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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know A n international online pageant systemMiss Regal World (based in the UK) has officially an- nounced Dr. Roopa Modha as the reigning Ms. Regal World 2025-2026. Modha was selected “by a panel of industry professionals for her lifelong dedication to global service and her ex- ceptional achievements across the fields of law, media, and the arts,” a press release fromModha said. Modha represented the USA in the international pageant. Dr. Roopa Modha is an intellectual property law attorney holding a Doctorate in Jurisprudence (JD) from University of Connecticut: School of Law with certifi- cates in Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law. “Beyond the courtroom, she is a cel- ebrated TV host, author, lyricist, illustra- tor, journalist, and international pageant queen with many titles and awards to her name,” the press release said, describing Dr. Modha as “An accomplished dancer and dance teacher,” who excels in a range of dance genres including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, semi-classical, ballet, tap, jazz, and Bollywood (trained under Smt. Saroj Khan). “To date, Roopa has 38 successful world records in dance, including 3 Guin- nessWorld Records and has earned titles and recognition around the world for her artistic performances and dancing prow- ess,” the press release said. Modha has advocated for women’s empowerment and education and was recognized by President Barack Obama and theWhite House as a “Changemaker,” the press release says. She was named one of the “40Women Leaders toWatch” by CWEALF and received the “Anokhi Advocate” award from Canada—an honor previously bestowed upon global icons like Priyanka Chopra and Malala Yousafzai. Connecticut’s Malta House recognized her as a “WonderWoman,” a title officially bestowed upon her by the Connecticut Senate. She was the youngest recipient and only South Asian, the press release noted. “Roopa Modha is the perfect candi- date for our International online pag- eant systemMiss Regal World,” Victoria George-Veale, CEO of Miss Regal World is quoted saying in the press release. “Our industry professional judges—Darren Evans, Sophie Rankin, and myself—have chosen Roopa as our new Ms. Regal World 2025/26 due to her heart of gold, dedica- tion to the system, kind nature, being the wonderfully supportive person she is, and for her inspirational ideas. We are very much looking forward to seeing Roopa shine during her year’s reign!” According to the press release, Modha serves as an international ambassador for the UKWomen of Heart Awards, as well as organizations like Girl Rising and the Indian Dreams Foundation; She was honored with the Presidential Gold Ser- vice Award for her focus on volunteering. She was honored as a Youth Ambassador for Vision Aid (supporting the blind) for three consecutive years (2023–2025) for her record-breaking fundraising efforts and was also honored by GOPIO with the Youth Professional Achiever award. “I wear a crown on my head, but believe I must always lead with my heart. The true prize is the impact one can make in the world and the positive change one should be a catalyst for. More than ever, girls’ need us to support them to fulfill their dreams. I hope to continue to cham- pion this cause and create lasting change,” she said. PHOTO:CourtesyDr.Modha Dr. Roopa Modha Crowned Ms. Regal World 2025-2026 By a StaffWriter Dr. Roopa Modha. NJ State Senator Vin Gopal, Colleagues, Support Charter School Reform Legislation N ew Jersey State Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Vin Go- pal, and Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul, D-Monmouth, held a press conference today, Jan. 12, 2026, at the State House to seek support for his charter school reform legislation. Senator Gopal sponsored two bills, S4713, which adds necessary require- ments for how charter schools are ap- proved, governed, operated, and overseen to increase transparency and accountabil- ity of charter schools; and S4716, which concerns charter school enrollment, stu- dent placements, reporting, and athletics. “This charter school reform legisla- tion establishes comprehensive require- ments directly addressing the 30-year-old Charter School Program Act by imposing stricter governance standards as well as training and residency requirements for trustees,” Gopal is quoted saying in a press release, following a press confer- ence. “These bills add new and necessary requirements for increased transparency, accountability, and oversight of New Jer- sey’s charter schools in response to exces- sive executive compensation and financial mismanagement.” NJEA President Steve Beatty, New Jersey Charter Schools President and CEO Harry Lee, and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, chair of the Assembly Education Committee, joined Sen. Gopal for the press conference. The Senate Education Committee held hearings on the operation of charter schools a year ago after an investigation by NJ Advance Media found a number of charter schools, notably College Achieve Public Schools (CAPS) in Asbury Park, were paying administrators exorbitant salaries, engaging in business dealings that were fraught with nepotism and con- flicts of interest, and recruiting students from far outside the district to give their sports teams an unfair advantage. “The New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller recently released a report that is yet another example of why New Jersey adamantly needs revision of its 30-year-old Charter School Program Act,” Gopal said. “The report found excessive executive compensation and fiscal mis- management that are not just harmful to our communities, but are unlawful prac- tices that require more comprehensive oversight. New Jersey residents deserve better accountability for their local and state tax dollars that fund these schools.” Calling the new legislation the first comprehensive one regulating charter schools, Gopal said, “Charter schools are stewards of public education dollars. They play an important role in public educa- tion. This legislation establishes various requirements for charter schools, charter school board of trustees members, charter management organizations, and educa- tion management organizations.” Senator Vin Gopal serves as Senate MajorityWhip and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, in addition to serv- ing on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He previously served as Democratic Con- ference Chair (2022-2025) and Majority Conference Leader (2018-2021). Elected in 2018, a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, Senator Gopal represents resi- dents of Asbury Park, Allenhurst, Bradley Beach, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Fair Haven, Freehold, Freehold Township, Interlaken, Loch Arbor, Long Branch, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Shrews- bury Township, and Tinton Falls. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:COURTESY SEN.VIN GOPAL’S OFFICE New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal speaking at a press conference on new Charter School reform legislation January 12, 2026. From left, From Left: NJ Charter Schools President Henry Lee, Sen. Vin Gopal, NJEA PresidentSteve Beatty, NJEA Treasurer Tina Dare, Sen. Linda Greenstein, and Assemblywoman LuannePeterpaul. (January 17, 2026 - January 23, 2026) January 23, 2026 8 News India Times Community