#india updates

Created under Sony’s PlayStation India Hero Project initiative, Mukti is poised to redefine how video games tell stories. Unlike conventional titles that depend heavily on animation or motion capture, Mukti blends the artistry of cinema with the interactivity of gaming. The project was recently highlighted by New India Abroad for its bold approach and meaningful subject matter.

The game features filmed performances by acclaimed actors, bringing authenticity and depth to the narrative. Ahilya Bamroo, known for her powerful role in Shoojit Sircar’s I Want to Talk, plays the protagonist Arya Roy. She is joined by legendary theater figure M.K. Raina, who portrays Dr. Vikram Roy. Pawan Chopra takes on the role of Commodore Balraj Gill, while Sraman Chatterjee appears as Hasan. Each character carries emotional weight, ensuring the story resonates long after the controller is set down.

According to Vaibhav Chavan, founder and CEO of underDOGS Studio, these performances are not simply cameos. Instead, they form the emotional heart of the game. Chavan explained to Variety that every scene was filmed like a cinematic sequence, carefully directed and later integrated into the gameplay. The result is a seamless experience where the line between film and video game blurs, offering players a narrative that feels immediate, grounded, and unforgettable.

Mukti is described as a groundbreaking first-person story exploration game set inside an Indian museum. The unique setting not only provides a rich cultural backdrop but also emphasizes the game’s serious themes. Through its story, Mukti addresses the global issue of human trafficking. By navigating the museum environment and uncovering stories of victims and survivors, players are invited to confront the realities of this pressing problem in a personal, immersive way.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has laid off at least 500 workers from its data annotation team, according to a Business Insider report published on September 12. The cuts mark one of the largest workforce reductions since the company launched in 2023.

The data annotation group, described as xAI’s largest team, was responsible for training the company’s Grok chatbot. These employees worked as “generalist AI tutors,” helping the chatbot interpret the world by contextualizing and categorizing massive amounts of raw data. Late on September 12, employees were informed by email that their positions were being eliminated, with immediate loss of access to company systems. Affected workers will be paid through the end of their contracts or until November 30, whichever comes first.

When asked for comment, xAI pointed to a post shared on X, formerly Twitter, emphasizing that the company intends to expand its specialist AI tutor team by 10X while continuing to recruit across multiple roles. The move suggests a strategic shift away from generalist support roles toward more domain-specific expertise.

This round of layoffs comes amid broader leadership changes. Earlier this summer, xAI’s finance chief, Mike Liberatore, exited the company after only a few months, according to the Wall Street Journal. His departure raised questions about xAI’s operational stability at a time when it is positioning itself as a rival to tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

Musk launched xAI with the mission of creating an alternative to Big Tech’s AI initiatives, often criticizing established companies for what he calls excessive censorship and insufficient safety measures. Despite the layoffs, Musk’s startup continues to signal ambitious growth plans, particularly in refining Grok through specialized training methods.

For observers and stakeholders, the layoffs highlight both the volatility of the AI industry and the high stakes involved in developing competitive large-scale models. As xAI restructures, its ability to deliver on Musk’s vision will be closely watched.

Carnegie Mellon University researchers, under the leadership of Indian-American scholar Rema Padman, have made a major breakthrough in healthcare technology by developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models that can predict kidney failure earlier and more accurately. This innovation holds the potential to change how doctors manage chronic kidney disease (CKD), offering hope to millions worldwide.

The AI models integrate electronic health records with insurance claims data, creating a comprehensive picture of a patient’s health journey. By analyzing this combined information, the system can identify patients at high risk of progressing from CKD to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Early detection means doctors can plan personalized treatment strategies, delay disease progression, and ultimately improve survival rates.

According to experts, such predictive technology not only empowers physicians but also addresses long-standing disparities in kidney care. Communities that traditionally face barriers to healthcare access may benefit significantly from these tools, as they provide a more consistent and accurate way to detect risks before they become life-threatening.

New India Abroad highlights that this development is a strong example of how Indian-origin scholars are making global contributions in medical research and technology. With kidney disease being a growing concern worldwide, AI-driven tools like those created by Professor Padman and her team could play a transformative role in shaping the future of preventive medicine.

The India Abroad Newspaper has long been a trusted source of news and perspectives for the global Indian community. At New India Abroad, we continue this legacy by delivering in-depth coverage that connects readers with stories shaping both India and the diaspora. Our mission is to highlight achievements, cultural traditions, business success, and political engagement of Indians worldwide while keeping you informed about developments back home.

On August 17, 2025, the Sant Nirankari Mission organized a major spiritual convention titled Mukti Parv at Hofstra University in New York. The event drew an impressive gathering of more than 1,500 attendees, including followers, seekers, and community members from diverse backgrounds. Its primary focus was on spreading awareness about mindfulness, inner peace, and interfaith harmony—values that lie at the core of the Mission’s philosophy.

The program was led by Nirankari Rajpita Ramit Chandana, who is the husband of Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj, the current spiritual head of the Sant Nirankari Mission. Chandana has been a prominent figure in the Mission, known for delivering spiritual discourses at large gatherings across India as well as internationally. His message emphasized the importance of transcending barriers of religion, culture, and nationality to achieve true liberation, or mukti, through self-realization and universal love.

During the convention, sessions included spiritual discourses, devotional music, and group meditations, offering participants an immersive experience. Many attendees shared that the event provided them with a deeper sense of clarity and peace, while also strengthening their commitment to building more compassionate communities.

The Sant Nirankari Mission, founded in 1929, continues to expand its presence across the globe, promoting human unity, service, and spiritual awareness. Events such as Mukti Parv serve as platforms to bring people together, highlighting the Mission’s belief that spirituality is not confined to rituals but is a way of life based on love, humility, and understanding.

Distance learning in India has transformed the way students and professionals access education, making quality learning available anytime, anywhere. With the rise of online platforms, virtual classrooms, and digital resources, learners can now pursue degrees, certifications, and skill-based programs without the need to relocate or leave their jobs.

From top universities offering online MBAs to specialised technical and vocational courses, distance education provides flexible opportunities for career advancement. It also supports working professionals, homemakers, and students in remote areas who may not have access to traditional institutions.

announced the appointment of Indian-American technology executive Vishal Talwar as its new Chief Digital and Information Officer, Executive Vice President, and President of FedEx Dataworks, effective August 15.

In his expanded leadership role, Talwar will spearhead FedEx’s strategic digital transformation initiatives across the globe. His responsibilities will include overseeing the integration of data science, artificial intelligence, advanced technology infrastructure, and cybersecurity to enhance FedEx’s operational efficiency and customer experience. By leading both the Data and Technology and Dataworks divisions, Talwar will focus on developing innovative solutions that strengthen global supply chains and drive long-term growth.

According to a company statement, Talwar’s appointment underscores FedEx’s commitment to becoming a digitally enabled enterprise that leverages cutting-edge technology to remain competitive in the fast-changing logistics and e-commerce landscape. With his strong background in technology leadership, he is expected to accelerate FedEx’s adoption of advanced analytics and AI-driven insights to optimize delivery networks and customer engagement.

This appointment also highlights the increasing contributions of Indian-American executives in shaping global corporations, especially within the logistics and technology sectors. Talwar’s leadership is anticipated to bring renewed focus on innovation, resilience, and digital growth for FedEx at a time when supply chain optimization is more critical than ever.