Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

A computer science junior at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Hari Raghavan, has earned first place in the technology category at the 2026 Santa Cruz Launchpad business competition. His achievement came with a $5,000 prize, awarded for his innovative AI-driven project called Standby, which focuses on improving access to legal assistance for incarcerated individuals and the organizations that support them. Standby is designed as a phone-based artificial intelligence system that functions as a legal support tool. It allows individuals in correctional facilities to interact with AI-powered voice assistants to receive simplified explanations of legal rights, bail procedures, and criminal…

During the high-intensity multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 held in Meghalaya, Indian Army canine units played a standout role by demonstrating their specialised operational capabilities alongside armed forces personnel from 12 friendly nations. The exercise highlighted the growing importance of trained military dogs as force multipliers in modern warfare scenarios. According to defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, the K9 units trained jointly with international troops, reinforcing interoperability and coordination in complex tactical environments. These trained dogs contributed significantly in roles such as explosive detection, tracking of hostile elements, and intervention support during simulated combat situations. The demonstration featured several…

Indian national badminton player and coach Veda Vyas Sai Anumula is steadily becoming a significant influence in the expanding United States badminton ecosystem. With a blend of competitive experience, advanced coaching skills, and sports management knowledge, he is contributing to the development of structured training systems and emerging talent in the country. Anumula previously reached a peak junior ranking of India No. 2 in 2015 and remained among the top 10 national players by 2017. During his playing career, he earned seven national-level medals, establishing himself as a technically strong and tactically aware athlete before shifting his focus toward coaching…

A major humanitarian partnership between a leading American anti-hunger organization and India-focused social welfare groups is set to expand school nutrition initiatives across India and several developing countries. The collaboration aims to address child hunger through stronger international cooperation, with leaders describing the issue as a challenge that can be solved through collective action. The initiative was showcased during a special gathering in Washington hosted by Share Our Strength and One World One Family Mission. The event brought together philanthropists, entrepreneurs, chefs, and social impact leaders to discuss innovative ways to improve access to nutritious meals for children and strengthen…

India’s digital economy is projected to contribute nearly 20% of the country’s gross domestic product by 2030, according to National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre Director General M. U. Nair. Speaking at a cybersecurity focused event, he highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s digital ecosystem and its growing influence on the nation’s economic future. Nair stated that the widespread adoption of digital public infrastructure, rising internet penetration, and increasing use of advanced technologies are accelerating India’s digital transformation across industries. Initiatives such as Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface, and broader digital public infrastructure systems have significantly changed how individuals, businesses, and…

Indian American entrepreneur Pooja Bavishi has successfully turned a homemade dessert idea into a thriving multi million dollar business by bringing Indian inspired flavors into the mainstream American ice cream market. Her company, Malai, has gained recognition for blending traditional Indian ingredients with premium frozen desserts, helping the brand stand out in the competitive food industry. Founded in 2015, Malai recorded approximately 2.8 million dollars in revenue during 2025 and recently became profitable after years of expansion and steady business growth. The company now operates four stores across New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., while also growing its online and…

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to New Delhi in September to participate in the BRICS Summit 2026, according to confirmation from the Kremlin. The high-level gathering is scheduled for September 12 and 13 and will bring together leaders from major emerging economies to discuss global security, economic collaboration, and the evolving concept of a multipolar world order. Putin’s upcoming visit highlights the continued strengthening of India-Russia relations, particularly in strategic areas such as defence cooperation, energy partnerships, and bilateral trade. The trip also marks his second visit to India within a year, reflecting sustained diplomatic engagement between…

A 23-year-old councillor has made history in eastern England by becoming the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the United Kingdom. His appointment represents a significant moment in local politics and highlights the increasing role of young leaders in public administration. Tushar Kumar officially assumed office as Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood during a formal ceremony held last week. A former Political Science student, he joined the town council in 2023 and quickly progressed from councillor to Deputy Mayor before taking on the top civic position. Belonging to the Labour Party, Kumar described his appointment as a great honor and expressed deep…

The newly released title track of Akshay Kumar’s upcoming multistarrer film Welcome to the Jungle has quickly gone viral online, drawing strong reactions from fans who are excited about the return of the popular comedy franchise in a refreshed format. The song blends nostalgia with a modern cinematic setup, opening with the iconic dialogue “Aloo le lo, kaanda le lo,” originally associated with Nana Patekar’s memorable character from the earlier Welcome films. This familiar reference instantly connects viewers to the franchise’s earlier success while introducing a new visual and musical style. The video showcases a large ensemble cast, energetic choreography,…

Indian American professionals continue to expand their influence within public institutions in the United States, particularly in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has announced two new appointments involving experienced leaders from technology and business backgrounds. One of the newly appointed officials is Yogesh “Yogi” Chugh from Fremont, who has been selected to serve on the Structural Pest Control Board. Chugh currently works as the Executive Managing Director of S5 Advisory, a position he has held since 2013. He brings extensive experience in customer service systems, technology management, and advisory leadership spanning several decades. Prior to his current role, Chugh held…