Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Revathi Advaithi, Chief Executive Officer of global manufacturing company Flex, and her husband, Jeevan Mulgund, have announced a $1 million endowment to establish scholarships for women at BITS Pilani, the institution where Advaithi began her engineering journey. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to female students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them pursue higher education without financial barriers. The announcement was made during BITS Pilani’s 2026 convocation ceremony, where Advaithi returned to her alma mater as the chief guest. Addressing the graduating class, she reflected on her personal and professional journey while congratulating the 1,477 students who received their…

Indian-American engineer Arvind Raman has been appointed acting director of the US Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), taking on the additional responsibility following the resignation of the agency’s former leader, Chris Fall. The US Commerce Department confirmed that Raman will oversee the AI-focused organization while continuing to serve as director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The interim appointment comes as the federal government continues to strengthen its framework for artificial intelligence oversight, evaluation, and technical standards. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department has launched the search for a permanent director to lead CAISI, an organization that…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the significance of Washington’s partnership with India following discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Manila on July 22. Describing bilateral ties as “vitally important,” Rubio emphasized the growing cooperation between the two democracies across strategic and economic sectors. The meeting brought together senior officials from both governments, including US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and other members of the American delegation. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in areas that remain central to the…

US Vice President JD Vance has arranged an additional residence for his family by leasing a portion of a historic farm property in Virginia, according to CNN. The private home is intended mainly for his wife and their four children, providing them with a quieter environment away from the intense public attention surrounding life in Washington, D.C. While Vance is expected to spend occasional time at the Virginia property, his official residence will remain at the US Naval Observatory, the traditional home of the vice president. The arrangement allows his family to have a separate space while maintaining the responsibilities…

As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, Congressman Ro Khanna is set to deliver a keynote lecture reflecting on the nation’s history while presenting his perspective on the challenges and opportunities that will shape America’s future. Titled “America at a Crossroads: A Vision for the Future on Our 250th Anniversary,” the event will focus on Khanna’s ideas for revitalizing the American Dream, protecting democratic values, and creating an economy that provides greater opportunities for people across the country. The California congressman’s connection to the anniversary holds personal significance. Khanna was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, during America’s…

Indian American psychiatrist and healthcare leader Dr. Anitha Iyer has been selected to receive the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award from Columbia University’s Teachers College, recognizing her outstanding contributions to mental healthcare, academic leadership, and public service. The prestigious honor is among the institution’s highest recognitions for graduates who have demonstrated exceptional professional accomplishments and lasting impact in their fields. The award will be presented during the Teachers College Alumni Awards ceremony on October 3 as part of the university’s annual Alumni Day celebration in New York. Dr. Iyer currently serves as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a series of rail and road infrastructure projects valued at approximately $637 million during a visit to Jalandhar, Punjab. The initiatives are aimed at improving transportation networks, enhancing passenger facilities, and supporting economic growth across the region. Among the major announcements was the inauguration of 75 modernized railway stations spread across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Redeveloped at an estimated cost of $183 million, the stations now feature upgraded passenger amenities while incorporating architectural elements inspired by local culture, heritage, and regional traditions. Four of these stations are located in…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot held the first India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, defense, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and mobility. The discussions highlighted new opportunities for collaboration in ports, maritime connectivity, semiconductor development, and efforts to build more resilient global supply chains. Both leaders also exchanged views on international developments, including the evolving situation in West Asia, while emphasizing the importance of deeper cooperation between India and Belgium. Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the India-Belgium partnership has expanded significantly in…

Lyft has appointed Senthil Padmanabhan, a former eBay technology executive, as its new Chief Technology Officer as the ride-hailing company focuses on expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities and improving the technology infrastructure behind its services. Padmanabhan will officially join Lyft on July 20 and will report to Chief Executive Officer David Risher. In his new role, he will lead the company’s engineering organization and oversee the development of the core technology systems that support Lyft’s products, services, and future innovation plans. The leadership change comes as Lyft increases its investment in artificial intelligence, with a focus on creating better experiences…

India’s food services industry is set for significant growth, with the market expected to reach $150 billion by FY31, according to a report by Redseer Consulting. The sector is projected to expand from $90 billion in FY26, supported by increasing consumer spending, changing eating habits, demand for convenience, and the rapid rise of online food delivery platforms. The report highlights that India’s food services market has witnessed strong growth over the past five years, increasing from $56 billion in FY21 to nearly $90 billion in FY26. This expansion has been driven by evolving consumer preferences, greater acceptance of dining out,…