Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

India is hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from major emerging and developing economies for discussions on economic cooperation, global challenges and shared growth. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the participating leaders on Friday, highlighting the importance of the gathering at a time when global economic and geopolitical dynamics are undergoing significant changes. Sharing a video of Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the two-day summit, Shah said the stage was set for BRICS 2026. He described India as the world’s largest democracy and said the country was pleased to welcome leaders from across the…

Vice President J.D. Vance brought a personal touch to his political message in Dallas, speaking about his wife, Usha Vance, and their six-week-old son as he rallied Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. Addressing a Republican gathering, Vance explained why Usha was not present to introduce him. The couple welcomed their fourth child, a son named Alec, in July. According to Vance, event organizers had invited Usha when their baby was just two weeks old, but she chose to remain home to care for their newborn and their three other children. Vance used the family anecdote to frame a…

Indian space-tech company GalaxEye has reached a significant milestone after obtaining a United States patent for the technology powering its proprietary OptoSAR imaging system. The achievement strengthens the startup’s intellectual property portfolio and marks an important step in its plans to take its satellite-imaging capabilities to international markets. The newly secured patent protects the underlying architecture that allows optical and microwave sensors to operate together in a coordinated manner. The technology builds on an invention that GalaxEye has also patented in India, giving the company additional protection as it works to commercialize its Earth-observation platform beyond the domestic market. GalaxEye…

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out a full-thrust test of the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) for its semi-cryogenic engine, marking another important milestone in the development of propulsion technology for India’s next-generation launch vehicles. The test was conducted on September 5 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tirunelveli district. During the hot test, the PHTA was operated at its maximum thrust level of 200 tons. The overall test lasted 35 seconds, with the engine power head running at the full 200-ton thrust for five seconds. The test included all major engine components except the…

Indian American agricultural scientist Dr. Karim Maredia has been chosen to receive the 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award, recognizing his efforts to make agricultural science more accessible and meaningful for farmers, policymakers, researchers, and communities around the world. The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology is scheduled to honor him at an event in Washington, D.C., on December 10, 2026. Dr. Maredia currently serves as an Associate Dean, professor, and Director of the World Agriculture Center at Michigan State University. His professional journey began far from the academic institutions where he now works. He grew up in a small village…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the consecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris, describing the new temple as an important milestone in the cultural relationship between India and France. In a video message, Modi congratulated BAPS and the devotees involved in the project, emphasizing the broader significance of establishing a traditionally designed Hindu temple in Europe. Addressing the gathering remotely, the Prime Minister said the temple represents a fresh chapter in India-France cultural engagement. He connected the occasion with the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which emphasizes the idea of the world as one family. Although he…

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…

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.…

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…

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…