At 38, Delhi-born Shilpa Chaudhary has taken a path few imagine — trading a civilian routine for military fatigues in the United States Army. An Indian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the US, Chaudhary chose to serve the country that became her adopted home, reflecting both courage and complexity in an era where immigration debates remain deeply polarized. As a Green Card holder, Chaudhary was eligible to enlist under a long-standing US Department of Defense policy that a

Kartik Purnima, also known as Dev Diwali or Tripurari Purnima, is one of the most sacred and spiritually uplifting festivals in the Hindu calendar. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Wednesday, 5th November, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Kartik — the “month of light.” Devotees across India and abroad honor this full moon day with prayers, fasting, charity, and by lighting thousands of lamps that symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board.  The origina

Thousands of demonstrators across the United States took to the streets on Saturday for the “No Kings” protests, a series of nationwide rallies denouncing President Donald Trump’s leadership and the ongoing government shutdown. The events brought a mix of political activism and festive energy to city squares, parks, and the nation’s capital, as participants called for accountability, the protection of democratic institutions, and an end to what they described as authoritarian tendenci

Thousands of Americans gathered across the country on Saturday as part of the expanding “No Kings” protests, a growing grassroots movement challenging the leadership and policies of President Donald Trump. From major metropolitan centers to smaller towns, citizens voiced their concerns over what they describe as an erosion of democratic principles, rising authoritarianism, and government overreach. The movement’s slogan, “No Kings,” symbolizes a call to uphold the constitutional bal

Across the United States, thousands of people gathered on Saturday for large-scale “No Kings” protests to express discontent with the direction of the country under President Donald Trump. Demonstrators filled public squares and streets in major cities, calling for renewed commitment to democracy and denouncing what they described as growing authoritarian behavior in government. Supporters of the president, however, dismissed the demonstrations as unpatriotic, labeling them as “hate rallie

Diwali 2025 Overview Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India and the Indian diaspora globally. In 2025, the main Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Day) falls on: Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 Diwali is observed over five days, starting from Dhanteras (Oct 18) and ending with Bhai Dooj (Oct 22). Amavasya Tithi (New Moon)

Nuclear energy stocks rallied sharply on Wednesday following the U.S. Army’s announcement of a new initiative to deploy small nuclear reactors across military installations. The move has sparked renewed investor optimism in advanced reactor technologies, signaling growing government support for next-generation energy systems designed to meet future power demands. Shares of several nuclear-related companies surged in response to the news. NuScale Power, a pioneer in small modular r

Four people were killed and 12 others injured in a mass shooting that erupted in the early hours of Saturday morning in Leland, Mississippi, according to local officials. Authorities confirmed that the violence occurred on Main Street, an area that had been unusually crowded following Leland High School’s homecoming football game. Mayor John Lee said the tragic incident unfolded while residents were still gathered to celebrate after the game, which had drawn a larger-than-usual crowd to the

  More than 250 flights were delayed Thursday across Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International Airports as the ongoing federal government shutdown continued to affect staffing levels nationwide. According to data from the Chicago Department of Aviation’s flight-tracking portal, FlyChicago, delays began mounting early in the morning and grew steadily through the day, causing widespread frustration among passengers and airlines. As of 11:30 a.m., O’Hare Internat

The State Fair of Texas has officially opened its gates for the 2025 season, bringing with it a mix of exciting new attractions, traditional events, and the kind of festive atmosphere that has made it a landmark in Dallas culture for decades. The fair began its three-week run on Friday morning when Fair Park opened at 10 a.m., followed by the opening day parade at noon. To mark the start of the season, an evening ceremony took place on the steps of the Hall of State at 6:30 p.m., drawing crowds

Singer and viral sensation D4vd has canceled the remaining dates of his United States tour following the discovery of a decomposed body in his impounded Tesla. The 15-year-old girl, identified as Celeste Rivas, was found earlier this month, leading authorities to open a death investigation that has now overshadowed the artist’s career. The young performer, who rose to fame on TikTok with viral songs like “Romantic Homicide,” had been touring since August, with sche

What exactly is a hydrogen bomb, the most destructive weapon ever built? Unlike the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, which relied on the fission of heavy elements like uranium and plutonium, a hydrogen bomb unleashes its fury through a two-stage process that combines nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Fission provides the spark, generating immense heat and pressure, under which isotopes of hydrogen such as deuterium and tritium fuse tog

If you are an NRI parent moving to the United States or already living there, a common question is whether your child’s Indian vaccination certificate will be accepted. The good news is that in most cases the answer is yes, but there are a few important points to keep in mind. Indian vaccination records are generally recognized in the US as long as they are complete, accurate, and clearly documented. The records should include the child’s name, date of birth, vaccine nam

The Trump administration has come under intense criticism after the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) confirmed that nearly ten million dollars’ worth of contraceptives earmarked for people in low-income nations were deliberately destroyed earlier this year. The products, which included birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and hormonal implants valued at $9.7 million, were stored in a warehouse in Belgium before being incinerated at a medical waste facilit

  Immunization is one of the most important public health strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Both India and the United States have their own immunization schedules to ensure children receive the necessary vaccines to protect them from various diseases. However, the vaccination schedules differ in terms of the types of vaccines, the timing of doses, and the age at which they are administered. Understanding these differences is essential for parents, caregiv

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, and dressing up is the highlight of the celebration. Parents often search for fun, creative, and affordable costumes that bring joy to their kids without overspending. With so many options available online and in stores, finding great deals on Halloween costumes has become much easier. The key is knowing where to look and planning early to grab the best discounts.

The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual joint military drill between the Indian Army and the United States Army, commenced on September 1 at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The two-week exercise will run until September 14, bringing together soldiers from both nations to sharpen interoperability, strengthen defence cooperation, and enhance preparedness in multi-domain operations. An Indian Army contingent, drawn from the Madras Regiment, arrived in Alaska to join American tr

  US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, the current head of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, as the new ambassador to India. This decision comes at a time when the relationship between Washington and New Delhi is under stress, particularly over issues related to trade, agriculture, and India’s ties with Russia. The post of ambassador to India has been vacant since January, followi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chavithi, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. In the United States, where over 5.4 million Indians live, the festival has become a vibrant cultural celebration. Families, temples, and community groups come together to perform rituals, organize cultural programs, and immerse idols in rivers or symbolic water tanks.