Author: Malavika Subramanyan

India and Bhutan have reviewed the progress of their long-standing development partnership and approved 12 new projects worth $34.41 million under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029). The decisions were taken during the 5th India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, reflecting the continued commitment of both nations to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bhutan on July 30-31, 2026, where he co-chaired discussions with Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Lektup Dorji. During the meeting, both sides assessed ongoing development initiatives and reviewed collaboration in areas including infrastructure, energy, trade, investment, connectivity, and regional matters. The discussions also focused on…

The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) has welcomed the Rajasthan government’s decision to establish dedicated Rajasthani Language Study Centres at state universities, describing the initiative as a major advancement in preserving and promoting the region’s linguistic heritage. Members of the Rajasthani community in North America said the move reflects growing institutional support for a language that has long been central to the state’s cultural identity. Prem Bhandari, President of RANA and International Convener of the Akhil Bhartiya Rajasthani Bhasha Manyata Sangharsh Samiti, praised the directive issued by Rajasthan Governor and Chancellor Haribhau Bagde. He described the decision as a…

The Democratic Party has expanded its campaign strategy for the upcoming US congressional elections by adding two Indian-American candidates, Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya, to its Red to Blue program. The initiative is designed to strengthen Democratic campaigns in competitive districts currently held by or leaning toward Republicans, as the party works to regain control of the House of Representatives in November. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) recently announced five new additions to the program, with Shah and Dandiya among the selected candidates. The committee is currently supporting 30 congressional hopefuls it believes have the strongest chance of flipping…

Air India is set to improve its Toronto-Delhi operations by deploying its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route beginning August 1. The move introduces the airline’s latest cabin experience for passengers traveling between Canada and India while also bringing back daily service after a temporary reduction in flight frequency. A major benefit of the aircraft upgrade is the elimination of the technical fuel stop in Vienna for flights departing from Delhi. Without the additional stop, the airline expects to reduce the journey by nearly three hours, making travel significantly faster and more convenient. The Delhi-to-Toronto service will now take…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-level task force led by technology pioneer Nandan Nilekani to redesign India’s public examination framework. The initiative is intended to make the country’s examination process more dependable, transparent, and technology-focused while restoring confidence among students and their families. Addressing students through a video message, the Prime Minister emphasized that protecting the future of young people remains one of the government’s top priorities. He said authorities have already intensified efforts to curb examination-related malpractice by taking strict action against individuals accused of manipulating recruitment and academic tests. According to Modi, several…

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…