Indian-American student Megha Vemuri, who served as president of MIT’s Class of 2025, has been banned from participating in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s undergraduate commencement ceremony. The decision came after she delivered a strongly worded pro-Palestine speech during a campus event held just one day prior to graduation. Vemuri was set to play a prominent role as marshal during the cer

India has urged the United States to ensure that student visa applications from Indian nationals are processed on merit and without unnecessary delays. This appeal follows growing unease among Indian students over recent changes to US visa regulations, which many fear could disrupt their academic plans just as they prepare for the upcoming academic semester. A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the United States’ sovereign right to grant or deny v

India has confirmed that over a thousand of its nationals have been deported or have voluntarily returned from the United States since January 2025, amid intensified immigration enforcement. The Ministry of External Affairs revealed this during a recent press briefing, highlighting cooperation between the two countries on migration-related issues. According to the ministry spokesperson, around 62% of these individuals returned on commercial flights. The rest were likely deported t

Indian-American entrepreneur and Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy recently took to social media to share a heartfelt message celebrating his 10th wedding anniversary with wife Apoorva. However, what should have been a touching tribute to their love story quickly turned into a target for online hate, as users posted a barrage of racist and anti-immigrant remarks, many of them telling the couple to “go back to India.” In his anniversary post on X , Ramaswamy shared tw

In a move that has sent ripples through the global education landscape, the Trump administration announced on Tuesday, May 27, that no new student visa interviews will be scheduled at US embassies worldwide. This sudden policy change is part of a broader strategy to restrict the number of international students entering the United States and has been confirmed through a diplomatic cable issued by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Alongside the freeze on visa interviews, the administration al

Two human traffickers have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a deadly smuggling operation that led to the tragic deaths of four Indian nationals, including two young children, in a 2022 blizzard along the US-Canada border. The case, described by prosecutors as “heartbreaking and horrific,” exposed the dangers of cross-border trafficking networks. According to the US Department of Justice, Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison f

The Trump administration, currently embroiled in multiple legal battles over its controversial executive orders, has urged a New York court not to place a stay on President Donald Trump’s tariffs order. In a dramatic appeal, administration officials warned that halting the tariffs could not only harm American economic interests but also destabilize fragile peace agreements and undermine global diplomacy. Citing examples such as the tense India-Pakistan standoff and ongoing trade talks w

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan has issued a strong cautionary message about the future of the United States economy, highlighting the dangers posed by continued political interference in the flow of international students to American universities. Speaking in an interview, Rajan warned that recent visa policy changes and administrative tightening could have long-term negative consequences on the country's global innovation leadership, economic vitality, and competiti

The Trump administration has ordered US consulates worldwide to pause new student visa interviews, as reported by Politico. This directive comes as part of a broader effort to implement social media vetting for all foreign students applying to study in the United States. The move is expected to create significant delays in visa processing and could also put a financial strain on US universities that depend heavily on international student enrolment. According to documents signe

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, originally identified in China, has now reached the United States, prompting concern among health officials due to its rapid spread and high transmissibility. Detected first in travelers arriving between March and April in states including California, New York, Washington, Virginia, and Hawaii, the variant has since appeared in Ohio and Rhode Island, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant has become dominant i

President Donald Trump commemorated Memorial Day by honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen military personnel during a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Standing before a crowd gathered at the hallowed site, Trump delivered a passionate and emotional speech, describing the fallen as “great, great warriors” and “America’s best and bravest.” His tribute was marked by reverence, personal stories of heroism, and a brief moment of poli

 In a powerful display of unity and remembrance, more than 20,000 people marched through Dallas this weekend as part of the Carry The Load Memorial Day event, one of the largest remembrance gatherings in the country. Spanning over 20 hours and culminating in a silent midnight walk and a closing ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Memorial Day, the march offered a deeply emotional tribute to fallen U.S. military members and first responders. Organized by the Carry The Load Foundation, the

Many American travelers are rethinking their summer travel plans in 2025 as political tensions and global perceptions shift. Traditionally enthusiastic about overseas travel, one Georgia-based couple had intended to visit South Korea this August, even finalizing their hotel reservations. However, rising unease surrounding U.S. international policies and increasingly strained relations with other nations prompted them to cancel their plans. Instead of jetting off to Seoul, they opted for a dom

The rollback of the proposed 5% remittance tax to 3.5% by the United States government has brought major relief to Indian migrants who regularly send money home. On a $10,000 transfer, senders now save $150 (₹12,000), which is a significant benefit for families depending on overseas income for essential needs such as healthcare, education, and daily expenses. The move is especially helpful for workers in service and labor-intensive industries. India continues to be the top recipie

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now emerging in the United States after becoming dominant in China and causing a significant rise in cases across Asia. U.S. health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the variant closely as scientists continue to analyze whether NB.1.8.1 poses greater risks in terms of transmission, severity, and resistance to existing vaccines. The variant was initially identified in Asia, particularly in Ch

Memorial Day 2025, observed on Monday, May 26, is not only a time for honoring fallen U.S. military heroes but also a cherished moment for Americans to gather, reflect, and travel. With the long weekend offering a perfect break from routine, Urban Express presents this travel guide featuring top destinations, practical travel tips, and exclusive offers to make your journey smooth and meaningful. Best Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the U.S. Whether

Memorial Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, May 26, marking one of the most solemn and meaningful national holidays in the United States. The day serves as a tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died while serving their country. It is a time of remembrance, reflection, and patriotic honor. History and Origin of Memorial Day Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began after the American Civil War as a way to honor Union so

President Trump’s newly introduced legislative proposal, titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has sparked significant reactions both domestically and internationally. Calling it the most significant piece of legislation in the history of the country, President Trump urged the Senate to pass it quickly after its narrow approval in the House of Representatives by a margin of 215–214. The bill sets forth comprehensive reforms including tax restructuring, reduced feder

Clean energy companies faced a significant sell-off after a new tax bill proposed in the United States triggered deep concerns across the renewable energy sector. Stocks of major US-based renewable energy firms such as Sunrun, the largest rooftop solar company in the country, and NextEra Energy, the leading developer of solar and wind energy projects, recorded sharp declines in a single trading session. Losses ranged between 7% and an alarming 37%, shaking investor confidence and dragging dow

 In a high-profile crackdown, the Anakapalli District Police have dismantled an international cybercrime syndicate based in Achyutapuram, Andhra Pradesh. The scam, which impersonated Amazon’s customer support team, targeted unsuspecting US citizens in a sophisticated multi-layered fraud operation. Authorities arrested 33 individuals during coordinated raids across three locations on May 22. The operation, led by the Anakapalli Superintendent of Police and based on a compl