Photos: Priya Parker, Anand Giridharadas (Photograph By Kevin Czopek/BFA.com) India-West News Desk NEW YORK, NY –South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) celebrated its 28th anniversary with a gala on May 18, marking nearly three decades of connecting underserved New York City youth to opportunities and championing solutions that foster educational equity. The event, held at Tribeca 360° here, brought together 400 guests for an evening of philanthropy, inspiration, and celebration. SAYA’s annual gala recognizes the contributions of community members who leverage their privilege and platforms toward pos ..read more

Photo: @SenSchumer India-West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC – The US Senate on May 15 confirmed, Indian American Judge Sanket Bulsara to serve as a District Judge for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), which includes Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island and serves a population of seven million people, with a 51-42 vote. “I recommended this amazing New Yorker, and exceptional legal mind to President Joe Biden. In 2017, he became the 1st Indian American judge on the 2nd Circuit as a magistrate judge. He’s now the 195th judge we’ve confirmed with President Joe Biden,” noted Senate Majority Leader C ..read more

BENGALURU, (IANS) – Biocon Biologics said on May 21 that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the company’s first-to-file application for Yesafili, a biosimilar drug for treating eye ailments. The company said the medicine is like the reference product Eylea (aflibercept) intended for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, visual impairment due to macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema and visual impairment due to myopic choroidal neovascularization. Studies demonstrate that Yesafili matches Eylea i ..read more

GUWAHATI, (IANS) – Assam’s renowned actress Aimee Baruah walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival wearing traditional Assamese attire—a muga silk mekhela sador adorned with ancient Assamese designs such as Goj Bota and Gam Kharu. The Goj Bota design, an ancient pattern from Assam, features intricate floral and geometric shapes dating back to the Ahom Dynasty, when muga silk was a luxury, as it still is today. This design symbolizes the rich cultural and natural beauty of Assam. Conversely, the Gam Kharu motif is a traditional symbol of prosperity and protection deeply rooted in Assame ..read more

Photos: societyforscience.org India-West News Desk LOS ANGELES, CA – Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Society for Science on May 17 announced that Krish Pai, 17, of Del Mar, California, received the second Regeneron Young Scientist Award at the 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). This is the world’s largest pre-college science and engineering competition. Indian American Krish was awarded a $50,000 prize for his innovative machine-learning research aimed at identifying microbial genetic sequences that can be modified to biodegrade plastic. Krish has develop ..read more

MUMBAI, (IANS) – Akshay Kumar recounted his accident story in Thailand, sharing how the incident taught him the significance of humility. Akshay, who was the first guest on the talk show ‘Dhawan Karenge’ hosted by cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, reminisced about a memorable incident from his visit to the exotic destination of Bangkok. He shared: “My father realized my disinterest in studies and helped me move to Bangkok at an early age. I really liked the country. Right from the minute you leave the plane, you find everyone bowing down to you with their hands joined. It feels very nice and beautiful ..read more

MUMBAI, (IANS) – Music composer Rochak Kohli, who has recreated the song ‘Ishq Vishk’ from the upcoming rom-com ‘Ishq Vishk Rebound’, has shared that he made 17-18 versions of the recreated title track. Talking to the media, the composer shared that the song being an iconic track demanded a certain flavor. “I made some 17-18 versions of the title track. It’s such an iconic track that every millennial grooved to, and it still rules the hearts. When I was asked by the makers of the film to recreate the track, I pushed myself to do justice to the original track. The new version has been sung by S ..read more

CANNES, FRANCE (ANI) – The 77th Cannes International Film Festival witnessed a cinematic marvel hailing from the serene landscapes of Sikkim as the much-awaited film, ‘Tara, the Lost Star’, debuted at the prestigious event on May 20. This marks a historic moment for Sikkim, as its first-ever entry into the Cannes arena captivated audiences with its Himalayan charm and storytelling finesse. Directed by Samten Bhutia and co-produced by Sabitri Chettri, ‘Tara, the Lost Star’ epitomizes the creative synergy and cultural richness of the region. Shot against the breathtaking backdrop of Gnathang-Mem ..read more

Aries ( Mar.21 – Apr.20 ): Horoscope Today If you get a chance to display your presentation skills, don’t lose it, says Ganesha. Your eloquence may receive wide acclaim. Your children too may give you reason to be proud. Do remember to take time out for the elderly in your family. Taurus ( Apr.21 – May.21 ) : Horoscope Today You may feel that you woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, says Ganesha. The day is filled with a fair share of jittery moments and lingering worry. Stand firm and remember that every night has a dawn. The law of averages will make your evening more enjoyable. Y ..read more

NEW DELHI (ANI) – As the mob violence against international students in Bishkek continues, the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan advised the Indian students to stay indoors and to get in touch with the Indian embassy. The Indian embassy also shared a helpline contact number for the students. There have been several incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek. “There have been a number of incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening. According to the Kyrgyz press, the matter boiled over yesterday due to sharing online of videos of a fight between ..read more