Ranbir Kapoor has described portraying Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming

During a Ramayana panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Ranbir appeared alongside co-star Yash, director Nitesh Tiwari, and producer Namit Malhotra. In a conversation with Fanversation, the actor opened up about the extensive preparation involved in bringing the iconic character to life.

Ranbir explained that the biggest challenge was not physical transformation but understanding Lord Rama’s values, philosophy, and principles. He said that building a certain physique or preparing for action sequences is relatively straightforward compared with developing the emotional and spiritual depth needed for such an important role.

The actor emphasized that his goal was to present Lord Rama in a way that feels authentic and relatable to audiences across generations. According to him, understanding the teachings and essence of the character was far more important than focusing only on appearance.

To prepare for the role, Ranbir revealed that he spent significant time studying various interpretations of the Ramayana, consulting scholars, and following spiritual practices. He shared that he practiced yoga for two years and worked closely with a spiritual guide named Suvir, who helped him meditate and gain a deeper understanding of Lord Rama’s teachings.

The team behind Ramayana attended San Diego Comic-Con with plans for a worldwide trailer launch. However, the release was postponed shortly before the scheduled unveiling. Producer Namit Malhotra announced that the trailer would arrive at a later date, describing the project as a landmark moment for Indian cinema.

Malhotra said the film aims to introduce the richness of Indian culture and storytelling to audiences worldwide on a scale comparable to major international productions. The partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment is expected to help bring the epic story to a global audience.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic saga, with the first installment scheduled for a theatrical release in November. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble cast also includes actors such as Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Arun Govil, Vivek Oberoi, and Kunal Kapoor.

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India has emerged as a promising partner in the United States’ long-term strategy to reduce reliance on China’s dominant shipbuilding industry, according to discussions held during a congressional hearing focused on maritime security and industrial competitiveness. American lawmakers and policy experts highlighted India’s growing shipbuilding potential, placing it alongside Japan and South Korea as part of a broader alliance aimed at strengthening global maritime production outside China.

The topic was examined during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, where officials assessed the strategic risks associated with China’s overwhelming control of commercial shipbuilding. Participants argued that Beijing’s extensive maritime manufacturing capabilities not only support its economy but also reinforce its expanding naval power, creating long-term challenges for the United States and its allies.

Matthew Funaiole, Vice President at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said Washington should deepen cooperation with trusted partners, including Japan, South Korea, and India, to build stronger shipbuilding capacity over time. He noted that India is becoming an increasingly important participant in the global shipbuilding sector and could play a valuable role in creating a diversified and resilient maritime industrial network outside China.

The hearing, titled Charting a New Course: Countering China’s Dominance in Global Shipbuilding, explored how China’s state-supported shipbuilding industry has reshaped global supply chains and influenced security dynamics across the Indo-Pacific. Lawmakers emphasized that China’s commercial shipyards and military shipbuilding efforts are closely linked, allowing commercial revenues to strengthen the country’s naval modernization.

Subcommittee Chair Young Kim pointed out that China now accounts for more than half of global commercial shipbuilding, while the United States represents only a small fraction of worldwide production. She warned that Western companies using Chinese shipyards indirectly contribute to Beijing’s naval expansion through its integrated industrial strategy.

Representative Ami Bera stressed that the United States does not need to address the challenge alone. Instead, he advocated working closely with allies that possess advanced maritime expertise, particularly Japan and South Korea, while expanding partnerships with emerging contributors such as India. He said coordinated investments, technology sharing, and workforce development would be critical to rebuilding competitive shipbuilding capacity.

Experts also cautioned that reducing China’s dominance will require a sustained, long-term effort rather than immediate competition. Recommendations included improving transparency across global maritime industries, investing in advanced shipbuilding technologies, and aligning industrial policies among allied nations over several decades.

Additional proposals discussed during the hearing included strengthening cooperation among maritime-focused countries, encouraging allied investment in American shipyards, and using trade measures, export controls, port fees, and targeted sanctions to reduce dependence on Chinese shipbuilding. Collectively, these initiatives aim to build a more resilient global maritime network while enhancing economic security and strategic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

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Air India is set to expand its presence in the United States by moving its operations at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to the newly developed Terminal 6 starting in 2028. The airline announced the relocation on July 21 in partnership with JFK Millennium Partners, the developer and operator of the upcoming terminal.

The move will place Air India alongside multiple Star Alliance member airlines at Terminal 6, creating greater opportunities for seamless travel connections. Several international carriers, including JetBlue, Cathay Pacific, and Aer Lingus, have also confirmed plans to operate from the new facility, making it a major hub for global aviation.

Air India said shifting to Terminal 6 will improve passenger convenience by strengthening links with its codeshare and interline partners. Travelers will benefit from easier same-terminal transfers, allowing smoother onward journeys to destinations across North and South America. The development is expected to support the airline’s growing international network and improve the overall travel experience for passengers flying between India and the United States.

As part of the transition, Air India will introduce its first flagship Maharaja Lounge in North America at Terminal 6. Covering approximately 9,100 square feet, the premium facility will provide enhanced services for business-class and eligible passengers. The lounge will add to Air India’s growing portfolio of premium airport facilities following the opening of its Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport.

The upcoming Terminal 6 project is being developed in multiple stages. The first set of gates is scheduled to become operational in 2026, while the complete terminal is expected to be ready by 2028. The redevelopment is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s broader $19 billion modernization plan for JFK Airport.

The new terminal aims to create a more efficient, technologically advanced, and passenger-friendly international gateway. For Air India, the relocation represents another step in strengthening its position in the US market and supporting increased demand for India-US air travel.

With improved facilities, stronger airline partnerships, and expanded premium services, Air India’s move to Terminal 6 is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers while reinforcing the growing aviation links between India and North America.

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The long-awaited US-India trade agreement could be finalized within the next three to four months, according to a senior US official who said negotiations between the two countries have reached an advanced stage.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Manila, the official said the agreement has effectively been completed and that the remaining steps are linked to internal US trade procedures rather than unresolved issues between Washington and New Delhi.

The official stated that the two sides already have a draft agreement prepared, with the completion of ongoing Section 301 trade investigations being the primary factor delaying the final announcement. Under US trade law, Section 301 allows authorities to investigate unfair trade practices and introduce tariffs or other measures if necessary.

The United States and India have been negotiating the bilateral trade agreement as part of efforts to increase market access, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. The proposed pact is expected to support greater trade flows and create new opportunities for businesses in both markets.

The US official added that one Section 301 investigation involving around 60 countries was expected to conclude soon. Once these reviews are completed, progress on multiple trade discussions, including those involving India, could move forward.

When asked about the expected timeline for completing the agreement, the official estimated that the process could take another three to four months.

The trade discussions come as the United States continues reviewing its broader tariff policies. Washington has already proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on several countries, including India, over concerns related to goods linked to forced labor.

Meanwhile, another US trade decision involving generic pharmaceutical imports has raised concerns for India’s drug industry. President Donald Trump announced that imported generic medicines would remain tariff-free for two years starting August 1 before facing possible tariffs of 100% and later 200%.

The move could have a significant impact on India’s pharmaceutical exports, as the United States is one of the largest markets for Indian generic drugs. India exported approximately $9.7 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US in 2025, accounting for nearly 38% of its total pharmaceutical exports.

Despite challenges in certain sectors, the potential trade agreement signals continued efforts by both nations to deepen economic ties and expand cooperation across key industries.

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More than 50 Indian-American organizations gathered in Schaumburg, Illinois, to honor India’s outgoing Consul General in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, during a farewell event celebrating his nearly four years of diplomatic service and community engagement.

The reception, held on July 19, recognized Ghosh’s efforts in strengthening ties between the Consulate General of India in Chicago and the Indian-American community across the Midwest. Community leaders described his tenure as one marked by accessibility, humility, and a strong commitment to building connections between India and its diaspora.

Ghosh, who arrived in Chicago in October 2022, served as India’s representative across seven Midwestern states, promoting diplomatic, economic, educational, technological, and cultural partnerships. During his assignment, he participated in hundreds of community events, business forums, university programs, cultural celebrations, and official gatherings.

As a senior Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1997 batch, Ghosh brought extensive diplomatic experience to his role. Under his leadership, the Chicago Consulate expanded its outreach to Indian students, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, business leaders, nonprofit groups, and elected officials, while supporting stronger cooperation between India and the American Midwest.

Community representatives praised Ghosh for his belief that the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in strengthening India’s global image. They highlighted his efforts to bring together organizations representing different cultures, professions, faiths, and social causes.

The farewell event brought together numerous community leaders from across the Midwest, who shared their appreciation for Ghosh’s willingness to engage with organizations of all sizes. Speakers recalled his participation in events ranging from cultural festivals and religious celebrations to youth programs, business conferences, and charitable initiatives.

Several leaders noted that Ghosh’s tenure coincided with a period of expanding India-US cooperation, including growth in economic partnerships, education exchanges, technology collaboration, healthcare initiatives, and people-to-people connections. They also recognized the Consulate’s continued efforts in providing services to Indian nationals and supporting the wider diaspora.

In his farewell remarks, Ghosh thanked the Indian-American community for its support and described his time in Chicago as a memorable chapter for him and his family. He praised the achievements of Indian Americans across fields such as medicine, technology, entrepreneurship, science, finance, academia, and public service.

The Government of India has appointed Ghosh as the next High Commissioner of India to Malaysia. Community members expressed confidence that he will continue his diplomatic service with dedication and professionalism.

The gathering concluded with commemorative honors, photographs, and messages of appreciation, reflecting the strong bond between the Indian diplomatic mission and the Indian-American community in the Midwest.

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Thousands of Indian Americans from across the United States are expected to assemble in Washington, D.C., on July 25 for a large-scale celebration commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event will unite elected officials, business executives, diplomats, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to honor the enduring contributions of the Indian American community to the United States.

Hosted by the Indian-American Committee, the America 250 Indian American Commemorative Celebration will take place at DAR Constitution Hall from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Organizers anticipate attendance of nearly 3,000 participants, making it one of the most significant gatherings of Indian Americans during the nationwide anniversary celebrations.

The committee announced the event on July 20, emphasizing that the program will recognize generations of Indian Americans who have played meaningful roles in shaping the country. The celebration will highlight the achievements of professionals and public servants, including physicians, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, and individuals who have contributed to civic life across the United States.

Several prominent political leaders are scheduled to participate. Confirmed speakers include U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, and Ro Khanna. U.S. Senator Steve Daines will also address attendees through a recorded video message, reflecting the bipartisan nature of the event.

The program will feature a diverse lineup of distinguished guests from government, business, science, and public service. Among those expected to attend are Social Security Administration Deputy Commissioner Arjun Mody, former Trump administration officials Raj Shah, Ashok Pinto, and Uttam Dhillon, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, General Atomics Global Corporation CEO Dr. Vivek Lall, former NASA Administrator Dr. Michael D. Griffin, renowned physician Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty.

Entertainment will also be part of the evening, with Grammy Award-winning singer Falguni “Falu” Shah set to perform. Diplomatic representatives and ambassadors from several countries are also expected to participate, adding an international dimension to the celebration.

The event is being coordinated by the Indian-American Committee, a coalition representing several leading Indian American organizations. Participating groups include the U.S. India Security Council, Indian American Impact, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, TiE, the American India Foundation, the Hindu American Foundation, Americans 4 Hindus, the American Hindu Coalition, the Federation of Indian Associations, and numerous other civic, business, and community organizations.

Organizers say the gathering will celebrate not only America’s 250-year democratic journey but also the lasting impact Indian Americans have made across public service, business, education, healthcare, innovation, and community leadership throughout the country.

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Indian-origin technology executive Uday Ruddarraju has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Compute at OpenAI, marking a significant achievement in his career and highlighting the growing presence of Indian-origin professionals in the global artificial intelligence industry.

Ruddarraju announced his new role through a LinkedIn post, reflecting on his first year at OpenAI and describing the experience as highly rewarding. He shared that the company’s Compute team has been focused on rapidly increasing computing capacity and developing the advanced systems required to train and operate next-generation AI models, including GPT-5.6.

In his new leadership position, Ruddarraju will help guide OpenAI’s efforts to expand its computing infrastructure, which plays a critical role in developing and deploying advanced AI technologies. He noted that the company is working toward creating one of the world’s largest AI computing ecosystems to support future frontier models.

Ruddarraju also highlighted OpenAI’s plans to further strengthen its compute capabilities and expand its engineering teams. The company is seeking experts across multiple areas, including large-scale distributed systems, hardware development, manufacturing, networking, storage solutions, and data center engineering.

Ruddarraju’s journey in technology began in India, where he studied computer science at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology in Hyderabad. During his undergraduate years, he gained early industry experience through an internship with Amazon Web Services, which helped shape his career in cloud computing and infrastructure engineering.

He later moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Minnesota. Over the years, he developed expertise through engineering leadership roles at major technology companies, including eBay and Robinhood, before joining Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI as Head of Infrastructure Engineering.

His transition from xAI to OpenAI in 2025 attracted attention, as he became one of the senior infrastructure professionals to move between two major AI companies competing in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector.

Ruddarraju’s promotion reflects the increasing importance of computing infrastructure in the AI race and underscores the role of experienced technology leaders in building the systems needed for future AI advancements. His career journey from India to leading AI infrastructure initiatives at one of the world’s most prominent AI companies serves as a notable achievement for the global Indian technology community.

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President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Chisinau on Monday, launching her three-nation diplomatic tour of Europe with a landmark State visit to Moldova. The visit is historic, as it marks the first time an Indian President has traveled to the Eastern European nation, reflecting the growing importance of ties between the two countries.

Upon landing at Chisinau International Airport, President Murmu received a warm welcome from Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi. The President’s Secretariat highlighted the significance of the occasion, describing it as a milestone in the relationship between India and Moldova.

The visit comes at the invitation of Moldovan President Maia Sandu. During her stay, President Murmu is scheduled to hold official discussions with President Sandu to explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. She will also meet Igor Grosu, the Speaker of Moldova’s Parliament, and interact with members of the Moldova-India Parliamentary Friendship Group.

In addition to political engagements, the President’s itinerary includes participation in a business forum designed to encourage stronger commercial ties between the two countries. She is also expected to meet members of the Indian community living in Moldova, reinforcing India’s commitment to maintaining close connections with its diaspora abroad.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit represents an important opportunity to elevate the partnership between India and Moldova beyond traditional diplomatic relations. Both nations see significant potential for collaboration in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology, education, renewable energy, innovation, and digital technologies.

Ahead of the visit, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, emphasized that the discussions would cover the full range of bilateral relations while identifying new avenues for cooperation. He noted that the visit is expected to strengthen business-to-business partnerships, encourage greater trade and investment, and create momentum for broader collaboration across multiple sectors.

President Murmu’s visit to Moldova marks the opening chapter of her three-country European tour. Following the conclusion of her engagements in Moldova, she will continue her diplomatic mission with State visits to North Macedonia and Romania, where she is expected to participate in additional high-level meetings aimed at expanding India’s partnerships across the region.

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Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman delivered a memorable performance in Washington, DC, joining forces with the National Symphony Orchestra for a concert that earned widespread praise and a standing ovation from a sold-out audience at Wolf Trap.

Held shortly after the United States marked its 250th anniversary celebrations, the event highlighted Rahman’s signature ability to blend diverse musical traditions. The performance combined Indian classical melodies, contemporary compositions, and rich Western orchestral arrangements, reflecting the artistic style that has defined his career for more than three decades.

Backed by the National Symphony Orchestra, Rahman presented symphonic interpretations of several of his well-known works. The concert featured a seamless mix of orchestral music with traditional Indian instruments, classical vocals, and live dance performances. This fusion created a unique musical experience that showcased the harmony between Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

The evening also emphasized collaboration, with Rahman sharing the stage with his talented ensemble of singers and instrumentalists. Throughout the performance, he introduced individual members of the group and allowed them to take center stage during various segments, highlighting their contributions and adding greater depth to the overall production.

One of the most celebrated moments of the concert featured music from Rahman’s Ramayan project, created in partnership with acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer. The orchestral performance was accompanied by an elegant Indian classical dance presentation, bringing together mythology, storytelling, and grand symphonic music in a visually and emotionally engaging showcase.

The audience responded enthusiastically to the performance, with the Ramayan segment receiving one of the loudest ovations of the night. The combination of sweeping orchestral arrangements and traditional Indian artistic expression left a lasting impression on concertgoers.

Rahman’s Washington appearance further demonstrated the global appeal of his music and his ability to connect audiences across cultures. By merging classical Indian traditions with world-class orchestral performance, the concert celebrated artistic collaboration while reinforcing music’s power to bridge cultural boundaries. The event stood as another milestone in Rahman’s distinguished international career, earning admiration from fans and music lovers alike.

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Indian American Reginald Augustus Babulal Singh, better known as Lal Singh, lived a remarkable life that connected India’s independence movement, American political activism, and Hollywood entertainment. Born on August 8, 1905, in British Guiana, Singh’s journey was shaped by migration, cultural diversity, and a lifelong commitment to justice and freedom.

Singh’s parents, Baboolal and Lakshmi, were Indian indentured laborers who had moved from Uttar Pradesh to British Guiana in the late 19th century to work on sugar plantations. After his father left the family and moved to the United States, young Lal and his mother faced difficult circumstances. During his childhood, he was separated from his mother and spent time living among the indigenous Makushi community in the Amazon rainforest region before being reunited with her through the efforts of a Jesuit priest.

After returning to his mother, Singh continued his education at a mission school and developed a strong curiosity about the wider world. In 1920, he moved to Syracuse, New York, with his mother after receiving an invitation from his father. Adjusting to life in America was challenging, but he excelled academically and later enrolled at Syracuse University, where he encountered various political movements and social ideas.

Influenced by discussions on equality and justice, Singh became interested in socialism and later began following India’s independence movement. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and the struggle against British rule, he eventually decided to travel to India and contribute to the freedom movement.

In India, Singh joined the Indian National Congress and worked to organize public support for independence. His activities attracted attention from British authorities, leading to his arrest and a two-year imprisonment in Madras. After his release, he worked with the India League in London alongside V.K. Krishna Menon, helping promote awareness and support for India’s independence.

Singh later returned to the United States, where he founded the publication India News in 1941 to advocate for Indian freedom. He traveled widely, delivering speeches about Gandhi, nonviolence, and India’s future while building awareness among American audiences.

Beyond politics, Singh also entered Hollywood, appearing in films such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, To Catch a Thief, and Around the World in Eighty Days. He later made a television appearance in the popular science fiction series Star Trek.

In 1956, Singh married Gwen Mae Hobson, and together they founded the India-America Society in Los Angeles to promote Indian culture and support students. He continued exploring the world and sharing his experiences until his death in 1970 at the age of 65. Singh’s life remains an extraordinary example of activism, cultural exchange, and perseverance across continents.

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