Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

The announcement of the third annual Samvid Scholars list, which was revealed on December 18, featured Avi Gupta, a student of Indian origin currently enrolled in the class of 2026 at Yale Law School. Among a pool of over 1,000 applicants nationwide, Gupta was one of the 20 students selected for the prestigious scholarship. Expressing his gratitude on LinkedIn, Gupta remarked, “I’m honored and excited to have been selected as a 2023 Samvid Scholar. I feel truly fortunate to have the chance to learn from such an inspiring group of young leaders from across the country.” Established in 2021 by…

The recent visit of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir to the United States involved significant meetings with high-ranking officials such as US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The discussions during these meetings encompassed topics like India’s Supreme Court verdict on the amendment of Article 370 and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. General Munir’s visit came shortly after a devastating attack by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on a security forces checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the tragic loss of 23 Pakistani soldiers. Notably, Secretary Blinken condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Pakistan…

Abhijit Banerjee, an Indian American economist, has been granted the Tagore Prize for Social Achievement 2023 during the sixth Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize ceremony at the India International Centre in New Delhi. This accolade acknowledges his significant contributions to social welfare. In expressing his gratitude, Banerjee emphasized the vital role of addressing societal issues collectively for a better world. Currently serving as the Ford Foundation International professor of economics at MIT and a Nobel laureate since 2019, Banerjee’s work in development economics and the establishment of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) in 2003 underscore his commitment to…

Bianca Jain, a ninth-grade student of Indian origin, secured victory in the Congressional App Challenge within New York’s 17th Congressional District. The Briarcliff High School freshman developed an app aimed at raising awareness about cancer causes, driven by a personal connection to the ailment. Motivated by limited awareness about cancer despite its status as a leading cause of death, Jain set out to dispel the notion that genetics play a predominant role. Her app includes a questionnaire allowing users to assess their risk based on lifestyle and background. Jain’s research and app earned her recognition in the Congressional App Challenge,…

Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, revealed the trust’s action plan for the Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22 in Ayodhya. Rai, also the International Vice President of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), stated that the guest list, including individuals from various fields, has been finalized, and invitations have been dispatched. The invitees encompass artists, poets, industrialists, doctors, scientists, and families of kar sevaks who sacrificed during the Ram Mandir struggle. Three idols are being crafted from stones sourced from Karnataka and Rajasthan. The best idol will be selected in early January for the consecration…

Annu Khot, an Indian American entrepreneur managing a Cannabis dispensary in Chicago, recently shared her entrepreneurial journey with Hindustantimes.com. Despite the legal acceptance of cannabis for recreational use in 24 US states, it remains a contentious subject. Khot, originally from India and having moved to the US in 2008, embarked on launching Socíale, one of the world’s pioneering cannabis dispensaries owned by an Indian-American woman, after witnessing the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Opening up about the initial stages of her entrepreneurial venture in a still-emerging field, Khot discussed the challenges she faced as an Indian-origin woman in the cannabis industry.…

In a recent development, Russian President Vladimir Putin showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending his resolute commitment to India’s national interests. This commendation came on the heels of significant victories for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in three Indian states, underscoring Modi’s enduring popularity among voters. With the 2024 general elections on the horizon, the BJP finds itself in a formidable position, bolstered by Modi’s consistently high approval ratings, a factor acknowledged by international observers. The BJP’s triumphs in state elections not only reaffirm Modi’s political standing but also set the stage for the upcoming national polls. As…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on December 17, 2023, unveiled the Surat Diamond Bourse in Gujarat, a sprawling 6.7 million square feet facility equipped with international banking services, secure vaults, and a jewelry mall. This state-of-the-art establishment is expected to create around 150,000 job opportunities. Simultaneously, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal at Surat Airport, designed for 1,200 domestic and 600 international passengers. The Surat Diamond Bourse, touted as the world’s largest office space, aims to transform into a global hub for diamond and jewelry trade, showcasing India’s design capabilities. Modi outlined government measures to boost the gem and jewelry…

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman embarked on a three-day state visit to India, commencing on Friday. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Union Minister V Muraleedharan, and the visit was extended at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. In the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu received the Sultan. A Guard of Honour by the combined defence services was presented, followed by bilateral talks and a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House. The Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, expressed optimism that the Sultan’s visit…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Acknowledging Patel’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to national unity, PM Modi emphasized how these laid the foundation for modern India. In a tribute post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude for Patel’s exemplary work and highlighted the ongoing inspiration drawn from his life to build a stronger, more united nation. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also paid heartfelt tribute to Sardar Patel, praising his tireless efforts to preserve the integrity and sovereignty of India. Birla underscored Patel’s belief in…