Author: Nupur Rohila

Kolkata-born philanthropist Mona Sinha has been inducted into the U.S. National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York, recognizing her longstanding contributions to women’s rights, philanthropy, and gender equality. She is the second woman of Indian origin to receive this distinction, following former PepsiCo chief executive Indra Nooyi. Sinha’s career has evolved from investment banking and corporate leadership to international advocacy, with a focus on removing legal barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls. Her commitment to gender equality began taking shape during her childhood in Kolkata. Growing up as the third daughter in her family, she…

At 14, Indian-American student Aryash Shyam has added a national literary honor to an already impressive record of achievements in science, technology and communication. Shyam, a ninth-grade student from Pennsylvania, was named one of four middle-school winners of the 2026 John Estey Student Writing Competition presented by the American Writers Museum in Chicago. He received the recognition for “The Weight of Lead,” a historical fiction story set in a Philadelphia print shop on July 4, 1776. The award carries a $1,000 prize, and his winning work has been published by the museum. The story examines the tension between the founding…

India’s electric vehicle market reached a new milestone in September 2026, recording its highest-ever monthly retail sales as demand for cleaner mobility continued to accelerate. According to data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), total EV retail sales climbed to 333,634 units, marking a 74% increase from the same month last year. The strong performance also pushed EV penetration across vehicle categories to approximately 13%, compared with about 10% in September 2025. Rising consumer demand, improved operating-cost economics, a wider selection of electric models and government support contributed to the record monthly performance. Electric two-wheelers remained the largest…

The 2026 US midterm elections are bringing a new group of Indian-American candidates into congressional contests across the country, with Ritesh Tandon, Nirav Sheth and Sandeep Dixit pursuing political careers through three distinct paths. The candidates are competing in California, Washington and Ohio and come from varied professional backgrounds, including technology, military service, law enforcement, engineering and entrepreneurship. Their campaigns illustrate the growing diversity of political participation among Indian Americans in the United States. In California, technology entrepreneur Ritesh Tandon is running as a Republican against Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna in the 17th Congressional District. Federal Election Commission records identify…

India and Tanzania discussed ways to deepen parliamentary cooperation, capacity building and skill development during a meeting between Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Tanzania National Assembly Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu in Arusha. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 153rd International Parliamentary Union Assembly, where parliamentary delegations from around the world have gathered to discuss issues concerning governance, democracy, development and international cooperation. During the meeting, Harivansh congratulated Zungu on Tanzania’s successful hosting of the 153rd IPU Assembly. The discussions focused on strengthening institutional links between the parliaments of India and Tanzania, with particular attention to capacity…

India and the United States discussed ways to expand their defense and strategic partnership during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, as Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, continued his official visit to India. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Paparo to review opportunities for deeper military cooperation and exchange perspectives on developments affecting both countries. According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the discussions covered bilateral defense relations as well as regional and global security concerns. Paparo’s visit has brought together several senior Indian defense officials, underscoring the growing focus on coordination between the two…

India and Switzerland have expanded their bilateral partnership with a series of agreements focused on sustainable infrastructure, scientific research, technology, entrepreneurship and professional exchanges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin met at Hyderabad House to review the relationship between the two countries and discuss opportunities for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors. Several memorandums of understanding and other arrangements were signed during the engagement. One of the key agreements establishes an Exchange of Young Professionals program. The initiative will allow eligible young professionals from both countries to take up temporary employment opportunities in the other country, helping participants…

India and Canada are set to begin the fifth round of negotiations for their proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with both sides seeking to accelerate discussions and conclude the trade pact by the end of 2026. The five-day negotiating round will be held in Ottawa and led by the chief negotiators of both countries. The previous round of talks concluded in New Delhi, with officials now working to maintain momentum and move towards a final agreement. The negotiations have gained further significance amid an improvement in bilateral relations and renewed efforts to deepen economic cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is…

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has kept open the possibility of seeking the US presidency in 2028, saying any decision about entering the race would be made with his family. Speaking during a conversation with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Asia Society, Khanna said he intends to remain actively involved in the national discussion about America’s future regardless of whether he becomes a candidate. Rudd directly asked Khanna about reports that he was considering a presidential campaign. Khanna responded that roughly 20 Democrats were weighing a possible run, while perhaps 10 to 12 could ultimately enter the contest.…

Indian American community leaders, physicians, entrepreneurs, professionals and civic advocates gathered in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, on September 19 for a discussion with Congressman Jim McGovern, who represents Massachusetts’ 2nd Congressional District. Hosted at the India Worcester Center, the meeting covered immigration, healthcare, economic opportunity, civic participation and the broader relationship between the United States and India. Immigration was among the major issues raised by participants. Community members pointed to challenges experienced by students, families, healthcare professionals and other immigrants while navigating the US immigration system. The meeting’s statement did not outline specific immigration proposals, but participants emphasized the importance of maintaining…