Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Dr. Vikas Dudeja, MBBS, FACS, has been appointed chair and department executive officer of the Department of Surgery at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Pending approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, he will assume his new role on June 30. As the department chair, Dr. Dudeja will lead faculty representation and serve as a key liaison within the Carver College of Medicine, UI Health Care, and with medical professionals across the state and nation. Currently a tenured professor and director of the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Dudeja…

US President Donald Trump has claimed that India has agreed to significantly lower its tariffs on American goods, attributing the move to his administration’s pressure. Speaking at the White House, Trump criticized India’s trade policies, calling them “restrictive,” but said they are now changing. “They have agreed to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done,” he said. His remarks come as India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal leads a delegation in the US to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement. The Indian government has remained tight-lipped about the ongoing discussions.…

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, has announced the appointment of Vasundhara Naik as a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, Family Court, in Ottawa. Her appointment reflects the highest standards of judicial excellence and integrity. Justice Naik, previously a founding partner at Robins Naik LLP in Ottawa, replaces Justice D.L. Summers, who resigned on December 16, 2024. Raised in India, Justice Naik completed her B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) at the National Law School of India University. Justice Naik’s legal career began in New Delhi, where she worked in human rights and…

India has witnessed a remarkable surge in female participation in higher education, with a 26% increase in women’s university enrollment in 2024, according to a recent report released on Friday. The report, published by TeamLease Edtech, highlights a significant shift towards gender inclusivity in education, marking a transformative change in the country’s academic landscape. The increase in female enrollments signifies an encouraging trend of women actively pursuing higher education and career-oriented learning opportunities. Steady Growth in Male Enrollment and Overall Student Participation While the rise in women’s enrollment has been substantial, male enrollments have also grown, albeit at a more…

A psychology professor recently shared insights on artificial intelligence (AI) in education through an opinion piece in The Bangor Daily News. She stressed that while not all students will pursue careers in technology, they are likely to encounter AI in their workplaces. According to her, students must develop confidence in critically and knowledgeably engaging with AI. “Before we focus on AI usage, the priority should be AI literacy,” she explained. She has observed that AI can be a valuable educational tool, assisting students in refining ideas and identifying minor errors when drafting papers or designing experiments. However, she cautions that…

Rohit Sharma has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first captain to guide his team to the finals of every ICC tournament. His leadership has set an unprecedented record, further cementing his legacy in the sport. India’s thrilling victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday added another feather to Rohit’s cap. The win secured India’s place in the Champions Trophy final for a record fifth time—a milestone no other team has achieved, as no side has made it past three. Since officially taking over as India’s captain in February 2022, Rohit has spearheaded a…

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles recently visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Cranbourne, Melbourne, where he met with Mahant Swami Maharaj. The meeting marked an important moment in the strengthening of cultural and spiritual ties between Australia and India, while also highlighting the contributions of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in fostering harmony, service, and devotion throughout the nation. During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles addressed the assembly, expressing his deep appreciation for the opportunity to receive the blessings of Mahant Swami Maharaj. He also acknowledged the growing and vibrant Hindu community in Australia, recognizing its significant role in…

The future of the nation is shaped by investments in innovation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Wednesday, underscoring that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly contribute to India’s economy and generate millions of jobs. Speaking at a post-Budget webinar, PM Modi highlighted the allocation of Rs 500 crore in the Union Budget for AI-driven education and research. He stressed that AI could add several lakh crore rupees to the economy, making it a game-changer for India’s technological advancement. He also elaborated on the government’s plans to establish a National Large Language Model to develop AI capabilities in…

A US-based researcher, Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia, has identified nearly 100 Sikh-era monuments at Lahore Fort, of which about 30 no longer exist. To provide a detailed historical account, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has engaged Dr. Butalia to write a tour guidebook, Lahore Fort during the Sikh Empire. Dr. Butalia, whose ancestors held positions in the Sikh court, described Lahore Fort as a site of deep historical and emotional significance for Sikhs. “The fort was the seat of power for the Sikh Empire for nearly 50 years,” he said, emphasizing the division of Sikh heritage post-1947 and…

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has heaped praise on Shubman Gill, emphasizing that the young batter has both a promising present and a bright future for the Indian cricket team. Gill has been in stellar form in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, making significant contributions to India’s campaign. Gill made a powerful start to the eight-team tournament, smashing an unbeaten century against Bangladesh in India’s opening match. In the high-pressure game against arch-rivals Pakistan, he followed it up with a crucial 46-run knock, solidifying his role as a dependable top-order batter. With 147 runs in two matches, Gill has emerged…