In a historic event, 51-year-old Keralite priest George Jacob Koovakad became the first priest from India to be directly elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis. The ceremony, held at St. Peter's Basilica, saw Koovakad join five other Indian cardinals. Koovakad, who organizes the Pope's travels, was ordained in 2004 and began his diplomatic career in 2006.
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Deep Prasad, CEO of Quantum Generative Materials (GenMat), claims he was shot at near his San Francisco hotel early Sunday. Despite hearing gunshots and smelling gunpowder, San Francisco police classified the incident as fireworks, prompting Prasad to criticize their response. He acknowledges possible misidentification but insists further investigation is needed.
British MPs Barry Gardiner and Priti Patel raised concerns in the UK Parliament over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting over 2,000 violent incidents and calling for urgent government discussions with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure protection, law and order, and freedom of religion for minority communities.
In 2023-24, a record number of Indian students utilized the OPT programme to build work experience in the US. Despite the rising MAGA rhetoric and potential policy changes, the demand for skilled professionals in fields like AI and biotechnology ensures continuing interest from Indian graduates.
Lord Karan Bilimoria highlights the UK's attractiveness for Indian students, emphasizing the Labour government's support for the two-year post-study work visa. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's welcoming message and the benefits of a UK education are key factors. The UAE is also emerging as a preferred destination due to strong ties and growing educational infrastructure.
A 26-year-old Indian student, Nagasri Vandana Parimala, pursuing a master's in data science in Memphis, Tennessee, died in a car accident on Friday. Two of her friends traveling with her were seriously injured. Vandana had moved to the US in December 2022 and also worked at the University of Memphis.
Following litigation efforts, ICE is reinstating international students' records after improperly revoking them in SEVIS, causing widespread disruption and fear. The terminations, often based on flawed NCIC data, affected many students, particularly from India and China. ICE is developing a new policy for SEVIS terminations to prevent future overreach and hardship.
Anand Shah, an Indian-origin councilman from New Jersey, was apprehended along with 39 others for involvement in a large-scale illegal gambling ring. The operation, which included illegal poker games and online sports betting, allegedly amassed over $3 million in illicit profits. Shah faces charges of racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy, potentially leading to a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
MAGA hardliners are targeting the OPT program which allows foreign students, especially from India, to gain work experience in the US, arguing it unfairly replaces American jobs. The OPT program, seen as a pathway to H1-B visas, faces scrutiny, which may impact the influx of foreign students and overall academic and economic contributions.
Thousands of undocumented Indians in the US face lengthy delays for asylum hearings, sometimes waiting until 2027. Detention, deportation threats, and arduous legal processes plague those seeking refuge, while human smugglers advise against claiming political persecution.
The U.S. continues to be the top destination for Indian students in 2024, with a 21% increase in enrolments, reaching a record 331,602 students. This growth, especially in graduate programmes, is driven by the U.S.'s academic excellence, flexible education options, and valuable work experience opportunities like Optional Practical Training (OPT). Despite challenges like visa uncertainties, Indian students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, highlighting the mutual benefits of this... Expand