Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has taken a significant step onto the global stage by expanding its services to the prestigious Galeries Lafayette flagship store in Paris. This strategic initiative, led by Mr. Jawed Ashraf, the Ambassador of India to France, alongside key industry leaders, represents a milestone in UPI’s international outreach, aligning closely with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s strategic vision. The successful implementation of UPI at renowned landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and now at Galeries Lafayette underscores its increasing prominence on the global platform. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, the integration of UPI at Galeries Lafayette…

India is leading the global conversation by emphasizing the government’s commitment to democratize artificial intelligence (AI) and make it accessible to everyone. At the recent ‘Global IndiaAI Mission’ summit in the capital, countries from the Global South acknowledged India’s role in giving them a voice in the global AI forum and bridging the gap with the Global North. Over 2,000 global AI experts, policymakers, AI practitioners, industry/startups, and academics attended the summit, with more than 10,000 AI enthusiasts participating virtually. The IT Ministry highlighted that sessions on the key pillars of the IndiaAI Mission showcased India’s planned actions and dedication…

Amid ongoing research highlighting the benefits of a plant-rich diet low in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods for overall health, evidence continues to mount on its positive impact in reducing risks associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Recent studies have also underscored the role of healthy eating in older adults, linking it to a decreased likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia. At NUTRITION 2024, the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, new research emphasized the lifelong importance of diet in preserving cognitive function as individuals age. Findings suggest that adopting healthy eating habits early in life correlates with…

At a recent audition for America’s Got Talent, everyone in attendance was captivated by 10-year-old Maya Neelakantan’s unique rendition of Papa Roach’s ‘Last Resort’, infused with traditional Carnatic elements. Hailing from India and renowned on Instagram for her metal covers, Neelakantan stunned the audience with her unconventional take on the rock classic. Dressed in a traditional Ghagra and adorned with a shining bindi, Neelakantan defied the typical image of a rock musician, known for their denim or leather attire and darker colors. She seamlessly blended Classical Indian music with early 2000s American metal, impressively belting out the iconic riffs of…

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has issued a stark warning to her fellow Republicans, suggesting that President Joe Biden may not be the Democratic nominee in the upcoming presidential election. This caution follows Biden’s stumbling performance in a debate against former President Donald Trump. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Haley stated, “Mark my words….Biden will not be the Democrat nominee. Republicans, get your guard up!” This bold prediction has sparked significant discussion and speculation within political circles. Democratic Concerns Mount The recent head-to-head between the 81-year-old Biden and 78-year-old Trump has left…

Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American and Republican party figure, sharply criticized President Joe Biden and the Democratic party following the first presidential debate on July 27. On X (formerly Twitter), Ramaswamy, a supporter of Republican candidate Donald Trump, focused his critique on Biden’s age and perceived lapses during the debate. He described Biden as an “old man” and accused the Democrats of presenting him as a sacrificial candidate, suggesting Biden appeared disconnected and rambling during his speeches. In addition to questioning Biden’s performance, Ramaswamy expressed skepticism about the Democratic nominee’s focus during the debate, particularly contrasting it with issues he believed…

In a recent telephone conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed India’s strong support for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana to Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Emphasizing the significance of bilateral strategic partnerships, both leaders underscored their commitment to furthering cooperation between their nations. President Tokayev extended warm congratulations to PM Modi on his re-election for a historic third term, recognizing India’s successful democratic process on a global scale. The Prime Minister’s Office released an official statement quoting President Tokayev’s commendation of PM Modi’s leadership and successful electoral campaign. PM Modi, in response, expressed appreciation for the congratulatory…

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller affirmed on Wednesday that fostering a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific remains a top priority for the United States, emphasizing their ongoing collaboration with India on various fronts. During a media briefing, Miller highlighted the cooperation between the US and India on economic matters and the strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two nations. He underscored the shared commitment to promoting a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific as a cornerstone of their bilateral agenda. Regarding the potential participation of the US delegation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, Miller indicated that no official…

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on securing his third straight victory in the Lok Sabha elections. She expressed confidence that both leaders would work together to strengthen the friendship between Italy and India. Meloni further emphasized the cooperation between the two nations on various issues that benefit their people. She conveyed her congratulations and best wishes to Modi via a post on X, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration for the well-being of both countries. Earlier in the day, several other global leaders extended their congratulations to Modi and the BJP-led NDA government on their…

Indian-American Dr. Rekha Bhandari, a well-known general physician based in New York, is among five individuals of Indian descent to receive the Association of Indians in America (AIA) award. The New York chapter of the AIA, one of the oldest national associations of Indian origin people in the US, honored Dr. Bhandari with the “Excellence in Healthcare Administration” award. Dr. Bhandari expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, “AIA is one of the oldest organizations representing the Indian American community. Many past recipients have been Nobel laureates, and I am deeply honored and humbled to accept this award.” The…