India is making its mark as a global leader in technological innovation and economic growth, highlighted in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) report. The country’s transformative progress as a hub for startups and digital innovation is underscored by initiatives like the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India, launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to fostering responsible and inclusive technological advancements. The WEF’s four-decade partnership with India has facilitated collaboration across government, business, academia, and civil society, resulting in impactful projects. These include AI-driven programs for agriculture, innovative healthcare solutions, and…
Author: Akancha Mishra
Akancha Mishra
Akancha has been a journalist for about twenty years, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. She and her husband and children Supriya and Alok currently call New York City home.
On January 12, 2025, Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ, hosted a sold-out Centennial Tribute to Raj Kapoor and a dedication to the late Shobhna Patel on her first death anniversary. Over 450 attendees witnessed a four-hour program featuring 25 singers performing 50 timeless songs, celebrating the cinematic legend and cultural icon. Raj Kapoor, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, was honored for his masterpieces like Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker. His contributions earned him the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1987. The evening also commemorated Shobhna Patel, a passionate…
India’s edtech market, valued at $7.5 billion in 2024, is expected to surge to $29 billion by 2030, according to a report by IAMAI and Grant Thornton Bharat. Despite setbacks like reduced funding after the COVID-19 surge and governance challenges, the sector continues to expand. Key growth drivers include improved digital infrastructure, changing cultural attitudes towards online education, and increased aspirations among middle-class families. These factors, coupled with a competitive job market and global educational awareness, have fueled the rise of interactive and personalized learning experiences offered by edtech platforms. By 2029, the edtech sector is anticipated to contribute 0.4%…
Professor Rajan Kumar, Ph.D., has been named the new chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering. Kumar will officially assume his role on Friday, December 20, 2024, overseeing the joint college’s largest department. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, India, Kumar earned both his master’s and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, completing his doctorate in 2005. Expressing gratitude for this new opportunity, Kumar stated, “I am honored to take on this role and extend my thanks to the dean and my colleagues for their trust. I…
Vivek Ramaswamy, a multi-millionaire biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, is preparing to enter the Ohio governor’s race, according to multiple sources. Currently serving as co-leader of President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, Ramaswamy is expected to make an official announcement soon. An Ohio political insider shared that Ramaswamy’s strategy includes achieving significant milestones with DOGE before transitioning to his gubernatorial campaign. The upcoming race will open as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026. DeWine recently appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated…
Prof. Nikhil Gupta, a distinguished faculty member at NYU’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, has been appointed as an editorial board member for Scientific Data, a multidisciplinary journal under the Nature umbrella. In his new role, Gupta will oversee peer review processes and ensure submitted manuscripts meet the highest scientific standards. As an open-access publication, Scientific Data emphasizes data-sharing to foster innovation and accelerate scientific breakthroughs. Gupta highlighted the growing demand for platforms like this, especially as artificial intelligence development increasingly relies on large datasets. “This role allows me to contribute to breaking down barriers to interdisciplinary research,” Gupta…
The Uttar Pradesh government’s Maha Kumbh has become a global attraction, drawing a delegation of 21 representatives from 10 countries to Prayagraj’s Sangam on Thursday. Among the delegates, Denesh Persaud from Guyana shared his joy after a sacred dip in the Ganges, calling it a “dream come true.” He encouraged others to join this significant event and experience its spiritual essence. Sally El Azab from the UAE traveled to India to witness the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering. She praised its exceptional organization, emphasizing the government’s efforts in ensuring safety and smooth arrangements. The delegation, invited by India’s…
India has successfully conducted field evaluation trials of the indigenously developed Nag Mk-2, a third-generation anti-tank guided missile. The trials were held recently at Pokhran in Rajasthan, under the supervision of senior Indian Army officials. The missile’s fire-and-forget technology performed well during three trials, accurately targeting both the maximum and minimum range, confirming its precise firing capabilities. Additionally, the Nag missile carrier version 2 was also evaluated during the trials. With the successful testing, the entire weapon system is now deemed ready for induction into the Indian Army. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to the Defence Research and…
The inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks the beginning of transformative infrastructure development in the region. This milestone is expected to significantly enhance tourism and reduce travel time between Srinagar and Leh. On Monday, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari outlined timelines for over a dozen key projects, including highways, tunnels, and ropeways, collectively valued at $12 billion. Speaking at Sonamarg, PM Modi highlighted J&K’s emergence as a hub for advanced infrastructure like tunnels, high-bridges, and ropeways. He lauded the Chenab Bridge as an engineering marvel, noting that a passenger train trial…
With just over a week until Donald Trump assumes his second term as US President, outgoing US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti underscored the growing prominence of Indian Americans. While expressing regret over Kamala Harris’s electoral defeat, Garcetti remained optimistic, predicting an Indian American President in the near future. He highlighted the significant contributions of Indian immigrants, who constitute 1.5% of the US population yet pay 6% of the nation’s income taxes. Indian Americans excel in leading universities, states, and global corporations, with some securing key positions in Trump’s administration. Regarding visa concerns, Garcetti reassured Indians about continued growth in…
