Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Amrith Kaur Aakre, an Indian American jurist, has assumed the role of Director for the Chicago District at the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as announced by the federal agency. Aakre, formerly the legal director for the Sikh Coalition, officially began her position on January 29, 2024, taking her oath on the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. EEOC Chair Charlotte A Burrows praised Aakre’s creative problem-solving, management expertise, and dedication to civil rights. Aakre expressed her respect for the EEOC’s mission and eagerness to contribute to advancing equal employment opportunities in the Chicago District. Before joining the…

In 2023, the US Consular Team in India achieved a historic milestone by processing a record 1.4 million US visas, marking a 60% increase compared to 2022. One-tenth of all global US visa applicants are now from India. Notably, visitor visas (B1/B2) witnessed a resurgence, accounting for over 700,000 applications and reducing appointment wait times from 1,000 to 250 days nationwide. The US consular team in India also granted over 140,000 student visas in 2023, securing its position as the leading country in this category for the third consecutive year. Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai emerged as the top…

During the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Conference on ‘Strengthening Indo-US relationship in Amritkal-Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ on January 30, US envoy to India Eric Garcetti praised the robust partnership between the two nations. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration in technology, AI, agriculture, and telecommunications, he envisioned these sectors connecting and protecting people. Garcetti highlighted 2023 as a stellar year for US-India relations, citing strengthened people-to-people ties and a substantial rise in bilateral trade. However, he urged India to climb from its current 10th position to single digits in terms of importance for the US. Addressing the alignment of democratic values, Garcetti noted…

The 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards marked the commencement of Bollywood’s award season, taking place in Gujarat. Among the notable recognitions, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, a celebrated couple, secured top acting honors. Bhatt received the Best Actress award for her role in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” while Kapoor clinched the Best Actor award for his outstanding performance in “Animal.” Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film “Animal” led the pack, claiming a total of six trophies. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail” received major accolades, winning Best Film and Best Director. In the Critics category, Vikrant Massey was honored with…

Dr. Gurdeep Chawla, originally from New Delhi, spent six years as an interpreter in the Indian Parliament before relocating to the United States with her husband, entrepreneur Suri Chawla. Initially planning for a brief stay, she found herself drawn to opportunities in the local court system, providing interpretation for individuals with diverse backgrounds. Recognized for her work, she ventured into roles aligned with her government and diplomatic background. Despite living in the San Francisco Bay area, Chawla took the required test for a position in Washington DC, successfully passing it. Climbing through various levels of interpretation, she reached the diplomatic…

Five Indian restaurants have secured spots on Yelp’s prestigious “Top 100 US Restaurants 2024” list, a compilation that reflects the culinary diversity and gastronomic excellence across America. Yelp.com and its accompanying apps serve as platforms for users to contribute crowd-sourced reviews and insights about various businesses, including restaurants, forming the basis for this highly anticipated and influential annual ranking in the dining industry. Among the featured Indian restaurants: 1. Little India in American Fork, Utah (Ranked 19): Renowned for its flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala and exquisite Butter Chicken, Little India also offers a unique dining experience with hand-painted murals, vibrant…

The Faculty Founder Initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has unveiled the selection of two Indian-origin professors, Ritu Raman and Deblina Sarkar, as finalists for the 2023-24 MIT-Royalty Pharma prize competition. This initiative aims to empower female faculty entrepreneurs in biotechnology, offering resources to propel their ideas toward commercialization. Ritu Raman, the Brit (1961) and Alex (1949) d’Arbeloff Career development professor in engineering design, is focused on designing adaptive living materials powered by assemblies of living cells. Her work spans applications from medicine to machines, currently concentrating on creating living neuromuscular tissues for medical advancements. Deblina Sarkar, the…

India commemorated its 75th Republic Day on January 26 under the themes of ‘Nari Shakti’ (Women Power) and ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations in Delhi, with French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. The parade featured 13,000 special guests, showcasing cultural diversity and military prowess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the day by paying homage at the National War Memorial, followed by the unfurling of the national flag, the anthem, and a 21-gun salute. President Murmu, alongside Macron, commenced the parade in a traditional ‘buggy.’ A noteworthy addition was the inaugural participation of over…

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in Massachusetts, has named Dr. Seemi Khan as its Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Khan expressed anticipation about joining Alkeus, especially with the promising progress of Gildeuretinol (ALK-001) in treating Stargardt disease. Leonide Saad, the CEO, welcomed Dr. Khan, highlighting her success in bringing rare disease treatments to patients. Dr. Khan, known for her executive accomplishments, aims to assemble a team to make a significant impact on individuals facing vision loss. Her commitment to medical innovation aligns with Alkeus’ mission. Previously, she served as Chief Medical Officer at Reata Pharmaceuticals, contributing to the approval…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly advised his Cabinet Ministers against visiting Ayodhya in February to avoid inconveniences caused by the protocols during VIP visits. This suggestion is particularly relevant given the surge of devotees witnessed at the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22. The Prime Minister emphasized that ministers should consider visiting the Ram Mandir from March onward. During the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, PM Modi sought feedback from ministers regarding public reactions following the inauguration of the highly-anticipated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The consecration of the new idol of Ram…