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.

How Live Music Transforms the Wedding Atmosphere

Live music has the power to transform the atmosphere of a wedding, creating an experience that feels more personal, emotional, and engaging. Unlike recorded tracks or playlists, live performances bring real musicians, real-time reactions, and a sense of spontaneity to the celebration. The presence of musicians performing in front of guests can make each part of the wedding feel more connected. From the ceremony and bridal entry to the reception and dance floor, live music can adapt naturally to the mood and flow of the event. One of the most noticeable benefits of live wedding music is its emotional impact.…

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Chinmaya Mission LA Hosts Grand Hanuman Chalisa Havan

More than 2,000 devotees from across Southern California gathered on September 5 for a large-scale spiritual celebration hosted by Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles (CMLA). The Shri Hanuman Chalisa Samashti Havan brought together community members for six hours of prayer, chanting, fellowship and devotion, with 108 sacred fire pits used during the ceremony. The event formed part of Chinmaya Mission’s worldwide observance of its 75th anniversary, known as Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the gathering highlighted ideals of devotion and selfless service while creating a shared space for members of the Indian American community and participating organizations to celebrate…

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India, US Deepen Ties in Energy, Nuclear Power, Tech

India and the United States discussed expanding bilateral cooperation across energy, civil nuclear power and strategic technologies during a series of high-level meetings in New York. The talks brought together senior officials from both countries as they reviewed ongoing areas of partnership and explored ways to strengthen collaboration. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker in New York. Their discussions covered several areas of the India-US relationship, including energy security, civil nuclear cooperation and strategic technology initiatives. The officials also addressed the recently enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, or SRIA,…

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Dr. Mukul Arya Named Global Healthcare Leader of Year

Indian-American gastroenterologist and healthcare leader Dr. Mukul Arya, MD, has been named the recipient of the inaugural Global Healthcare Leader of the Year Award by Worldwide Community First Responder (WCFR), a nonprofit organization focused on lifesaving education and community health initiatives. The award was presented during WCFR’s 15th Anniversary and Fundraising Gala on September 19, 2026, at Hotel Nyack–JDV by Hyatt in Nyack, New York. The Caribbean-themed event brought together healthcare professionals, elected officials, philanthropists, business leaders and community advocates to mark the organization’s 15 years of service. Arya was recognized for his work in healthcare, leadership, professional achievements and…

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How New Guidelines Personalize Cholesterol Treatment, According to a Cardiologist

At least a quarter of Americans suffer from high levels of cholesterol or fatty acids in their bloodstream, a condition called dyslipidemia. Uncontrolled cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD: a group of diseases that result from the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, preventing blood from traveling smoothly to vital organs. This condition can lead to heart attack and stroke. As a cardiologist with expertise in sports and exercise science, I routinely take care of patients who are interested in making healthy lifestyle choices to control their cholesterol levels, reduce their risk of cardiovascular…

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2026 AAPI Voter State Fact Sheets

Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders collectively represent one of the U.S.’ fastest growing racial demographic cohorts. This rapidly expanding population has concurrently become the nation’s fastest-growing voter bloc. In recognition of the AAPI community’s rapid growth and impact, AAPI Data has partnered with Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) to create state-specific data factsheets on the AAPI electorate, serving as vital resources tailored to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Key data points include: Number of AAPI eligible voters statewide Aggregate AAPI population statistics and growth trajectories Prominent ethnic subgroup populations (e.g. Chinese, Indian, Filipino)…

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Make in India Enters New Phase of Manufacturing Growth

India’s manufacturing strategy is entering a new phase, with greater emphasis on building deeper industrial capabilities rather than simply expanding production. As the Make in India initiative marks 12 years, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has highlighted the need to increase domestic value addition, strengthen supply chains and help Indian companies become more integrated into global production networks. The initiative has expanded considerably since its launch. While attracting investment and encouraging manufacturing were its initial priorities, the program now encompasses production incentives, industrial infrastructure, innovation, supply-chain development and improved access to international markets. According to CII, the next stage…

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India-US Talks Cover Energy, Technology and SRIA

India and the United States held a series of high-level discussions in New York during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, covering energy, technology, supply chains and broader strategic cooperation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held separate meetings with senior US officials, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Misri met US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker to review several areas of the India-US relationship. Their discussions included energy security, civil nuclear cooperation and the recently enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, known as SRIA. The two sides also…

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Raja Krishnamoorthi Calls for Data Center NDA Ban

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is calling for restrictions on non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and government officials or agencies, arguing that communities should be able to access information about projects that could significantly affect local resources and infrastructure. Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said the public should have access to information before decisions regarding major data center developments are finalized. The information could include projected water and electricity consumption, infrastructure requirements and financial incentives funded by taxpayers. The Illinois Democrat argued that agreements preventing government entities from sharing such information can…

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Suzuki Plans 4 Million India Capacity by 2030

Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation plans to significantly expand its production capacity in India while improving manufacturing efficiency as part of its strategy to accelerate new vehicle development and strengthen the country’s role in its global operations. Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki said the company aims to halve vehicle development time by 2030. The automaker also plans to improve development efficiency by 30 per cent compared with fiscal 2020 levels and increase factory productivity by 50 per cent compared with its Manesar plant in Haryana. The company is targeting annual vehicle production capacity of around 4 million units in…

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