Author: 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.

During the BRICS Summit Outreach Session on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid out India’s strategic vision for responsible AI. Addressing leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to developing AI in a manner that upholds human values and social progress. He stressed the need for global AI governance that promotes innovation while guarding against ethical challenges, such as algorithmic bias, misinformation, and digital misuse. Modi reiterated India’s inclusive philosophy of “AI for All,” explaining how AI is already reshaping Indian sectors like…

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Het Patel Appointed Raleigh’s New Transit Assistant Director

The City of Raleigh has officially named Het Patel as the new Assistant Director of Transit, effective June 28. This significant leadership appointment follows Patel’s six years of dedicated service in the city’s Transportation Department, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping and guiding Raleigh’s growing transit network. Patel initially joined the city as a Senior Transit Planner and quickly rose to become the Transit Planning Supervisor. Throughout this period, he was instrumental in supporting major initiatives, helping the city navigate through a time of rapid transit expansion and transformation. His appointment fills the role previously held by…

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PM Modi Begins Landmark Argentina Visit After 57 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday evening for a significant two-day diplomatic mission, marking the first bilateral visit to the country by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. The ceremonial welcome at Ezeiza International Airport underscored the importance of this historic visit, which is part of Modi’s broader five-nation diplomatic outreach. Expressing his excitement on social media, Modi stated his eagerness to meet Argentine President Javier Milei and hold comprehensive discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in multiple strategic areas. This marks Modi’s second visit to Argentina — the first being in 2018 for the…

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From U of A to Kenvue: Dhruvi’s Inspiring Journey

For Dhruvi Bhatt, being the first in her family to pursue a graduate degree meant choosing a university was not just a decision—it was a milestone. After earning a double bachelor’s degree in English literature and language education in India, she began researching master’s programs in the U.S. with a focus on cybersecurity and information systems—fields she found both exciting and intimidating. A turning point came when a friend at Walmart’s corporate office in Bentonville suggested the University of Arkansas. Intrigued by the Walton College of Business’s reputation and its close ties to major corporations like Walmart, Dhruvi took a…

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Gunfire Targets Krishna Temple in Utah: Hate Suspected

A revered Hindu place of worship in Utah, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple near Spanish Fork, has become the apparent target of a disturbing series of late-night shootings, which temple leaders are calling a hate crime and possibly an act of domestic terrorism. Over multiple nights, 20 to 30 bullets were fired from outside the property, damaging key parts of the temple, including irreplaceable architectural features and a window in the main prayer room. Some bullets reportedly traveled through the worship area, lodging in opposite walls. A Krishna Radio Station building, also located on the temple’s grounds, was hit…

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Trump-Backed Bill May Slap 500% Tariff on Russia Trade

President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind a bipartisan Senate bill that could place a massive 500% tariff on goods entering the United States from countries continuing to trade with Russia. The proposal, according to Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to penalize nations like India and China, which he claims arepropping up Russia’s war economy through large-scale oil purchases. Speaking in a televised interview with ABC News, Senator Graham explained the bill’s rationale, stating, “If you’re trading with Russia while turning your back on Ukraine, expect your products to be taxed heavily when they enter the United States.”…

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PM Modi Embarks on Historic 5-Nation Global Tour

PM Modi Embarks on Historic 5-Nation Tour to Strengthen Global Ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked on a five-nation international tour, beginning with Ghana, marking a significant diplomatic outreach across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The visit aims to reinforce India’s strategic partnerships and deepen cooperation with the Global South and key multilateral organisations. The tour includes official visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. In a departure statement, PM Modi highlighted the importance of these nations in India’s foreign policy, citing historical, cultural, and economic linkages. In Ghana, PM Modi is expected to…

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Modi Celebrates 10 Years of Digital India Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reflected on the decade-long journey of the Digital India initiative, launched to democratize technology access and promote inclusive digital development. In a LinkedIn post titled “A Decade of Digital India,” Modi emphasized that the government chose to trust citizens’ tech abilities, shifting from a past of skepticism to one of empowerment. Since 2014, India has witnessed a massive digital revolution. Internet connections have skyrocketed from 250 million to over 970 million. More than 42 million kilometers of optical fiber have been laid, reaching even the remotest villages and military outposts in places like Ladakh and…

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Vivek Shah Named Chair of Newmark J-School Board

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY has announced a significant leadership update to its foundation’s board of directors, aimed at reinforcing its mission of delivering accessible, world-class journalism education. Vivek Shah, the Chief Executive Officer of Ziff Davis, has been appointed as the new chair of the Newmark J-School Foundation board. Shah, a recognized figure in the media industry, brings a wealth of experience in digital innovation and strategic leadership. Prior to his current role, he held senior executive positions at Time, Inc., including Digital Group President and President of the Fortune/Money Group. Shah takes over from…

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India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for the financial year 2024–25 surged to a record ₹22,080,000 million, reflecting a 9.4% year-on-year increase, the government announced on Monday. The average monthly GST collection during the year stood at ₹1,840,000 million, showcasing robust momentum in revenue generation. The government noted that GST revenues have more than doubled in the past five years, signifying expanding economic activity and improved tax compliance. For context, in FY 2020–21, total GST collections were ₹11,370,000 million, with an average monthly inflow of ₹950,000 million. The steady rise in collections reflects the strengthening of India’s indirect tax…

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