India’s Jiya Rai won big at the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Awards in California.
The swimmer won the gold in the Adaptive Performance of the Year category.
Category: iStory
Devesh Ranjan appointed dean of UW–Madison’s College of Engineering
Devesh Ranjan, a mechanical engineer and prominent leader at one of the nation’s top-ranked engineering programs, has been appointed as the tenth dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the university said.
Reacting to his appointment, Provost Charles Isbell Jr said, “We are very fortunate to bring an engineer with Professor Ranjan’s energy and vision back to Madison. His commitment to people and paving the way for their success is a perfect fit for a time of growth at the College of Engineering.”
Indian-origin Srinivas Aluru wins 2025 Charles Babbage Award
Georgia Tech Regents’ Professor Srinivas Aluru has been named the recipient of the prestigious Charles Babbage Award for 2025. Aluru is being recognized for his groundbreaking research at the intersection of parallel computing and computational biology.
“This is a very well-deserved recognition for Srinivas as he joins the illustrious list of past recipients of the Charles Babbage Award,” said Vivek Sarkar, the John P. Imlay Jr. Dean of the College of Computing.
NYU Stern’s professor Srikanth Jagabathula receives NSF award for research
Professor Srikanth Jagabathula, a faculty member at the NYU Stern School of Business, has been honored with the prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
As part of this esteemed award, Jagabathula, an IIT Bombay alumnus, will receive USD 500,000 over the next five years to advance his research on data-driven modeling and learning techniques aimed at improving the accuracy of operational decision-making.
Women-led startup NamRiitz LLC launches on Presidents Day with a mission for social impact
NamRiitz LLC, a dynamic and purpose-driven women-led startup, announced its official launch on Presidents Day, February 17, 2025.
With a mission to redefine the future of work, NamRiitz offers innovative talent, outsourcing, and consulting solutions while embedding a strong commitment to social impact, dedicating 30% of its profits to initiatives focused on child and women empowerment.
Ramaswamy to kick off Ohio governor bid in Cincinnati on February 24
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is set to officially launch his campaign for Ohio governor on February 24 in his hometown of Cincinnati, with additional campaign events scheduled over the following days in Columbus, Toledo, and Cleveland, The Associated Press reported.
Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate, will kick off his highly anticipated bid at Cincinnati’s CTL Aerospace Inc.
GOPIO-CT launches 2025 activities with oath ceremony and charity contributions
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) organized its launch of 2025 activities on Friday, February 7 in Stamford, CT.
On this occasion the newly elected Executive team headed by President Mahesh Jhangiani took the Oath of Office administered by Connecticut State Senator Prof Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox.
Indian-origin professor Venkat Venkatasubramanian elected to U.S. National Academy of Engineering
Venkat Venkatasubramanian, the Samuel Ruben-Peter G. Viele Professor of Engineering at Columbia Engineering, has been elected to the prestigious U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Election to the NAE is one of the highest honors an engineer can receive.
We are thrilled to see the extraordinary achievements of Michal and Venkat recognized by the National Academy of Engineering,” said Columbia Engineering Dean Shih-Fu Chang. “Both are pioneers in their respective fields who have made advancements in some of the most important research areas of our time, from photonics to AI to engineering systems. This well-deserved honor reflects many years of dedication and contribution.”
Paul Kapur nominated by Trump administration to head South Asia bureau at State Department
The Trump administration has nominated S. Paul Kapur to serve as the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, overseeing diplomatic relations with India and other South Asian countries.
This announcement came from the office of Vice President J.D. Vance, along with numerous other appointments for Senate consideration and confirmation.
Pratima Bhullar Maldonado breaks barriers as first Sikh woman to lead NYPD precinct
Indian-origin Pratima Bhullar Maldonado has scripted history as the first woman from the Sikh community to be elevated to the position of a commanding officer in New York.
Bhullar Maldonado is now the new commanding officer of the 102 Precinct.
AAPI mourns death of veteran physician and community leader Dr. Sampat Shivangi
Members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) mourned the sudden death of veteran physician Dr. Sampat Shivangi. The Indian-origin doctor breathed his last on February 10.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing away of Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physician, an influential Indian American community leader, and a veteran leader of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI),” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI.
With a small trade surplus India has no option other than reducing tariffs on U.S. goods
By Mayank Chhaya- Barely two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Washington in less than a month of President Donald Trump taking over his second term, trade and tariffs are expected to be at the front and center of bilateral discourse. With a minuscule trade surplus with the United States of $32 billion India […]
Indian American challenger Saikat Chakrabarti takes on Pelosi, calls for bold leadership change in Congress
Saikat Chakrabarti, a 39-year-old political activist and entrepreneur, has announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress, challenging veteran Democrat Nancy Pelosi in California’s 11th Congressional district, which encompasses San Francisco. Chakrabarti, a prominent figure in progressive circles, argues that the Democratic Party’s leadership in Washington is outdated and ill-equipped to address the challenges America faces today.
Chakrabarti expressed his discontent with the current state of leadership, particularly in light of the chaotic political landscape.
Indian American CEO Sarvajna Dwivedi Driven to Revolutionize Blocked Artery Treatment
In an exclusive interview with indica, Sarvajna Dwivedi, president, CEO, and co-founder of AngioSafe Inc., shared his 30 years of experience developing pharmaceuticals and devices, the regulatory challenges and his pro bono work to avoid the next pandemic.
Dwivedi previously co-founded Pearl Therapeutics in 2007 and built it to a $1.15 billion exit in 2013, despite the global economic meltdown. Before that, he was associated with AstraZeneca, Glaxo, Glaxo Wellcome, Dura, Alkermes, and Nektar.
Nikhil Yadav appointed Chair of Computer Science department at USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering
Nikhil Yadav has been appointed as the new Chair of the Computer Science department at the University of San Diego’s (USD) Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.
His stint started on January 1, 2025.
Veteran Indian American banker and AIF co-founder Victor Menezes passes away at 77
Veteran Indian American banker Victor Menezes, who co-founded the American India Foundation, a high-profile philanthropic organization launched after the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, Gujarat, in 2001, has died.
He passed away on Monday in Miami, Florida, at the age of 77.
Indian-origin Akash Bobba’s appointment in Musk’s DOGE ignites controversy over security risks
Akash Bobba, a 22-year-old engineer of Indian descent, has quickly become the focal point of a major controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s newly launched Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The agency, which has already sparked intense debate, hired six engineers between the ages of 19 and 24, granting them unprecedented access to critical government systems—an action that has raised serious concerns among national security experts, as per reports.
Fresno’s new elementary school named after Sikh human rights activist
In a historic move, Fresno’s Central Unified School District has announced that its newest elementary school will be named after Jaswant Singh Khalra, a Sikh human rights activist renowned for his work in exposing human rights abuses in Punjab, India, according to reports.
The school board voted 6-0, with Trustee Joshua Sellers abstaining, on Tuesday, January 28, to name the school, which is being built at Shields and Brawley avenues, Jaswant Singh Khalra Elementary.
Music is love, music is light, music is laughter, says Chandrika Tandon as she takes home a Grammy
Indian-American business leader and musician Chandrika Tandon made history on Sunday, winning a Grammy Award for her album Triveni at the 67th Grammy Awards.
While receiving the award, Tandon said, “Music is love, music is light, and music is laughter, and let’s all be surrounded by love light and laughter. Thank you for the music and thank you for every one of you who make the music.”
AAPI-MSFR hosts Medical Scholars Summit at Rutgers University
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI – MSRF organized a highly successful annual MSRF & Premed Medical Scholars Summit at the Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ from January 25-26, 2025, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI stated.
Organized by a team of young Medical Students and Residents of Indian origin, the Medical Scholars Summit was planned and organized by an MSRF Executive Board, led by Priya Uppal, President of MSRF; Priyanka Kolli, President-Elect; Sohi Mistry, Vice President; Priyal Shah, Treasurer; and Drishti Patel, Secretary of MSRF.
Sitarist Anoushka Shankar nominated for 2 Grammys, set to present award
British-American sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar is set to represent India as a presenter at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday, February 2,marking yet another proud moment for Indian talent on the global stage.
This comes on the heels of comedian Vir Das hosting the 2024 Emmy Awards, showcasing India’s growing influence in international entertainment.
JPMorgan Chase promotes Pranav Thakur to sole head of global markets
JPMorgan Chase’s co-head of global markets, Jason Sippel, is departing the Wall Street giant after 23 years with the firm.
Indian-origin Pranav Thakur has been named the sole head of the business, according to a Reuters report.
Davinder Kaur named director of online learning at CUNY SPH
The City University of New York School of Public Health (CUNY SPH) has named Indian-origin Davinder Kaur as its director of online learning.
CUNY SPH said it is “pleased to welcome Davinder Kaur”.
NASA approves Axiom-4 mission, India’s Shubhanshu Shukla to pilot journey to ISS
NASA has officially approved the Axiom-4 mission, set to be piloted by India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The 14-day mission to the International Space Station will see Shukla joined by three other astronauts.
The mission will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and current director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space.
Indian-American Babu Jain named EIR at Washington Clean Energy Testbeds
The Washington Clean Energy Testbeds at the University of Washington (UW) has appointed Indian American Babu Jain as its new Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR).
In this role, Jain will provide guidance to entrepreneurs and early-stage climate tech startups on areas like team formation, product development, strategic marketing, and fundraising.