Category Archives: World Opinion

INTERNATIONAL: SPACE: First Indian Woman at NASA on Mars Rover Mission Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy shares her Inspiring Journey

Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy came to the United States 13 years ago with a dream to work at NASA.

A lot of children in India harbour a dream of working for the American space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), some day. A woman from India had the same dream and she fulfilled it by becoming the first Indian citizen to operate a rover on Mars, a mission that involves collecting samples to bring back to Earth.

Indian researcher Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy took to Instagram to share her inspiring journey to NASA. She said she came to the United States 13 years ago with a dream to work at NASA and lead breakthrough science and robotic operations on Earth and Mars.

Many people dissuaded her and told her it was impossible as a foreign national on a visa and she should have a plan B or change her field completely, she wrote. But she didn’t listen to anyone and persevered until she found a way.

She did her PhD at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was hired full-time at NASA. But it didn’t come easily as she had to knock on hundreds of doors to get hired.
“Today, I work on multiple cool space missions including the Perseverance rover collecting samples to bring back to Earth. No dream is ever too big or crazy. Believe in yourself, keep those blinkers on and keep working! I promise, you’ll get there if you work hard,” she wrote further.

Posted three days ago, the video has amassed over 7.62 lakh views and left netizens inspired.
“Women like you are an inspiration to the aspiring female youth leaders!!” a user commented. “That is super amazing! Thanks for making us aware and proud!” wrote another. “The fact that you still represent that Indian flag,” said a third.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: UN COP28: Two Indian Women Sangitaben Rathod and Jasumatiben Jethabai Parma Illuminate at Global Climate Talks in Dubai with Traditional Solutions to Fight Climate Change

Wearing desi clothes, Sangitaben Rathod and Jasumatiben Jethabai Parmar have boldly stepped into the limelight at the global climate talks here, bringing with them potent traditional solutions to tackle climate change.

The two women — Rathod, from Naganamoth, and Parmar from Simej, both in Gujarat – who had never ventured beyond their home state before, showcased practical climate resilience solutions that are making waves on the international stage.

heir traditional wisdom involves using neem leaves and cow urine to create organic fertilizers and insecticides – an innovative practice that has not only sustained their crops for years but is now being adopted by women farmers across India, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

“I decided to look for local solutions after incurring huge losses due to climate change. I lost over Rs 1.5 lakh in wheat crops in 2019. After that, we started looking at the problem and we realised pest attacks had considerably increased due to the changing climate and commercial insecticides were failing. It was then that we thought of turning to the traditional solutions our forefathers used – neem leaves and cow urine,” Rathod, 28 said.

“Then the solution we shared with the Self Employed Women’s Association and they empowered us to train communities based on our solution,” Parmar, 63, added.

On what they wish to expect on the global platform, Rathod said she hopes the solutions they have implemented can be shared with a wider audience and also make the negotiators realise the impact women in India are bearing due to climate change and how we need help.

Alongside her, Jasumatiben said, “Our seemingly simple traditions hold the key to a sustainable future.”

Amidst the formal suits of international bureaucrats, Sangitaben and Jasumatiben actively participated, and passionately advocated for reduced insecticide and pesticide usage by integrating cow urine and neem leaves into farming practices during the gender-themed discussion that took place during the UN COP28 on Monday.

Sangitaben and Jasumatiben also shared their insights with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, shedding light on the challenges faced by Indian women workers due to climate shocks.

Reema Nanavaty, Director of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), highlighted the challenges faced by Indian women workers due to climate shocks.

Nanavaty elaborated on the difficulties encountered by those involved in street vending, construction, and other labour-intensive occupations.

“I think there’s an urgent need for this Global Climate Resilience Fund for women, especially in India. This will be the first of its kind, a fund for the Global South, and this is a bottom-up fund,” Nanavaty emphasised, aligning with Clinton’s call for a targeted and comprehensive initiative to address the impact of extreme heat on women workers in India.

Nanavaty pointed out the urgent need for actionable solutions and advocated for a unified appeal for global collaboration to create a sustainable and resilient future for women in India and beyond.

The global climate talks are taking place in Dubai and have seen participation from over 100,000 people from 198 countries. PTI UZM NSA AKJ

(This story was produced as part of the 2023 Climate Change Media Partnership, a journalism fellowship organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security.) NSA

source/content: ptinews.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL RECORDS: EDUCATION: India sends Record Number Students to U.S., Surpasses China: Report

Number of international students from India has increased by 35%, with an all-time high of 268,923 students.

India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009-10, according to the Open Doors Report (ODR), published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. government’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

According to the report, released on Monday, a record number of Indian students travelled to the United States to pursue higher education for the third year in a row.

The report said the number of international students from India to the United States increased by 35%, numbering an all-time high of 268,923 students in the academic year 2022-23. “Indian students constitute more than 25% of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States,” said the US Embassy in India in a press release. The number of Indian graduate students rose by 63% to 165,936 students, an increase of nearly 64,000 students, compared to last year, while Indian undergraduate students also increased by 16%, the Embassy added.

As many as 69,062 students opted for optional practical training (OPT), a type of temporary work permission that allows eligible students to get real-world experience related to their field of study. “The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India issued record high numbers of student visas during the main student visa season of June-August 2023. Consular officers across India issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories. This is an 18% increase over 2022 during the same timeframe,” the release added.

U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti said that Indian students are bringing both countries closer together. “We celebrate the strength of the Indian educational system that prepares students to compete globally and look forward to seeing India continue to lead. We also look forward to balancing these record numbers. We want to see equal numbers of women pursuing studies in the United States and see more U.S. students coming to experience all that India has to offer,” he said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: Scientist Prof Urbasi Singh, 1st Indian Scientist to get Canadian Excellence Research Chair (CERC) Award, Wins USD 8 million grant

Prof Urbasi specialises in quantum science and her research interests span cutting-edge topical areas such as quantum communication, quantum computation, quantum optics and quantum fundamentals.

Prof Urbasi Singh from the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) laboratory at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, is the first Indian scientist to be awarded Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies.

She won a grant worth $8 million, opening possibilities for international interactions in academia, industry and other sectors developing lab-to-market innovative models — for building a future ecosystem based on quantum technologies.

Prof Urbasi specialises in quantum science and her research interests span cutting-edge topical areas such as quantum communication, quantum computation, quantum optics and quantum fundamentals and information processing.

Her lab is one of the first in India to manufacture and establish the usage of heralded and entangled photon sources towards various applications in quantum technologies. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Airbus, HAL tie up for commercial aircraft maintenance

French aerospace manufacturer Airbus said on Thursday that it was partnering with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for commercial aircraft service support.

Under the agreement, Airbus will provide the A320 family tool package and offer specialised consulting services to HAL to set up an MRO. Airbus will also offer HAL access to AirbusWorld, a digital platform that offers support, technical data and training solutions.

HAL’s Nashik division has capabilities in civil MRO, which include three Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved hangars and skilled manpower from their defence activities.

“HAL has a vision to establish an integrated MRO hub in the country and provide airlines with an effective MRO solution. This step by HAL Nashik is also aligned to civil-military convergence and the Make in India mission of the Government of India,” said Saket Chaturvedi, CEO (MiG Complex), HAL.

“An indigenous MRO infrastructure will not only help airlines streamline their aircraft operations, but also support the government’s aim of making India a global aviation hub,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS / CINEMA: FIRST INDIAN: Ektaa R Kapoor Creates History, set to become 1st Indian Filmmaker to Receive International Emmys Directorate Award

Indian producer Ektaa R Kapoor is poised to make history as the first Indian filmmaker to secure the International Emmys Directorate award at the upcoming 51st Emmys. Kapoor’s name resonates strongly in the entertainment industry, where she is hailed as a Content Czarina, demonstrating her prowess across television, films, and OTT platforms. Boasting an insightful and targeted understanding of audience preferences, Kapoor has reigned over the industry for over a decade, amassing a myriad of accolades. This year, her exceptional win at the Emmys serves as a crowning achievement, elevating the jubilation surrounding her remarkable career.

Known for her versatile contributions to entertainment, Kapoor’s influence extends seamlessly across diverse platforms. From shaping compelling narratives on television to producing impactful films and embracing the digital realm with OTT endeavors, she has become a stalwart force in the industry.

Ektaa R Kapoor’s ability to connect with audiences on a profound level has been a cornerstone of her success, culminating in this groundbreaking recognition on the global stage. As the anticipation builds for the 51st Emmys, the industry awaits with bated breath to witness Ektaa R Kapoor etch her name in history as she claims the International Emmys Directorate award.

On the professional front, Ektaa is gearing up for the release of The Buckingham Murders, which is directed by Hansal Mehta and features Kareena Kapoor Khan in a lead role. She last bankrolled Thank You For Coming, which garnered critical acclaim for its bold content. It featured Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Kaur Gill and others in prominent roles.

source/content: firstpost.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: INDIAN ORIGIN LEADER IN LONDON: Delhi Man Tarun Ghulati, London Mayoral Hopeful, Wants To Run The British Capital City As A CEO

After Indian Origin PM, the UK may soon get Tarun Ghulati as next London Mayor who wants to ‘improve’ the capital city by way of strengthening the police, affordable housing, ‘uplift’ all Londoners.

Tarun Ghulati, 63, is fighting tooth and nail to become the next Mayor of London as the contest for the coveted post heats up before the May 2, 2024 election date with several key hopefuls from Britain’s leading political parties in the fray. Ghulati, a finance pro and “proud Hindu with Sanatan roots”, has plans to run the British capital city as a “CEO” by “improving” and “uplifting” the lives of Londoners with an enhanced police, affordable housing and abolishing “unpopular” rules brought about by incumbent Sadiq Khan.

Ghulati, a father of two who claims to be a “global citizen” working across geographies from Delhi to Mauritius and Qatar to the UK, entered the chaotic British political scene around 2021. In 2009, he was successful in obtaining the citizenship of that country, which since then has become his home. However, Ghulati has been living in London for the past two decades. He arrived there on a work permit by banking giant HSBC, Ghulati’s former employer.

But it has not been easy for Ghulati, who inevitably as a person of Indian origin and being a person of colour had to face hurdles in the initial years, which he had been able to win over eventually. He is the first Indian to run for this post in the history of the UK.

“I have been the same person every day for the last 40 years. I am disciplined. I get up early and I have the plan for the day ready. I am extremely punctual. I tend not to look over my shoulders and feel the envy or the pain of what others are doing. I have my own journey which I follow. I am known for being trustworthy and straightforward … As far as I am concerned whilst there will be concerns and hindrances down the way, I have a clear plan to make sure that I bring the smiles back and the mojo back for London,”  he told ABPLIVE during his recent visit to India.

Dressed in an impeccable blue suit, Ghulati spoke about how he overcame some of the obstacles, gate-crashed into London’s political theatre and now vying for a place for himself as an independent candidate amid a tightening mayoral race of London.

“Like anybody else, I have faced hurdles and turns-off being initially an Indian and perhaps later on because of my colour but I have not faced racism overtly because I have always been somebody whom people have recognised that I will not be cowered down by any sort of hindrances … I do know people in high places, whether it’s members from the House of Lords or politicians I do meet them. That helps in understanding the local issues and opportunities,” he averred.  

‘Want To Be A Mayor For Everybody’

Ghulati began working actively in London’s political scene during the days of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“I felt that to beat the London Mayor Sadiq Khan you need someone who is not only able to bring investments, is a global citizen, but somebody who has the gravitas to take position. The budget for London that the London Mayor handles is roughly about $21 billion Sterling. I would like to run it as a CEO runs a business with a good dashboard with the right sort of people running it,” he underlined.

“I want to be a mayor of London for everybody,” said Ghulati, eluding to some of the controversial policies laid down in the British capital by Khan such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which was launched in 2019, that is over and above the £15 congestion fee.

“Imagine if you are a businessman in a cost of living crisis, where people are wondering whether to heat or eat and at the same time there are a lot of middle income people there who need to be uplifted … I sincerely believe that the freedom of movement is as critical as the freedom of speech. So I want to abolish ULEZ on day one,” he added.

Ghulati’s other objective is to push security and safety through increased Police deployment in certain neighbourhoods where crime rates are high and opening of more Police stations.

“Whilst I am a Londoner and I spent nearly two decades there and call it home, I am also a global citizen. I am also proud about my Hindu heritage, Sanatan roots … I am here for everybody,” he said.

Khalistan Vandalism, India-UK FTA

Being an Indian-origin, Ghulati vows to work towards strengthening the bilateral relationship between the UK and India, be it addressing the growing concerns in New Delhi over the resurgence of Khalistan terrorism in London or whether it is pushing for the India-UK trade pact, or Free Trade Agreement (FTA) towards a meaningful conclusion.

“Indian flag being disrespected is not accepted at all. In those sorts of things, the London Mayor Sadiq Khan should have been more proactive, there should have been intelligence. People are not being parachuted there out of nowhere, there was a group of people coming towards the High Commission, so there should have been preventive action taken. In matters like these more action could have been taken not only to prevent but avoid an escalation too,” he said.

Ghulati added that the London Mayor was “sitting on the fence” when the incident happened.

While incidents of vandalism of the Indian High Commission in London by Khalistan supporters has become a regular affair, tension between both countries peaked in March this year when a Khalistani protestor pulled down the Indian Flag flying atop the High Commission and was not even stopped once by the Police present there.

On the issue of having the India-UK FTA, Ghulati said he is already working on getting the pending pact concluded. As a member of the London Chamber of Commerce he has brought a business delegation to India in August to foster business and trade ties.

“When the FTA is signed, and I know we are on the last legs of that particular trade agreement, it would pave the way for me in playing a role there as the London Mayor plays a key role in fostering businesses and we facilitate there entry into London and give them the support so that they can hit the ground running,” said Ghulati.

source/content: news.abplive.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: WOMEN LEADERSHIP : Nita Ambani Honoured with The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)’s ‘2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility’

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) on Sunday honoured Nita Ambani , Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, with the 2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Dr Mukesh Aghi, USISPF President and CEO, in his statement on X, said: “We are delighted to award Nita M. Ambani for her tireless efforts to enrich the lives of many Indians. Nita M. Ambani is someone who believes that the work is never done and that there is so much more left to accomplish…”

“At a time of hard power globally, she has shown us the reach and impact of soft power, especially in preserving and promoting India’s rich tapestry of arts and showing us that sports is a vital tool in nation-building,” he added.

Nita Ambani is a champion for women’s rights in India and is the founder of one of the largest philanthropy foundations in the country, Reliance Foundation. She also plays a key role in organisations ranging from sports to arts.

The foundation has helped 70 million people, focuses extensively on providing better health care to women , improving digital literacy, and educating them with skills to improve employability.

In August, Reliance Foundation partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to ensure that women in farm and non-farm jobs will receive an annual salary of at least $1,200 for the next three years.

Nita Ambani in 2021 also founded Her Circle , a digital app and social networking site that discusses a range of topics from lifestyle trends to women’s health, including promoting diversity of women’s appearances and body sizes.

Nita Ambani  is also the co-owner of five-time Indian Premier League winner Mumbai Indians and the founder of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre .

source/content: news18.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL / REGIONAL – SOUTH ASIA: WAR MEMORIAL: Bangladesh is Building the First Memorial to Exclusively Honour Indian Heroes of 1971 Liberation War

This will be the first memorial in Bangladesh to exclusively honour Indian soldiers from the 1971 war.

A memorial to honour the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangaldesh in 1971 at Ashuganj in Bangladesh is in the advanced stages of completion. It will have the names of around 1,600 Indian soldiers inscribed on it. It is expected to be ready by December and the effort is to have it inaugurated by Prime Minister of the two Prime Ministers in March or April, said A.K.M. Mozammel Haque, Bangladeshi Minister for Liberation War Affairs.

This will be the first memorial in Bangladesh to exclusively honour Indian soldiers from the 1971 war. The foundation stone for the memorial at Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in March 2021.

“The foundation for the monument was laid by the two Prime Ministers. The idea is by December it will be finished. All the names of the Indian soldiers martyred will be engraved so that everybody can know who are these people who sacrificed for our emancipation, for our liberation,” Mr. Haque said speaking on the sidelines of an event at the Bangladeshi High Commission on Thursday.

We will try to invite both the Prime Ministers, he said noting there are elections in both countries. “That is why we are thinking by March or April we will try to inaugurate it, by both the Prime Ministers,” he stated.

Major Chandrakant Singh, VrC, a 1971 war veteran and author of several books on the war, the latest on Lt Gen Sagat Singh then 4 Corps Commander, introduced Mr. Haque as the first Bangladeshi who attacked the Pakistan Army in 1971. “I feel happy and proud to have been associated with this project. My battalion 4 Guards captured Ashuganj on December 08, 1971,” he told The Hindu.

Ashuganj is relatively close to India bordering Tripura and can be reached by road from India. The idea was to have it close to the border with India, said Lt Col Quazi Sazzad Ali Zahir, a Bangladeshi war veteran of 1971 and who actively worked on the history project. He said that the memorial in a sprawling complex is intended to spread awareness of the war among the youth and will also have a children’s recreation facility on the premises. Ashuganj had particular significance in the liberation war as Indian forces advanced to Dhaka by crossing the Meghna river.

Mr. Modi visited Bangladesh in March 2021 to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of the Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who stood with the brothers and sisters of Bangladesh in Muktijuddo… those who gave their blood in Muktijuddo, sacrificed themselves and played a very big role in realising the dream of independent Bangladesh,” Mr. Modi had said in his address and announced that India will donate military equipment used by the Indian armed forces in the Liberation War for museums in Bangladesh.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIOAL: SPORTS : Indian Para Athletes Create History, Bag 111 Medals in 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, making it the Biggest Ever Haul in its History

Paralympic Committee of India president Deepa Malik says ‘..our para athletes have done the country proud. We will win more medals in the Paris Paralympics than in Tokyo”

Indian para athletes created history on Saturday, October 28, 2023, as they ended their Hangzhou Asian Para Games campaign with an unprecedented 111 medals, the biggest haul for the country in any major international multi-sport event.

With 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze in their kitty, the Indian para athletes won four medals more than the record tally of 107 won by the able-bodied athletes in the Hangzhou Asian Games held from September 23 to October 8.

India ended at fifth place in the medals tally, a remarkable achievement in itself, below China (521 medals: 214 gold, 167 silver, 140 bronze), Iran (44 gold, 46 silver, 41 bronze), Japan (42, 49, 59) and Korea (30, 33, 40).

The first Para Asian Games was held in 2010 in Guangzhou, China, where India had finished 15th with 14 medals, including one gold.

In the 2014 and 2018 editions, India had finished 15th and ninth respectively.

The only instance India had crossed the 100-medal mark in a major international multi-sport event (Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games) was the 101 won during the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

“We have made history, our para athletes have done the country proud. We will win more medals in the Paris Paralympics than in Tokyo,” Paralympic Committee of India president Deepa Malik told PTI.

“However, it is not a surprise for us. We have expected between 110 to 115 medals and we ended at 111, the auspicious number (Angel Number),” she added.

On Thursday, India had gone past the earlier highest Asian Para Games tally of 72 medals (15 gold, 24 silver, 33 bronze) achieved in the 2018 edition.

India won 39 more medals than the 2018 edition with athletics contributing 55 (18 gold, 17 silver, 20) out of India’s total of 111.

Shuttlers shine well

Indian shuttlers contributed the second most medal with 21, including four gold. Chess and archery gave eight and seven medals respectively while shooting contributed six.

On the concluding day on Saturday, India added 12 medals, including four gold. Seven medals came from chess, four from athletics and one from rowing.

Neeraj Yadav began the day for India with a gold in men’s javelin throw F55 with a Games record of 33.69m. Compatriot Tek Chand clinched a bronze with a personal best of 30.36m in the same event.

Dilip Mahadu Gaviot added another athletics gold by winning the men’s 400m T47 race with a time of 49.48 seconds.

Pooja then picked up the last athletics medal by bagging a bronze in women’s 1500m T20 race with a time of 5:38.81s.

Chess players saved the best for the last with a seven-medal rush, including two gold, on the final day.

India swept all the three medals in men’s individual rapid VI-B1 event with Satish Inani Darpan winning gold while Pradhan Kumar Soundarya and Ashwinbhai Kanchanbhai Makwana bagged silver and bronze respectively. The trio also bagged the team gold.

Kishan Gangoli won a bronze in men’s individual rapid VI-B2/B3 event. Gangoli, Somendra and Aryan Balchandra Joshi won a team bronze in the same event.

The trio of Vruthi Saganlal Jain, Himanshi Bhaveshkumar Rathi and Sanskruti Vikas More won a bronze in women’s rapid VI-B1 team event.

On Saturday, India also won the lone medal in rowing with Anita and Konganapalle Narayana picking up a silver in PR3 mixed double sculls event.

India had sent 313 athletes at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, the biggest in any edition with 51 Tokyo Paralympians in the team.

India competed in 17 out of 22 sports, with the country fielding athletes for the first time in rowing, canoeing, lawn bowl, taekwondo and blind football.

Nearly 4,000 athletes from 43 countries are competing across 22 sports in 566 gold-medal events in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

The Hangzhou Asian Para Games were originally scheduled to take place from October 9-15, 2022 but were postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)