Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

India and Fiji have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation through a series of high-level meetings focused on sustainable development, housing, agriculture, and education. The discussions reflect both nations’ shared interest in strengthening long-term partnerships across multiple sectors. India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, met Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in affordable housing, sustainable urban planning, waste management, and local governance. The talks centered on identifying practical areas where both countries can work together to improve urban infrastructure and support inclusive development initiatives. According to the Indian High…

Indian-American candidate Ravin Sheth is preparing for his first congressional campaign, setting up a high-profile contest against veteran lawmaker Pramila Jayapal in Washington state’s congressional district. The November election will feature two candidates of Indian heritage competing for the same seat, drawing attention from both political observers and the Indian-American community. Sheth, 40, was born and raised in Ahmedabad before relocating to the United States in 2008 to pursue higher education in computer and electrical engineering. His academic journey eventually led him to public service, where he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 2011 and worked as an aircraft…

India’s private space industry has reached a significant milestone after Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, becoming the first privately developed Indian rocket to place payloads into orbit. The mission, which lifted off from Sriharikota on July 18, carried four payloads into a 450-kilometer orbit, marking a landmark achievement for the country’s growing commercial space sector. The successful launch represents more than a technological breakthrough. It validates years of investment in India’s emerging spacetech ecosystem, demonstrating that private companies can move beyond concepts and prototypes to deliver complex space missions. The achievement has strengthened confidence among investors who have increasingly backed…

India is preparing to significantly increase its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) purchases from the United States in 2027 as part of a broader strategy to diversify energy supplies and reduce dependence on the Middle East. According to sources familiar with the matter, the country could source up to 25% of its LPG imports from the US, strengthening supply security while supporting ongoing trade discussions between the two nations. The move follows major disruptions earlier in 2026, when geopolitical tensions and interruptions around the Strait of Hormuz affected LPG shipments to India. The supply challenges created one of the country’s most…

An Indian-American military surgeon has played a crucial role in a groundbreaking minimally invasive procedure that removed a large brain tumor without the need for traditional open brain surgery. Major Jagatkumar Patel, an anterior skull base surgeon at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, worked alongside neurosurgeon Lt. Col. Charles Miller to successfully treat US Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Andy Archer. According to the US Department of Defense, Archer had been living with a benign brain tumor for nearly 15 years. The tumor, measuring approximately 4.4 centimeters, was positioned near the front of his pituitary gland and had…

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has signed Executive Order 19 to improve the safety of the city’s municipal vehicle fleet by introducing advanced technologies designed to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The order strengthens the administration’s focus on creating safer streets while modernizing the operations of city-owned vehicles. Under the new directive, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will install pedestrian alert systems on all existing non-emergency municipal trucks and require the technology in future vehicle purchases. The system is designed to provide audible warnings to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users when a vehicle is preparing…

Five Indian-American middle school students have earned spots among the 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, one of the United States’ most respected science competitions for students in grades five through eight. Their selection highlights a growing trend of young innovators using science and technology to develop practical solutions for pressing global issues. This year’s finalists were recognized for projects spanning multiple fields, including environmental sustainability, healthcare, transportation safety, climate resilience, food safety, and marine science. Notably, Indian-American students account for half of the competition’s finalists, underscoring their strong presence in STEM education and scientific innovation. Among…

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt received heartfelt birthday wishes from his twins, Shahraan Dutt and Iqra Dutt, as he celebrated his 67th birthday on July 29. The siblings shared emotional messages on social media, expressing their love and appreciation for their father’s constant support, encouragement, and guidance throughout their lives. Shahraan shared a special photograph with Sanjay Dutt on his social media account, showing the father-son duo dressed in matching traditional white outfits at what appeared to be a family event. Alongside the picture, he described Sanjay as the best father anyone could ask for and thanked him for always standing…

Indian-American radiation oncologist and 2026 Padma Bhushan recipient Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori believes widespread HPV vaccination has the potential to transform India’s fight against cervical cancer, saying the country is now in a strong position to significantly reduce and eventually eliminate the disease. In an interview with IANS, Nori described cervical cancer as one of the few cancers that can be prevented, detected early, treated effectively, and even cured. He said the availability of HPV vaccines gives healthcare providers a powerful tool to protect future generations, expressing confidence that India can make remarkable progress in reducing the disease over the coming…

Indian-American leaders, diplomats, veterans, entrepreneurs and community organizations gathered in Washington, D.C., to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, using the milestone celebration to reinforce the community’s growing influence and commitment to public service. Organized by the Indian-American Committee, the event brought together more than 40 organizations representing diverse backgrounds, professions and regions under a shared vision of unity and civic engagement. Among the prominent attendees were Rahul Patel, chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA); internationally recognized academic Prof. Rajendra Srivastava; Indian American Veterans Association founder Chris Aryan; and U.S. Air Force Auxiliary pilot Arun Ayyagari. The evening also…