VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html How iPhones made it onto NASA’s Artemis II mission and what they are being used for ‘Politically motivated lies’: Himanta Biswa Sarma rejects Pawan Khera’s allegations, vows to file defamation case | India News Watch: Sobhita Dhulipala turns ocean explorer; shares dreamy scuba diving and underwater magic in her NEW post Women born on these dates emerge as the strongest pillars of their families RCB vs CSK: How has Virat Kohli fared against Chennai in the IPL? Sunny Deol meets Punjabi folk star Satinder Sartaaj; Overwhelmed singer says, ‘ Love & respect always’ Weekly Career Horoscope, April 05 to April 11, 2026: Success, challenges, and breakthroughs; Know about your Career Inside India’s ghost malls: How nostalgic hangout spots lost their magic The denture that was stuck in the man’s food pipe NEW DELHI: A routine meal turned into a medical emergency when a man accidentally swallowed his denture—only for it to get lodged deep inside his food pipe, leaving him in severe distress. In a complex, high-risk procedure, doctors at a private hospital used a laser-assisted endoscopic technique to remove it, avoiding the need for major surgery.The patient, a 45-year-old vegetable seller from Rampur near Moradabad, arrived gasping, with intense throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Scans revealed the dental plate stuck at the cricopharynx—an extremely sensitive junction between the food pipe and windpipe—where its sharp metallic clasps risked tearing the esophagus. This narrow, rigid area is a common site where foreign bodies get impacted.“This was one of the most difficult foreign bodies we have encountered,” said Dr Anil Arora, Chairman, Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology and Pancreaticobiliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “Conventional tools like forceps or snares could have caused serious injury.”Foreign bodies — such as coins, dentures, button batteries, pins or even fish and meat bones — are not digested and may not pass naturally. Sharp objects can injure or perforate the gastrointestinal tract, while some may slip into the windpipe, causing breathing problems or serious lung infections.The patient was unable to swallow or expel the object. Endoscopy confirmed the denture was firmly lodged, and standard removal methods were deemed unsafe due to the risk of injury.After initial attempts failed, the team switched strategy. Using a precision laser under endoscopic guidance, doctors broke the denture into smaller fragments inside the esophagus. A protective over tube was then deployed to shield the inner lining as each piece was removed in a controlled manner.“The laser allowed controlled fragmentation, while the over tube prevented damage from sharp edges,” said Shrihari Anikhindi, consultant gastroenterologist. “This helped us avoid open surgery, which carries significant risks and longer recovery.”The laser used relies on a focused, high-energy beam — often using a holmium source — allowing precise fragmentation without damaging surrounding tissue. This approach helped avoid complications such as airway obstruction or perforation, which can lead to deep neck infections.Doctors say commonly seen foreign bodies include fish or chicken bones, dentures and even broken toothbrush parts, and stress that early medical attention is critical.The patient recovered without complications—turning what could have been a life-threatening situation into a showcase of minimally invasive innovation, said doctors. EOMAbout the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid Crisis123Photostories7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny windowBaby names inspired by virtuesHidden sodium in everyday foods: How excess salt raises blood pressure and simple ways to reduce intake7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday life123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Dalal Street recap: Six of top-10 firms lose nearly Rs 65,000 crore in mcap; Bharti Airtel leads decline UPTET 2026 registration underway: Check direct link to apply, OTR process here Good Will Hunting: When Matt Damon said Sylvester Stallone ‘changed the course’ of his life – The inspiration behind ‘Good Will Hunting’ | Tilak Varma’s multi-storey home in Hyderabad is rooted in humble beginnings, now a stylish residence shaped by cricket fame and family values Weekly numerology prediction, April 05 to April 11, 2026, based on the first letter of your name What is ‘deception campaign’: Covert tactic US used to rescue missing F-15 crew from Iran Saudi Arabia makes history with ‘Shams’ satellite launch, joins NASA’s Artemis Programme Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the ‘most corrupt and hate-spreading CM’. He alleged that his party’s ‘Babbar Shers’ would put him in jail.Addressing a poll rally in Assam’s Biswanath, Rahul Gandhi said: “Assam has the most corrupt, hate-spreading chief minister of India. He knows the ‘Babbar Shers’ of the Congress party are going to put him in jail.” Watch Indira, Rajiv Or Rahul Gandhi Need 7 Lives To Arrest Me: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Pappu’ Dig At Congress He also outlined key promises made by Congress for the state, focusing on welfare measures and community recognition. Rahul Gandhi said that the party would grant Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam and improve wages for tea workers.”We are clearly saying that we will give SC/ST status to Assam’s 6 communities. We have also clearly mentioned in the manifesto that we will give Rs 450 per day to the tea workers,” he said.Highlighting economic and social support initiatives, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress government would roll out multiple schemes within a short time frame if voted to power.”As soon as we form the government in Assam, we will implement the six decisions taken for Assam. Every woman will receive a monthly cash transfer into her bank account without any conditions, and those who want to start a business will be given Rs 50,000. We guarantee that within 100 days, we will punish the accused in the Zubeen Garg case and action will be taken.”Targeting the central leadership, Rahul Gandhi also alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi.”Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control your CM. Assam is run from Delhi.”He further intensified his attack on Sarma, alleging corruption involving his family and warning of strict action.”He (CM Himanta Biswa Sarma) also made a blunder by including his family in the corruption, now even his family will get accused.”The Congress leader also invoked noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, drawing a contrast between the party’s ideology and what he described as the BJP’s divisive politics. He said the party stands for unity and harmony.”Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam, he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” he said.He added that legal action against the chief minister would proceed even if an apology is offered. “Let him speak for some more days. After that, the Congress will form government in Assam and legal action will follow even if he asks for forgiveness,” the Congress leader said.The Assam state assembly elections are scheduled for 9 April, with results to be declared on 4 May.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub123PhotostoriesTilak Varma’s multi-storey home in Hyderabad is rooted in humble beginnings, now a stylish residence shaped by cricket fame and family valuesRashmika Mandanna birthday special: Best performances to watch on OTT, from ‘Animal’ to ‘Chhaava’Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more: 6 Hollywood icons who shared apartments before hitting it big10 summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and digestive system healthy’Crash Landing on You’, ‘Goblin’ and more: K-drama on-screen couples who redefined romance7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny window123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news ‘I can see a lot of respect’: Ex-India cricketer in awe of young skipper Riyan Parag Harvard opens more free online courses in AI, data science, programming: Check full list and direct links Tina Fey, Jack White, and Melissa McCarthy welcome Jack Black to the ‘five-timers club’ on ‘Saturday Night Live’ Weekly Wealth Horoscope Predictions, April 05 to April 11, 2026: Your money luck for the week Russia downs Ukrainian drones; debris damage oil pipeline near Baltic port Mass crackdown in Saudi Arabia: Over 14,000 illegal residents arrested in one week | World News West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya (PTI) NEW DELHI: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Sunday said the party has not decided on its chief ministerial face for the poll-bound state and will instead seek votes in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The BJP’s move to field leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari against chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur constituency has sparked speculation about him being the principal opposition party’s CM candidate.Adhikari, a former TMC leader who joined the BJP ahead of the 2021 assembly polls, is also contesting from his stronghold Nandigram. In 2021, he defeated Banerjee by a narrow margin of around 2,000 votes in Nandigram; she later returned to the assembly by winning a bypoll from Bhabanipur and retained the chief minister’s post.The TMC has repeatedly portrayed the BJP as a party of “outsiders,” a narrative that has worked to the ruling party’s advantage.“The BJP does not project anyone as the chief ministerial candidate. In Delhi and Haryana, who did the BJP project as the face? We did not. Yet we won. The same happened in Odisha. Whom did we project as the face? We did not fight those elections with any one face,” he told PTI.In Haryana, the BJP had a sitting chief minister, Nayab Singh Saini, during the October 2024 polls. Saini, who succeeded party colleague Manohar Lal Khattar in March that year, was retained in the top post after the party secured a third consecutive term, defeating the Congress.The BJP formed its first government in Odisha in June 2024 and returned to power in Delhi after nearly 30 years in February last year. In both places, it did not project a CM face, with Mohan Charan Majhi in Odisha and Rekha Gupta in Delhi being post-election picks.Bhattacharya, a Rajya Sabha MP, however, also left a small window open, saying the party’s top leadership remained free to take a “different call” later.“If, in the next few days, they (BJP top brass) decide to select someone and fight under that person, then that will be their decision. But at this moment, there is no such decision and I do not think there will be. We contest elections by putting forward ‘vikas purush’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari trust, and by seeking votes on the basis of faith in his vision,” he added.Bhattacharya also expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a “comfortable majority”, though he declined to specify numbers or say whether it would cross the two-thirds mark.In 2021, the BJP recorded its best-ever tally of 77 seats, up from just three in 2016, but fell well short of its target of 200.On the other hand, Banerjee, who has been in power since 2011, led the TMC to a third consecutive victory, winning 215 seats in the 294-member assembly.West Bengal will go to the polls on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid Crisis123PhotostoriesRashmika Mandanna birthday special: Best performances to watch on OTT, from ‘Animal’ to ‘Chhaava’Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more: 6 Hollywood icons who shared apartments before hitting it big10 summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and digestive system healthy’Crash Landing on You’, ‘Goblin’ and more: K-drama on-screen couples who redefined romance7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny windowBaby names inspired by virtues123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news ‘He used pace well’: Ex-Indian spinner praises Sai Sudharsan despite loss to RR | Cricket News KEAM 2026: Exam centre change allowed amid Middle East conflict; admit card to be released on April 8 ‘Us student ko main ye kehna chahungi…’: Sunanda Sharma breaks silence on Ghaziabad concert chaos, urges forgiveness Weekly Health Horoscope Predictions, April 05 to April 11, 2026: Tips for wellness and balance based on each zodiac sign Stunning new images show our planet like never before FPI sell-off deepens: Rs 23,801 crore withdrawn in a week; March sees record Rs 1.17 lakh crore exit What lies beneath the Mediterranean will shock you: Ancient shipwrecks expose gold, coins, and forgotten histories | World News Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at poll rally NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma grooved to one of the BJP’s campaign songs at a poll rally in Bongaigaon on Sunday.He was joined by party workers in celebrating the BJP’s outreach ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Watch Indira, Rajiv Or Rahul Gandhi Need 7 Lives To Arrest Me: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Pappu’ Dig At Congress Sarma had officially released three theme songs for the Assam assembly election 2026, aimed at taking the BJP’s vision to the people and connecting with voters emotionally.”Several theme songs have been prepared by party workers for the polls. The songs have been penned and composed by BJP workers,” Sarma said.One of the songs, ‘Asomor Surakhya, Bikashor Protigya’ (Assam’s protection, promise of development), was written and composed by union minister of state for external affairs Pabitra Margherita and sung by Rakesh Riyan. Another track, ‘Lage Lage Lage Akou Abar BJP Sarkar’ (Need, Need, Need, BJP Govt Once More), was written by Vidyasagar Borah, chairman of the government-run Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio and sung by Aranyam Dowarah.BJP spokesperson Jayanta Kumar Goswami said the songs are intended to carry the message of development, good governance and welfare initiatives of the government to every voter.The Assam state assembly elections are scheduled for 9 April, with results to be declared on 4 May.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid Crisis123PhotostoriesRashmika Mandanna birthday special: Best performances to watch on OTT, from ‘Animal’ to ‘Chhaava’Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more: 6 Hollywood icons who shared apartments before hitting it big10 summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and digestive system healthy’Crash Landing on You’, ‘Goblin’ and more: K-drama on-screen couples who redefined romance7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny windowBaby names inspired by virtues123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news BCB faces turmoil as captains retain roles, board hit by another round of resignations | Cricket News ‘Pallichattambi’ trailer: Tovino Thomas and Kayadu Lohar’s film promises intense action; Netizens await Prithviraj Sukumaran’s entry Are Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson getting married at the White House? Weekly Love Horoscope Predictions, April 05 to April 11, 2026: Your zodiac love forecast for this week NASA’s Artemis II mission halfway to the Moon: Crew nears historic Apollo 13 distance record and deep space milestone ‘Injured but fine’: Donald Trump on US rescue of downed F-15 airman in Iran 90-year-old Ohio woman breaks Guinness Record for dead hang, says ‘it didn’t sound impossible’ Astrophysicist Priyamvada (Priya) Natarajan Priyamvada (Priya) Natarajan is a distinguished astrophysicist and the inaugural Joseph S. and Sophia S. Fruton Professor of Astronomy and Physics at Yale University. She also serves as an external Principal Investigator at Harvard’s Black Hole Initiative. Professor Natarajan has made seminal contributions to our understanding of the cosmos, specifically in dark matter and supermassive black holes. A celebrated figure in the scientific community, her honours include the 2022 Liberty Science Center Genius Award and the prestigious 2025 Dannie Heineman Prize in Astrophysics. In 2024, she was named to the TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people for her path-breaking contributions to the field. A member of the Yale faculty since 2000, Professor Natarajan serves as a key advisor to Nasa, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Energy (DoE). During a recent visit to Bengaluru for the Indiaspora Forum—a gathering of global Indian leaders—she sat down with Ishani Duttagupta to discuss her enduring ties to India, the transformative role of AI in astrophysics, and the future of cosmic exploration. The following are edited excerpts from their conversation.There are many students from India going for higher education to the US, especially in the area of science. Are there any challenges that they are facing? The increasing strain on the United States science and technology research funding systems is deeply concerning. For decades, the research model that has worked really well in the United States is federal funding for basic sciences, supporting graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. It fosters a unique ecosystem of intense mentoring and expertise-building anchored by well-resourced universities and faculty involved in cutting edge research. The flow of international students was very critical to keeping this kind of engine going. As funding shrinks, the US may lose its status as the premier destination and not appear attractive for the world’s brightest young minds. I think that’s a worry. Also, there’s a fundamental transformation in the research landscape driven by AI, which is both exciting and unknown. While the initial ‘LLM revolution’ in AI catered to specific commercial use cases, it also necessitated a shift in the research fulcrum. And universities abdicated the research in that kind of cutting-edge AI to the corporate sector because of the massive requirement for computation. However, as we pivot toward ‘AI for science’ — where short-term monetary returns may not be very clear — the intellectual work may get centred back into the universities. These are the big uncertainties. Despite some scepticism that I have seen among some of my colleagues, we are on the precipice of a fundamental shift in scientific method, with AI. Ultimately what really counts is achieving breakthroughs that constitute truly ‘good science’.As a distinguished scholar in the field of astrophysics, please provide an overview of the most significant paradigm shifts and technological advances currently reshaping our understanding of the cosmos?Astrophysics is the original ‘big data’ science. Since the first systematic mapping of the entire night sky in the 1920s and 30s, the field has evolved from physical photographic plates to massive digitised datasets. It’s a discipline where discovery is technology-intensive, with massive computing and better cameras. And the new instruments don’t just provide better views—they spark radical new ideas.Over the last five years, we have witnessed an amazing convergence of ideas, instruments and computational power. This alignment has opened up our understanding of the cosmos in previously unimagined ways. My own work is centred on new ideas around the big cosmic questions like why are we here and how did we get here? And I’m not talking about the psychology of being, but I’m talking about the material universe. How is it enabled? How has the existence of the universe, as it is unfolded, the way it has? That is what drives me, those big, seductive and exciting questions. My mind is driven by a detective like curiosity in trying to figure out with clues. A lot of the times we lack direct data and we have to infer from indirect data what is really going on in terms of physics. But we are lucky to be firmly anchored in this pursuit by the laws of physics that are universal. In this age of AI, we are fortunate to have the unique advantage of the laws of physics that provide a rigorous order to guide and validate machine learning, ensuring that our computational leaps remain grounded in universal truth.Please share some of the milestones of your journey, especially the journey from India to the US. I have extreme gratitude for a lot of the opportunities and conditions that I absolutely had no hand in. I had a very big advantage of being born in a home full of books where learning was encouraged and curiosity admired in a child. I got a lot of support from both my parents to do exactly what I wanted. They were academics, though not in science. My father was trained as a civil engineer and then moved into engineering education. My mother is a sociologist. My parents worked in Delhi and I grew up there. My parents’ home was an intellectual ‘salon’ where all kinds of people including scientists, artists, writers and poets would converge. I was very privileged growing up amidst this huge social circle, I had the permission to dream and soar. And then there are serendipities – you meet people that kind of change your life in some way, mentors and teachers. It was very rare at that time to go as an undergraduate to the United States from India and I had to get a full scholarship. I got into several top places with fellowships and fully paid studentships. I chose MIT because they had an undergraduate research opportunities programme. Once one big door opened for me it put me in a different orbit. Looking back, I have some personal qualities such as enormous mental discipline. and focus. And there’s ambition – but what drives my ambition is something very innocent and childlike. It is joy of figuring things out. I was always that kid who would try to solve a problem three different ways, to understand better for myself. Often in our educational landscape, that childlike joy gets killed by the years you spend in school. But I am very fortunate that I still have that, at my age – I am past 50 now. And that’s the motivation for my work. For me, the central challenge is how to remain a lifelong learner without letting the scale of what I don’t know intimidate me. To this day, I view every scientific paper I write as a learning exercise. The journey is about refusing to be sidelined by frustration and instead pivoting those challenges into something positive.I’ve been fortunate to work in environments that pushed me into new orbits. The first was MIT; the second was the University of Cambridge, where I attended the Institute of Astronomy at Trinity College. Immersed in that enormous legacy, I took full advantage of every opportunity. In 1997, I was elected a Fellow of Trinity College—the first woman in astrophysics to achieve that distinction. These years were transformative, not just for my PhD, but for my growth as an interdisciplinary thinker. Engaging with minds across different fields is what truly gives me ‘life juice’. This momentum eventually led to a faculty position at Yale University, which I secured even before defending my PhD thesis.I think one of the most cherished things for a scientist like me is to propose a brand-new idea and to work on the entire arc of bringing that idea of an abstract kind to a point where you can directly compare with observational data whether it’s correct or not. I feel very fortunate that over the past five years, I’ve had multiple of the ideas that I proposed actually being validated. This is what a scientist dreams of, that in one’s own lifetime, the whole cycle gets completed. How do you balance between your mentorship role and your research role?It’s very tricky. I’m not particularly interested in an administrative career and I really want to be able to do research and teach and mentor. And now as the chair of the department, I have a lot of responsibilities and sometimes I find that taxing. It requires a lot of intention and deliberate planning and prioritising. I have learnt with time how to do this well, but it’s still very challenging. I think one of the advantages has been that there are no demands from my domestic life. So that has freed me up to live a life of the mind. And that helps. How are you connected with India, both professionally and personally?My mother and brothers are in India; I lost my father a couple of years back. And, so, I always maintain a very strong connection with India. I come from a middle-class Tamil Brahmin family and I’m still very traditional. I think we imbibe the wonderful values of growing up in Indian families and understanding the power of intergenerational connection. I was very fortunate that my formative years were in India, and I carry all of those values. In terms of professional connections, I don’t have a lot of Indian collaborators in the areas that I work in; but I’m on the advisory board for science at Ashoka University. I don’t have many professional deep-rooted connections because I didn’t study in India, except school. I have been thinking a lot about what I can do to give back and try to do what I can. I give a lot of public talks and meet with young aspiring students. I have had many Indian students come to work with me. But I think what has been great to watch for me is how, when I was growing up, the scientific research environment in India was really marked by scarcity of resources. Now we have moved to abundance. I think we should spend more on fundamental basic sciences research. But I think that the transformation that has happened is demand. About the AuthorIshani DuttaguptaI’ve been a journalist with The Economic Times for 25+ years; first at the newsdesk of ET, Kolkata & then as a feature writer with the ET Magazine on Sunday in Delhi. I write largely on immigration policy issues and overseas Indians. I also write on entrepreneurs in food & beverages; crafts and education sectors. I’m a Jefferson Fellow 2019 of the East-West Center, Hawaii.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid Crisis123PhotostoriesRashmika Mandanna birthday special: Best performances to watch on OTT, from ‘Animal’ to ‘Chhaava’Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more: 6 Hollywood icons who shared apartments before hitting it big10 summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and digestive system healthy’Crash Landing on You’, ‘Goblin’ and more: K-drama on-screen couples who redefined romance7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny windowBaby names inspired by virtues123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Apr 05, 2026, 12:47 IST SRH vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants chase first win against confident Sunrisers Hyderabad Ranbir Kapoor narrates ‘Ramayana’ to Raha, shares her sweet reply: ‘Are you shooting with Hanuman?’ Tamil Nadu polls: TVK chief Vijay declares two pending FIRs in fresh affidavit ‘The best camera to ever exist’: Artemis II crew to study the Moon’s surface mainly with their eyes DMK leader A Raja (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: DMK leader A Raja has issued a legal notice to a YouTube channel over a controversial audio clip attributed to him. He claimed that the recording is fabricated using artificial intelligence and selectively edited to misrepresent his speech.”The audio clip circulated as if I spoke. It has been cut, pasted, and created using artificial intelligence to falsely fabricate a narrative. I have sent a legal notice through my lawyer regarding this,” Raja said.He also criticised AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for using the unverified clip to make defamatory remarks against the late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin.Raja described Palaniswami’s reliance on the recording for political gain as “politically uncivilised and dishonest.” He also referenced verses from poet Bharathiyar to underline his point.The controversial audio clip, which surfaced recently on social media, purportedly shows Raja making disparaging remarks about DMK leadership and internal party matters. Circulated in two parts, the clips allegedly suggest that CM Stalin was ‘unfit’ for leadership and include sensitive claims regarding the 2G spectrum scam.The audio includes allegations that Karunanidhi was mistreated or kept under house arrest during his final days, a claim that Palaniswami has cited to demand a fresh probe into the former CM’s death if he comes to power.Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. (with inputs from PTI) About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid Crisis123Photostories’Crash Landing on You’, ‘Goblin’ and more: K-drama on-screen couples who redefined romance7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny windowBaby names inspired by virtuesHidden sodium in everyday foods: How excess salt raises blood pressure and simple ways to reduce intake7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news Apr 05, 2026, 12:12 IST UGC NET December 2025: NTA releases revised final answer keys; direct link to download here ‘Dhurandhar 2’ box office collection day 18: Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi starrer set to SURPASS Rs 1000 crore in India | Hindi Movie News ‘Enemies were getting closer’: How US rescued missing pilot from Iran – Inside one of the most ‘daring’ operations in history