani Group of Companies and an Indian American, has been appointed to the External Advisory Board (EAB) of the University of California Merced (UC Merced). In his new capacity, Jani offers strategic guidance leveraging his extensive expertise in the finance sector, aiming to enhance the university’s leadership, as outlined in a press release from the institution. Expressing his enthusiasm, Jani affirmed his commitment to supporting UC Merced’s mission of delivering top-tier education to students from diverse backgrounds. He emphasized the university’s potential as a hub for innovation and pledged to assist in…

Microsoft has appointed Vik Singh, of Indian origin, as the corporate vice president overseeing generative AI and enterprise products. Prior to this role, Singh was the CEO and co-founder of Infer, a prominent predictive sales and marketing platform. Additionally, he has been actively involved as an investor and advisor to various AI startups. Previously, Singh held the position of entrepreneur in residence at Sutter Hill Ventures (SHV), where he played a key role in identifying potential ventures and evaluating early-stage investments. He also contributed significantly to the creation and development of Yahoo! BOSS, an open search platform powering services like…

Recent reports from official sources indicate a surge in interest among both Indians and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in acquiring property in Ayodhya, often referred to as the ‘Hindu Vatican’ following the inauguration of the Ram temple last month. This newfound attraction to the holy city is exemplified by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s acquisition of a plot in Ayodhya. While private companies and real estate agents are actively participating in this trend, the government schemes are witnessing a notable influx of NRIs. Authorities emphasize the need for formal authorization letters through embassies for those claiming to represent countries in property dealings,…

Infogain, a digital engineering firm based in Silicon Valley, has announced the appointment of Dinesh Venugopal as its CEO, effective February 8. Previously the CEO of PK, an experienced engineering company acquired by Concentrix, Venugopal later served as the president of Concentrix Catalyst. With over a decade of experience at Mphasis, Venugopal held various roles, including president of direct and digital, as highlighted in a press release. He succeeds Ayan Mukerji, who initially joined Infogain as the chief operating officer in 2018, later taking on the role of CEO in 2021. Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Venugopal stated, “Infogain’s…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed praise for the budget presented in Parliament, highlighting its inclusive and innovative nature. He emphasized its focus on empowering the youth, poor, women, and farmers, considering it a foundation for a developed India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s vision was commended, with Modi stating that the budget aims to build the country’s future, guaranteeing the strengthening of India’s foundation by 2047. PM Modi specifically mentioned the allocation of a $1.2 billion fund for research and innovation and the extension of tax exemptions for startups. Despite maintaining fiscal discipline, the budget witnessed a historic increase in total…

United States Artists (USA) has named Mythili Prakash among its fellows, recognizing her as the sole Indian-American among the 50 recipients of a $50,000 cash award for their impactful contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape. A second-generation Bharatnatyam dancer, Prakash received training from her mother, Viji Prakash, and is currently mentored by Bharatanatyam dancer Malavika Sarukkai and dancer/choreographer Akram Khan. She has garnered recognition with grants like the Irvine Foundation’s Creation to Performance Grant, the Center for Cultural Innovation’s Artistic Innovation Grant, and the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project Touring Grant. Prakash’s solo productions have graced…

In her address to a joint session of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the government’s decade-long efforts to enhance tourism, pilgrimage destinations, and historical sites. She emphasized the vital role of tourism in youth employment, citing a notable increase in both domestic and foreign visitors to India. The President attributed this growth to India’s elevated global standing, improved connectivity, and infrastructure development, particularly in regions like the North-east and islands such as Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep. President Murmu underscored the government’s commitment to making pilgrimage sites and historical landmarks more accessible, aiming to garner global interest in India’s rich heritage tourism.…

The Biden administration is actively engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the high altitude drone deal announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to Washington, as per the U.S. Embassy. Responding to a report linking U.S. lawmakers’ hold on the deal to the Pannun case, the Embassy spokesperson confirmed continued talks with Congress. While not denying the report, the spokesperson highlighted the standard process of engaging foreign affairs committees before formal notification. The report emerged after senior U.S. State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, visited Delhi and urged progress in India’s inquiry into the alleged assassination…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with students ahead of his 7th ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ address in the national capital. During the interaction at Bharat Mandapam, students showcased their technological innovations. Set to address ‘exam warriors,’ PM Modi’s interaction is part of the broader ‘Exam Warriors’ movement aimed at fostering a stress-free atmosphere for young individuals. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed the excitement of students, parents, and teachers, anticipating PM Modi’s mentorship. ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ serves as a platform for open discussions on managing exam-related stress and celebrating life as a festival (Utsav). Minister of State for Education, Subhas Sarkar, highlighted…

The Doctors Company, the largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer in the United States, has appointed Deepika Srivastava as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In her expanded role, Srivastava will lead various functions, including claims, underwriting, sales, patient safety, risk management, and shared services such as technology, cybersecurity, innovation, and enterprise project management. Headquartered in California, The Doctors Company supports physicians in navigating the complexities of the healthcare landscape with guidance, resources, and coverage. Richard E. Anderson, Chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company and TDC Group, commended Srivastava’s promotion, highlighting her alignment with the company’s mission to advance, protect, and reward…