Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Nisha Pahuja’s documentary “To Kill a Tiger” has earned a spot on the Oscars’ Best Documentary Feature Film shortlist, revealed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This Indo-Canadian film, portraying a family’s quest for justice after a sexual assault, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022, securing the Amplify Voices Award for Best Canadian Feature Film. Executive producers include Rupi Kaur, Mindy Kaling, and Dev Patel. Pahuja, based in Toronto, expressed gratitude on Instagram and highlighted the documentary’s portrayal of a painful yet resilient Indian family. The entire narrative unfolds in India, capturing the family’s…

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, slated to open on January 24, 2024, will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initiated following a historic 2019 Supreme Court judgment, the nearly completed construction spans 70 acres, with the temple occupying 2.7 acres and costing US$ 216 million. Emphasizing self-reliance and environmental sustainability, the temple, as per the Ram temple trust, features a 70 percent green cover. This includes preserved existing trees, sewage and water treatment plants, a dedicated power line, and a fire brigade post. Designed in the traditional Nagara style, the three-story temple complex comprises 392 pillars and 44 gates…

In its pursuit to comprehend the emission mechanisms of celestial bodies such as black holes and neutron stars, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the XPoSat mission in 2024. Set to launch on January 1, this mission aims to unravel the complexities of light from astronomical sources. ISRO’s XPoSat, a five-year mission, will utilize the Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) as its primary payload, measuring the degree and angle of polarization in the medium X-ray energy range. Additionally, the X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT) payload will provide spectroscopic information, collectively enabling the simultaneous study of temporal,…

In preparation for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony on January 22, 2024, at the Ram Lala Temple in Ayodhya, Vedic rituals are set to commence on January 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the grand event, drawing dignitaries and individuals from diverse backgrounds to Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Rama. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust shared images of the ongoing temple construction, highlighting the extensive arrangements and preparations. The Pran-Pratishtha ceremony for the infant Lord Ram, Ram Lala, holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. Preparations for the consecration ceremony include: 1. Invitations to distinguished…

The year 2023 witnessed significant milestones in the India-US relationship, characterized by a forward-looking initiative, a rare State Visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted by President Joe Biden, and the successful staging of a crucial G-20 Summit in New Delhi. Despite these positive developments, the year concluded on a somber note as the Biden administration filed charges against an Indian official implicated in a plot to harm a US national and a Khalistani terrorist on American soil. The juxtaposition of launching futuristic initiatives and hosting state visits with the filing of a chargesheet raises questions about the depth of…

In an event held at his residence in the national capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed greetings to the global community and the Christian community on Christmas. Emphasizing the inclusive values advocated by Jesus Christ, Modi highlighted the importance of compassion, service, and justice for all in Christ’s teachings. He referred to these values as a ‘guiding light’ in the development journey of his government. During the event, PM Modi acknowledged Christmas as a day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, underscoring the significance of Christ’s ideals of kindness and service. Modi noted that Christ worked towards establishing an inclusive…

Ayodhya’s railway station is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, featuring refurbished platforms, new signboards, escalators, lifts, and murals depicting Lord Ram on its walls. The revitalization, designed to emulate the aesthetics of a temple, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As tourists flock to the temple town ahead of the Ram Temple consecration on January 22, they marvel at the ongoing work that seamlessly blends modern amenities with elements of Hindu mythology. Scheduled for completion in two phases, the initial phase nears its conclusion and focuses on enhancing the platform areas. The subsequent phase will witness the…

Karthik Rao, an experienced Indian American business executive, has assumed the position of CEO at Nielsen, a global leader in TV audience measurement and analytics. With an extensive 23-year career at Nielsen, Rao takes over from David Kenny, who served as CEO since 2018 and will transition to the role of Executive Chairman. Rao, who has been the CEO of Nielsen’s Audience Measurement business since early 2023, focuses on driving and evolving audience measurement amid industry disruption. His primary goal is to establish a universal currency for media distribution and consumption models globally. Expressing enthusiasm for the new role, Rao…

Suhas Subramanyam, an Indian American technocrat, remains steadfast in defending reproductive rights despite the Loudoun County Republican party’s efforts to ban him from houses of worship in Northern Virginia due to his pro-choice stance. Subramanyam, running for the US Congress in Virginia’s 10th District, expressed pride in championing reproductive rights and called the suggestion of banning pro-choice Virginians from practicing their faith “outrageous.” Responding to the Loudoun Republican party committee’s call to deny him access to houses of worship, Subramanyam affirmed his commitment to practicing his faith and celebrating religious diversity in Virginia’s 10th District. He vowed not to back…

In New Hampshire, Indian American presidential candidate Nikki Haley has shown a notable surge, doubling her support to 30% since September, challenging the consistent lead held by former President Donald Trump at 44%, according to a recent Saint Anselm College Survey Center poll. This data indicates a significant shift, with Haley gaining momentum while her closest competitor, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis, drops from 11% to 5%. Former New Jersey Gov Chris Christie experienced a slight increase in support, reaching 12%. The Saint Anselm College survey, conducted between Dec 18-19, encompassed 1711 likely voters in New Hampshire, presenting a margin of…