Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, including Florida-based techie Bitan Adhikari, India launched Operation Sindoor. Bitan's widow, Soheni, expressed relief, stating the action brought a sense of justice and peace to her husband's soul. She appreciated the operation's name, symbolizing her loss.
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Indian-origin neurosurgeon Dr Rajesh Bindal from Houston has been fined over $2 million for fraudulently billing Medicare and FEHBP for surgeries he did not perform. Bindal allegedly taped devices behind patients' ears instead of conducting proper surgeries and, in some cases, allowed unqualified individuals to perform the procedures. Authorities emphasized the importance of accountability in federal healthcare programs.
A woman was captured on video being racist towards Pervez Taufiq and his Indian American family during a United Airlines transfer bus ride in Los Angeles. The incident followed her alleged harassment of Taufiq’s son during their flight. United Airlines staff intervened after bystanders confirmed her as the aggressor, leading to her removal from the bus.
Varun Soni's new travelogue, "India Beyond Metros: Dekho Apna Bharat," invites readers to explore 50 lesser-known Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Launched by the Brunei High Commissioner, the book offers a practical guide to these unexplored destinations, showcasing their unique culture and charm. Soni encourages travelers to discover the heart of India beyond the major metropolises.
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.
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.
A 20-year-old Indian national is facing charges in Singapore for allegedly molesting a female cabin crew member on a flight. The incident occurred when the accused reportedly grabbed and pushed the crew member into a lavatory while she was assisting a passenger.
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.
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.
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.
H-1B visa denial rates have plummeted, contrasting sharply with the Trump era's restrictive policies. This drop is attributed to policy reversals and court rulings, benefiting both high-skilled foreign workers and US employers, particularly in the tech sector. However, concerns remain about potential renewed restrictions under a future Trump administration.