New Delhi : Seeds of Innocens Infertility and Maternity Clinic Private Limited, a leader in advanced infertility and IVF services, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jamia Hamdard, one of India’s premier academic institutions, to foster academic and clinical excellence in the field of reproductive sciences.
This strategic partnership aims to jointly offer specialized training and certification programs in Embryology, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), and reproductive genetics. With over 30 centres across India and abroad, Seeds of Innocens brings its expertise, infrastructure, and international exposure—including its academic collaboration with University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium—to the forefront of clinical education.
Under this collaboration, Seeds of Innocens will provide expert faculty, hands-on clinical training, and practical assessments. A wide range of training programs have been introduced under this partnership, including a Fellowship in Clinical Embryology, short-term workshops on ICSI, Cryopreservation, and Andrology, as well as a Virtual Training Program in Clinical Embryology. The collaboration will be led by Ms. Anuradha Housnur, Head of Seeds of Innocens Fertility Academy, under the guidance of Dr. Gauri Agarwal and Dr. Aditi Bhatnagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aditi Bhatnagar, Clinical Head at Seeds of Innocens, said, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey to bridge the gap between academic learning and clinical practice. By partnering with Jamia Hamdard, we are empowering the next generation of fertility experts with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills.”
Dr. Gauri Agarwal, Founder & Director of Seeds of Innocens (Chain of IVF Clinics) and Genestrings Lab (Chain of Genetic, Molecular & Pathology Labs), added, “Our vision goes beyond training—it’s about cultivating a new generation of clinicians and scientists who understand the intersection of genetics, diagnostics, and reproductive health. This partnership is a step toward building a more integrated and future-ready healthcare ecosystem.”
Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating: “This MoU aligns perfectly with our institutional mission to foster academic excellence alongside industry-relevant training. We are confident that this collaboration will create a strong platform for clinical research, training, and innovation in reproductive medicine.”
This academic collaboration lays the foundation for a transformative educational initiative, significantly enhancing opportunities for aspiring professionals in assisted reproduction and contributing to the advancement of fertility science across India and globally
New York City, June 27, 2025 – Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York State Assemblyman of Indian-Ugandan descent, has emerged as a frontrunner in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, securing the Democratic primary nomination after a stunning upset against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Among his most ardent supporters are Indian-origin Muslims, a significant and growing demographic in the city’s diverse electorate. This community’s enthusiastic backing stems from a combination of Mamdani’s shared identity, progressive policies, and targeted outreach that resonates deeply with their lived experiences.
A Historic Candidacy: Representation Matters
For many Indian-origin Muslims, Mamdani’s candidacy represents a historic milestone. If elected in November 2025, he would become New York City’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, a prospect that has galvanized the city’s estimated 750,000 Muslims, including a substantial South Asian population. “We have a chance to tell the world that Muslims don’t just belong in New York City but that we belong in City Hall,” Mamdani declared, a sentiment echoed by supporters who see his rise as a powerful affirmation of their place in American society.
Mamdani, born in Kampala, Uganda, to an Indian-Muslim father, Mahmood Mamdani, and Indian-American filmmaker mother, Mira Nair, embodies the immigrant narrative familiar to many in the community. His family’s journey from Uganda to South Africa to New York City mirrors the diasporic experiences of Indian-origin Muslims, fostering a sense of kinship. “He’s one of us,” said Tanveer Malik, a Richmond Hill resident, emphasizing Mamdani’s ability to understand the struggles of immigrant communities.
Policy Resonance: Addressing Affordability and Equity
Mamdani’s platform, centered on affordability and economic justice, strikes a chord with Indian-origin Muslims, many of whom face economic challenges in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Richmond Hill, and Parkchester. His bold proposals include freezing rents for over 2.4 million rent-stabilized units, introducing free city buses, establishing city-owned grocery stores to combat food insecurity, and providing universal childcare. These policies directly address the high cost of living that disproportionately affects working-class immigrant communities, including South Asians with poverty rates higher than the city average (22% for Bangladeshis and 21% for Pakistanis, compared to 19% citywide).
Dr. Habib Joudeh, a Palestinian-American in Jackson Heights, praised Mamdani’s focus on systemic change: “It’s not just because he’s Muslim. It’s because he represents change for our neighborhoods.” Mamdani’s history of advocacy, including a 2021 hunger strike alongside South Asian taxi drivers to secure $450 million in debt relief, further cements his credibility as a champion for marginalized groups.
Cultural Connection: Speaking to the Diaspora
Mamdani’s campaign has masterfully leveraged cultural touchstones to connect with Indian-origin Muslims. His viral social media videos, often infused with Bollywood references and delivered in Hindi and Urdu, have lit up South Asian family WhatsApp groups. A notable ad featuring Mamdani striking the iconic “SRK pose” (inspired by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan) while discussing affordability in Hindustani resonated widely, earning praise for speaking “from the diaspora” rather than just to it.
His visits to mosques, gurdwaras, and community events like “Chai with Zohran” in Queens and the Bronx have further deepened ties. Saman Waquad, president of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York, noted that “thousands of Muslims are volunteering for Zohran to help get out the Muslim vote and beyond,” highlighting the campaign’s success in mobilizing community members who rarely engage in primaries.
Navigating Identity and Controversy
Mamdani’s Muslim identity and vocal support for Palestinian rights, including his endorsement of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, have made him a polarizing figure. While these stances have drawn criticism from some Jewish leaders and opponents like Cuomo, who accused him of fueling antisemitism, they have also energized Indian-origin Muslims who feel their concerns about global justice are being heard. Mamdani has countered allegations of antisemitism by emphasizing his commitment to nonviolence and rejecting hate, tearfully recounting death threats he’s received, such as messages stating, “The only good Muslim is a dead Muslim.”
For many in the community, his willingness to stand firm despite Islamophobia is a point of pride. “He’s not hiding who he is,” said Sumya Hoque, a 20-year-old from Jackson Heights, who followed Mamdani’s campaign via a 300-person group chat. “He’s showing us we don’t have to stay in the shadows.”
Building a Broad Coalition
While Indian-origin Muslims form a core base, Mamdani’s appeal extends beyond religious and ethnic lines, drawing support from young progressives, Black and Hispanic voters, and even some Jewish New Yorkers through cross-endorsements with candidates like Brad Lander. His campaign’s 30,000 volunteers and over 20,000 small-dollar donors reflect a grassroots movement that has shifted the political paradigm. Political strategist Amit Singh Bagga noted, “Zohran has demonstrated the ability to capture and repeat back to New Yorkers what the experience is of being a New Yorker today.”
Looking Ahead
As Mamdani prepares to face Republican Curtis Sliwa and possibly Cuomo as an independent in the November 2025 general election, Indian-origin Muslims remain a vital part of his coalition. Their support is not just about shared identity but a belief in his vision for a more equitable New York. As Bilquees Akhtar, a Queens resident, put it, “My kids were texting me nonstop to vote for him. He’s giving us hope for a city that works for us.”
With New York City’s Democratic leanings and Mamdani’s momentum, the prospect of a Muslim, South Asian mayor is closer than ever, marking a transformative moment for Indian-origin Muslims and the city at large.
In the complex landscape of modern warfare, the battle for public perception has become as critical as physical confrontations. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which escalated in June 2025, has spotlighted the role of media in shaping narratives through propaganda and misinformation. While both sides have been accused of manipulating information, allegations of Israeli media engaging in fake news to bolster a propaganda war have raised significant concerns about truth and accountability in conflict reporting.
Israeli media, alongside state-backed initiatives, has been implicated in disseminating misleading content to amplify its military actions and sway global opinion. According to reports, Israel’s sophisticated public diplomacy efforts, often referred to as “hasbara,” aim to cast its military offensives as moral imperatives while framing adversaries like Iran as existential threats. This strategy has been criticized for distorting facts to maintain a favorable image.
For instance, social media posts from official Israeli accounts, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), have been flagged for sharing outdated or manipulated footage. One notable case involved the IDF posting old missile barrage videos, which received a community note on X for being unrelated to the current conflict, highlighting attempts to exaggerate military success.
AI-generated content has also played a significant role in this information war. Israeli sources have been linked to fabricated videos, such as a satirical depiction of Lego Mossad agents attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities, shared by an official government account. While possibly intended as propaganda, such content risks being taken at face value by unsuspecting audiences, blurring the line between satire and reality.
Similarly, a doctored New York Times front page falsely claiming exaggerated praise for Israeli leadership circulated widely, misleading social media users before being debunked. These examples illustrate how manipulated media can amplify Israel’s narrative of strength and legitimacy.
Censorship further complicates the issue. Israel’s military censor has imposed stringent restrictions on journalists, banning the publication of unverified social media videos and limiting coverage of military sites hit by Iranian attacks. This selective reporting, critics argue, creates a skewed narrative that portrays Iran as targeting civilians while downplaying damage to Israeli military infrastructure.
Such measures, combined with staged footage allegedly filmed post-attack to depict civilian suffering, have fueled accusations of deliberate manipulation to garner international sympathy.
The broader implications of these tactics are profound. By flooding social media with misleading content, Israeli media risks undermining public trust in information sources, especially in a region where state-controlled media already dominates. This digital deception not only distorts the reality of the Israel-Iran conflict but also hinders peace efforts by deepening mistrust. Experts emphasize the need for digital literacy and robust fact-checking to counter this surge in AI-driven misinformation.
While Iran has also been criticized for similar tactics, including recycling old footage and using AI-generated propaganda, the focus on Israel’s media highlights a broader trend in modern warfare: the weaponization of information. As both sides vie for narrative control, the truth becomes a casualty, leaving global audiences struggling to discern fact from fiction in an increasingly polarized digital landscape.
In a remarkable achievement that underscores its commitment to educational excellence and social upliftment, the Al-Ameen Mission in West Bengal has seen 472 of its students qualify for free medical seats in government medical colleges across the state in 2025. This milestone not only highlights the institution’s rigorous academic programs but also its dedication to empowering underprivileged and Indian communities through quality education. Headquartered in Khalatpur, Udaynarayanpur, Howrah, the Al-Ameen Mission has emerged as a beacon of hope for thousands of students, particularly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, transforming lives and fostering socio-economic progress.
Founded in 1986 by M. Nurul Islam, the Al-Ameen Mission began with a modest vision to provide modern education infused with moral values to just seven students. Today, it has grown into a sprawling network of 77 branches across 23 districts in West Bengal, educating over 23,000 residential students. The institution’s philosophy is rooted in fairness, equity, and transparency, with a focus on uplifting poor and meritorious students.
By offering free or subsidized education to 65% of its students 40% with half-free studentships and 25% with full-free studentships—the Mission ensures that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations. The Al-Ameen Mission’s success is not limited to medicine. Over the years, it has produced more than 5000 doctors (MBBS and BDS), 5,500 engineers, and numerous researchers, administrative officers, teachers, and professors. Its holistic approach combines academic rigor with a nurturing, residential environment that fosters discipline, confidence, and a passion for learning. The institution follows the curricula of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE), West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE), and CBSE, ensuring a robust educational foundation.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is one of India’s most competitive examinations, determining admission to medical colleges nationwide. In 2025, 472 students from the Al-Ameen Mission cracked NEET, securing free seats in government medical colleges across West Bengal. This achievement builds on the Mission’s consistent track record, A significant number of these qualifiers hail from backward districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Birbhum, reflecting the Mission’s reach into underserved areas. The success is a testament to the institution’s advanced teaching methods, dedicated faculty, and spiritual motivation, which create an environment conducive to academic excellence. The Mission’s residential institutes, numbering 77 across 23 districts, provide specialized NEET preparation, equipping students with the skills and confidence to compete at the national level.
The Al-Ameen Mission’s achievements extend beyond academics, significantly impacting the socio-economic landscape of West Bengal. By producing doctors from economically challenged backgrounds, the Mission addresses the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas. These future doctors, many of whom come from poor families, are likely to serve their communities, improving access to quality healthcare. Moreover, the Mission’s charitable initiatives, including financial support for unemployed Muslims and scholarships for needy students from other communities, foster inclusive development. The institution’s emphasis on an Islamic environment resonates with Muslim parents seeking quality education for their children in a culturally supportive setting. This unique blend of academic excellence and religious values has earned the Mission accolades, including the prestigious Banga Bhusan Award in 2015.
Despite its successes, the Al-Ameen Mission faces challenges, including funding constraints and the need to expand its infrastructure to accommodate growing demand. The institution relies heavily on donations and Zakat to sustain its free and subsidized education programs. Scaling its model while maintaining quality will require strategic partnerships and increased financial support. Looking ahead, the Mission aims to further its impact by producing more professionals in diverse fields and expanding its network of branches. By continuing to prioritize meritorious students from marginalized sections, the Mission seeks to drive systemic change, reducing educational and economic disparities in West Bengal and beyond.
The Al-Ameen Mission’s 2025 NEET success is more than a statistic; it is a powerful narrative of resilience, determination, and collective effort. From its humble beginnings with a handful of students, the Mission has sparked what is aptly called the “Mission Movement,” inspiring communities to prioritize education as a pathway to progress. As 472 students prepare to embark on their medical journeys, they carry forward the Mission’s legacy of excellence and service, proving that with opportunity and hard work, no dream is too big.
This achievement is a clarion call for other institutions to emulate the Al-Ameen Mission’s model of inclusive education. By empowering the underprivileged, the Mission is not only shaping individual futures but also building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society. Congratulations to the students, faculty, and supporters of the Al-Ameen Mission for this extraordinary milestone. May their journey continue to inspire and transform lives across West Bengal and beyond.
9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is proud to announce the outstanding achievement of 92 of its students, who have successfully cleared the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET) 2025 from the B.Ed Department under Prof Qomrul Hoque School of Education, USTM.
This remarkable accomplishment highlights the dedication, hard work, and academic excellence of our future educators.
The MTET qualification is a significant milestone for aspiring teachers, opening doors to teaching positions in government and aided schools across Meghalaya. The success of these 92 students is a testament to USTM’s commitment to nurturing competent and passionate educators who are well-equipped to shape the future of education in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of USTM, Prof GD Sharma, expressed immense pride and joy. “This achievement reflects our consistent efforts to provide quality teacher education and create an environment that supports the all-around development of our students.
I congratulate every successful candidate and encourage them to serve society with sincerity and dedication.”
The B.ed Program under Prof Qomrul Hoque School of Education has played a pivotal role in guiding the students throughout their preparation journey, offering regular training sessions, mock tests, and mentorship support. Faculty members also extended their heartfelt congratulations and shared their happiness over the remarkable success rate.
As these young achievers step closer to fulfilling their dreams of becoming educators, USTM continues its mission to empower students with knowledge, values, and vision.
