Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Air India has announced the launch of nonstop flights between Delhi and Toronto using its newly introduced Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a major upgrade for one of its key international routes. The service will begin on August 1, 2026, and will eliminate the current fuel stop in Vienna, subject to airspace availability, significantly improving travel convenience for passengers. The airline expects the change to reduce the total journey time from Delhi to Toronto by nearly three hours. The current flight duration, including the fuel stop, is around 20 hours, while the upgraded nonstop service will take approximately 17 hours. The…

Support for activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike over alleged irregularities in India’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) expanded beyond the country’s borders, with demonstrations taking place in several major international cities. Protesters gathered in New York, San Jose, London, and Dublin to express solidarity and call for greater transparency in India’s examination process. The overseas events were coordinated by the advocacy organization Hindus for Human Rights. According to the group, supporters assembled near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in New York City’s Union Square while another gathering was held in San Jose on July 20. Additional demonstrations took place outside the…

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has received major endorsements from senior Democratic leaders in the US House of Representatives, providing a significant boost to his re-election campaign. The support from influential members of the party reflects growing confidence in Thanedar’s political standing and his ability to retain his congressional seat. For an incumbent lawmaker, endorsements from prominent party figures can play an important role in strengthening campaign momentum. Such backing often helps candidates expand their fundraising networks, increase visibility among voters, and demonstrate strong support within their political organization. Thanedar’s growing support also highlights the increasing influence of the Indian-American community…

While many IIT graduates pursue high-paying corporate careers or opportunities overseas, Skyroot Aerospace CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana chose a different path after completing his education. Instead of joining the private sector for a bigger paycheck, Chandana decided to work with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a decision that eventually became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey. Speaking about his career choices, Chandana revealed that his initial salary at ISRO was around $480 per month, significantly lower than what many of his peers expected after graduating from one of India’s top engineering institutes. However, he said financial rewards were not…

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continued its remarkable growth trajectory, strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in digital payment innovation. The platform onboarded 554.9 million users by June 2026, reflecting the rapid adoption of cashless payment solutions among individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. According to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI processed 24.16 billion transactions during the financial year 2026, with the total transaction value reaching $3.56 trillion. The latest figures highlight consistent expansion over the past five years, demonstrating the growing dependence on real-time digital payments across India. UPI transaction volumes have increased…

NASA astronaut and physician Anil Menon has offered a glimpse into his early days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting a medical research project that could reshape healthcare both in space and on Earth. The experiment focuses on producing sterile intravenous (IV) saline solution directly aboard the space station, an innovation designed to support future deep-space missions while also improving emergency medical care in remote environments. In a social media update shared on July 17, Menon described working inside the station’s Life Sciences Glovebox alongside fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir. Meir is leading the IVGEN Mini experiment, which is…

Outgoing United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative to India, Takayuki Hagiwara, met with Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George in New Delhi as he concluded his diplomatic assignment in the country. During the farewell meeting, George expressed appreciation for Hagiwara’s efforts in advancing FAO’s initiatives in India and recognized his contributions to strengthening cooperation between the organization and the country. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the secretary thanked Hagiwara for his dedicated service and wished him success, good health, and continued achievements in his future responsibilities. Hagiwara has been associated with the FAO since…

Indian Navy’s sail training vessel INS Sudarshini has successfully completed its historic journey across the United States as part of the country’s Semiquincentennial celebrations, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The voyage showcased India’s centuries-old maritime traditions while highlighting the growing strategic and defence partnership between New Delhi and Washington. The Embassy of India in the United States described the deployment as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The ship’s participation covered four major East Coast ports, including Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston, where it became a symbol of India’s naval heritage and maritime excellence. The voyage was…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Pact, describing the agreements as an important step toward strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two nations. The trade deal is expected to open new opportunities for Indian businesses by providing improved access to the United Kingdom market and supporting a wider range of industries. Under the agreement, a majority of Indian goods will receive duty-free access in the UK, creating favorable conditions for exporters and helping Indian products become more competitive internationally. The agreement is expected to benefit key sectors, including…

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a highly charismatic leader, saying India’s remarkable transformation over the past decade deserves greater recognition in the United States. Speaking in an exclusive interview with IANS, the Michigan Democrat emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the world’s two largest democracies while highlighting India’s growing global influence. Thanedar praised the relationship between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, noting that the Indian leader has built positive relationships with leaders across the world. Reflecting on Modi’s previous visits to the United States, he recalled the enthusiastic public response…