An Indian American Dhol band from Texas will perform at Donald Trump's inauguration parade, showcasing India's musical traditions to a global audience. The group's presence at the event highlights the growing recognition of Indian culture and the strong cultural ties between the US and India. This performance marks a significant achievement for the ensemble and the Indian community.
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Indian professionals in the US face intensified social media attacks, raising safety concerns among Indian Americans. Leaders like Rishi Kumar and Ajay Bhutoria are advocating for stronger hate crime laws, accountability for social media platforms, and bipartisan support. Tech and industry leaders are urged to condemn the attacks, while President-elect Trump might address immigration reforms.
A 22-year-old student from Telangana was shot dead in Chicago during a robbery at a gas station on September 29. Sai Teja, studying for a Master’s degree in the US, was helping a friend by staying after his shift when he was attacked. Despite handing over cash, he was shot. Efforts are underway to return his body to India.
An Indian-origin Catholic priest, Fr. Arul Carasala, was shot and killed in Seneca, Kansas. Archbishop Joseph Naumann expressed sadness over this senseless violence, highlighting Carasala’s two-decade-long service. Gary L Hermesch has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The community is urged to pray for Carasala, his family, his parish, and the perpetrator.
The Biden administration has finalized new rules modernizing the H-1B visa program, just days before Trump's second inauguration. These changes aim to clarify specialty occupation criteria, offer flexibility to employers and beneficiaries, and enhance program integrity. Key revisions include relaxed degree requirements, deference to prior adjudications, and formalized site visits.
In September 2024, IRCC capped study permit applications to ease pressure on housing and services, reducing international student arrivals by 40%. For 2025, the cap is set at 437,000, a 10% decrease from 2024. Applicants will need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), including master’s and doctoral students, to confirm compliance with caps.
Significant changes to the H-1B visa program have been implemented to enhance fairness, transparency, and efficiency. Notable revisions include stricter specialty occupation requirements, smoother transitions for F-1 visa holders, expanded cap exemptions for research organizations, and strengthened compliance measures, benefiting Indian tech workers and U.S. employers.
The Indian high commission in Ottawa confirmed the fatal stabbing of an Indian national in Rockland, near Ottawa. Local police have taken a suspect into custody. The embassy is coordinating with community groups to provide support to the bereaved family, emphasizing their close contact with local authorities.
A Kuwait-based NRI confessed in a selfie video to murdering his 12-year-old daughter's alleged molester in Andhra Pradesh. He claimed police inaction after his wife reported the molestation forced him to take matters into his own hands. Police deny receiving a complaint and suggest a family dispute and conspiracy are involved.
The number of Indian students at IE University, Madrid, has surged by 200% in the last decade, with over 170 students enrolled for Master's and Bachelor's courses in 2024-25. The university's focus on English-speaking courses and globalisation of education has attracted more Indian talent. The IE Foundation offers scholarships to deserving students, including 45 Indian beneficiaries through the Young Talented Leader Programme. IE aims to further increase its Indian student population, fostering... Expand
Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has launched an enquiry into Fannie Mae’s mass firing of 700 employees, mostly Indian Americans, over alleged misuse of a corporate grant programme. The workers deny wrongdoing. Subramanyam, backed by Congressmen Krishnamoorthi and Thanedar, has demanded answers from Fannie Mae’s leadership, citing concerns about due process, discrimination, and lack of investigation.