Author: Malavika Subramanyan

India’s private space sector has reached a significant milestone, with Skyroot Aerospace becoming the first Indian private company to place payloads into orbit using a domestically developed launch vehicle, according to a recent report. The achievement marks a major development in India’s growing commercial space industry and places the country among an expanding group of nations competing in the global private launch market. Skyroot Aerospace successfully deployed multiple payloads into low Earth orbit using its Vikram-1 rocket. The development has drawn attention in Europe, where several private launcher projects are yet to provide operational orbital launch services. A report by…

National India Hub in Schaumburg became the center of a major Indian American community celebration as more than 100 organizations gathered for INDIA FEST 2026 on August 15. The event brought together community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, cultural figures and families for a day focused on Indian heritage, unity and service. The celebration featured several prominent guests, including Indian dance and film icon Prabhu Deva, journalist Chitra Tripathi and Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon. Sixteen elected officials also participated, underscoring the growing civic and community presence of the Indian American population in Illinois. A major highlight came when Illinois State Senator…

Vivek Ramaswamy received a significant endorsement for his campaign to become Ohio’s next governor when Vice President JD Vance publicly backed the Republican candidate during an appearance in Middletown on August 21. Vance praised Ramaswamy as a strong candidate and said he believed his fellow Republican would become the state’s next chief executive. The endorsement came during an event at a Cleveland-Cliffs steel facility, where the company announced a $1 billion investment in its operations. Vance used the occasion to connect Ramaswamy’s campaign with themes central to the Trump administration, including domestic manufacturing, American workers and economic nationalism. Vance, who…

India is positioning itself as a major technology hub by building on its strengths in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, electronics, and renewable energy. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the country’s biggest advantage in AI is its applications layer, where India’s established information technology industry and experience in solving enterprise challenges provide a strong foundation for innovation. The country’s startup ecosystem is increasingly embracing artificial intelligence. Nearly 80% of startups emerging in India are reportedly working on AI-driven solutions, reflecting the growing role of the technology across industries. The focus on practical applications could allow Indian companies to develop solutions tailored…

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has indicated that Washington could reconsider its travel guidance for Jammu and Kashmir following his first visit to the region since taking up his diplomatic post. His comments came during a two-day trip covering Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, signaling potentially closer U.S. engagement with the Union Territory. The current U.S. State Department advisory places Jammu and Kashmir under its highest-risk travel category, warning American citizens against visiting most of the region because of concerns related to terrorism and civil unrest. The guidance makes an exception for eastern Ladakh and Leh. Gor arrived in…

The United States has welcomed India’s decision to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian aircraft for the Indian Navy, describing the agreement as an important step toward stronger maritime security cooperation between the two countries. The US Embassy in India said the new capability would improve India’s maritime domain awareness and provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage across the Indian Ocean Region. Washington also linked the development to its broader goal of supporting a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. The statement comes after India’s Ministry of Defense finalized an agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. to lease two MQ-9B…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a seven-part roadmap aimed at shaping India’s economic and national development over the next five to seven years. Known as “Sapt Dhara,” or Seven Streams of Power, the framework was presented during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort and brings together economic priorities, technological ambitions, infrastructure development, national security, sustainability and cultural influence. Manufacturing sits at the center of the plan, with India seeking to move beyond production and build greater  control over complete supply chains. The vision calls for Indian companies, entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises to compete globally…

The saree will once again take center stage in New York City as Saree Goes Global USA returns to Times Square for its third consecutive year. Scheduled for August 23, 2026, the cultural celebration will bring together participants from across the United States and other parts of the world to showcase the beauty, versatility, and enduring significance of one of India’s most recognizable traditional garments. The event will take place at Father Duffy Square in Times Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organized by Uma Global in partnership with the Consulate General of India in New York, the program…

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin–Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) marked India Day with a major community celebration in Stamford, receiving recognition from Connecticut state and city leaders for its cultural outreach and charitable work. The Connecticut General Assembly issued a formal citation honoring GOPIO-CT’s celebration of India’s Independence and its efforts to promote Indian culture, traditions and the achievements of Indian Americans. The citation was initiated by Senator Patricia Billie Miller and supported by nine additional state lawmakers. It was signed by General Assembly Pro Tempore Marten M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas.…

India’s Government e-Marketplace is expanding opportunities for smaller businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to participate in public procurement. The platform has significantly increased the presence of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, startups, women-led businesses and Self-Help Groups, giving these groups greater access to government buyers nationwide. As of July 30, 2026, GeM had registered approximately 1.18 million MSMEs, 37,758 startups, 217,000 women entrepreneurs and 3,784 Self-Help Groups. The growing participation reflects the platform’s role in connecting smaller suppliers with public-sector purchasing opportunities through a digital marketplace. MSME procurement through GeM reached approximately $26.84 billion during fiscal year 2025-26, rising substantially from…