Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has unveiled the RAKSHA document, a new strategic blueprint designed to guide India’s defence diplomacy and international security engagement over the next decade.

The document presents an actionable framework for strengthening India’s position in a rapidly changing global environment. It aims to align the country’s national security priorities with greater international cooperation while supporting India’s broader role as a contributor to peace, stability and a rules-based global order.

According to an official statement, the RAKSHA framework is built around four major areas: strategic partnerships, capacity building, indigenous defence manufacturing and exports, and maritime security.

The initiative is expected to provide a long-term roadmap for expanding India’s defence relationships with countries around the world. As defence diplomacy continues to play an increasingly important role in India’s foreign policy, the new framework seeks to create a more structured approach to international military and security cooperation.

A key focus of the document is strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships. India plans to deepen cooperation with friendly nations and expand engagement on shared security priorities.

The roadmap also places importance on capacity building through greater military collaboration. This includes increasing joint exercises, expanding training opportunities and sharing operational knowledge and best practices with partner countries.

Another major priority is the continued promotion of India’s domestic defence industry. The RAKSHA document supports the expansion of Make in India defence platforms and aims to strengthen the country’s position as a dependable global destination for defence manufacturing.

By encouraging indigenous production and increasing exports, India seeks to build stronger international defence partnerships while reducing dependence on overseas suppliers and expanding the global reach of its domestically produced military equipment.

Maritime security is another important component of the strategy. The document emphasizes India’s intention to further strengthen its role as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region. This reflects the country’s growing focus on regional security, maritime cooperation and its ability to respond to crises and emerging threats.

The launch of the document signals a more proactive approach to India’s international defence engagement. Rather than limiting cooperation to traditional diplomatic and military relationships, the strategy seeks to connect national security goals with long-term global partnerships and mutual development.

Several senior officials from India’s defence, foreign affairs and national security establishments attended the launch. The gathering included top representatives from the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and National Security Council Secretariat.

With RAKSHA, India has outlined a long-term vision to expand its defence diplomacy, strengthen international partnerships and increase its influence as a security and defence manufacturing power over the coming decade.

The post Rajnath Singh Unveils RAKSHA Defence Roadmap first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India’s economy delivered stronger-than-expected growth during the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, with real gross domestic product expanding by 7.8%, according to the latest government data.

The growth rate accelerated from 6.9% recorded during the same quarter a year earlier and exceeded the Reserve Bank of India’s previous projection of 7%. The figures indicate continued momentum across major parts of the economy, supported by manufacturing, services, investment, household consumption and exports.

At constant prices, India’s real GDP reached approximately $856.60 billion during the April-June quarter, compared with about $794.48 billion during the corresponding period of the previous year. Meanwhile, nominal GDP increased by 10.3% to approximately $929.35 billion.

Real Gross Value Added, another key measure of economic activity, rose by 8.2% during the quarter to around $777.22 billion. The services sector remained one of the strongest contributors to overall growth, expanding by 10%.

Financial, real estate, information technology and professional services recorded particularly strong momentum, with combined growth of 12.1%. The secondary sector also performed well, growing by 8.6%, while manufacturing expanded by 9.2%.

Industrial activity received further support from strong growth in specific manufacturing segments. Production of electrical equipment increased by 27%, while capital goods production rose by 15.2%, reflecting continued activity in industrial capacity and investment-related sectors.

Spending and investment indicators also showed encouraging trends. Gross fixed capital formation, which measures investment in assets such as infrastructure and equipment, grew by 11.9%. Household consumption increased by 7.1%, while exports recorded growth of 12%.

India’s industrial production expanded by 6.7% in July and registered growth of 6.3% during the April-July period. The Index of Core Industries, which tracks several important infrastructure-related sectors, increased by 4.3%.

Trade performance also remained strong. Combined merchandise and services exports reached approximately $80.14 billion in July, representing a 13.31% increase from a year earlier. Cumulative exports between April and July rose to approximately $316.42 billion, marking year-on-year growth of 13.16%.

Credit growth across key sectors further reflected economic activity. Bank lending to agriculture increased by 17%, while credit to industry and services grew by 20% and 22.9%, respectively.

The government also revised upward its earlier estimates for real GDP growth in the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years, reinforcing the picture of sustained economic momentum across recent years.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the upcoming Kerala Kumbh Mela in Thirunavaya, Malappuram district, adding further prominence to one of the region’s major spiritual and cultural gatherings. The festival, also referred to as the Mahamagha festival, is scheduled to begin on January 15 next year.

According to the event organizers, Modi could visit the festival either around its opening or during the final days of the celebration. Preparations are underway to extend a formal invitation to the Prime Minister. His participation will be confirmed after his official schedule is finalized.

The Kerala Kumbh Mela is planned as a 51-day event featuring religious ceremonies, traditional practices and a range of cultural activities. The gathering is expected to draw devotees from different parts of the country to the historic town of Thirunavaya.

Modi has previously expressed his appreciation for the festival and its significance. During the previous edition, he conveyed his greetings to devotees and organizers through his monthly radio program, “Mann Ki Baat.” He also spoke about the importance of the Thirunavaya Kumbh Mela during an address in Thiruvananthapuram.

The possible visit comes as organizers prepare for an event expected to bring together religious leaders, devotees, cultural participants and public figures. In addition to the Prime Minister, several Union ministers and chief ministers from different states are expected to visit Thirunavaya during the festival period.

Thirunavaya has long held an important place in Kerala’s spiritual and cultural landscape, and the Kumbh Mela is regarded as a significant gathering for devotees. The event combines traditional religious observances with cultural programs, creating a large-scale celebration centered on faith and heritage.

The festival is scheduled to continue until March 6, when the celebrations will conclude alongside Maha Shivratri. The convergence of the festival’s closing period with the major Hindu observance is expected to add significance to the final days of the gathering.

While the Prime Minister’s participation has not yet been officially confirmed, organizers are preparing for the possibility of his presence. A confirmed visit would likely attract considerable attention and further highlight the cultural importance of the Thirunavaya gathering.

The upcoming event is therefore expected to serve as both a major religious occasion and a platform for celebrating Kerala’s traditional heritage. With visitors anticipated from across India and prominent political leaders expected to attend, the 2027 Kerala Kumbh Mela is shaping up to be a major spiritual and cultural event.

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Dr. Thimmasettappa Thippeswamy, a professor of biomedical sciences at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence. The honor recognizes his contributions to veterinary science, translational research, teaching, and the development of innovative approaches to education.

Thippeswamy has been part of the Iowa State University faculty since 2012 and currently holds the W. Eugene and Linda R. Lloyd Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine. Over the course of his academic career, he has worked to advance research in translational neurotoxicology while also contributing to curriculum development and virtual learning initiatives.

A major focus of his research is epilepsy, an area in which he has pursued research aimed at improving understanding of neurological disorders and their potential treatments. His recent receipt of a National Institutes of Health U01 award further reflects the significance of his work. The competitive funding program supports collaborative and translational research designed to move scientific discoveries toward practical applications.

Since 2017, Thippeswamy has served as principal investigator on six NIH-funded neurotoxicity research projects, receiving a combined $6.92 million in funding. The support has enabled continued investigation into neurological conditions and toxicological mechanisms with potential implications for human and animal health.

His accomplishments extend beyond the laboratory. Thippeswamy has earned recognition for his approach to teaching veterinary anatomy, with students highlighting his commitment to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. In 2017, students at the College of Veterinary Medicine selected him for the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award.

The following year, he received the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching. He has also been honored with a Miller Teaching Fellowship from Iowa State University, adding to a record that combines scientific research with academic mentorship.

Thippeswamy is also a Fellow of the American Epilepsy Society, reflecting his standing within the epilepsy research community. His career has included academic experience in both the United States and United Kingdom.

His educational journey began in India, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Agricultural Sciences. He later completed a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Liverpool in England and subsequently served on the university’s faculty.

The Zoetis award adds another distinction to a career built around research, education, and scientific collaboration. His recognition also highlights the international impact of researchers trained across different academic systems who go on to contribute to advanced biomedical and veterinary research in the United States.

The post Indian-American Scientist Thippeswamy Wins Zoetis Award first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

The Indian Overseas Congress USA has strengthened its presence in the United States with the formal launch of its Connecticut Chapter, bringing together organization leaders, supporters and members of the Indian American community.

Kamal Swamy, who played a key role in establishing the new chapter, will lead the Connecticut unit. The launch represents another step in the organization’s efforts to build a broader network across the country and encourage greater participation among Indian Americans.

Several IOC USA leaders and community representatives attended the inauguration, including Vice Chairman George Abraham, Northeast Zone Working President Pradeep Samla, Vice President Baldev Randhawa, Uttar Pradesh Chapter President Prof. Rajvir Singh, Vermont Chapter President Roydas Manthena and Dr. Yogesh Dayma of the Boston Chapter.

Swamy described the Connecticut chapter as the beginning of a new phase for IOC USA in the state. He emphasized the importance of creating an organization that brings together people from different communities and backgrounds. He also thanked IOC USA President Mohinder Singh Gilzian and the organization’s national leadership for supporting the chapter’s formation.

The event also featured a leadership appointment within the organization’s Women’s Forum. Leela Maret was named its new Chairperson. Maret previously served as president of the IOC Kerala Chapter and has held several positions within the organization, while also participating in community outreach initiatives.

Following her appointment, Maret emphasized the importance of providing women with greater opportunities to participate in organizational and community activities. She said women can contribute valuable experience, ideas and leadership while creating stronger connections between different generations and communities.

Maret plans to work with women across the United States to encourage wider involvement in leadership and community initiatives.

Addanki Dayakar, Telangana Government Whip and Member of the Legislative Council, congratulated Swamy and the Connecticut team. He described the new chapter as an opportunity to bring members of the Indian community together and establish a stronger platform for engagement.

IOC USA President Gilzian said the Connecticut launch reflects the organization’s broader expansion across the United States. He credited members and leaders at the state and national levels for contributing to this growth and welcomed the addition of the new chapter.

Other IOC USA leaders, including Abraham, Samla and Randhawa, also congratulated the Connecticut team. Samla highlighted the importance of strengthening the organization’s presence throughout the Northeast.

Going forward, the Connecticut Chapter plans to concentrate on expanding membership, increasing community participation, encouraging women and emerging leaders, and creating stronger connections among Indian Americans throughout the state.

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Dr. Mayur B. Patel, a surgeon-scientist whose work spans traumatic brain injury, emergency surgery and critical care, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Tennessee Luminary of the Year honor.

The recognition celebrates Patel’s contributions to patient care, medical leadership and the broader brain injury community. Over the course of his career, he has combined clinical expertise with advocacy, professional development and community engagement, particularly in efforts supporting people affected by brain injuries.

Patel has maintained a long-standing association with the Brain Injury Association of America and its Tennessee chapter for more than a decade. His involvement has included service on the national organization’s Board of Directors from 2011 through 2025. He currently continues his engagement with the Tennessee brain injury community through a leadership position on the BIAA-TN Community Council.

His professional work at Vanderbilt University Medical Center places him at the center of trauma and acute care services in the region. Patel serves as the Division Chief of Acute Care Surgery, overseeing multiple areas of emergency medical care, including trauma services, burn treatment, emergency general surgery and critical care.

The scope of his responsibilities extends across an area covering approximately 80,000 square miles. His role regularly involves treating patients with serious and life-threatening injuries, including individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. This has allowed him to contribute to patient care at the critical intersection of surgery, emergency medicine and neurological recovery.

Alongside his clinical leadership, Patel also plays an important role in developing the next generation of medical professionals. As Vice-Chair of Professional Development within his department, he works with early-career faculty members and supports their growth, mentorship and professional advancement.

The inaugural Tennessee Luminary of the Year recognition reflects the broad impact of Patel’s work across medicine and advocacy. His continued involvement with organizations focused on brain injury has helped connect clinical knowledge with public awareness, patient support and community initiatives.

By recognizing Patel as its first Tennessee Luminary of the Year, organizers are highlighting his sustained commitment to improving care for individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries while also acknowledging his leadership within the medical profession.

The 2026 Tennessee Luminary of the Year event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will bring attention to efforts supporting the brain injury community while honoring Patel’s contributions to medicine, advocacy and professional leadership.

The post Dr. Mayur Patel Named Tennessee Luminary of 2026 first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India and the United States are looking to build further momentum in their civil nuclear partnership, with senior officials from both countries discussing recent developments and potential areas for expanded cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty held talks with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington as the two sides reviewed the progress of their bilateral civil nuclear engagement. The meeting comes as international efforts to explore new applications for nuclear technology gain greater attention.

The discussions took place ahead of the launch of an International Atomic Energy Agency initiative focused on examining the use of nuclear technologies in maritime applications. The program, known as Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea, is expected to investigate how advanced nuclear systems could be adapted for civilian purposes beyond traditional power generation.

One of the key areas being explored is the potential use of small modular reactors, or SMRs, to provide power for civilian ships. These compact nuclear systems are designed to offer an alternative approach to conventional large-scale reactors and could potentially support energy needs in maritime and offshore environments.

The emerging technology has attracted interest because of its potential applications in locations where reliable, high-capacity energy sources can be challenging to provide. Exploring nuclear power for civilian vessels and offshore operations could open new avenues for research, regulation and international cooperation.

The meeting between Mohanty and Wright underscores the broader effort by India and the United States to maintain close engagement on nuclear energy. Civil nuclear cooperation has been an important component of the strategic relationship between the two countries, particularly as both nations seek cleaner and more reliable energy technologies.

The latest discussions also reflect growing interest in advanced nuclear systems that could complement existing energy infrastructure. Small modular reactors are being studied internationally for their potential flexibility, scalability and suitability for specialized applications.

As global demand for dependable energy continues to increase, cooperation on next-generation nuclear technologies could become an increasingly significant part of India-US energy ties. Joint engagement can also help address technical, regulatory and safety considerations associated with deploying nuclear technology in new environments.

The Washington meeting therefore represents another step in ongoing discussions between the two countries. With the IAEA initiative preparing to examine nuclear applications at sea, India and the United States have an opportunity to contribute to broader international conversations about how advanced nuclear technologies could be safely and effectively used for civilian purposes.

The post India, US Advance Civil Nuclear Cooperation Talks first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Dr. K. Srikar Reddy has concluded his three-year tenure as India’s consul general in San Francisco, leaving behind an expanded diplomatic mission, stronger engagement with the Indian American community and broader efforts to advance cooperation between India and the United States.

Reddy served in San Francisco from August 2023 through August 2026 before moving to his new assignment as India’s ambassador to Qatar. Career diplomat Satish Sivan, who previously served as India’s consul general in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has taken over the San Francisco post.

One of the most visible developments during Reddy’s tenure was the relocation of the consulate from its former facility on Argyle Street to a larger property on Stevenson Street in downtown San Francisco. Reddy said the move was largely prompted by the dramatic growth of the Indian American population in the Bay Area.

The new facility also provided space that could be made available to community organizations for events, reinforcing the consulate’s efforts to build closer connections with Indian Americans.

Reddy also highlighted improvements to emergency consular assistance. During his first year, the mission introduced an emergency phone service accessible through its website and social media channels. The initiative allowed Indian nationals facing urgent passport or visa needs to seek assistance outside normal working hours, including weekends and holidays.

Making the consulate more accessible was a central theme of his tenure. Reddy said the objective was to make members of the diaspora feel that the diplomatic mission was a reliable home away from home.

He also viewed the Indian American community as an important link between the two countries. With strong representation in technology, business, academia and other fields, the community played an increasingly important role in expanding India-US engagement.

Technology emerged as another major area of focus. Reddy pointed to cooperation involving artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other strategic technologies under the India-US TRUST Initiative. He also highlighted India’s efforts to build computing capacity through its IndiaAI Mission.

Semiconductors became an increasingly important component of bilateral economic cooperation, with US companies maintaining a substantial presence in India’s design ecosystem while expanding toward manufacturing and assembly. Reddy cited Micron’s semiconductor facility in Gujarat as an example of this growing relationship.

Trade and investment were also prominent during his tenure. Reddy discussed efforts to attract American companies to GIFT City in Gujarat while emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial trade arrangements.

Community leaders praised Reddy for his accessibility and efforts to strengthen relationships across business, technology and diaspora networks. Several described him as responsive and effective in facilitating engagement between Indian officials and the Indian American community.

As Reddy departs, he expressed confidence that Sivan will continue the initiatives already underway and further develop India-US relations. He leaves San Francisco with strong professional and personal ties, while the diplomatic transition comes as both countries continue expanding cooperation in technology, trade, investment and strategic sectors.

The post Srikar Reddy Leaves San Francisco With Stronger Ties first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Deutsche Bank is turning to agentic artificial intelligence to strengthen its ability to withstand technology disruptions, with Pankaj Ojha, a director at the bank, serving as the lead architect of a new platform developed in collaboration with Google Cloud.

Known as the Agentic Resilience Platform (ARP), the system is designed to help financial institutions evaluate how effectively they could respond to technology failures and recover from major disruptions. Google Cloud recently highlighted the initiative and identified Ojha as the platform’s lead architect.

The development comes as financial institutions face growing expectations from regulators to demonstrate that their technology systems can remain operational during unexpected incidents. In the European Union, the Digital Operational Resilience Act has increased the focus on resilience testing, recovery planning and maintaining evidence that organizations are prepared for technology-related disruptions.

ARP aims to automate and improve several aspects of this process. By analyzing information about an organization’s technology infrastructure and previous incidents, the platform can generate disruption scenarios that reflect the institution’s specific environment. Teams can then use these scenarios to conduct simulations and tabletop exercises designed to identify vulnerabilities before an actual failure occurs.

The platform can also help organizations examine potential points of failure and produce documentation that demonstrates how resilience measures were tested. Such evidence can become particularly valuable during internal reviews and regulatory assessments, where financial institutions are expected to show that their recovery capabilities have been properly evaluated.

Its potential use extends beyond preparation. Following an actual technology incident, the system can assist teams in investigating what happened, tracing how failures moved through interconnected systems and identifying possible causes.

Deutsche Bank is reportedly applying the platform across multiple technology portfolios, offering a potential model for how other financial organizations could use agentic AI to modernize resilience programs.

For Ojha, the project builds on nearly two decades of experience in advanced computing and disaster preparedness. During his earlier work with India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, he contributed to DMSAR, a disaster-management system that used the GARUDA national computing grid to accelerate the processing of satellite radar information for flood analysis.

Ojha also serves as an external expert on the Startup Advisory Board of NIT Delhi, where he evaluates emerging technologies and provides technical input to startups.

The ARP initiative reflects a broader shift in financial technology, with institutions increasingly using AI not only to monitor systems but also to anticipate disruptions, test responses and build continuous, evidence-based resilience programs.

The post Pankaj Ojha Leads Agentic AI Resilience Push at Deutsche Bank first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has unveiled three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines designed for applications in unmanned aerial vehicles, drone interceptors and compact missile systems.

The three engines, named NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100, have thrust capacities of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg respectively. The propulsion systems are aimed at meeting critical requirements for indigenous defence technologies and strengthening India’s capabilities in aerospace engineering.

The engines were unveiled at the CSIR headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from the defence and scientific communities. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, attended the event as the chief guest.

CSIR-NAL Director Abhay A Pashilkar said the laboratory was evolving into a multi-stage integrator for India’s expanding drone ecosystem. He highlighted the potential of Indian industry and the growing aerospace start-up sector to manufacture the engines at scale for the domestic defence market.

The CSIR-NAL scientific team, led by R Prathapanayaka, presented technical details of the engine development, highlighting advances in high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion technologies.

CSIR Director General and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Secretary N Kalaiselvi commended the development team, describing indigenous specialised aerospace subsystems as an important step towards greater self-reliance in aerospace engineering.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh also underlined the strategic importance of developing advanced gas turbine technologies within India. He said strengthening domestic capabilities in critical propulsion technologies would contribute to national security and enhance India’s technological self-reliance.

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