Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is a scheme that offers insurance coverage to individuals of all income levels, provided they have a bank or post office account and fall within the age bracket of 18 to 70 years. This initiative aims to extend financial protection to a wide range of people across the country. In a recent written response to a question in Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad, the Union Minister of State for Finance, highlighted the scheme’s progress. According to the latest data as of June 28, 2023, insurance companies have successfully settled a significant number…

The Government of India introduced the National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS), as part of the District Mental Health Programme, in October 2022. Its objective was to enhance mental health service delivery in the country, and it has now achieved a significant milestone. The toll-free service has received over 200,000 calls from all over India since its inception, indicating a consistent upward trend. In just three months, the number of calls received has exponentially risen from 100,000 in April 2023 to 200,000. With 42 operational Tele MANAS cells in 31 states…

Harold D’souza, an Indian-American survivor of labor trafficking and debt bondage, was bestowed with the Human Rights Hero Award 2023 at the 17th Annual International Human Rights Youth Summit held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The award was presented to D’souza in recognition of his remarkable efforts and unwavering commitment to educate millions about human rights and raise awareness to combat human trafficking through his non-profit organization, Eyes Open International (EOI). EOI focuses on fighting modern-day slavery with survivor-informed expertise. In his acceptance speech, D’Souza shared his personal journey of coming to the United States on an…

Renowned author and Reiki Grandmaster, Prriya Kaur, has added yet another prestigious accolade to her name. She recently won the esteemed Golden Book Award for her book, Reiki I: The Superpower to Heal Yourself. The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including Ashneer Grover, Former BharatPe Co-Founder and Managing Director; Madhuri Grover, Indian Entrepreneur; Sneh Desai, Motivational Speaker and Life Coach; and Shivangi Desai, Certified Health & Nutrition Coach and Entrepreneur. This recognition solidifies Prriya Kaur’s position as an exceptional author and influential figure in personal and spiritual development. “Receiving the Golden Book Awards for Reiki I: The Superpower to…

Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), July 20 (PTI) Starting from September this year, followers will have the opportunity to visit Mount Kailash, the revered abode of Lord Shiva, from Indian territory. Officials have announced that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has initiated the construction of a road from KMVN Huts in Nabhidhang, Pithoragarh district, to the Lipulekh pass on the India-China border. This project is expected to be completed by September. Vimal Goswami, Chief Engineer of BRO’s Diamond Project, confirmed that they have begun the road construction, which spans approximately six and a half kilometers. Once finished, the route will include a ‘Kailash…

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has made significant appointments to various administrative boards, aiming to enhance diversity and representation. Five Indian Americans from different backgrounds have been selected for these roles. Harshad Barot, the owner of Galaxy Corporation, will serve on both the Virginia Asian Advisory Board and the Virginia Small Business Commissions Board of the Commonwealth. Barot, who hails from India, has previously been involved with the Minority Business Council of Virginia Beach until 2019. Dr. Kamlesh Dave, the President of Heart Care Associates, has been appointed to the Asian Advisory Board as well. Dr. Bimaljit Singh Sandhu, a prominent…

The United Nations Security Council recently convened its inaugural meeting to discuss the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) to global peace and stability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the need to establish a new international body to govern the use of AI. He emphasized the importance of setting globally agreed-upon rules for monitoring and regulating AI, considering its evolving risks and benefits. Guterres urged the United Nations to work towards a legally binding agreement by 2026, aiming to ban the use of AI in automated weapons of war. In response to the meeting, Russia expressed skepticism, questioning whether…

Ami Bera, an Indian American Congressman, was honored with the “Champion of Healthcare Innovation Award” by the Healthcare Leadership Council on July 12. The award recognizes his advocacy for high-quality and affordable healthcare in the United States. The felicitation took place during the Healthcare Leadership Council Innovation Expo 23 held in Washington DC. Bera, who is both a doctor and a lawmaker, has been actively working to address healthcare concerns and issues faced by Americans. His efforts in this regard were acknowledged through this award. In response to the honor, Bera expressed his commitment to ensuring that every American has…

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, on July 17, expressed that the United States and India share an exceptionally close partnership, and her country acknowledges India’s leadership during its G20 presidency. Yellen and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the media prior to the India-US dialogue, which is part of the ongoing G20 meetings. “We greatly value our bilateral relationship with India. The United States and India are among the closest partners globally. The US appreciates India’s leadership during its G20 presidency,” stated Yellen. Sitharaman remarked on the occasion, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US and his meeting with…

The campaign will focus on various aspects of fire safety and equip the citizens with the requisite knowledge at an individual and collective level The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), V Citizens Action Network (VCAN) – a leading citizen’s organization in India, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP) – the C20 secretariat, National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety (NFE), Savishkar India and several individual experts came together recently to launch ‘Atmanirbhar Suraksha’, a campaign for fire and electrical safety as India progresses swiftly on economic and social development in the Amrit Kaal. India has made rapid progress in urbanization in the…