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 degrees at the Pilani campus.

The scholarship has been dedicated to the memory and influence of the mothers of both Advaithi and Mulgund, recognizing the critical role they played in encouraging education and perseverance. By honoring their mothers through this endowment, the couple hopes to inspire future generations of women to pursue academic and professional success.

Advaithi graduated from BITS Pilani in 1990 with a degree in mechanical engineering. At the time, she was the only woman in her graduating class, making her achievements especially significant in an industry where female representation was limited. Since then, she has built an accomplished international career spanning manufacturing, engineering, and technology before becoming CEO of Flex in 2019.

Under Advaithi’s leadership, Flex has strengthened its global manufacturing and supply chain operations across nearly 30 countries, serving industries including healthcare, automotive, communications, and consumer technology. Her career has made her one of the most prominent Indian-origin executives leading a multinational corporation.

Born in India and of Tamil heritage, Advaithi has often spoken about the influence of her mother, who raised five daughters after the passing of their father and remained committed to ensuring each received a quality education. Those experiences helped shape Advaithi’s dedication to improving educational access and expanding opportunities for women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Advaithi met her husband, Jeevan Mulgund, while living in Kansas, and the couple married in 1998. Their professional journeys have taken them to several cities around the world before eventually settling in the San Francisco Bay Area with their two children.

In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Advaithi has consistently championed workplace diversity, inclusion, and greater representation of women in engineering and technology. Through the newly established scholarship at BITS Pilani, she hopes to remove financial obstacles for aspiring women engineers while encouraging more young women to build successful careers in STEM fields.

The post BITS Alumna Revathi Advaithi Pledges $1M Scholarship first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 plays a central role in assessing AI technologies and supporting the development of national standards.

Commerce Department spokesperson Kristen Eichamer said Raman will remain in charge of CAISI until a permanent successor is selected. Chris Fall, who assumed leadership of the organization in April, stepped down after serving for approximately three months during a period marked by increased attention to US artificial intelligence policy.

CAISI is responsible for testing and evaluating AI systems while promoting standards that encourage the safe, reliable, and responsible deployment of emerging technologies. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into business, government, and everyday life, the agency’s work has grown in strategic importance.

Raman brings an extensive academic and engineering background to the role. Originally from India, he pursued higher education in the United States after earning a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. He later completed a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue University and earned a doctorate in the same field from the University of California, Berkeley.

Throughout his research career, Raman specialized in areas including atomic force microscopy, electronics manufacturing, and human biomechanics. He also collaborated with NIST researchers on nanotechnology projects for many years, establishing strong professional ties with the institution before joining public service.

Before entering government, Raman spent more than two decades at Purdue University, where he served in several academic leadership positions. In 2023, he became the John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering, earning recognition for advancing engineering research and education.

President Donald Trump nominated Raman to lead NIST in October 2025, and the US Senate confirmed his appointment in May 2026. He officially assumed office as NIST’s 18th director and the fifth Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology in June.

While Raman manages both NIST and CAISI, the Commerce Department is expected to finalize its search for a permanent CAISI director in the coming weeks. His temporary leadership comes at a time when the United States is placing greater emphasis on establishing trustworthy AI standards and strengthening oversight of rapidly evolving technologies.

The post Indian-American Arvind Raman to Lead US AI Center first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 evolving India-US relationship.

Following the talks, Rubio shared on X that he was pleased to meet Jaishankar once again during the ASEAN gathering. He said their conversation covered a wide range of topics, including regional security, the Quad partnership, trade, and defense cooperation. Rubio added that the United States considers its relationship with India an essential pillar of its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

Jaishankar also provided details of the meeting, saying both leaders reviewed key priorities under the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. According to the Indian foreign minister, the discussions included an exchange of views on regional developments, global challenges, and multilateral issues of shared interest. The dialogue reflected the continued commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across diplomatic, economic, and security domains.

In addition to their bilateral meeting, Rubio and Jaishankar participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The gathering reinforced the four nations’ shared vision for a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

After the meeting, the Quad foreign ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture. They also pledged to strengthen cooperation in regional security, critical and emerging technologies, economic resilience, and other strategic areas aimed at promoting stability and sustainable growth.

The discussions in Manila highlighted the continued momentum in India-US relations as both countries work closely through bilateral and multilateral platforms. The meeting also underscored the importance of the Quad in advancing shared priorities and addressing regional challenges while reinforcing cooperation among like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific.

The post Rubio Reaffirms India-US Ties at ASEAN Meeting first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 and visibility that come with his government role.

Vance’s personal attorney, Chris Ashby, confirmed that the lease agreement was made under standard market conditions. He stated that the vice president would pay rent based on the property’s fair market value, with comparisons made against similar homes in the surrounding area.

The leased residence is located within Wolver Hill Farm, an expansive estate covering nearly 500 acres near Middleburg, Virginia. The area is known for its scenic landscapes, luxury properties, and proximity to Washington, D.C., which is located slightly more than an hour away by road.

The estate is owned by a company managed by Charles Kuhn, the founder of a moving services firm that has assisted with relocations for several US presidents, including Donald Trump. The company has also maintained a long-standing relationship as a contractor for the US government.

The decision to lease the property comes as political figures and their families continue to seek greater privacy and security while managing the demands of public life. The Virginia farmhouse is expected to serve as a more relaxed setting for Vance’s family while allowing him to balance official duties in Washington with personal commitments.

The arrangement does not replace the vice president’s official residence but provides an additional living option designed around family needs and privacy.

The post JD Vance Leases Virginia Farm Home for Family Privacy first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 Bicentennial celebrations, and he will return to reflect on the country’s journey over the past 250 years and the decisions that could influence the next chapter of its development.

During the lecture, Khanna is expected to discuss the importance of preserving democratic institutions while addressing economic challenges facing Americans. His remarks will highlight the need for policies aimed at expanding opportunity, supporting working families, and ensuring that economic progress benefits a broader section of society.

The event is designed as an open public discussion and will welcome attendees interested in exploring America’s historical milestones and future direction. The free lecture will take place at the Montgomery Auditorium, located on the ground floor, providing an opportunity for community members to hear Khanna’s views on the nation’s evolving identity and priorities.

Through his address, Khanna aims to encourage reflection on America’s achievements, acknowledge the challenges ahead, and present a forward-looking vision centered around democracy, innovation, and shared prosperity as the country enters its next 250 years.

The post Congressman Ro Khanna set for America 250 lecture first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She also leads behavioral health population management initiatives within the Mount Sinai Health System, where she works to improve access to mental healthcare and strengthen patient outcomes. Her efforts focus on ensuring that quality mental health services are available to individuals from all communities, emphasizing the importance of timely and equitable care.

Throughout her career, Dr. Iyer has earned recognition as a leading voice in behavioral healthcare. She is a frequent speaker at national conferences, where she shares expertise on mental health policy, clinical care, and strategies to improve healthcare delivery. Her knowledge has also made her a trusted expert for media discussions covering mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

In addition to her clinical and academic responsibilities, Dr. Iyer plays an active role in advancing the psychology profession through national organizations. She serves on the American Psychological Association’s Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest and is also a member of the Executive Board of the APA’s Division 18, which focuses on psychologists working in public service settings.

Dr. Iyer’s academic background reflects her commitment to interdisciplinary healthcare. She earned multiple degrees from Columbia University’s Teachers College, including a doctorate, a master’s degree, and an additional graduate qualification. She also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, further strengthening her expertise in public health and behavioral medicine.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Dr. Iyer’s sustained dedication to improving mental healthcare, advancing research, and shaping policies that promote greater access to psychological services. Her achievements continue to highlight the growing contributions of Indian American professionals to healthcare, education, and public service across the United States.

The post Anitha Iyer to Receive Columbia Alumni Honor first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 Punjab, including Jalandhar Cantonment, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Sri Anandpur Sahib.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line, a project valued at approximately $97 million. The new railway corridor forms part of the larger Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian rail project and is expected to strengthen connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Officials said the line will improve access to districts such as Hoshiarpur and Una while making travel to religious destinations, including Shri Anandpur Sahib and Maa Chintpurni Temple, faster and more convenient.

Further expanding regional rail services, Modi flagged off the Kartoli-Ambala train, which is expected to improve transportation links across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. He also launched the Amritsar (Chheharta)-Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express, creating a direct rail connection between two important spiritual centers. The service fulfills a long-standing demand of the Ravidassia community ahead of Guru Ravidas’s 650th birth anniversary celebrations in Varanasi.

In addition to railway developments, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for national highway projects worth more than $358 million. These included the opening of a 30.9-kilometer section of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, which is expected to reduce travel time, improve freight movement, lower fuel consumption, and decrease transportation costs.

Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Southern Ludhiana Bypass, a 25.2-kilometer six-lane greenfield highway designed to improve connectivity between Ludhiana and Bathinda while providing smoother access to key commercial hubs.

The Prime Minister arrived in Jalandhar after inaugurating projects in Chandigarh and flagging off India’s first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana. Collectively, the newly launched transportation projects are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve travel efficiency, and contribute to Punjab’s long-term economic and infrastructure development.

The post Modi launches major rail, road projects in Jalandhar first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 recent years and described the dialogue as a reflection of the growing ambitions of India’s relationship with Belgium and the European Union. He noted that cooperation between the two nations extends beyond traditional economic ties and now includes strategic areas such as technology, security, and innovation.

Earlier, Jaishankar met European Commissioner for International Partnerships Ekaterina Zaharieva to discuss opportunities in clean and green energy research, innovation ecosystems, startups, and India’s participation in Horizon Europe. Zaharieva highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between India and Europe in advancing future technologies and creating global impact through joint innovation.

The Indian minister also held discussions with European Commissioner Jozef Síkela on improving cooperation in connectivity, green shipping, trilateral partnerships, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). These discussions reflected shared efforts to improve infrastructure links and develop sustainable transportation networks.

During his remarks at the strategic dialogue, Jaishankar said the current global environment requires countries with strong partnerships, such as India and Belgium, to work more closely together. He emphasized that both nations have significant potential to expand cooperation in clean energy, digital technologies, life sciences, chemical industries, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

Jaishankar also highlighted the strategic importance of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as more than a conventional trade arrangement. He said the agreement represents a broader partnership that includes security cooperation, defense engagement, technology collaboration, mobility frameworks, and research initiatives.

He pointed out that India and the EU are working toward deeper cooperation through platforms such as the Trade and Technology Council, the Global Gateway initiative, and Horizon Europe research programs. According to Jaishankar, efforts are underway to accelerate these partnerships and move ongoing initiatives toward completion.

The minister also addressed challenges facing the global economy, including dependence on limited production sources, market access barriers, connectivity issues, logistics disruptions, and technology challenges. He stressed that strengthening supply chains, reducing risks, and diversifying economic partnerships have become central priorities in international diplomacy.

The India-Belgium dialogue marks another step toward expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries while aligning with India’s broader efforts to deepen its partnership with the European Union.

The post India Belgium Boost Strategic Ties in Key Sectors first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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 for riders and drivers rather than using AI only as a tool for reducing expenses. The company aims to use advanced technology to improve product performance, streamline operations, and introduce new capabilities across its platform.

Before taking up the role at Lyft, Padmanabhan worked as Vice President of Engineering at eBay, where he played a key role in managing large-scale technology initiatives. He was also recognized as a Technical Fellow at the e-commerce company, highlighting his expertise in software development and engineering leadership.

Lyft said Padmanabhan’s experience in implementing AI solutions across complex technology environments will help the company accelerate innovation and strengthen its platform. His background in building scalable engineering systems is expected to support Lyft’s efforts to deliver improved services and create more seamless experiences for millions of users.

Commenting on his appointment, Padmanabhan said Lyft has a strong mission, a widely used product, and a dedicated team focused on improving transportation experiences. He added that his goal will be to use technology to expand the company’s capabilities and help achieve new possibilities through innovation.

Padmanabhan brings extensive academic and technical expertise to the role. He holds a master’s degree in software engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, and completed his undergraduate engineering studies at PSG College of Technology in Tamil Nadu.

The appointment reflects Lyft’s broader push to strengthen its technology leadership and compete in an increasingly AI-driven transportation industry. By bringing in an experienced engineering executive, the company aims to enhance its digital ecosystem and develop future-focused solutions for both drivers and passengers.

The post Lyft Names Former eBay Leader as New CTO first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

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, and the growing use of digital platforms for ordering meals.

Online food delivery is expected to become an increasingly important part of the industry. Its contribution to the overall food services market is projected to rise from 11% in FY26 to 18% by FY31, reflecting the shift toward digital ordering and technology-enabled food experiences. Metro cities have seen a sharp increase in online food transactions, rising from around 300 million orders in FY21 to approximately 1.06 billion orders in FY26.

Organized food service companies are also gaining momentum as consumers increasingly look for consistent quality, convenience, and trusted brands. These businesses currently represent around 45-50% of the market and are expected to grow faster than smaller unorganized players in the coming years.

The report points out that categories such as snacks, desserts, beverages, shakes, juices, cakes, premium tea, and coffee are witnessing strong demand due to their suitability for online delivery models. These segments are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food technology companies.

Despite the presence of nearly 1,000-1,500 organized food service businesses in India, only a small number have annual revenues exceeding $56.58 million. This indicates considerable potential for expansion, consolidation, and the emergence of larger food brands in the future.

Rising disposable incomes, increasing digital adoption, and the growth of organized dining experiences are expected to remain key factors supporting the sector’s long-term development. The expansion of the food services industry is also likely to create more employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

The post India Food Services Market to Reach $150 Billion first appeared on Global Indian News Network.