Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Rini Sampath, a first-time candidate originally from Theni, Tamil Nadu, has officially entered the Washington, DC mayoral race, making history as the first South Asian to qualify for the city’s ballot. Sampath secured over 4,500 petition signatures, marking a milestone for South Asian political representation in the nation’s capital. Having moved to the United States at the age of seven, Sampath has lived in Washington, DC for more than a decade. Now 31, she works as a government contractor and is presenting herself as an outsider candidate dedicated to addressing core city issues. Her campaign focuses on practical governance, such…

Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has added more than 5 GW of renewable energy capacity in fiscal year 2026, increasing its total operational portfolio to 19.3 GW. This achievement marks the largest greenfield annual capacity expansion globally by any company outside China. The capacity addition comprises 3.4 GW of solar, 0.7 GW (686 MW) of wind, and 1 GW of wind-solar hybrid projects, reflecting a diversified approach to clean energy development. A significant portion of the new capacity was commissioned at the Khavda renewable energy park in Gujarat, which is poised to become the world’s largest renewable energy facility. The…

 Indian Railways has reported a landmark achievement in freight operations for FY26, transporting a record 1.67 billion tonnes, reflecting a 3.25% increase over the previous year. The surge has been primarily driven by heightened movement of key commodities in India’s core sectors. Fertilizer freight rose by 13.49%, pig iron and finished steel by 13.11%, iron ore by 6.74%, and cement by 4.74%. The number of wagons handled also grew 4.56% to 29,186,475 units, highlighting improved network efficiency and throughput. Although the national transporter narrowly missed its ambitious target of 1.7 billion tonnes, this performance underscores Indian Railways’ pivotal role in…

 Indian-American entrepreneurs are increasingly channeling investments into clean energy projects across the United States, focusing on solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies. These initiatives reflect a growing commitment to environmental responsibility while simultaneously driving business growth. The surge in funding is fueled by rising demand for renewable energy solutions and supportive federal and state policies, creating fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. Business leaders of Indian origin are emerging as influential players in the green technology sector. Their investments not only provide capital but also help advance research, infrastructure, and adoption of sustainable solutions. Experts highlight that diaspora-led contributions are…

An Indian-American professional has sparked conversations online after sharing her disciplined approach to managing money despite earning $250,000 annually. Shivee Chauhan, who works as a Senior Examiner at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, revealed five categories where she consciously avoids spending, emphasizing long-term financial responsibility. In a recent video, Chauhan explained that even with a high household income, she prioritizes mindful spending over unnecessary indulgence. One of her key decisions is avoiding multiple luxury handbags. She questioned the need for expensive items priced at around $3,000, pointing out that such purchases often remain unused and do not provide…

Priya Jain has officially assumed office as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, becoming the 21st leader of the agency. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the New Jersey State Senate, following her nomination earlier in the year. She had already been serving in an acting role since January, overseeing key operations within the department. As Commissioner, Jain will manage New Jersey’s extensive transportation network and also serve as Chair of major entities, including New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Her leadership will focus on delivering a transportation system…

India took significant steps to enhance its trade and investment relations with Africa during the 14th World Trade Organisation ministerial conference (WTO MC14) in Cameroon. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met ministers and ambassadors from African nations to discuss opportunities for expanding India’s investments across the continent. The discussions emphasized India’s long-standing civilizational and historical ties with Africa while exploring avenues to strengthen trade flows and bilateral economic cooperation. On the sidelines of the WTO conference, Goyal also engaged with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic. Their talks focused on key priorities under the MC14 agenda…

Infosys has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Stratus, a U.S.-based technology solutions provider specializing in the property and casualty (P&C) insurance sector. The strategic move is aimed at accelerating AI-powered digital transformations for global insurers by combining Stratus’s domain expertise with the expansive technology ecosystem of Infosys. Headquartered in New Jersey, Stratus employs over 450 specialists and is recognized as a leading partner of Guidewire Software. Its services cover the full insurance lifecycle, including policy management, billing, claims processing, and advanced data analytics, alongside complex cloud migrations. Stratus operates across the U.S., Canada, and India, helping insurers modernize legacy…

The first poster of Valmiki Ramayana has been unveiled, offering a glimpse into a cinematic adaptation that aims to capture the spiritual depth and timeless essence of one of India’s most revered epics. Directed by Bhavna Talwar, the film is being envisioned as a theatrical experience rooted in faith, simplicity, and authenticity. The makers have emphasised a storytelling approach that remains true to the spirit of the original text while delivering emotional resonance. The screenplay has been written by Anand Neelakantan, drawing directly from the original Valmiki Ramayana. The project brings together a strong creative team, including renowned production designer…

India has emerged as a key partner in United States-led efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals, underscoring growing cooperation between India and the United States in addressing transnational security threats. The development was highlighted during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. James H. Adams III noted that collaborative efforts involving India and China to restrict the supply of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl have shown measurable progress, although further action remains necessary. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become a major concern for US authorities…