Renowned oncologist Dr Ravi Kannan from Chennai has been awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023 for his contribution to cancer care in India's Northeast. Dr Kannan, director of Assam's Cachar Cancer Hospital, has been named the 'Hero For Holistic Healthcare'. He transformed the hospital into a multifaceted cancer care institution since taking over in 2007. The Magsaysay Award recognised Dr Kannan's devotion to public service, compassion and pro-poor health care in expanding affordable cancer treatment in Assam. Under his leadership, the hospital grew from 23 to 451 staff. Dr Kannan, originally from Chennai, set "a shining example" in cancer care for millions in Assam.

India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, rebutted criticism that India's space program is a waste of money better spent on poverty in an article in The Telegraph. Doraiswami said India's recent Chandrayaan-3 moon mission cost far less than a Hollywood blockbuster. He outlined how the space program provides developmental services to farmers, fishermen, water agencies, and in designing infrastructure. Doraiswami stated India's poverty alleviation efforts have lifted over 450 million people out of poverty since 2006, even as the space program earned revenue and savings. He argued India can have both - a successful space program and poverty reduction, citing data on the sharp falls in deprivation rates across all sectors.

The US state of Georgia has officially proclaimed October as 'Hindu Heritage Month' to celebrate the Hindu-American community's contributions. Governor Brian Kemp issued a proclamation stating the month will focus on Hindu culture and traditions rooted in India. Earlier this year, Georgia became the first US state to pass a resolution against anti-Hindu discrimination. The resolution acknowledged Hindu contributions like yoga, ayurveda, meditation, cuisine and arts, which have enriched American society. In August, Governor Kemp signed the proclamation declaring October as Hindu Heritage Month in the state.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed Indian-origin MP Claire Coutinho as Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, in a major cabinet promotion. The East Surrey MP, first elected in 2019, will replace Grant Shapps in steering the UK's response to climate change. This includes ensuring the country meets its 2050 net zero emissions target. At 39, Coutinho becomes the youngest cabinet member, marking her as a rising star in the Conservative Party. Despite competing views within the Tories on environmental policy, Sunak's confidence in selecting Coutinho for the challenging role underscores her growing political clout. (Image courtesy: @10DowningStreet on X)

A parliamentary delegation from Maharashtra, India led by the Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of the State Legislature, met with British High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami on Thursday. The objective was to discuss potential cooperation between Maharashtra and the United Kingdom across sectors of mutual interest. The delegation of Members of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council aimed to explore collaborative opportunities with the UK in areas like trade, technology, education and culture. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening ties between Maharashtra, one of India's most prosperous states, and Britain through strategic partnerships going forward.

Tel Aviv's iconic Tandoori restaurant has relocated after four decades to a new beachfront venue, renamed Tandoori Lands End. Inaugurated by the Mayor and Indian Ambassador, the iconic restaurant is owned by the Pushkarnas who pioneered Indian cuisine in Israel. Hosting figures like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Zubin Mehta, Tandoori witnessed historic moments like the 1993 Oslo Israeli-Palestinian talks. Owner Reena Pushkarna, awarded India's highest diaspora honor, persevered since 1983 to share Indian culture when ties were limited. Dubbed Israel's "Cultural Ambassador", her nostalgia for the "Pushkarna legend" and fine dining promise an engaging new chapter.

Indian journalist Jinisha Bhanushali embarked on a captivating exploration of London's streets, delving into the heart of this cultural melting pot. Her journey uncovered the surge in popularity of Indian cuisine across the UK, with supermarkets now offering an array of Indian ingredients and products. Vibrant Foods and its iconic brands like East End, TRS, and FUDCO have played a significant role in this culinary revolution. Mukesh Ambani's visit to the Chaiiwala chain highlighted the global impact of Indian culture. Through her lens, Bhanushali showcased how these developments provide a taste of home for Indian expats and students, fostering a meaningful connection to their heritage.

The Himachali Link UK released a video of the celebration of their rich cultural heritage that took centre stage during the 77th Independence Day festivities in London. The High Commission of India orchestrated the event, where the Himachali essence thrived. A grand feast of Himachali Dham, cooked meticulously by Chef Sanjeev without onions, garlic, or ginger, delighted over 1200 attendees. The cultural spectacle, led by Anil & Inderpal Chandel, Deepak & Sujata, mesmerized 10,000 spectators with captivating Naati performances, honouring Devta ji and showcasing diverse art forms. The Pheri of a handmade palki enchanted all, garnering well-deserved praise for Himachal Pradesh's culture. [Video: I Am Local]

Indians in London, mostly children, appealed in a video (seen on ANI) to PM Modi to intervene and bring home 2-year-old Ariha Shah to her Indian parents. Waving Indian flags, the kids chanted for Modi to ask Germany to return Ariha. Ariha's parents Bhavesh and Dhara Shah have fought for their daughter since 2021 when she was removed from their custody in Berlin amid harassment claims that were dropped. Despite the closed criminal case, Ariha remains under civil custody of Berlin Child Services. The Indian community assembled seeking Modi's help to reunite the toddler with her despondent parents.

As per a Hindustan Times report, China has ramped up construction of reinforced bunkers and underground facilities in Aksai Chin, located about 70km from the LAC with India. Satellite imagery comparisons from December 2021 and August 2023 by Maxar Technologies show China building hardened structures at least three spots in Aksai Chin to station more weapons and troops. The imagery shows reinforced personnel bunkers coming up, even as China released a new map claiming entire Arunachal and Aksai Chin, amid ongoing India-China border tensions. The construction highlights China's efforts to bolster its military presence along the sensitive boundary with India.