Author: Akancha Mishra

A 15-member Indian parliamentary delegation was honored at a special luncheon in Manhattan, bringing together Indian parliamentarians, community leaders, business representatives and members of the media to discuss stronger connections between India and the Indian-American community. The event was organized by the Alliance Indus Foundation in partnership with World Vegan Vision to welcome lawmakers representing both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The delegation was led by C. P. Joshi, Member of Parliament from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, and Chairperson of the Lok Sabha Committee on Petitions. More than 100 guests attended the gathering, which focused on diplomatic exchange, community networking and…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has held a series of meetings with senior executives from major global companies during his visit to the United States, with discussions centered on expanding investment in India and strengthening business partnerships across technology, insurance and financial services. Goyal met IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna to discuss the company’s long-standing operations in India and opportunities to expand collaboration in emerging technologies. The conversation covered areas including artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and quantum computing. The minister highlighted India’s large pool of skilled talent and rapid adoption of digital technologies as key advantages for companies…

The Seva Sankalp Yatra, organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service as the head of government, will culminate on October 7 with simultaneous closing ceremonies in Vadnagar and Varanasi. The Yatra, which began on September 17, has travelled across different parts of the country carrying the message of Seva, Sankalp and social responsibility inspired by Modi’s public service journey. The concluding programmes are expected to bring together thousands of Seva Yatris, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha workers and young citizens at two locations closely associated with the Prime Minister’s life and public journey. In Varanasi, the…

The Odisha government has launched what it describes as India’s first dedicated incentive portal for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), in a move aimed at attracting investment and strengthening business tourism in the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida launched the portal at the Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026 in the presence of senior government officials and representatives from the tourism and travel industry. The new digital platform is designed to position Odisha as a destination for corporate conventions while simplifying the process for event organisers and tourism operators to apply for financial incentives. The initiative is…

India’s economy is projected to grow by 7.3% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, supported by resilient domestic demand, investment activity and continued strength across key sectors, according to the Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Review for September 2026. The projection follows a strong 7.8% expansion recorded in the first quarter of FY27, with high-frequency indicators for July and August pointing to continued economic momentum, albeit at a more measured pace. While e-way bill generation and manufacturing activity moderated during the period, services activity strengthened, driven by an improvement in new business and employment. The review also pointed to…

Dr. Pradeep Natarajan, a prominent cardiovascular geneticist and researcher, is set to receive the American Heart Association’s 2026 Population Research Prize. The honor will be presented during the organization’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago, recognizing his extensive work in cardiovascular research and the use of human genetics to better understand heart disease. Natarajan joined Amgen in August as vice president of global research, where he leads human genetics and the company’s Cardiometabolic Therapeutic Area. Despite taking on the industry role, he continues his academic work as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and as a distinguished physician at Massachusetts…

Indian-American physician-scientist Geeta Krishna Swamy is set to become the next dean of Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, beginning January 1, 2027. The appointment will bring her 22-year tenure at Duke University to a close and mark a new phase in a career spanning medicine, research and academic administration. Swamy is an obstetrician-gynecologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist whose professional work has centered heavily on women’s and children’s health. At Duke, she currently serves as the Haywood Brown, MD Distinguished Professor of Women’s Health, associate vice president for research and executive vice dean for clinical sciences and research…

Indian-origin chess sensation Bodhana Sivanandan has achieved a historic milestone in international chess, becoming the youngest woman to earn the title of Woman Grandmaster at just 11 years old. Representing England, the young player reached the landmark during the 46th Chess Olympiad, which concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Bodhana delivered a strong performance throughout the tournament, playing all 11 rounds on England’s top board and securing eight points. Her achievement highlights her rapid progress in competitive chess and establishes another significant chapter in her growing career. The tournament also brought Bodhana closer to another prestigious milestone. Her performance earned her a…

Adding more fiber-rich and fermented foods to everyday meals may support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being, according to nutrition experts. These foods help maintain the gut microbiome, a community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms living primarily in the large intestine. The gut microbiome plays several important roles in the body, including supporting immune function, maintaining intestinal health and helping regulate inflammation. It also communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis. Research has linked changes in gut microorganisms with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, although scientists have not established that these changes directly…

The South Indian tradition of golu brings families and communities together during Navaratri through elaborate displays of handcrafted dolls, religious figures and scenes from everyday life. In her exploration of the custom, Vidya Mohan highlights how these arrangements combine devotion, artistic expression and cultural storytelling, helping preserve Hindu traditions across generations. Known by different names, including bomma, bombe and golu, the displays feature figures representing Hindu Gods and Goddesses, saints, historical personalities, humans and animals. Many arrangements also recreate episodes from Hindu scriptures and scenes depicting ordinary life. Families carefully organize the dolls on stepped platforms, transforming their homes into…