India’s rapidly evolving pet care market is poised for significant growth, projected to touch $1.17 billion by 2028—up from the current valuation of approximately $704 million, as stated by Robert Menzies, CEO of Godrej Pet Care (GPC). A subsidiary of Godrej Consumer Products, GPC plans to inject around $59 million into this thriving sector over the next five years to accelerate product innovation and expand its reach.

India currently ranks as the third-largest pet-owning country globally, with about 32 million pets in homes—a figure expected to surge to 51 million by 2028. Despite this, the country’s packaged pet food consumption remains limited, with only about 10% of pet owners using it 40% of the time. Calorie conversion in India stands at just 4-5%, far behind China’s 25-30% and the US’s robust 80%, highlighting a major opportunity for market expansion.

Launched in 2024, Godrej Pet Care is tapping into this potential by blending the animal nutrition expertise of Godrej Agrovet with the marketing strength of Godrej Consumer Products. Its flagship brand, Godrej Ninja, focuses on scientifically crafted dog food aimed at boosting gut health and immunity. The product debuted in Tamil Nadu—a strategic choice given its 2–3 million pet-owning households.

Tamil Nadu’s strong pet parenting base makes it a key launchpad for GPC, which aims to revolutionize the domestic pet food space. With a commitment to India-centric product development, rigorous testing, and attention to regional needs, GPC seeks to provide tailored nutrition solutions for pets across the country.

Currently, pet food dominates India’s pet care market, accounting for roughly $587 million of the total $704 million valuation. With rising urbanization, growing disposable incomes, and a deeper emotional bond between humans and pets, GPC’s investment aims to reshape consumer behavior and improve the accessibility and quality of pet nutrition in India.

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 In a radiant display of devotion and culture, the globally acclaimed BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi commemorated Ram Navami and Swaminarayan Jayanti with day-long festivities. These events marked a significant spiritual and cultural milestone for the United Arab Emirates, drawing participants from various regions.

According to the temple’s head priest, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, the observances began early in the morning with Ram Bhajans that lasted from 9 a.m. until noon. This was followed by a heartfelt aarti ceremony celebrating Shri Ram’s birth precisely at 12 p.m., as part of the traditional Shri Ram Janmotsav.

The temple grounds became a hub of unity as thousands of worshippers and visitors gathered to honor the occasion. A spokesperson noted that the event symbolized a collective devotion to both Lord Ram and Bhagwan Swaminarayan, offering a message of spiritual harmony that transcended borders.

One of the most captivating moments was a performance by BAPS youth, presented on a stage inspired by the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Through vivid music, emotive drama, and engaging storytelling, these young artists portrayed key moments from Lord Ram’s life, leaving the audience deeply moved.

The BAPS Hindu Temple continues to represent a powerful symbol of religious coexistence and global Hindu identity. By hosting such inclusive events, the temple not only upholds its spiritual mission but also reinforces the values of peace and mutual respect.

Ram Navami, observed on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of the Chaitra month (March–April), marks the birth of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also an integral part of the Chaitra Navaratri festival, celebrating divine virtues and ancient traditions.

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 Bharat N. Anand, currently serving as vice provost at Harvard University, has been appointed the next dean of NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business. He will officially step into the role this August, also joining the faculty as a professor of business administration.

A prominent figure in corporate and digital media strategy, Anand has spent decades shaping the future of business education. He holds a chaired professorship at Harvard Business School (HBS), where he’s been on the faculty since 1998. Recognized for his expertise in helping digital businesses overcome the dual challenges of visibility and monetization, Anand’s influence has extended far beyond the classroom.

At HBS, he led the creation of the school’s first executive program focused on digital strategy for media companies and was instrumental in launching HBS Online, an innovative digital platform redefining business learning. As its founding faculty chair and senior associate dean, he helped scale the platform into a global education model.

During his tenure as Harvard’s vice provost, Anand guided the university’s shift to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and chaired a cross-campus task force to envision the future of learning. He also helped launch Axim, a nonprofit aimed at improving education access, and spearheaded the development of Harvard’s new learning experience platform to support hybrid and online education.

In 2018, he was named Harvard’s vice provost for advances in learning. More recently, he chairs the university’s Generative AI Working Group for Teaching and Learning.

Before joining Harvard, Anand taught at Yale’s School of Management. Over the years, he has accumulated an impressive portfolio of awards and honors, including the Henry R. Byers Professorship, Harvard’s Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence (twice), and the Robert Greenhill Award for Outstanding Contributions to HBS (also twice).

Anand is also an acclaimed author. His 2016 book The Content Trap: A Strategist’s Guide to Digital Change was named among the year’s best business books by Fast Company and Bloomberg, and received the Axiom Silver Award in Business Theory. His research has appeared in leading academic journals and won numerous scholarly accolades.

A Harvard graduate in economics with honors and a Ph.D. from Princeton, Anand’s upcoming role at NYU marks a new chapter in his distinguished career.

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Zeal, a forward-thinking payroll platform designed for the modern workforce, has announced the successful completion of a $15 million Series B funding round. This investment, spearheaded by Portage with ongoing support from Spark Capital and Commerce Ventures, represents a major step forward in Zeal’s mission to modernize payroll for innovative staffing companies, gig-work platforms, and HR service providers like Wonolo and Qwick.

As the workforce increasingly seeks flexible working conditions, Zeal’s platform delivers automated and adaptable payroll solutions that meet the evolving demands of today’s labor market. This latest funding will be used to further enhance Zeal’s platform, introducing innovative features such as a remote I-9 with E-Verify, custom paperwork workflows, and a white-label mobile app for seamless pay and benefits management.

Zeal’s CEO and Co-Founder Kirti Shenoy emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering businesses to streamline payroll processes and provide superior worker experiences through automation. Zeal’s platform is designed to help businesses cut operational costs, ensure compliance, and deliver a modern, mobile-native payroll experience.

This new capital will enable Zeal to continue developing advanced payroll solutions, including earned wage access and paycards, offering companies a competitive edge in worker retention and operational efficiency. As the labor market becomes increasingly dynamic, Zeal is poised to lead the charge in payroll innovation for businesses adapting to new workforce models.

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Calibike, an innovative electric bike company focused on sustainable transportation, officially launched its product on September 14, 2024, at the Corona City Council Hall. This significant event underscored Calibike’s dedication to promoting eco-friendly commuting in line with California’s advanced environmental and electric vehicle (EV) policies.

The launch featured Mayor Tom Richins of Corona as the Chief Guest, highlighting the increasing importance of sustainable mobility solutions. He commended Calibike’s vision, stating, “Calibike embodies the innovative and forward-looking solutions necessary for minimizing our environmental footprint. I take pride in Corona’s role in this movement toward a cleaner, greener future.”

Calibike is founded by Rafe Husain, an Indian American trailblazer in the electric bike industry. His leadership has positioned Calibike as a key player in sustainable transportation, inspiring future generations, particularly within the Indian American community, to engage in green technology.

The event also coincided with the development of Brightline West, America’s first true high-speed passenger rail system, which will span 218 miles and connect Las Vegas with Southern California. With most of its route situated within the I-15 highway median, Brightline West is expected to revolutionize public transportation between these two regions.

Calibike serves as an ideal complement to the Brightline West system, providing a last-mile solution for commuters transitioning from rail stations to their destinations. Its lightweight, eco-friendly design effectively connects public transport hubs to local communities, reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact.

Rafe Husain, the Founder of Calibike, stated that Calibike is not merely an electric bike; it plays a vital role in the larger movement towards sustainable and integrated transportation solutions. He emphasized that by linking with public transport systems such as Brightline West, commuters are provided with a greener, healthier, and more efficient travel option that is in line with California’s progressive policies.

Calibike’s launch coincided with California’s ambitious commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through electric vehicle policies, aiming for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. Calibike is set to play a vital role in this transition.

In support of California’s efforts, Calibike donated electric bikes to the City of Corona, assisting the city’s initiatives to lower emissions and promote healthier lifestyles. These bikes were provided to the Park Rangers to improve their mobility while patrolling local parks. Mayor Richins remarked that the contribution of electric bikes to the Park Rangers demonstrates Calibike’s dedication to environmental stewardship. He highlighted that these bikes will not only contribute to reducing emissions but will also enable the rangers to cover more area efficiently while helping to preserve the beauty of the parks.

About Calibike:

Calibike is the 31st seller of E-Bike Batteries in the USA, using similar technology found in Tesla cars. The company aims to revolutionize urban commuting by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and convenience. As a pioneer in electric bikes, Calibike offers a green, efficient, and enjoyable transportation alternative for both short and long commutes. Its mission is to empower individuals and communities to reduce their carbon footprint while promoting healthier lifestyles. Calibike is dedicated to transforming urban mobility with eco-friendly electric bikes that meet the demands of modern commuters and support California and federal electric vehicle policies.

About Rafe Husain:

Rafe Husain is an accomplished inventor and entrepreneur with multiple patents, including a removable eyeglass-mounted ptosis crutch for Blepharospasm patients and an ice thickness sensing device that received the New Inventions Award from the University of Michigan. He co-founded Sabtech Industries, achieving $5 million in sales within four years through innovative products. A partner in Xilinx and a member of their FPGA Xperts program, Rafe studied Mathematics and Engineering at the University of Michigan and pursued a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at the University of Southern California before shifting focus to entrepreneurship. Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he completed his early education at St. Francis School in Lucknow before moving to the USA for further studies and career opportunities.

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Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, emphasized the necessity of fostering “good working relations” with India, describing it as Dhaka’s “largest neighbor.” Speaking with ANI, he noted that while both nations are committed to maintaining their diplomatic ties, the specific topic of Sheikh Hasina was not addressed during discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Touhid stated that his conversations with Jaishankar were constructive, indicating a mutual desire for positive relations. He reiterated that despite the challenges surrounding visa issuance, trade has resumed after an initial lull following the recent government transition in Bangladesh.

He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue as usual, highlighting the numerous common interests shared between the two countries. Touhid noted that while some individuals may harbor strong sentiments against one another, it is crucial to focus on mutual interests rather than hostilities.

Addressing recent media claims regarding US involvement in political changes in Bangladesh, he refrained from making comments but recognized the sacrifices made by the youth in their quest for democratic reforms. He characterized the protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ousting as spontaneous movements rather than orchestrated actions.

In the wake of the political upheaval, allegations of violence against minority groups were raised, but Touhid clarified that incidents were predominantly politically motivated rather than religiously driven. He emphasized that violence had affected both Hindus and Muslims, particularly targeting supporters of the Awami League party.

Regarding the recent protests against Durga Puja, Touhid assured that celebrations would continue as they have for centuries, stating that worshippers would have the opportunity to practice their faith without interruption.

Bangladesh is currently navigating a fluid political landscape following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent departure to India amid widespread protests, primarily led by students seeking government job reforms.

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For the past seven years, Ms Bhaya has served on Governor Carney’s Judicial Nominating Commission, demonstrating her commitment to the legal system. Notably, she is the first South Asian Indian admitted to the Delaware Bar Association, marking a significant milestone. Beyond her legal career, Ms Bhaya actively supports diverse causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, pro-choice initiatives, and promoting the election of democratic women. Graduating from Northeastern University School of Law, she continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the legal profession and politics.

Biden appoints Shakuntla L Bhaya to a key role in the Administrative Conference.

Legal expert and advocate for diversity and consumer rights.

First South Asian Indian admitted to Delaware Bar Association.

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Bollywood is trying to create an alternate reality rather than showing it.Bollywood is trying to create an alternate reality rather than showing it. In research done by Professor Dheeraj Sharma, where he included movies and shows from the 1950s to 2010s – in 74% of films, Sikhs are laughable – in 58% of films, corrupt politicians share Hindu Brahmin surnames – in 62% of films, corrupt businessmen had Vaishya surnames. On the contrary, 84% of films show Muslims as deeply religious and honest people.

Now, let us look at some specific examples. PK is one of the most popular movies, starring Aamir Khan. Yes, I know plenty has been written on the film but no harm in repeating it. When many Hindus started protesting that in the film, Hindu gods, especially Shiva, are ridiculed, the makers of the film insisted that all religions are questioned in the film and to an extent, they are right. The small difference is whereas all the religions are questioned, Hinduism is ridiculed, and the ridicule is highlighted in a long sequence when one of the greatest Hindu gods, Shiva (a person acting as Shiva in a nautanki, not actual Shiva), is shown crawling under the seats or hiding in a toilet.

When the central character of the film PK questions other religions, he is not questioning their gods or making fun of their gods, he is simply questioning the way people try to placate the gods or try to make profit out of people’s blind belief.

But when it comes to a Hindu god, the very existence of the gods is questioned, and not just questioned, ridiculed, lampooned. Even the main godman in the end who questions and torments the female character is a Hindu. If you say this is because maybe the female character was a Hindu, then in this case, why not have a Muslim female character or a Christian female character? There was no particular reason for the female character to be a Hindu, just like there is no particular reason for Rishi Kapoor’s character in 102 Not Out to seek solace in a temple rather than a church.

In which Bollywood movie have you seen a Hindu priest or a Hindu sadhu playing a good, benevolent role? Hindu religious men and women are shown to be hoodwinking people, tormenting the lower castes or just being nasty in general. They are never a good or a normal part of the narrative. There is always a negative connotation that leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It is always the subconscious that is the target of such narratives.

The first image of a Hindu Brahmin in an old black-and-white movie that I have etched in my mind is that of a child running and colliding into a Brahmin who is reciting slokas, and the Brahmin hurls choicest abuses on the child, because now he would have to take a bath again.

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