Author: Bhakti Narayanan

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, has honored JCNC Life Benefactor Prem Jain with its prestigious 2025 BITS Ratna Award, the highest recognition bestowed upon an alumnus. The award was presented during the institution’s annual convention at the Hyderabad campus. The BITS Ratna Award acknowledges alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to the institute, its stakeholders, and society at large, creating a lasting and transformative impact. Jain, widely respected as both a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, has dedicated much of his life to education, innovation, and community service. As part of his enduring commitment to his alma…

A groundbreaking study has revealed that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly support Democratic candidates, contributing nearly three times more to their campaigns than to Republicans. The research, titled “An Emerging Lobby: An Analysis of Campaign Contributions from Indian-Americans (1998–2022),” was conducted by scholars Karnav Popat and Vishnu Prakash of Ashoka University, along with Joyojeet Pal from the University of Michigan. Published in September 2025, the report examines over two decades of campaign donations using Federal Election Commission data compiled by OpenSecrets. The findings highlight a consistent trend: Indian-Americans have steadily aligned with Democrats through financial contributions, marking their influence in US politics. During…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark a historic step in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on Wednesday by laying the foundation stone of India’s first PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park. The event coincides with his 75th birthday and will also see the launch of the fortnight-long Sewa Pakhwada, a public service initiative running from September 17 to October 2. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed that the Prime Minister will also introduce the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan at Bhainsola village. This program aims to strengthen women’s health and family welfare through a series of activities, including…

The 14th edition of the India-Thailand joint military drill, Maitree, came to a close on Sunday in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. The two-week-long exercise, which began on September 2 at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi cantonment, was designed to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities and enhance cooperation between the two nations’ armies. During the training, contingents from both sides carried out tactical drills, field training exercises, and joint planning sessions. The focus was on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, particularly in semi-urban and jungle environments. India was represented by 120 soldiers from the Madras Regiment, while Thailand sent 53 troops from the 1st…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) in Kolkata on Monday, marking the first major gathering of India’s armed forces since Operation Sindoor. The three-day conference is being hosted at the Eastern Command headquarters of the Indian Army at Vijay Durg, formerly known as Fort Williams. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and all three service chiefs, are attending the event. Operation Sindoor, conducted in May, was a precise, targeted campaign aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the Line…

The World Food Movement (WFM), a non-profit organization founded in the United States, has been established to honor the vision of Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, who dreamt of a world where no one suffers from hunger. Rising costs of living have forced many individuals and families in America to make difficult choices between food and other basic needs. WFM is addressing this issue by providing healthy, nourishing meals to students and communities across the country. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India—the world’s largest NGO-operated school lunch program—WFM is bringing a proven model of…

India’s seafood sector received a significant boost after the European Union (EU) cleared 102 additional fishery establishments for exports, raising the number of EU-approved Indian units to 604. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) announced the approvals on September 11, 2025, noting that the move will enhance India’s competitiveness in the European seafood market while offsetting trade challenges posed by US tariffs. This achievement is the result of continued discussions between Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, senior ministry officials, and their EU counterparts. Agencies including MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council (EIC) have worked extensively to upgrade…

Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has strongly condemned a series of attacks targeting Hindu temples across the United States, describing them as “hateful” crimes that mirror a growing wave of violence against religious institutions. Speaking on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Subramanyam stressed that such assaults threaten the very fabric of American communities. “Hate has no place in our neighborhoods,” he declared, adding that these incidents are not isolated but part of a troubling national trend. Among the temples affected are the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana and the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah, both…

In a rare and significant diplomatic statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty. Modi’s remarks came during a phone call with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, as tensions in the region escalated following the strike in Doha. The Prime Minister expressed India’s deep concern over the incident and emphasized that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Stressing the importance of avoiding further escalation, Modi declared that India stands firmly for peace and regional stability, while rejecting terrorism in every form. Posting on X,…

Suchitra Kamath has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who, a recognition reserved for individuals who have made lasting contributions in their professional and civic fields. Known for her ability to bridge business expertise with community leadership, Ms. Kamath has built an accomplished career that spans corporate banking, entrepreneurship, consulting, and civic service. She currently serves as president of Business Karma, where she specializes in franchise consulting. Through this role, she connects individuals and investors with franchise opportunities that align with their goals, lifestyle, and financial plans. She has worked closely with both businesses and nonprofit organizations to foster…