Ganesh Harinath-

(Ganesh Harinath is the Founder and CEO of Fiducia | AI, Inc., a 20-year veteran of information technology and AI. Ganesh was earlier VP and CTO at Verizon and Verizon Media. The views in this column are his own)

While Fiducia | AI is primarily focused on Next-Generation Fan Engagement with immersive overlays, the same platform can be leveraged to build a wide range of impactful solutions quickly and efficiently.

This summer, students from UC Berkeley, UC Merced, and UC Santa Cruz will intern at Fiducia | AI, Inc. as part of CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, a University of California research center focused on creating IT solutions that generate societal and economic benefits for everyone. They will be building and customizing Sports Activations while also fine-tuning ML models for plant disease detection, demonstrating the platform’s versatility beyond fan engagement.

One of the activations that exemplifies this versatility is the Nutritional Facts Analyzer, a tool that enhances the way we interact with nutritional labels. Understanding nutritional facts is essential for overall health, and even more so for athletes who need to balance their diet and regulate their nutrition effectively. This activation empowers users by providing instant, AI-driven insights into nutritional labels, making informed dietary decisions easier than ever.

This activation can be customized to users’ needs, allowing them to rely on it as a trusted tool to verify any new product effortlessly. Today, understanding nutritional information is often cumbersome, but with this AI-driven solution, it becomes seamless and highly efficient.

Fiducia | AI enables seamless image processing to extract and organize required information in real-time, making complex data interpretation effortless and highly accessible. To enhance user convenience, a simple activation link can be enclosed, allowing access from any smartphone with just a click. If using a desktop, users will be prompted to scan a QR code, and once the activation is loaded, they can snap a picture of a nutritional label.

The extracted information is then intelligently displayed, with allergens, expiration dates, or other key details highlighted in red for easy identification. Expiration dates that are within 30 days of expiry will also be highlighted in red to ensure timely attention. While nutritional information is typically displayed in English, a simple dropdown allows users to choose their preferred language, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

This activation can also be saved as an icon or a direct link on a phone, eliminating the need for any app installation. Users can simply access it anytime by clicking the saved shortcut, making it even more convenient.

How It Works

There are three core components that enable this seamless experience:

1. The UI Camera Activation – Captures the image, in this case, the nutritional label.
2. The LLM Processing – The label is processed by the LLM of choice to extract and interpret the information.
3. Configurable Prompt Engineering – Allows users to customize the responses based on their specific needs.

When all these components come together, applications like the Nutritional Facts Analyzer can be easily built. For instance, a shopper at a grocery store can quickly scan a product’s nutritional label to identify allergens, check expiration dates, or translate key information into their preferred language. This ensures they make informed decisions in real time without needing to decipher complex labels manually.

While setting up the underlying system is a complex challenge, once the foundational infrastructure is in place, platforms like Fiducia can support thousands of concurrent activations. In this context, creating an activation like processing a nutritional label is simply a matter of prompt engineering and configuration.

The Takeaway

This activation highlights how AI-powered tools can simplify everyday challenges—like interpreting nutritional labels—and make crucial health-related decisions more accessible. By leveraging Fiducia | AI’s scalable infrastructure, this solution can be activated on any smartphone worldwide and function in any language at a fraction of the cost. In the past, companies spent vast resources solving such challenges, but today, with the right technological framework and an LLM, these solutions are effortlessly achievable.

In fact, this activation was configured in less than 30 minutes on the Fiducia | AI Platform, demonstrating how fast and efficiently AI can be applied to real-world needs.

Below is an example of the AI-powered nutritional label analysis in action:

Click here to access the activation

This is just one example of how AI can transform everyday experiences. Let’s explore how such activations can be deployed efficiently and at scale.

 

 

By Neeraj Bhatia-

Neeraj is a licensed attorney in California & CPA in California, New York and Colorado and a CA in India. He also has a LL.M. in International Taxation from the US, Costs and Works (Management) Accountancy, and a Bachelor (Honors) degree in Commerce from India. During his academic years he has received several awards and scholarships for being the top ranker nationally.

 

FinCen (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)) has on March 21, 2025 announced that it has removed the Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for U.S. Companies and U.S. Persons. For Foreign companies, it has set new deadline for Foreign Companies.

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting was enacted into law by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which was passed by Congress in 2021 and became effective on January 1, 2024. The CTA requires certain legal entities to report identifying information about their owners and controllers to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

The BOI enactment by the CTA has been subject of numerous litigations in various Federal courts and finally on February 18, 2025 Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting injunction had been lifted by Federal District court after which Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)  had set March 21, 2025 as the new deadline for Mandatory BOI filing.

Now, while announcing as an interim final rule, FinCEN has revised the definition of “reporting company” regulations to mean only those entities that are formed under the law of a foreign country and that have registered to do business in any U.S. State or jurisdiction by the filing of a document with a secretary of state or similar office. These had been categorized as “foreign reporting companies”) in the previously existing regulations. As a result FinCEN has exempted entities previously known as “domestic reporting companies” from BOI reporting requirements.

As a result now,  all entities created in the United States  and their beneficial owners will be exempt from the requirement to report BOI to FinCEN. Even the Foreign entities, required to do the BOI reporting, henceforth will not be required to report any U.S. persons as beneficial owners, and U.S. persons will not be required to report BOI with respect to any such entity for which they are a beneficial owner.

Foreign entities that meet the new definition of a “reporting company” and do not qualify for an exemption from the reporting requirements must report their BOI to FinCEN under new filing deadline, which is 30 days from this notice for existing foreign companies, and within 30 days after receiving notice of registration to do business in the US for newly registered foreign entities.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain organizations in Canada have endorsed B’nai Brith Canada’s recent call for the federal government to ban the public display of Nazi symbols, including the Nazi hooked cross (Hakenkreuz).

“These faiths’ sacred symbol (the Swastika) has been wrongfully associated with the Nazi Reich,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “We must not allow the continued conflation of this symbol of peace with an icon of hate.”

Swastika is an ancient Sanskrit word for “good fortune” or “well-being.” The symbol is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains, as well as other faiths. It has adorned homes, temples, and shrines for millennia. The word Swastika is also used in certain prayers and chants, or even as a birth name.

In the 1920s, the Nazis adopted the Hakenkreuz to represent their movement. In September 1935, the Nazi Party officially adopted an emblem containing the Hakenkreuz as the imperial and national flag of the Third Reich. This symbol contains features that render it distinct from the sacred Swastika and has become synonymous with hate and bigotry. Unfortunately, the Hakenkreuz and Swastika have been unduly conflated in the West for decades.

“It is a historical injustice that the meaning of the Swastika has been wrongfully maligned by reference to the Nazis,” Robertson said after in-depth discussions with representatives of the Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain communities, as well as historians. “With our petition, B’nai Brith Canada aims not only to protect vulnerable communities from hate but also to help the public differentiate between the sacred Swastika and vile Nazi iconography.”

Ragini Sharma, President of the Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (COHHE), affirmed the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities’ solidarity with the Jewish people. “The campaign confirms our faith in Satyamave Jayate – Truth will Win,” she said. “Hindus and Jews have a centuries-old foundation of friendship and allyship that continues today. This concrete step to delink our sacred Swastika from the Nazi Hate Symbol, the Hakenkreuz, greatly strengthens the bonds of our friendship.”

Rishabh Sarswat, President of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) Canada, called the effort to prohibit the public display of Nazi iconography a “historic moment” for Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and Jains. “CoHNA Canada stands firmly against all forms of hate,” he said. “With Antisemitism at an all-time high in Canada and Hinduphobia escalating at an alarming rate, now is the time for Hindus and Jews—natural allies—to unite, stand strong, and push back against this rising tide of hate.”

Vijay Jain, President of Vishwa Jain Sangathan Canada noted that the word Swastika carries significance in Jain and Hindu religious scripture and daily rituals. “With community advocacy and education efforts, we will surely be able to disassociate [the word Swastika] from the Nazis,” he said. “We were successful in the context of a Peel Police website. Similar changes have been made to legislation in Australia’s state of Victoria. With B’nai Brith Canada’s campaign, we will surely be able to bring awareness to Canadian communities about the sacred nature of the Swastika while banning Nazi symbols of hate, such as the Nazi Hakenkreuz.”

Several municipalities in Ontario have embraced B’nai Brith Canada’s call to restrict the public display of the Hakenkreuz and other Nazi symbols. On March 6, Saskatchewan became the first province to endorse the campaign.

The organizations and community leaders endorsing B’nai Brith’s Campaign:

Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (COHHE);

Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) Canada;

Rishabh Sarswat, CoHNA Canada President;

Virender Singh, Hindu leader;

Vishwa Jain Sangathan Canada;

Swastika Awareness Coalition;

Buddhist Council of New York;

Heiwa Peace and Reconciliation Foundation of New York.

 

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Elon Musk’s social media company, X, has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, challenging its expanded censorship powers over online content.

The lawsuit, filed March 5, in the Karnataka High Court, argues that India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unlawfully broadened its authority to remove content from the platform.

The legal action first reported widely on March 20, marks a significant escalation in tensions between X and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

The Indian government has been tightening its control over digital platforms since the introduction of new IT rules in 2021, which gave authorities greater powers to demand the removal of content deemed a threat to public order, national security, or sovereignty. The latest point of contention is a new content removal system launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, allowing various government officials to issue takedown orders through an online portal.

According to the lawsuit, X is not seeking to overturn the law itself but is instead challenging the government’s interpretation and enforcement of the law, which it claims is excessively broad. There are three key concerns raised in X’s petition:

• The lawsuit claims that the government is delegating content takedown authority to numerous lower-level officials, leading to potential misuse.
• The petition argues that content removal orders are often not accompanied by specific explanations, making it difficult for users to appeal or challenge such decisions.
• The lawsuit also states that Indian authorities have demanded the removal of content that is critical of the government, even when it does not pose a threat to national security

This lawsuit is part of a larger global debate on the balance between government regulation and free expression. India, as one of the largest digital markets in the world, has over 700 million internet users, making it a critical market for tech companies like X. However, the Modi administration has frequently clashed with social media platforms over content moderation.

In 2022, Twitter (before Musk’s takeover) complied with Indian orders to remove content related to the farmer protests and political dissent but later filed a legal challenge in court.

WhatsApp (owned by Meta) also filed a lawsuit against the Indian government in 2021, arguing that the government’s traceability requirements violated users’ privacy rights

Beyond free speech concerns, the legal battle also intersects with Musk’s broader business ambitions in India. Musk has been actively negotiating with the Indian government to bring Tesla and Starlink to the Indian market. This lawsuit could complicate those efforts, as regulatory approval for these ventures depends on the government’s willingness to cooperate.

Musk has previously criticized excessive government intervention on X, stating that the company would only comply with legal orders that align with free speech principles. However, India remains a critical market for X, with millions of active users. If the government takes retaliatory measures, such as imposing fines or restricting X’s operations, it could significantly impact the company’s business in the country

India’s IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, had previously defended the country’s content moderation policies, stating that:

“It is everyone’s responsibility to abide by the laws passed by the country’s Parliament.”

Government sources argue that the tighter regulations are necessary to combat misinformation, hate speech, and national security threats. Officials have also pointed out that X has previously complied with many takedown requests, raising questions about why the company is now challenging the system

The Karnataka High Court will hear the case of March 27. Legal experts suggest that this lawsuit could set an important precedent for how global tech companies operate in India. If the court rules in favor of X, it could force the Indian government to reconsider its content moderation policies. However, if the government prevails, it could further cement its control over digital platforms operating in the country.

For now, the legal battle between X and the Modi administration represents a larger fight over free speech, censorship, and the role of big tech in India’s democracy.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized the importance of promoting the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence at the world body. He highlighted the actions taken by the Government of India to integrate AI for good governance and developmental practices.

Speaking at the UN, Ambassador Harish underscored that technology is the bridge to leapfrog development and highlighted how it is being used in India to achieve economic and developmental outcomes.

He gave examples of national biometric systems bringing financial inclusion of citizens as measures of integrating AI into development.

He highlighted that in India, data has been used for development.

“We have integrated the national AI mission and systems in a manner that can bring about the removal of digital divides within countries and among countries. We cannot afford to have anyone digitally left behind in the new era. So, for example, when we have systems that are deployed, irrespective of your economic class or educational qualification, people are able to use it.

“When you have digital financial payment systems, a vegetable vendor will not wait to be paid in cash, for example, in Delhi or Mumbai, and even though he or she is illiterate, is able to use a digital system to her advantage to conduct her daily business. Someone who is illiterate can open a bank account without any barrier of education or class by using biometric identification systems that are linked to the financial system. In a similar manner, our focus is on ensuring technological frameworks so that we have common design principles for AI. Systems that are open, modular, scalable, and interoperable,” he said.

The Ambassador brought to attention that India has developed a lot of digital governance tools in an open-source format and put the whole source code on the internet, “which our friendly partner countries and companies can utilize to use and adapt it to their own particular national circumstances. This is indeed the future where we are not looking at AI as a threat but seek to develop in a cooperative, interoperable, open-source format where we can specifically adapt it to the conditions of different countries around the world. In such a situation, access to AI tools is not determined by the wealth or GDP of a country. It is not determined by their belonging to a particular club, but it is made accessible to all because at a global level, we cannot afford to have any country left behind in the digital age and in the AI age.”

The Ambassador reiterated PM Modi’s stance, which he shared at the recent AI Action Summit in Paris, which has sought a strong cooperative framework amongst all nations so that better regulatory systems can be in place.

“So we have responsible AI and ethical AI, and most importantly, AI for all, with no one digitally left behind.”

He noted that India will host the next AI Action Summit in India, and it will serve as a leading guiding principle.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Once again, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sparked controversy and legal challenges by detaining Indian national and Georgetown University postdoctoral researcher Badar Khan Suri on March 17.

Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued an order on March 20, blocking Suri’s deportation while the case proceeds.

Suri’s attorney, Hassan Ahmad, filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing that his detention was unlawful and politically motivated. The petition claims Suri and his wife were “doxxed and smeared” by pro-Israel websites like Canary Mission, leading to targeted harassment.

Suri was arrested outside his home in Rosslyn, Virginia after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused him of “spreading Hamas propaganda” and “promoting antisemitism” on social media. His student visa was revoked, leading to his immediate transfer to a detention facility in Alexandria, Louisiana. However, on March 20, a federal judge issued a temporary block on his deportation pending further proceedings.

Georgetown students and faculty have mobilized with calls for transparency and justice. The university’s Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding labeled the arrest “a direct attack on intellectual freedom and the right to dissent.” Meanwhile, civil rights groups like the ACLU are monitoring the case, warning against the erosion of free speech rights under the guise of national security.

Georgetown University defended Suri, stating that he was lawfully in the U.S. on a research visa and emphasizing the importance of academic freedom.

Background on Badar Khan Suri

Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, specializes in peacebuilding and state-building in conflict zones. He earned his Ph.D. from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi and was teaching a course on “Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia” at the time of his arrest.

Married to Mapheze Saleh, a U.S. citizen of Palestinian descent and a graduate student at Georgetown, Suri has familial ties that have drawn scrutiny. Saleh’s father, Ahmed Yousef, previously served as an adviser to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh but has publicly stated that he left Hamas over a decade ago. Yousef denies any involvement by Suri in political activism.

Arrest and Allegations

Masked DHS agents arrested Suri outside his Virginia residence, citing the revocation of his visa. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Suri had “actively spread Hamas propaganda and promoted antisemitism on social media.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA 237(a)(4)(C)(i)), deeming Suri’s presence a potential foreign policy risk.

Social Media Activity and Reactions

DHS allegations are partly based on Suri’s social media activity, though key posts remain unverified. Critics claim Suri posted a video of Hamas militants alongside an Israeli child with a caption implying support for Hamas. The Georgetown student newspaper The Hoya noted that Suri’s X posts frequently supported Palestine, criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, and opposed India and the EU’s stance on Israel.

Legal scholars have weighed in, with Georgetown Law professor David Cole stating that “the First Amendment protects speech unless it incites imminent lawless action,” arguing that Suri’s posts do not meet this threshold.

Public and Community Reactions

The case has ignited debate on X:

• Supporters: Georgetown students, activists, and legal experts have condemned the arrest, describing it as an attack on academic freedom. @GtownVoice tweeted about the “gut-wrenching” impact on Suri’s students.
• Critics: Right-wing commentators and pro-Israel activists support DHS’s actions. @ChuckRossDC alleged that Suri’s posts justified his deportation, while @NomadSolv2024 labeled him a “pro-terror rhetoric spreader.”
• Analysts: Some voices, like @DropSiteNews, framed the arrest as part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian academics under the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Suri’s detention follows that of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, accused of Hamas ties on March 8. These cases highlight an intensified crackdown on academics and students supporting Palestinian rights.

Another Indian student at the University of Columbia, Ranjani Srinivasan, had self-deported herself following the revocation of her visa on March 11.

 

indica News Bureau-

Amidst the growing rise of Tesla vandalism across the country, President Donald Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that individuals caught sabotaging Tesla cars could face up to twenty years in jail.

“People caught sabotaging Teslas will likely face up to twenty years in jail, including those who fund these acts. WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump’s statement follows U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s characterization of the recent violent attacks on Tesla property as “nothing short of domestic terrorism.” Bondi vowed to investigate and impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those orchestrating and financing them behind the scenes.

Bondi said in a statement, “The series of violent attacks on Tesla property amounts to domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several individuals with this in mind, some facing charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences.”

“We will continue to investigate and impose harsh penalties on those responsible for these attacks, including those funding and coordinating them,” she added.

Bondi’s statement came after five Tesla vehicles were damaged in a fire at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning. The incident was the latest in a string of attacks targeting the electric vehicle company, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as reported by ABC News.

Since Tesla CEO Elon Musk assumed the role of head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations have been vandalized and faced protests in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense is expected to brief Elon Musk on plans for a potential conflict with China, as reported by The New York Times. The report noted that this access would significantly expand Elon Musk’s government involvement and raise concerns about conflicts of interest. It also highlighted Musk’s dual roles as the billionaire CEO of both SpaceX and Tesla, significant suppliers to the Pentagon, and his extensive financial ties to China.

Musk was also the largest financial supporter of the U.S. President during the presidential campaign. #

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday, March 20 to begin the process of shutting down the Department of Education. He stated that the U.S. Department of Education has spent over $3 trillion since 1979, and per-pupil spending has increased by more than 245 percent, yet math and reading scores for 13-year-olds are currently at their lowest levels in decades.

President Trump assured that essential programs like Pell Grants and Title I funding for children with disabilities would be preserved and reassigned to other agencies. However, he emphasized that the overall department has failed to improve education despite massive spending increases over the past four decades.

“Today, we are taking a very historic action that was 45 years in the making. I will sign an executive order to begin eliminating the Federal Department of Education once and for all. Democrats know it’s the right thing to do. I hope they will vote for it because ultimately it may come before them. We must focus on educating our children. The state of education in this country has been lacking for a long time. It’s amazing how popular this decision has been – everyone is talking about it. Republicans and Democrats alike agree, and we have some terrific people with us,” he said.

Trump claimed that when former U.S. President Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education, it was opposed by his cabinet and Republicans.

“When President Carter created the federal education department in 1979, it faced opposition from members of his cabinet, the American Federation of Teachers, the New York Times editorial board, and Democratic Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan,” he said.

White House data shows that math and reading scores for 13-year-olds are at their lowest level in decades. Six out of ten fourth graders and nearly three-quarters of eighth graders are not proficient in math. Seven out of ten fourth and eighth graders are not proficient in reading, while 40% of fourth-grade students do not even meet basic reading levels. Standardized test scores have remained flat for decades, and U.S. students rank 28 out of 37 OECD member countries in math.

“History has proven them right. After 45 years, the United States spends more money on education than any other country and spends more money per pupil by far, yet we rank near the bottom of the list in terms of success. We have been at the bottom of the list for a long time. Seventy percent of eighth graders are not proficient in reading or math. Forty percent of fourth graders lack basic reading skills. Our public elementary and middle schools score worse in reading today than when the department opened,” he said.

“In Baltimore, 40% of high schools have zero students who can do basic mathematics – not even the simplest arithmetic,” he added.

Trump said that despite these failures, the department’s spending has increased by 600% in a short period.

“Despite these failures, the Department’s discretionary budget has exploded by 600% in a very short period,” he said.

He announced that he was laying off half of the staff and defunding the department.

“My administration has initiated a reduction in force. We have cut the number of bureaucrats in half,” he said.

Trump assured that the funds used to support students with disabilities and scholarships would be preserved, and these duties would be transferred to other institutions.

“The Department’s essential functions – Pell Grants, Title One funding, resources for children with disabilities and special needs – will be preserved. Pell Grants and Title One funding for children with special disabilities and needs will be preserved in full and redistributed to various other agencies and departments that will take good care of them,” he said.

“Beyond these core necessities, my administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department as quickly as possible. It is not serving us well. We want to return education to the states. We want education to be managed by the states, and they will do a phenomenal job. It is a common-sense approach that will work,” he said.

He stated that under a new system without the Education Department, schools could compete with countries in Europe and China, which were outperforming the U.S.

“If you look at Denmark, Norway, Sweden – I give them a lot of credit. China is in the top 10, so we cannot use size as an excuse for poor education. There are countries that do an excellent job in education. I believe they have a chance to succeed, but we are going to return education simply back to the states where it belongs. Governors and others in the state are eager to take control of their children’s education. Probably the cost will be reduced by half, and the quality of education will improve significantly. We are looking forward to this,” he said.

Towards the end, Trump made what he called a ‘personal statement’, where he assured that his administration would ‘take care’ of all the teachers, even those who opposed this order.

“I want to make a personal statement – teachers are among the most important people in this country, and we will take care of them. Whether they are in a union or not does not matter. We will take care of our teachers. I believe the states will provide better support for them,” he said, adding, “We want our children to be well-educated. We want them to enjoy going to school.”

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has filed a complaint against 30 Indian visa and passport agents, for obtaining visas through fraudulent means.

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has registered an FIR after the complaint was filed on February 27.

In the complaint, a representative of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi highlighted fraudulent activities by visa agents, mainly from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.

The complaint stated that these agents, both known and unknown, were involved in submitting false information in U.S. visa applications and providing fake documents to applicants. The agents allegedly attempted to deceive the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. government to obtain visas through fraudulent means.

The complaint further stated, “During the period from May to August 2024, our office conducted relevant investigations and compiled a comprehensive list of individuals linked to multiple IP addresses, suspected to be associated with visa consultants, document vendors (educational certificates, bank documents, and employment certificates), passport delivery addresses, and education consultants.”

According to the statement, the U.S. Embassy has named more than 30 visa and passport agents, along with passengers who allegedly tried to obtain U.S. visas using fake documents. Specific cases were also highlighted where applicants submitted fraudulent papers.

A case has been registered under Sections 318, 336, and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. The Delhi Police Crime Branch is now investigating the matter, the statement added.

 

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

On World Oral Health Day, March 20, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that South-East Asia bears the highest global burden of oral diseases and mouth cancers.

World Oral Health Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the importance of oral health, which is a key indicator of overall well-being and quality of life. This year’s theme, “A happy mouth is a happy mind,” emphasizes the connection between oral health and mental well-being.

Oral diseases are among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. According to Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, this region reports the highest number of oral disease cases, with approximately 900 million affected individuals, largely due to its large population. South-East Asia also has the highest incidence of oral cancer, which is the leading cancer among men in the region, accounting for 11.2% of all cancer cases.

Wazed pointed out that oral diseases have far-reaching effects, causing not only physical discomfort but also functional impairments and negative emotional, mental, and social impacts.

One of the primary factors contributing to South-East Asia’s poor oral health is the widespread use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut, both of which are carcinogens that increase the risk of oral cancer. According to recent data, half of the oral cancer cases in the region can be attributed to these substances, highlighting the significant potential for prevention if these behaviors were eliminated.

Wazed urged South-East Asian countries and their partners to accelerate efforts toward achieving universal health coverage for oral health by 2030. In line with this, the WHO is working on a regional roadmap to tackle the burden of oral cancer, which will help guide countries in developing strategies tailored to their specific regional needs.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Indian online gaming companies are readying themselves for public market listing and will unlock a staggering investor value of over USD 26 billion in the coming years, stated a new report launched today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) by WinZO Games, India’s largest interactive entertainment platform, and the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC).

Launched on March 19 at the second edition of the India Pavilion at GDC, San Francisco, the 2025 edition of the India Gaming Market Report provides an in-depth overview of the factors spurring the robust growth of India’s USD 3.7 billion online gaming sector.

The sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% (FY 2024-29) and is set to touch a USD 9.1 billion market size by 2029E.

The report was launched by Consul General of India at San Francisco Dr. Srikar Reddy and WinZO’s Co-founders, Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda.

As per the report, India’s only publicly listed gaming company, Nazara, commands the highest premium among the globally listed gaming companies.

Similar multiples applied to the current online gaming sector’s market size of USD 3.7 billion conservatively estimate a minimum of USD 26 billion in investor value waiting to be unlocked through IPOs. Once the market reaches its projections of USD 9.1 billion by 2029E, it will unleash USD 63 billion of investor value.

The report cited the strong fundamentals of the Indian gaming sector. India is home to 591 million gamers (~20% of global gamers), around 11.2 billion mobile game app downloads with strong emerging alternatives to Google Playstore, and ~1,900 gaming companies, employing 130,000 highly skilled professionals.

The sector has received USD 3 billion in FDI, out of which 85% of the FDI was channeled to the Pay-to-Play segment, given its ability to successfully monetize Indian gaming assets, which was once a protracted issue for the Indian gaming sector.

The robust foundation of India’s digital economy, coupled with the booming game developer ecosystem and conducive regulatory regime, will help the sector achieve a USD 60 billion market size by 2034, with second-order effects including the creation of over 2 million jobs, increased FDI, and export of Indian IP. They will also expand India’s current gaming user base to one of the largest in the world, to 952 million by 2029E.

“India stands at the cusp of a remarkable transformation in the global gaming and technology ecosystem,” said Dr. Srikar Reddy. “As one of the fastest-growing digital economies, our nation’s gaming sector is not just an entertainment powerhouse but a significant driver of technological innovation, job creation, and investment.”

“The India Gaming Market Report highlights the immense opportunities ahead, with our online gaming industry projected to unlock USD 25-30 billion in investor value. The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s steadfast support for digital infrastructure and emerging technologies has positioned India as a global leader in the tech and gaming markets,” he added.

“The online gaming industry in India is on an unprecedented growth path, backed by a projected market size of USD 9.1 billion by 2029 and the potential to unlock up to $63 billion in investor value by 2029. Both the India Gaming Market Report, and the India Pavilion at GDC highlight our country’s expanding influence in the global gaming landscape, demonstrating the innovation and scale of homegrown gaming companies. As we continue to push boundaries in technology innovation, IP creation, and engagement, WinZO remains committed to shaping India into a global gaming powerhouse,” said WinZO’s Paavan Nanda.

IGMR 2025 also explores India’s dynamic mobile-first and youth-driven online gaming market, which currently accounts for just 1.1% of the USD 300 billion global market, offering huge upside potential. Indian gamers overwhelmingly prefer casual and hyper casual games developed in regional languages, heralding the renaissance of Indic content ‘Made in India, for the World’.

The export of Indian indie gaming IP will play a critical role in this growth. The India Pavillion and showcase of Indian talent at the Pavillion in GDC has now become a WinZO-led tradition connecting Indian game developers to the global gaming community. The report launch took place at India Pavilion at GDC, the world’s largest gaming conference, which serves as a vibrant hub for showcasing India’s prowess in the gaming ecosystem, with games from majors like WinZO, to indie developers, displayed side by side.

The India Pavilion was jointly set up by WinZO, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, GDAI, and Nazara Technologies. The game developers showcased by WinZO were winners of the Third Edition of WinZO’s flagship game development competition the “Bharat Tech Triumph Program”, where winning developers are awarded the opportunity to showcase their games at the world’s biggest gaming conferences.

Designed to empower game developers in India and globally by providing mentorship, resources, and international exposure, the third edition of the initiative saw winners assemble at GDC’s India pavilion, while they will also showcase their games at the upcoming Startup Mahakumbh in India in April, and the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in May.

(Photo courtesy: IANS)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Sion Roy, a 44-year-old Indian American cardiologist and public health expert, officially launched his campaign for California’s 24th State Senate District, which covers West Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

Roy, who currently serves as vice chair of the Santa Monica College Board, is seeking to fill the seat currently held by Sen. Ben Allen, who will be termed out in 2026.

He lost his family home in the Palisades fire and vowed to focus on critical issues like healthcare, education, and recovery from the devastating fire.

“Today, I’m proud to announce my campaign for State Senate District 24! As a physician, professor, and education advocate, my career has been about service — to my patients, our students, and our community. I’ve worked to expand opportunities for everyone,” he wrote on X in his campaign announcement.

“In Sacramento, I’ll fight for: Better access to healthcare, Increased educational opportunities, Recovery & rebuilding from the devastating Palisades fire,” he said. “Our district deserves a champion who will bring real solutions to these challenges.”

“As a cardiologist at Harbor UCLA in Torrance, I’ve seen our healthcare system’s struggles firsthand. As the youngest-ever President of LA County Medical Association, I helped guide our region through COVID—working with legislators to shape policy & protect public health,” portion of his 7-part tweet read.

“On the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees, I’ve expanded healthcare workforce programs like Certified Nursing Assistant & Home Health Aide Certificates and led the opening of SMC’s new 25,000 sq. ft. Malibu campus to create more educational opportunities,” he added.

“As PTA President at Webster Elementary in Malibu, I led community-building efforts & helped pass Measure MM to improve our local schools. As a father, I know how critical strong schools are for our children’s future,” he said.

“Like many in Malibu, my family lost our home in the Palisades fire. In Sacramento, I’ll cut red tape & bring resources back home to help our community rebuild—because I’m living this challenge alongside you,” Roy added.

His tenure on the Santa Monica College Board has been marked by advocacy for workforce programs and the opening of a new Malibu campus. He has also been active in K-12 education, serving as PTA president for Webster Elementary and championing Measure MM to improve local schools.

Roy, who earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, lives in Malibu with his wife, Kathy, and their son, Kiran.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

On Wednesday, March 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his commitment to shaping a brighter future for future generations after meeting with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates.

Responding to Gates’ social media post on platform X, PM Modi said, “As always, an excellent meeting with Bill Gates. We spoke about diverse issues including tech, innovation and sustainability towards making a better future for the coming generations.”

This marks Gates’ third visit to India in three years, during which he has engaged in high-level discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation.

The meeting between PM Modi and Gates focused on India’s development vision, especially the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ initiative, which aims to transform India into a developed nation by the 100th anniversary of its independence.

The conversations between Modi and Gates highlighted how AI and digital infrastructure could revolutionize sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

“I had a great discussion with @narendramodi about India’s development, the path to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, and exciting advancements in health, agriculture, AI, and other sectors that are creating impact today. It’s impressive to see how innovation in India is driving progress locally—and globally,” Gates shared on X.

The India AI Mission and the Gates Foundation are expected to collaborate on various initiatives that leverage technology to improve public services and provide sustainable solutions.

In addition, Gates met with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to explore new opportunities for agricultural development. Their discussion focused on climate-resistant crops, biofortification, and AI-driven farming techniques that could help Indian farmers combat climate change and increase productivity.

“The Gates Foundation is already working with us, and today we discussed where we can expand that collaboration,” Chouhan said following their meeting.

This visit is especially notable as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and for the first time, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees is meeting in the Global South, with India being the central focus of its global initiatives.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/BillGates)

By Ritu Jha-

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan said India should approach President Trump’s tariffs with a focus on defending its economic interests without being confrontational. In an exclusive interview with indica, Rajan shared his insights on India’s economic policies and the government’s best path forward in navigating the complexities of global trade and economic challenges.

Rajan, who is also the Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at Chicago Booth School, spoke during the 2025 Sidhartha Maitra Memorial Lecture at UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus in Santa Clara, California. His lecture focused on the challenges and opportunities for developing countries like India in an increasingly automated and protectionist world.

On indica’s response to Trump’s tariff policies, Rajan said, “The wrong approach for India will be just to give in. India is a reasonably sized economy, distant from the United States and I think this administration respects power. It’s important to be conscious of India’s needs and without being confrontational to defend them. I think being strategic and to some extent letting some of these early ups and downs play out and not necessarily being overly eager to negotiate until you see the contours of what is happening. I would say it’s better to see how this administration plays out a little bit and then work with whatever settles down rather than be overly eager to make every deal we can at this point. I don’t think what succeeds is abject submission.”

He also commented on India’s approach to tariffs and trade negotiations, acknowledging both areas for flexibility and those requiring careful attention. 

“I’m not totally upset if we bring down tariffs selectively,” Rajan said. “There are some areas where we can negotiate more, other areas where we were bringing down tariffs. Agriculture is always a sensitive issue. We need to negotiate carefully on agriculture. But it was a bad idea to raise tariffs in some places. For example, in mobile phones some of the input products have tariffs. We did reasonably well, when we brought down tariffs and I wouldn’t be upset if we did bring them down again. There are some areas where we need to negotiate more and I would say agriculture is one of them.”

Rajan also pointed out shortcomings in India’s economic policies, particularly in relation to its textile industry.

“We need to examine some policies carefully. For example, one of the reasons we didn’t do as well in textiles is for the input material we’ve put big tariffs to protect some of our domestic manufacturers. We put some tariffs to protect not the textile manufacturer, but the manufacturers of purified terephthalic acid (PTA), a key ingredient in polyester production. We have done some strange things we need to fix those.”

Addressing the Make in India campaign, Rajan acknowledged both successes and challenges. 

“There are elements of success, but what we need to recognize is it’s not creating the jobs that we need partly because we have focused on more capital-intensive segments. But we need to ask, isn’t it a better effort to really improve the business environment and to try and be a little more open to businesses going across India and being in multiple states? Some of the southern states are doing a good job in attracting investments, Uttar Pradesh is trying to attract investors, but we need to support those efforts. I don’t think that focusing on specific industries has been that much of a success, we need to focus attention on improving the business environment and investing in people.”

On India’s policy stance regarding the China-plus-one strategy, Rajan emphasized the need for more engagement. 

“Though there is still a chance to fulfill the strategies, we need to do more China plus one. It’s not that the U.S. is very eager to buy from anybody right now. Forget just China, it doesn’t want to buy from Mexico. But I would say that the vision has to be much more on developing our human capital and the government has done some things there. I think the government’s greatest success has been infrastructure build-out. But I think in building human capital we need to do much more and I would love to see more engagement of the diaspora back in India which we don’t do that well in my view. The government needs to think about what is going to be different in the third term which will take India forward. That has to be articulated and developed.”

Reflecting on the challenges the Modi government faces, Rajan observed that the third term is likely to be more difficult. “It is because the world has become much more challenging. Its second term was challenging because of the pandemic. But the third term is more challenging because it’s after 10 years. So whatever ideas they had in the beginning have been played out. But now they need new ideas and a refreshing of the government process.”

On the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Rajan noted the need for a review. “I think GST is a good reform brought by the government. It needs a fresh look to see what’s working and what’s not. I think they’re trying to do it but they should get some expert views from economists, business people, and government servants to see what kind of changes are needed to make it more effective. Now that we’ve had it for eight years, something like that would be a useful review.”

Reflecting on his tenure as the RBI Governor, Rajan said that his work was not hindered, adding, “I was given free rein. In the time I had, the one thing I would have wanted to see done is the full cleanup of the banking system. But that happened afterward. I initiated it, but it was cleaned up afterwards. We introduced inflation targeting, that has helped tremendously. So, I think I did achieve what I wanted to. RBI’s main role was to bring down inflation, we did that. If I was going to talk legacy, I would say that’s a good legacy.”

Finally, on concerns about the depreciation of the rupee, Rajan expressed little worry, saying, “Not at all. I think it’s part and parcel of the strength of the dollar across the world; it’ll go up and down. We can work to reduce volatility, which is what the RBI has always done. But, if it depreciates, our exporters get a better chance to sell, that’s not a bad thing.”

 

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national and postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities, reportedly due to his opposition to America’s foreign policy regarding Israel.

Suri, who is enrolled at the Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, was arrested by masked agents outside his Virginia home on Monday night. He had been residing in the U.S. on a student visa, conducting research and teaching on conflict resolution.

Suri’s detention is part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on student activists accused of opposing U.S. foreign policy. His case mirrors that of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student targeted for his anti-Israel protests during the Gaza conflict. Both cases suggest an attempt to use immigration law as a tool to suppress dissent on foreign policy issues.

Suri is currently being held at the Alexandria Staging Facility in Louisiana, awaiting an immigration hearing. His lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, has condemned the government’s actions, calling them “beyond contemptible”.

Ahmad emphasized that Suri, an accomplished scholar focused on conflict resolution, should not be considered a threat to U.S. foreign policy. This incident highlights increasing concerns over the use of immigration law to target individuals critical of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and the Middle East.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/StopAntisemites)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Google has agreed to a $28 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging systematic discrimination against employees based on race and ethnicity.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Hispanic, Latinx, Indigenous, Native American, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Alaska Native employees, accused Google of favouring White and Asian workers with higher pay, job levels, and accelerated career advancement opportunities.

The preliminary approval for the settlement was granted last week, with the judge calling it a fair and reasonable resolution for the 6,632 affected employees who worked for the company in California between February 15, 2018, and December 31, 2024.

Despite the settlement, Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, continues to deny the allegations.

Courtenay Mencini, a spokesperson for the company, expressed that while Google had agreed to the settlement, it does not concede to any wrongdoing. “We continue to disagree with the allegations that we treated anyone differently, and remain committed to paying, hiring and leveling all employees fairly,” Mencini stated.

The lawsuit was spearheaded by Ana Cantu, a former employee who identifies as Mexican and racially Indigenous.

Cantu claimed that, despite her seven years of exemplary performance in Google’s people operations and cloud departments, she remained stagnant in her job level while her White and Asian colleagues were promoted and compensated at a higher rate. Cantu also alleged that Google’s practices harmed employees who voiced concerns about unequal treatment.

After legal fees and penalties, the settlement’s net proceeds amount to $20.4 million, which will be distributed among the affected employees.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced on March 19 that a jury returned a verdict in the federal trial of Jaskaran Singh, 31, who is a native of Gujarat, India.

Singh was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is more commonly known as “Ecstasy” or “Molly”.

United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over Singh’s trial, which began March 17, 2025.

At sentencing, which is set for June 25, 2025, Singh faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years. He may also face removal from the United States, an official news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Washington, revealed.

The evidence presented at trial established that on April 29, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., three unknown individuals tripped motion sensor cameras in a remote area just south of the U.S.-Canada border, approximately one-half-mile west of the Danville, Washington port of entry.

U.S. Border Patrol officials at the Curlew Border Patrol Station saw images of these individuals, who had crossed into the United States from Canada and were carrying backpacks and a suitcase. From the U.S. side of the border, the only route to drive into or out of this area is an unestablished dead end, dirt road known as Fourth of July Creek Road.

Minutes later, Border Patrol observed a 2014 Honda Odyssey traveling east on Fourth of July Creek Road. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area and stopped Singh, who was driving the rented Honda Odyssey away from the U.S. Canada border.

From outside the van, Border Patrol agents observed backpacks and suitcase in the rear cargo area of the Odyssey. The backpacks and suitcase were same as those carried across the border by the three individuals, who tripped the motion sensor cameras just a few minutes earlier.

Border Patrol Agents obtained authorization to search the van and seized 173.7 pounds of MDMA stored inside the backpacks and suitcase. Investigators later located a map of the area on Singh’s phone and messages detailing where Singh should go, when he should arrive, and directing him to “leave the back hood open”.

Testimony at trial established that the three men transported the MDMA from the Canadian side of the border by carrying the backpacks and suitcase through approximately 300 yards of remote wilderness to where Singh had parked the rented Odyssey van. The three men then returned to the Canadian side of the border, escaping apprehension by law enforcement.

Just one day before the massive seizure, Singh traveled from Northern California to Washington State. Singh had purchased his ticket just prior to the flight and then rented a car in Seattle, before driving to the remote area where the drugs were smuggled across the U.S.-Canada border.

“Mr. Singh trafficked more than 170 pounds of illegal drugs across our northern border into the United States,” stated Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “This seizure, which was one of the largest ever in Eastern Washington, had a street value exceeding $7.8 million. Today’s guilty verdict sends a clear message that those who seek to exploit our nation’s borders by flooding our communities with dangerous controlled substances will be held accountable for their crimes.”

“The transnational drug trafficking organization for whom Singh worked had identified the ideal, isolated location in rural Washington to smuggle illegal drugs across the northern border,” continued Acting United States Attorney Barker. “Fortunately, our team of experienced Border Patrol agents were ready, and they intercepted this poison before it could harm communities in Eastern Washington.”

“International drug traffickers like Mr. Singh profit by flooding our country with illicit, dangerous drugs that harm our citizens,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “I am gratified that we, at the Drug Enforcement Administration, can stand with our partners in the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold people like Mr. Singh accountable for their crimes.”

“Spokane Sector agents are vigilantly safeguarding our borders, swiftly detecting, and interdicting cross-border smuggling activities. This conviction highlights the Spokane Border Patrol Sector’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities from illicit drugs and those who attempt to smuggle them across our borders,” said Jason Liebe, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Spokane Sector for the U.S. Border Patrol.

This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alison L. Gregoire and Dan Fruchter.

(Photo courtesy: www.justice.gov)

By Mayank Chhaya-

The distinction of having accumulated the second longest time in space by a U.S. astronaut has come to Sunita Williams unintentionally and unplanned.

Had it not been for five helium leaks and a thruster issue faced by Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June last year Williams would not have accumulated 608 days in space. When Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, 2024, theirs was planned to be a week-long mission.

But the technical problems exacerbated by repeated postponements of Starliner’s journey between June and August of last year meant that Williams would have to stay onboard the ISS for an unusually extended period.

The record for the longest accumulated time in space is held by Peggy Whitson. In 2017 she notched up 675 days of total time spent in space breaking the record of NASA astronaut Jeff Williams at 534 days.

Between June and August last year there was a series of postponements in bringing Williams and Wilmore back to Earth with NASA finally announcing in August 24 that the two would have to wait until early 2025 to return on a different spacecraft because of Starliner’s continuing problems.

That date came on March 12 when NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 was scheduled to be launched and come back with Williams and Wilmore. However, that was canceled just 45 minutes prior to the liftoff because of a hydraulic system issue. It was finally on March 14 that a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and eventually returned Williams and Wilmore along with Russia’s Aleksandr Gorbunov, NASA’s Nick Hague to Earth after a 17-hour flight.

Now that she has returned to Earth instead after nine months, she has an extraordinary space record to look at. She has flown on four spacecraft: Space Shuttle, Soyuz, Starliner and Dragon. Over three missions she has had nine spacewalks totaling an impressive 62 hours and six minutes. She stands fourth on cumulative spacewalking by a female astronaut.

About five months before she turns 60 on September 19, Williams’s latest mission turned out to be her most dramatic for obvious reasons. Although astronauts are vigorously trained to be ready for any contingency in space as well as in-flight en route, a week-long mission becoming an unpredictable nine-month-long one, fraught with uncertainty about return can be quite exacting.

It is one thing to be in a microgravity environment for a week but quite another to be in it for nine months and that too unplanned. As explained by a NASA backgrounder, “In microgravity, without the continuous load of Earth’s gravity, there are many changes to the human body. NASA understands many of the human system responses to the space environment, including adaptations to bone density, muscle, sensory-motor, and cardiovascular health, but there is still much to learn. These spaceflight effects vary from astronaut to astronaut, so NASA flight surgeons regularly monitor each crew member’s health during a mission and individualize diet and fitness routines to prioritize health and fitness while in space.”

Bone density loss is often irreparable after a long stay in space. From wasting muscles in the body to shrinking blood volume and from fluid buildup in the head to diminishing olfactory senses, the human body takes a lot of punishment in space. Considering that Williams and Wilmore went with a week in mind and then had to recalibrate their minds so drastically to stay on for months it could have even more impact. Apart from the more serious health challenges, returning astronauts may also face the problem of developing particularly sensitive skin on Earth since in space clothes slide off more easily.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Regular physical activity and sufficient sleep can boost happiness and lower stress levels, according to a study released on Wednesday.

Researchers from Harvard University (U.S.) and Oxford University (UK) examined the factors influencing happiness and well-being using data collected from smartwatches and smartphones. Their aim was to inform global public policies and product development.

The pilot study, conducted in collaboration with smartwatch provider Garmin, analyzed data from over 10,000 participants worldwide.

The findings revealed that emotional stability tended to increase with age, with older adults experiencing more stability and younger adults showing more emotional variability.

The study also highlighted high participant retention rates, indicating that people found value in tracking their emotions throughout the day. The happiest respondents were those engaged in social activities, dining, or spending time with loved ones.

Previous research has also shown that exercise plays a significant role in managing stress.

Exercise helps regulate stress hormones and triggers the release of endorphins, which not only improve mood but also reduce pain, contributing to a greater sense of well-being.

Additionally, regular exercise enhances sleep quality, which is often disrupted by stress, further aiding in stress reduction.

Exercise also improves self-esteem and mood, fostering a sense of control and resilience against stress.

Stress is a major health issue, linked to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. It can also exacerbate chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer.

Other health problems related to stress include gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain and irritable bowel syndrome, a weakened immune system, and skin conditions. It can also impact the menstrual cycle and fertility.

Globally, work-related stress, depression, and anxiety cause the loss of approximately 17 million working days each year.

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), expressed his excitement about the upcoming 43rd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, set to take place from July 24th to 27th, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He shared that the event will feature a distinguished group of speakers from various fields, including public service, healthcare, science, and sports. This diverse lineup aims to offer valuable insights and foster meaningful discussions, making the convention an exceptional platform for learning and collaboration.

Confirmed speakers at the convention include Dr. Mario Capecchi, a Nobel laureate; Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president-elect of the American Medical Association; and Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, a Padma Vibhushan awardee.

Other invited guests include, Vice President of the United States, JD Vance; Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine; Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear; Jagat Prakash Nadda, India’s Minister of Health and Chemicals/Fertilizers; Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican candidate for Governor in Ohio; and Sachin Tendulkar, Bharat Ratna awardee and a cricket icon.

Dr. Mario Capecchi, a Nobel laureate who received the Nobel Prize in Medicine/Physiology in 2007 for his groundbreaking work in the development of “mouse knockout technology,” will deliver the keynote address at the 43rd Annual AAPI Convention.

Dr. Capecchi is a professor in the Department of Human Genetics and an adjunct professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah. He is actively involved in the Sarcoma Services Program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Nuclear Control of Cell Growth and Differentiation Program. His research focuses on cancer models created in mice, with a particular emphasis on sarcomas and the role of Hox genes in cancer.

Another keynote speaker at the Convention will be Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, an otolaryngologist from Flint, Michigan, who currently serves as the president-elect of the American Medical Association (AMA) and is set to assume the presidency in June 2025. Dr. Mukkamala has been deeply involved with the AMA since his time as a resident physician at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.

He chairs the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force and is a vocal advocate for evidence-based policies to address the national overdose crisis. As the son of immigrant physicians, Dr. Mukkamala was inspired to pursue medicine and return to Flint to give back to the community that supported his family. He has also received the AMA Foundation’s “Excellence in Medicine” Leadership Award.

Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, a globally recognized expert in Medical Gastroenterology and Chairman of the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) in Gachibowli, Telangana, will also deliver a keynote address. Dr. Reddy is renowned for his expertise in digestive health, endoscopy, and advanced gastrointestinal treatments. Under his leadership, AIG has become the largest gastroenterology hospital in the world. Dr. Reddy is the first Indian doctor to receive all three Padma Awards: the Padma Shri in 2002, the Padma Bhushan in 2016, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2025.

“We have convened a dedicated group of people to meet the needs of the 2025 convention and are very excited about this year,” said Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair, AAPI’s BOT. “We invite you to the AAPI 43rd Annual Convention and take advantage of the Early Bird Special that is going on at the moment. Please reach out to any one of the Convention Team from OHIO with questions or comments.”

Dr. Kathula, while describing how AAPI’s mission has evolved in the past 43 years, said, “Today, AAPI is strong representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians, 130 local Chapters, who make up of 10% of total physicians in the U.S. and nearly 50% of International Medical Graduates, rooted in every corner of the nation, who serve every 7th patient in the U.S. We are proud of our achievements and our contributions to the healthcare industry and the millions of people we serve.”

Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year.

The convention will feature a vibrant array of entertainment, delicious authentic Indian cuisine, and esteemed yoga gurus and experts who will share their knowledge and lead wellness sessions. In addition, renowned speakers and industry leaders will present insightful sessions for the delegates.

The event will also include a wide range of academic presentations, recognition of notable achievements, and opportunities for professional networking at alumni gatherings and evening social events. It provides an exciting platform for engaging with leading physicians, healthcare industry professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin.

Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the nation will come together for a scholarly exchange on medical advancements, the development of health policy agendas, and the promotion of legislative priorities for the year ahead.

“The annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events. We invite you to be an active participant in this transformative journey and be part of the Convention,” said Dr. Kathula.

([Left to right] Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, and Mario Capecchi.)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

On March 19, 2025, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the safe return of NASA’s Crew-9, which included astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded in space for nearly nine months.

The astronauts returned to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, marking the conclusion of an unexpected and prolonged stay on the International Space Station (ISS).

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi expressed admiration for the astronauts’ resilience, calling their journey “a test of grit, courage, and the boundless human spirit”.

He praised Williams and the Crew-9 astronauts for their unwavering determination and perseverance in the face of the vast unknown. “Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions,” PM Modi stated.

The Prime Minister specifically highlighted Sunita Williams’ pioneering role in space exploration, calling her a “trailblazer and an icon”. He added, “Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality.”

“We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity,” the Indian Prime Minister added.

The Crew-9 mission, which originally planned an eight-day stay, was delayed due to a malfunction in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Williams, Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov eventually made their return in the Dragon capsule, which splashed down off the coast of Florida on March 18, 2025.

The recovery process was smooth, with Hague being the first to exit the spacecraft, followed by Williams, who smiled and waved as she was helped out.

Their safe return marks a significant achievement for both NASA and the global space exploration community.

(Photo courtesy: x.com/narendramodi)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

India is leading the way in creating digital innovations that not only empower its citizens but also hold the potential to reshape global health and development.

Bill Gates, Chair and Board Member of the Gates Foundation, expressed his admiration for India’s pioneering role in affordable healthcare, AI-powered diagnostics, and digital public infrastructure during a global forum hosted by the CII, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and the Women’s Collective Forum.

Gates highlighted India’s transformative role in addressing global challenges, noting that the country’s advancements in technology and inclusive economic growth serve as a model for the world.

He emphasized the importance of scaling India’s low-cost innovations in health and development, pointing out that they have the potential to address pressing challenges in emerging economies worldwide.

Gates reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to partnering with Indian innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to take these solutions global.

Smriti Irani, Chairperson of the Alliance for Global Good Gender Equity and Equality, lauded Gates’ commitment to funding impactful initiatives and underscored the transformative power of India’s tech-enabled solutions in tackling global challenges such as health, nutrition, and food security.

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of the CII, also commended India’s digital public infrastructure, describing it as a blueprint for the Global South. Sanjiv Puri, CII President, added that initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and AI-powered agricultural solutions are proving that when policy and technology align, scalable, sustainable solutions can emerge as global benchmarks.

India’s digital ecosystem, healthcare innovations, and technological breakthroughs are not only benefiting its population but also setting new standards for global health and development, reinforcing the country’s leadership in driving sustainable solutions worldwide.

(Photo courtesy: ANI Photo/Ishant)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

On Tuesday, March 18, the Indian government and Meta announced a partnership aimed at enhancing digital literacy and consumer protection under the ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ initiative.

The new campaign, titled ‘Be an Empowered Consumer,’ is designed to educate Indians about online safety.

The initiative will focus on teaching individuals how to recognize online threats, maintain healthy online habits, and utilize security measures like strong passwords, verifying information, and reporting suspicious activities.

India’s Minister for Consumer Affairs, Prahlad Joshi, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing that consumer awareness is crucial for ensuring a safe and secure digital experience. “Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience and the campaign will strengthen consumer protection measures and reinforce our commitment to empowering Indian consumers,” he said.

As part of the collaboration, Meta is supporting a project developed with IIT Bombay and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA). The project aims to create an AI-driven, citizen-focused chatbot using Meta’s Llama 2 language model.

This chatbot will offer information on consumer rights and provide a grievance redressal platform for citizens to file complaints and resolve issues efficiently. Currently, the chatbot is in closed group beta testing and will be launched on the DoCA website after the testing phase.

Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, expressed optimism about the role of AI in consumer protection. He stated that AI could empower people to make informed choices and help streamline processes for online consumer protection. This collaboration marks a significant step in improving digital literacy and consumer rights in India.

(Photo courtesy: IANS)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

The parents of missing Indian-origin student Sudiksha Konanki, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi, spoke publicly for the first time since their daughter’s disappearance on March 6.

Standing in front of their Loudoun County home, they expressed gratitude to the media for helping spread awareness about their daughter’s case and pleaded for continued support in finding her.

Subbarayudu, her father, shared that authorities had shown them footage of the ocean waves at the time of the incident, which helped clarify the circumstances of Sudiksha’s disappearance.

Despite the difficult situation, he emphasized that both the authorities and the family fully trusted the investigation.

The couple also clarified that Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Minnesota student believed to be the last person to see Sudiksha alive, is not considered a suspect, as per the authorities’ statement.

In a letter to Dominican police, the Konankis acknowledged Riibe’s account of the events, despite the uncertainty surrounding their daughter’s disappearance.

Sudiksha, a 20-year-old pre-med student with aspirations of becoming a doctor, was last seen at a beach with a group around 4:15 a.m. on March 6.

Her parents described her as a bright and hardworking student with a strong academic record. In their emotional appeal, they asked for privacy to focus on healing and supporting their family during this incredibly challenging time.

The Konankis continue to hope for answers as the investigation unfolds.

(Photo courtesy: Screengrab from X)

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Indian American NASA astronaut Sunita (Suni) L. Williams, along with the Crew-9 astronauts, finally returned to Earth from the International Space Station on SpaceX’s Dragon after a 17-hour long flight that splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, at 5:57 p.m. EDT.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft undocked from the orbiting laboratory at 1:05 a.m. EDT and brought in Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded in the International Space Station since June 5 last year, as well as other astronauts and flight commander Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who had been in the ISS since September 29.

Williams and Wilmore were supposed to stay for 9 days on a test flight of Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. However, after helium leaks were discovered, NASA deemed it too risky to bring them back in the same vehicle, so they stayed for 286 days.

The Associated Press in August 2024 reported NASA Administrator Bill Nelson’s statement on holding the astronauts, “A test flight [Starliner] by nature is neither safe nor routine… The decision is a result of a commitment to safety.”

So, it was in 2024, NASA decided to work with SpaceX after losing confidence in Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule, and the agency announced to bring them back in Feburary 2025.

This was Williams’s third visit to space. She was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998 and is a veteran of two space missions, Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33. NASA astronauts Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed flight, arriving at the space station on June 6.

According to NASA, following the splashdown, teams at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will focus on helping the astronauts re-acclimate to Earth’s gravity.

The crew will undergo initial medical checks aboard the rescue ship, with continuous monitoring in the coming days and weeks.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier stated that US President Donald Trump had fulfilled his promise to bring home the “forgotten” astronauts.

Back in India, Williams’s cousin, Dinesh Rawal, has organized a ‘Yagna’ in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, saying, “Everyone in the family is praying for Sunita’s safe arrival. All are happy that she is coming back.”