Author: Akancha Mishra

The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Dr. Kavita Radhakrishnan, a Mumbai-born engineer turned nurse scientist, as the Interim Dean of its School of Nursing, effective March 11, 2026. This appointment marks a significant achievement for the Indian American academic community within one of the nation’s leading nursing institutions. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s career exemplifies interdisciplinary excellence. She earned her degree in electronics engineering from the University of Mumbai before moving to the United States to complete a Master’s in electrical engineering. A volunteer experience at a hospital in Boston inspired a career shift, prompting her to pursue a PhD in…

India’s basmati rice exports are expected to remain stable in FY26 and FY27 despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. The report estimates export volumes could grow by up to 2 per cent from last year’s 6.06 million tonnes, supported by stronger demand from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. While exports to Iran — which accounted for about 14 per cent of India’s basmati shipments last year — may decline due to logistical disruptions, increased demand from other Middle Eastern markets is expected to offset the impact.…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the government and people of Armenia for assisting in the safe evacuation of more than 550 Indian citizens from Iran. Sharing his appreciation on X, he highlighted Armenia’s crucial support during these challenging times. The evacuation occurs amid rising tensions in West Asia following US-Israeli strikes in Iran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top military officials. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on US and Israeli targets, regional capitals, and allied forces, heightening the conflict. On Sunday, the Jammu…

In March 2026, six legislative bodies in Arizona—including the City/Town Councils of Peoria, Payson, Youngtown, Parker, Huachuca, and the Gila County Board of Supervisors in Globe—will begin their meetings with Hindu prayers. Distinguished Hindu leader Rajan Zed will deliver invocations drawn from ancient Sanskrit scriptures, considered the world’s oldest continuous written tradition. Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, will recite verses from the Rig-Veda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita. He will begin and conclude his prayers with “Om,” the mystical syllable symbolizing the universe, which traditionally opens and closes Hindu rituals. After reciting the Sanskrit verses, Zed will provide English…

The United States and India are moving closer to finalising a key agreement on critical minerals that could significantly strengthen strategic cooperation and supply chains between the two countries, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said on Friday. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, Gor highlighted the deepening partnership between the two nations, saying the growing engagement reflects a relationship that goes beyond traditional trade ties. “The US and India are paying close attention to each other, which reflects something deeper — a partnership that is continuing to grow stronger,” the ambassador said. His remarks come shortly after…

India’s digital payments ecosystem continues to expand as PhonePe has introduced a new contactless payment solution called the RuPay On-The-Go card. The card is designed to make everyday travel easier for commuters by enabling fast and convenient payments across public transport systems throughout the country. The contactless card allows passengers to quickly complete payments at transit points using tap-and-pay technology. It can be used across various transportation networks, including metro rail systems, buses, and other urban transit services. By eliminating the need for cash transactions or traditional ticket purchases, the system aims to streamline travel and reduce waiting times for…

 India is continuing large-scale efforts to assist its citizens living in Iran while also closely monitoring developments that may affect maritime movement and national energy supplies during the escalating tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that authorities are working simultaneously on humanitarian support for Indian nationals and diplomatic coordination related to regional stability. According to officials, approximately 9,000 Indian citizens are currently in Iran. The group includes students, professionals, business representatives, seafarers, and pilgrims. Over the past several weeks, many of them have already returned to India after following earlier travel advisories issued by the…

India’s emergence as a global economic and strategic power is set to be a net benefit for the United States, according to Ambassador (ret.) Atul Keshap, President of the US-India Business Council (USIBC). Speaking at the USIBC 50th Anniversary Special Summit in New Delhi, Keshap emphasized that India’s development model and global outlook are fundamentally different from China’s, making India a unique partner for the U.S. Keshap, who also serves as Senior Vice President for South Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, highlighted India’s democratic values and commitment to the rule of law as key factors that align closely…

India’s finished steel exports posted strong growth during the first eleven months of the financial year, highlighting the country’s growing influence in the global steel market. According to provisional government data, exports of finished steel reached about six million metric tonnes between April and February, marking an increase of approximately thirty six percent compared with the same period a year earlier. The rise in shipments reflects stronger international demand as well as improved manufacturing capacity within the country. Indian steel producers have expanded production capabilities in recent years, allowing them to compete more effectively in global markets. As a result,…

India and the United Kingdom explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and push forward reforms within the Commonwealth during a high level meeting in London. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met UK Minister for Latin America, Caribbean and Multilateral Affairs Chris Elmore on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting. The discussion focused on strengthening ties between the two countries while also working collectively with other partners to modernize the Commonwealth and improve its effectiveness. India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Vikram Doraiswami and several senior officials attended the meeting. Singh later…