Apple Pay has begun rolling out in India with Axis Bank as its initial banking partner, bringing Apple’s contactless payment service to one of the world’s largest digital payments markets.

The initial rollout supports eligible Axis Bank credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. RuPay cards are not supported at launch, limiting the service’s initial reach among Indian cardholders.

Apple Pay’s availability also depends on whether individual merchants and payment terminals have enabled the service. As a result, users may find that Apple Pay works at one payment terminal but is unavailable at another, depending on the payment infrastructure and acquiring bank involved.

The service is being introduced into a market where UPI dominates everyday digital payments. Unlike UPI, which enables direct bank-to-bank transactions without requiring a card, Apple Pay is primarily a card-based payment service that requires banks, card networks and payment infrastructure providers to integrate with Apple’s platform.

Apple Pay can be used on compatible iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch devices, with Mac support expected to follow. Customers can authenticate payments using Apple’s device security features without entering a payment PIN or receiving a one-time password for each transaction.

The service is expected to be accepted at millions of retail locations across India, including Apple Store outlets and participating brands such as Blinkit, Croma, Ixigo, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.

Apple has also worked with payment service providers including Cashfree, Juspay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to support integration across India’s retail payment infrastructure.

Axis Bank is the first banking partner for the initial rollout. Other major card issuers, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI Card, are not supporting Apple Pay at launch as discussions over commercial terms continue.

Apple’s reported commercial terms have emerged as an important factor in the rollout. The company is seeking a transaction fee of around 20 basis points, or 0.2 per cent, according to reports. That would represent a significant portion of the roughly 40 to 50 basis points typically available as margin within the payments layer.

Axis Bank had about 16.3 million credit cards in circulation as of August, compared with approximately 124 million credit cards across India, according to central bank data. The initial partnership therefore gives Apple Pay access to a sizeable existing card base while leaving substantial scope for expansion to other issuers.

Apple Pay and Apple Wallet Vice President Jennifer Bailey said the company was excited to bring the service to India, citing the country’s growing digital payments adoption and consumer focus on security and privacy.

Axis Bank CEO Amitabh Chaudhry said the payments sector was undergoing significant change as technology, security and evolving customer expectations reshape how consumers transact.

The launch gives Indian consumers another contactless payment option, but its initial availability remains narrower than the country’s widely used UPI ecosystem. Broader adoption will depend on additional banks joining the platform, support for more card networks and wider acceptance across payment terminals.

The post Apple Pay Launches in India With Axis Bank first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India plans to expand its steelmaking capacity to 600 million metric tonnes by 2047 under a new policy framework designed to guide the sector’s development over the next two decades.

The proposed policy also outlines measures to reduce emissions, strengthen access to key raw materials and support the steel industry’s long-term growth as domestic demand increases.

India’s steelmaking capacity stood at about 220 million tonnes in fiscal 2026. The proposed target would therefore require capacity to increase by roughly 380 million tonnes over the next two decades.

The policy aims to reduce the steel industry’s average carbon emission intensity to around 1.54 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of crude steel by 2047, compared with the current level of about 2.54 tonnes. The target is aligned with India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Securing adequate supplies of raw materials is another central focus of the proposed framework. The Steel Ministry expects India’s iron ore requirement to reach 772 million tonnes and plans to improve access to high-grade reserves through overseas assets and joint ventures.

Coking coal demand is projected to reach 214 million tonnes. The government plans to diversify supplies through what the policy describes as strategic global outreach, including efforts to acquire assets overseas.

Raw material availability and exports remain important challenges for India’s steel industry, particularly as countries around the world introduce higher trade barriers and other restrictions on steel flows.

India has also remained a net importer of finished steel. During the April-August period, the country imported 3.5 million tonnes, an increase of 29.5 per cent from the corresponding period a year earlier. China accounted for 31.8 per cent of those imports, making it India’s largest source of finished steel during the period.

Domestic steel prices are also expected to face upward pressure as post-monsoon activity boosts infrastructure and automobile demand. Higher coking coal costs could add further pressure to production expenses for steelmakers.

The proposed policy is intended to address these supply and cost pressures while preparing the industry for higher long-term demand. Its focus on capacity expansion, raw-material security and emissions reduction reflects the growing need to balance industrial growth with India’s climate objectives.

The government is expected to release the steel policy in the public domain after finalisation, providing a broader roadmap for the industry’s expansion through 2047.

The post India Targets 600 MT Steel Capacity by 2047 first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Bengali culture will take center stage in New York’s Times Square when the Mahalaya and Durga Puja Festival returns for its second annual edition on October 10 and 11. The two-day gathering will bring together families, artists and cultural organizations for a program combining religious ceremonies with traditional music, dance and community celebrations.

The festival is designed to showcase Bengali heritage in one of New York City’s most recognizable public spaces. Organizers have planned a range of activities, including Mahalaya Chandipath, Durga Puja rituals, Gita recitation by children and teenagers, Dhunuchi dance and musical performances. Artists from the United States, Bangladesh and West Bengal are scheduled to participate, giving the event an international cultural dimension.

The Mahalaya program will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, with Chandipath led by Satyam Roy Chowdhury. A special Gita recitation featuring children and teenagers raised in New York will follow as part of the festival’s focus on passing cultural and spiritual traditions to younger generations. The segment is being directed by Sutipa Chowdhury.

Saturday’s cultural lineup will also include a musical presentation by Sangeet Sadhana Academy, led by Malabika Chatterjee. Nrityanjali Academy will present a major dance showcase involving more than 60 performers under the direction of Chandra Banerjee. Artists associated with BAFA and Adda Academy will also take part in the opening-day program.

Music will remain a major attraction throughout the first day. Shah Mahbub, an artist associated with Bangladesh and New York, will perform, while West Bengal artist Meghla Das Gupta is scheduled to appear in a special concert.

Sunday, October 11, will shift the focus to Durga Puja ceremonies. Rituals will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Anjali at 3 p.m. The cultural program will feature a Dhunuchi dance presentation by performers from Nrityanjali. West Bengal artist Diyasini Roy is also scheduled to perform, while Jojo Mukherjee and his band will headline a special concert. Renowned artist Riddhi Bandyopadhyay will participate as a special guest.

Shashadhar Howlader, president of the organizing committee, said the Times Square celebration has developed into a gathering for Bengalis from different regions and backgrounds. The event, he said, offers an opportunity to celebrate shared heritage while welcoming people from the wider community.

Supported by Desi Natural Dahi and Willow Cricket, the festival aims to strengthen connections among Bengali communities in New York while introducing the traditions, music and cultural spirit of Durga Puja to audiences beyond the Bengali community.

The post Mahalaya, Durga Puja Festival Returns to Times Square first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

The race for Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District has emerged as a closely contested contest between Democratic candidate Pia Dandiya and Republican candidate Casey Askar. Recent polling and a change in the Cook Political Report’s race rating have drawn increased attention to the open-seat election ahead of the November 3 general election.

A House Majority PAC poll conducted by Impact Research from August 24 through August 31 found Dandiya leading Askar 46% to 44% among likely voters in an initial head-to-head matchup. After respondents were provided information about both candidates, Dandiya’s support increased to 49%, compared with 44% for Askar. The same survey found the generic congressional ballot tied at 46% for Democratic and Republican candidates. Because the poll was commissioned by House Majority PAC, a Democratic-aligned political action committee, its sponsorship is relevant when considering the results.

Another public survey conducted by Tavern Research from August 10 through August 12 among 551 likely voters showed the two candidates tied at 50% each. The available polling therefore shows a relatively small difference between the candidates rather than a consistent large polling margin.

The Cook Political Report changed its rating for Florida’s 22nd District on September 25 from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up.” Its current race summary describes Askar as a Marine veteran who won the Republican primary and Dandiya as an education policy expert and Democratic nominee. The Cook report also notes that the newly drawn district stretches from Palm Beach County toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Who is Pia Dandiya

Dandiya is a first-time congressional candidate and former educator whose parents immigrated from India. She won the Democratic primary on August 18 and is running in the newly configured 22nd District after previously campaigning for a different congressional district. 

Pia Dandiya’s Vision for Florida’s 22nd District

Pia Dandiya is running for Congress in Florida’s 22nd District, an open seat created by what she and her supporters describe as Florida Republicans’ mid-decade gerrymandering. She wants to strengthen public education, expand economic opportunity, and protect families’ freedom to make decisions about their lives and futures. Her experience in classrooms, government, and the private sector has shaped how she approaches those goals.

Today, Pia is raising her family in Palm Beach Gardens, only miles from where she grew up. Her connection to the area is central to her campaign. She believes families deserve a representative who understands their concerns and puts their needs first.

From Jupiter Classrooms to National Leadership

Pia’s story begins in Jupiter, Florida, where she was born and raised by parents who came from India seeking greater opportunity. As a first-generation American growing up in the 22nd District, she learned the value of hard work and education. She also saw how much a person’s future can depend on having the chance to pursue them.

She began her career as a teacher in low-income schools, where more than 90% of her students reached proficiency on state exams. At 28, Pia founded a high school in Harlem to help change the prospects of students growing up in poverty. Under her leadership, every graduate earned admission to college, although most students came from low-income families. Their achievements showed what is possible when young people receive strong teaching, guidance, and resources.

Pia later served as a White House Fellow, working at the Domestic Policy Council and the Department of Education. She saw firsthand how decisions made in Washington affect families across the country. She then led public sector initiatives at Apple, partnering with state leaders to improve education, health care, and government systems so they could better serve their communities.

Helping Florida Families Build Secure Futures

Across each stage of her career, Pia has worked to give people a better chance to succeed. Her experience has strengthened her belief that economic independence helps families thrive. Good schools and jobs, affordable health care, and dependable child care all play a part in making that independence possible. She believes that when communities invest in people, the benefits extend well beyond any one household.

In Congress, Pia says she will work to expand early childhood education and job training and make health care and child care more affordable. She is committed to defending Social Security, Medicare, and support for veterans. She also pledges to protect the democratic values that give every person a voice.

For Pia, this campaign is a chance to help more Floridians build secure and fulfilling lives. She is asking voters to support leadership grounded in her experience and focused on the opportunities families need. Global Indian News Network is proud to stand with her in this race and support the effort to take back the U.S. House.

The district itself has undergone significant changes as part of Florida’s mid-decade congressional redistricting. The new boundaries include portions of Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry and Collier counties, bringing together urban, suburban and rural communities. The redrawn district is substantially different from its previous configuration, making comparisons with older election results less direct.

Dandiya has emphasized issues including household costs, economic security, education and access to government programs during her campaign. Askar, a Marine veteran and businessman, won the Republican nomination for the open seat. Both candidates are now campaigning across a geographically diverse district as they prepare for the November election.

The recent Cook Political Report rating and polling have placed the Florida 22nd District among the closely watched House contests of the 2026 election cycle. With the district newly redrawn and no incumbent running under the new boundaries, the November 3 election will determine whether Pia Dandiya or Casey Askar represents the district in the U.S. House.

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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation on India-US relations, recently enacted sanctions legislation targeting Russia and Iran, energy security and other international issues.

The delegation was led by Representative Brian Mast, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. Representative Shri Thanedar and other US lawmakers were also part of the delegation.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions covered the recently enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act and the future trajectory of India-US bilateral relations. The two sides also exchanged views on international issues of mutual concern, energy security, counter-terrorism and freedom of navigation.

The talks come as India continues to assess the implications of new US sanctions legislation involving Russia. The issue has significance for India because of its longstanding economic and energy ties with Russia.

Misri had also held separate discussions with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker in New York. Their meeting covered energy security, the sanctions legislation, civil nuclear cooperation and initiatives involving strategic technology and the Indian Ocean.

In another meeting, Misri discussed cooperation in critical and emerging technologies with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. The discussions included the Pax Silica initiative and efforts to strengthen supply-chain resilience in areas such as semiconductors and critical minerals.

The latest diplomatic engagements reflect ongoing discussions between India and the United States on trade, energy, technology, security and the broader direction of bilateral relations.

The post Vikram Misri, US Delegation Discuss Russia Sanctions first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Actor and digital creator Bhuvan Bam has reflected on his journey from YouTube content creation to establishing himself as an actor and entertainer. His experiences on the digital platform, including the criticism and doubts he faced early in his career, played an important role in shaping his outlook and approach to entertainment.

Bam recalled that when he began creating content for YouTube, some people around him questioned whether the platform could provide a sustainable career. At a time when online video creation was still an emerging field, he chose to continue following his interests despite the skepticism.

For Bam, content creation has always been about more than building a career. He has focused on entertaining audiences and creating experiences that allow people to laugh, feel emotional and connect with different perspectives.

He also reflected on the personal lessons he gained through his years in the digital space. Facing people who disagreed with his choices helped him develop a broader perspective and understand the importance of staying grounded. Bam said these experiences taught him to value different viewpoints while maintaining humility.

Bam is now expanding his work beyond digital content and into mainstream acting. He portrays freedom fighter Rash Behari Bose in the streaming series The Revolutionaries, which also features Pratibha Ranta, Rohit Saraf and Gurfateh Pirzada. Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani is associated with the project.

Bam’s journey from YouTube to acting reflects the evolution of his career while highlighting the influence of his early digital experiences. His reflections underline the role of persistence, passion and personal growth in shaping his approach to entertainment.

The post Bhuvan Bam Reflects on His YouTube Journey first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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More than 2,000 devotees from across Southern California gathered on September 5 for a large-scale spiritual celebration hosted by Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles (CMLA). The Shri Hanuman Chalisa Samashti Havan brought together community members for six hours of prayer, chanting, fellowship and devotion, with 108 sacred fire pits used during the ceremony.

The event formed part of Chinmaya Mission’s worldwide observance of its 75th anniversary, known as Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the gathering highlighted ideals of devotion and selfless service while creating a shared space for members of the Indian American community and participating organizations to celebrate their spiritual and cultural traditions.

The day began with a procession carrying a richly decorated Panchamukha Hanuman deity from its temple in Torrance, California. Volunteers and priests brought the idol to the Havan venue at dawn, where it was installed as the presiding deity and became the central spiritual focus of the celebration.

Swami Swaroopananda, head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, presided over the event alongside Swami Shantananda, president of Chinmaya West. Several community leaders and elected officials also attended, including Congressman Dave Min, who served as guest of honor. In his remarks, Min discussed diversity and harmony, connecting those themes with the meaning of “samashti,” which refers to the collective or the whole.

Other guests included Irvine Council Member Melinda Liu, Artesia Council Member Zeel Ahir and Consul Kulwant Singh of the Indian Consulate in Los Angeles. The gathering also recognized Swami Ishwarananda, who is completing 30 years of leadership at CMLA. Under his guidance, the center’s community activities have expanded, including its Bala Vihar program, which now serves about 1,000 children.

The Havan was organized in four batches. Each group entered an arena where 108 fire pits had been carefully arranged, with participants provided traditional offerings such as ghee, flowers, rice, sandalwood paste and Kumkum. Guided by instructions displayed on LED screens, devotees conducted the ceremony while collectively reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.

Children from Bala Vihar participated as well, reciting the verses by Goswami Tulsidas from the stage. Across the event, participants completed approximately 15,000 recitations.

Between sessions, attendees explored exhibitions featuring CMLA’s seven regional centers, historical displays, children’s activities and publications. The program concluded with mahaaarati, followed by gratitude from Swami Ishwarananda to devotees and volunteers whose service helped bring the large community celebration together.

The post Chinmaya Mission LA Hosts Grand Hanuman Chalisa Havan first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India and the United States discussed expanding bilateral cooperation across energy, civil nuclear power and strategic technologies during a series of high-level meetings in New York. The talks brought together senior officials from both countries as they reviewed ongoing areas of partnership and explored ways to strengthen collaboration.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker in New York. Their discussions covered several areas of the India-US relationship, including energy security, civil nuclear cooperation and strategic technology initiatives.

The officials also addressed the recently enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, or SRIA, as part of their broader discussions. The meeting comes as India and the US continue to engage on issues affecting energy security and their wider strategic relationship.

India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and other officials also attended the meeting. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the talks covered a broad range of bilateral cooperation, highlighting the continuing engagement between New Delhi and Washington on strategic and economic priorities.

Misri also held separate discussions with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. Their meeting focused on critical and emerging technologies and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas considered important to future economic and technological development.

According to the discussions, India and the US agreed to advance collaboration through the Pax Silica initiative. The two sides also focused on building more resilient supply chains, particularly through greater cooperation in semiconductors and critical minerals.

Semiconductors and critical minerals have become increasingly important to technology manufacturing and industrial supply chains. Cooperation in these sectors can support efforts by both countries to strengthen access to essential materials and technologies.

The talks also included the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology, or TRUST, initiative and the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture initiative. Both form part of the broader strategic engagement between India and the US.

The latest meetings underscore the range of issues being addressed through the bilateral relationship, extending from energy and nuclear cooperation to advanced technologies and supply-chain resilience. With officials discussing multiple sectors in New York, the two countries are continuing efforts to develop cooperation across strategic, economic and technological areas.

The post India, US Deepen Ties in Energy, Nuclear Power, Tech first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Indian-American gastroenterologist and healthcare leader Dr. Mukul Arya, MD, has been named the recipient of the inaugural Global Healthcare Leader of the Year Award by Worldwide Community First Responder (WCFR), a nonprofit organization focused on lifesaving education and community health initiatives.

The award was presented during WCFR’s 15th Anniversary and Fundraising Gala on September 19, 2026, at Hotel Nyack–JDV by Hyatt in Nyack, New York. The Caribbean-themed event brought together healthcare professionals, elected officials, philanthropists, business leaders and community advocates to mark the organization’s 15 years of service.

Arya was recognized for his work in healthcare, leadership, professional achievements and commitment to serving communities. His recent completion of the Global Healthcare Leaders Program at Harvard Medical School was also highlighted. He completed the program alongside WCFR Founder and President Dr. Jacqueline Cassagnol.

Cassagnol praised Arya’s approach to healthcare leadership, describing his contributions as reflecting the qualities needed to advance healthcare while maintaining a strong focus on service. She presented the recognition as an acknowledgment of his professional accomplishments and broader commitment to the field.

The award was presented to Arya by Roni Mazumdar, a restaurateur and entrepreneur. Following the ceremony, Arya expressed appreciation for the recognition and said he was humbled by the honor.

The gala also recognized the Arya Family Foundation and Unapologetic Foods as WCFR’s Premier Sponsors. Their support contributed to the anniversary celebration and will help fund the organization’s continuing programs aimed at improving access to health education and lifesaving training.

Several public officials attended the event, including US Congressman Mike Lawler, New York State Senator Bill Weber and Rockland County Legislator Toney L. Earl. Their participation added a civic dimension to an event centered on healthcare, community service and philanthropy.

Founded by Dr. Jacqueline Cassagnol, Worldwide Community First Responder works in the United States and internationally to provide health education, first-aid training, scholarships and community programs. Its broader mission is focused on helping communities gain knowledge and skills that can prevent avoidable deaths.

Arya’s recognition places his professional work within WCFR’s wider effort to promote healthcare leadership and community-based lifesaving initiatives. The inaugural award also establishes a new annual recognition associated with the organization’s efforts to highlight contributions to healthcare and service.

The post Dr. Mukul Arya Named Global Healthcare Leader of Year first appeared on Global Indian News Network.