Author: Akancha Mishra

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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.

Despite global economic challenges, India remains a standout performer, positioned to surpass many leading economies. This resilience stems from a dynamic consumer market, a thriving start-up culture, and a talented workforce. With Gen Z and millennials making up more than 52% of the population, India holds the largest working-age group globally, representing 20% of the world’s Gen Z population. This provides a crucial advantage for global companies in search of skilled professionals. India’s technology sector, comprising over 5.43 million professionals, is a stronghold for artificial intelligence (AI) development and innovation. The widespread success of initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface…

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On Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a major achievement in propulsion technology with the successful sea-level test of the CE20 cryogenic engine. This milestone is crucial for future missions like Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission. The test was conducted on November 29 at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The CE20 engine powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and has now demonstrated its ability to restart, a vital feature for advanced space missions. During the test, the engine showcased an upgraded nozzle area ratio of 100. ISRO highlighted that the CE20…

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Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate birthright citizenship if he returns to office, a decision that could impact the 4.8 million Indian-Americans living in the US. This move aims to fulfill his campaign promise of tightening immigration policies, particularly targeting the issue of “birth tourism,” where non-citizens give birth in the US to secure citizenship for their children. Currently, birthright citizenship, based on the 14th Amendment, grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Enacted over 150 years ago, this policy was designed to ensure citizenship rights for formerly enslaved individuals and their…

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Priyanka Chopra has teased her fans with the exciting possibility of returning to Bollywood next year. The actress, who has been busy with international projects such as Citadel, revealed at the Red Sea Film Festival that she is very close to signing a new Bollywood project for 2025. She expressed her deep connection to India and Indian cinema, saying, “India has always been in my heart. Indian films will always be a part of me.” Chopra also added, “I’m very close to doing one next year, so keep your fingers crossed. Send good vibes that it works out.” The actress,…

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Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant, Bungalow, located in New York City, has been awarded the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand, a prestigious honor for offering “good quality food at a good value.” The restaurant has also earned a spot in The New York Times’ list of the top 14 eateries in NYC for 2024. Khanna, who opened Bungalow on March 28, chose the date to honor his late sister, Radhika Khanna, who would have turned 50. She passed away on February 28, 2020, at 48, after battling multiple organ failure due to Lupus and a rare disease, HUS. The Michelin Guide…

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Dr Chandarana Dental Museum, located in Vadodara, is Asia’s first and only museum dedicated to dental health education. Established in 2016 by Dr Yogesh Chandarana, this private museum has achieved two Guinness World Records: the largest toothbrush collection and the largest display of toothbrushes. The museum features a staggering collection of 2,371 toothbrushes. These include diverse types, such as traditional datun and 19th-century toothbrushes made of bone and animal hair. Dr Yogesh Chandarana personally holds the record for the largest collection, while his entire family is recognized for curating the best display of toothbrushes. Previously, the record for the largest…

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Darshana Patel was sworn in as the new Assembly member for California’s 76th District on December 2, marking a key milestone in her political journey. The Indian-American research scientist and former Poway Unified School District board member was elected in a tight race against Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane in the Nov. 5 election. Patel, representing a district with a history of stronger Republican voting power, expressed her excitement in a Facebook post, stating that she was sworn in as the Assembly member for AD 76 and is ready to serve the community and champion the issues that matter most. She emphasized…

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Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), outlined India’s strategic vision for artificial intelligence (AI) and the country’s digital future at the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024, held on December 9-10, 2024. He emphasized the government’s goal of developing AI “in India, for India, and for all,” with a focus on addressing governance challenges and promoting a secure, inclusive, and open digital environment. In his address, Prasada echoed the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the significance of the internet as a cornerstone for economies and societies, similar to how rivers and highways shaped…

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Dr. Narasimha Reddy, a professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Regents Professor Award. This honor represents the highest accolade a faculty member can achieve within the Texas A&M University System. The Regents Professor Award, established in 1996, recognizes faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to their universities and the broader community in Texas. Dr. Reddy is one of five faculty members from the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University to receive this esteemed recognition. The Texas A&M University System encompasses 11 universities, a…

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India is on the verge of finalising a significant $4 billion defence agreement with Russia to procure a cutting-edge long-range early-warning radar system. This acquisition is set to greatly enhance India’s missile detection and air defence capabilities. The radar belongs to Russia’s Voronezh series, known for its ability to detect ballistic missiles and aircraft from distances of up to 8,000 kilometers. Such advanced coverage, previously available only to major world powers, represents a substantial advancement in India’s defence readiness. This deal is part of India’s initiative to modernise its air defence infrastructure, addressing increasing security challenges. The radar system’s extensive…

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