Why NRIs Should Buy Health & Term Insurance in India: GST Refund, Tax Benefits & Secure Coverage
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), securing health and term insurance for themselves and their families back in India is more than just a financial obligation—it is a critical step toward safeguarding their loved ones and managing long-term security. As global citizens, NRIs often weigh the pros and cons of buying insurance in their country of residence versus opting for policies in India. What tips the scale in favor of Indian insurance are three strong reasons: affordability, extensive
Why NRIs Should Buy Health & Term Insurance in India: GST Refund, Tax Benefits & Secure Coverage
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), securing health and term insurance for themselves and their families back in India is more than just a financial obligation—it is a critical step toward safeguarding their loved ones and managing long-term security. As global citizens, NRIs often weigh the pros and cons of buying insurance in their country of residence versus opting for policies in India. What tips the scale in favor of Indian insurance are three strong reasons: affordability, extensive
White House Fires Officials After Trump’s Meeting With Far-Right Activist Laura Loomer
The White House has dismissed multiple administration officials following a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer. Among those ousted were at least three National Security Council (NSC) staffers, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision came after Loomer reportedly provided Trump with a list of officials she deemed disloyal, urging their removal. Loomer, a controversial figure known for her extreme views, has gained influence
White House Fires Officials After Trump’s Meeting With Far-Right Activist Laura Loomer
The White House has dismissed multiple administration officials following a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer. Among those ousted were at least three National Security Council (NSC) staffers, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision came after Loomer reportedly provided Trump with a list of officials she deemed disloyal, urging their removal. Loomer, a controversial figure known for her extreme views, has gained influence
Missed the 2026 H-1B Lottery? Here Are Alternative U.S. Visa Options for Indian Applicants
The results of the 2026 H-1B visa lottery have left thousands of hopeful Indian professionals facing disappointment. The high demand once again overwhelmed the limited supply of available slots, with only 65,000 positions under the regular cap and an additional 20,000 allocated for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. Despite the odds, not being selected in this competitive lottery doesn't necessarily spell the end of the road. For those who weren’t chosen, there
Missed the 2026 H-1B Lottery? Here Are Alternative U.S. Visa Options for Indian Applicants
The results of the 2026 H-1B visa lottery have left thousands of hopeful Indian professionals facing disappointment. The high demand once again overwhelmed the limited supply of available slots, with only 65,000 positions under the regular cap and an additional 20,000 allocated for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. Despite the odds, not being selected in this competitive lottery doesn't necessarily spell the end of the road. For those who weren’t chosen, there
Top Trends From Lakme Fashion Week 2025: Indian Crafts, Athleisure Glam & Playful Menswear
Indian fashion stepped into a future rooted in its rich past and creative present at the Lakme Fashion Week 2025, held in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The five-day event celebrated sustainability, tradition, playfulness, and inclusivity while offering a fresh perspective on modern Indian style. From experimental menswear to corset couture and textile innovation, the runway painted a dynamic portrait of what lies ahead. Among the standout themes was the reviva
Top Trends From Lakme Fashion Week 2025: Indian Crafts, Athleisure Glam & Playful Menswear
Indian fashion stepped into a future rooted in its rich past and creative present at the Lakme Fashion Week 2025, held in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The five-day event celebrated sustainability, tradition, playfulness, and inclusivity while offering a fresh perspective on modern Indian style. From experimental menswear to corset couture and textile innovation, the runway painted a dynamic portrait of what lies ahead. Among the standout themes was the reviva
Over 250 Stranded at Turkey’s Diyarbakir Airport After Virgin Atlantic Flight Makes Emergency Landing
More than 250 passengers, including several Indian nationals, have been stranded for over 30 hours at Diyarbakir Airport in southeastern Turkey following an emergency landing by a Virgin Atlantic flight. The aircraft, operating under flight number VS358, had departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11:40 a.m. local time on April 2 and was due to arrive in Mumbai at 1:40 a.m. IST on April 3. However, a medical emergency on board forced the aircraft to divert and land unexpectedly at Diyarba
Over 250 Stranded at Turkey’s Diyarbakir Airport After Virgin Atlantic Flight Makes Emergency Landing
More than 250 passengers, including several Indian nationals, have been stranded for over 30 hours at Diyarbakir Airport in southeastern Turkey following an emergency landing by a Virgin Atlantic flight. The aircraft, operating under flight number VS358, had departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11:40 a.m. local time on April 2 and was due to arrive in Mumbai at 1:40 a.m. IST on April 3. However, a medical emergency on board forced the aircraft to divert and land unexpectedly at Diyarba
BCCI Central Contracts 2025: Shreyas Iyer Likely to Return, Retainership System Explained
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to announce its annual central contracts for the senior men’s cricket team in April, with significant changes expected across various categories. Among the most talked-about developments is the anticipated return of Shreyas Iyer to the list after a notable absence last year due to multiple controversies. Iyer, who captains Punjab Kings in the IPL, had been dropped from the BCCI's central contracts in the 2023-24 cycle. Ho
BCCI Central Contracts 2025: Shreyas Iyer Likely to Return, Retainership System Explained
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to announce its annual central contracts for the senior men’s cricket team in April, with significant changes expected across various categories. Among the most talked-about developments is the anticipated return of Shreyas Iyer to the list after a notable absence last year due to multiple controversies. Iyer, who captains Punjab Kings in the IPL, had been dropped from the BCCI's central contracts in the 2023-24 cycle. Ho
Indian Techies in U.S. Face Uncertainty Amid Trump’s Immigration Policy and H-1B Visa Fears
Thousands of immigrant tech workers, especially Indians living in the United States, are currently facing unprecedented uncertainty regarding their future due to President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on strict immigration policies. The tightening of these policies has left many H-1B visa holders—including employees at top tech companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft—concerned about their job security, ability to travel internationally, and even the citizenship st
Indian Techies in U.S. Face Uncertainty Amid Trump’s Immigration Policy and H-1B Visa Fears
Thousands of immigrant tech workers, especially Indians living in the United States, are currently facing unprecedented uncertainty regarding their future due to President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on strict immigration policies. The tightening of these policies has left many H-1B visa holders—including employees at top tech companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft—concerned about their job security, ability to travel internationally, and even the citizenship st
University of Minnesota Graduate Detained by ICE Over DUI, Not Protests
This month, a University of Minnesota graduate student was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking significant concern and protests among students and faculty. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the student's involvement in campus protests, federal officials confirmed that the detention was related to a prior criminal history, specifically a DUI arrest, and the subsequent revocation of the student's visa by the U.S. Department of State. The Department of Ho
University of Minnesota Graduate Detained by ICE Over DUI, Not Protests
This month, a University of Minnesota graduate student was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking significant concern and protests among students and faculty. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the student's involvement in campus protests, federal officials confirmed that the detention was related to a prior criminal history, specifically a DUI arrest, and the subsequent revocation of the student's visa by the U.S. Department of State. The Department of Ho
EU Advises Citizens to Stockpile Essentials for Crisis Preparedness Amid Growing Threats
The European Union has issued a new set of guidelines urging its 450 million citizens to prepare for potential crises by stockpiling essential supplies. These supplies, which should last for at least 72 hours, include food, water, medicine, flashlights, and other critical items. The EU’s recommendation comes as part of an updated security strategy, considering the rising global threats that Europe faces today, including warfare, cyberattacks, the impacts of
EU Advises Citizens to Stockpile Essentials for Crisis Preparedness Amid Growing Threats
The European Union has issued a new set of guidelines urging its 450 million citizens to prepare for potential crises by stockpiling essential supplies. These supplies, which should last for at least 72 hours, include food, water, medicine, flashlights, and other critical items. The EU’s recommendation comes as part of an updated security strategy, considering the rising global threats that Europe faces today, including warfare, cyberattacks, the impacts of
Indian Students in US Must Follow Local Laws, Ministry of External Affairs Warns
Indian students studying in the United States have been reminded of the importance of adhering to local laws by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This warning comes after two high-profile incidents involving Indian nationals that raised concerns about visa violations and political activity, with one individual being detained and another reportedly self-deporting. The cases in question involved accusations of support for Hamas, and the incidents hav
Indian Students in US Must Follow Local Laws, Ministry of External Affairs Warns
Indian students studying in the United States have been reminded of the importance of adhering to local laws by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This warning comes after two high-profile incidents involving Indian nationals that raised concerns about visa violations and political activity, with one individual being detained and another reportedly self-deporting. The cases in question involved accusations of support for Hamas, and the incidents hav
The Rise of IPL: How Lalit Modi's Vision Revolutionized Indian Cricket
Like all iconic stories that blur the lines between myth and reality, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has a fascinating origin that began with an ambitious prediction on the front page of a Rajasthan newspaper. On December 4, 2003, Rajasthan residents woke up to a bold forecast in two major Hindi dailies: 'BJP 120-plus; bye-bye Ashok Gehlot.' By the evening of the same day, that prediction had come true. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 120 seats in the Rajasthan assembly elec
The Rise of IPL: How Lalit Modi's Vision Revolutionized Indian Cricket
Like all iconic stories that blur the lines between myth and reality, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has a fascinating origin that began with an ambitious prediction on the front page of a Rajasthan newspaper. On December 4, 2003, Rajasthan residents woke up to a bold forecast in two major Hindi dailies: 'BJP 120-plus; bye-bye Ashok Gehlot.' By the evening of the same day, that prediction had come true. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 120 seats in the Rajasthan assembly elec
Understanding US Green Card Scrutiny: Rights, Risks, and Legal Recourse for Indians
The recent increase in scrutiny of Green Card holders in the United States has raised concerns among Indian immigrants and their families. Indians make up the second-largest group of individuals gaining US citizenship or Green Cards, with 49,700 Indians naturalized in FY 2024, accounting for 6.1% of new US citizens. However, a growing number of incidents involving detentions, secondary inspections, and even deportations have sparked fear and confusion among Indian Green Card holders in the US
Understanding US Green Card Scrutiny: Rights, Risks, and Legal Recourse for Indians
The recent increase in scrutiny of Green Card holders in the United States has raised concerns among Indian immigrants and their families. Indians make up the second-largest group of individuals gaining US citizenship or Green Cards, with 49,700 Indians naturalized in FY 2024, accounting for 6.1% of new US citizens. However, a growing number of incidents involving detentions, secondary inspections, and even deportations have sparked fear and confusion among Indian Green Card holders in the US
LIC Urges RBI to Introduce 100-Year Government Bonds for Long-Term Investments
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to introduce long-term government bonds, including 100-year bonds, to support their investment strategies for whole life insurance policies. This request was confirmed by Siddhartha Mohanty, Managing Director and Chief Executive of LIC, during an event in Mumbai. Speaking on the sidelines of the GCA25 conference, Mohanty explained that LIC’s investment portfolio heavily depends on long-term bonds to
LIC Urges RBI to Introduce 100-Year Government Bonds for Long-Term Investments
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to introduce long-term government bonds, including 100-year bonds, to support their investment strategies for whole life insurance policies. This request was confirmed by Siddhartha Mohanty, Managing Director and Chief Executive of LIC, during an event in Mumbai. Speaking on the sidelines of the GCA25 conference, Mohanty explained that LIC’s investment portfolio heavily depends on long-term bonds to
PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Eye Swiss Open Glory as Indian Shuttlers Dominate Draw
Indian badminton stars PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen are set to continue their quest for top form at the Swiss Open 2025 in Basel, starting Tuesday. The USD 250,000 BWF Super 300 tournament will witness a strong Indian presence across multiple categories. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, seeded seventh, will face compatriot Malvika Bansod in a much-anticipated opening-round clash. This intriguing encounter between India's top female shuttlers will highlight the battle of experience versu
PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Eye Swiss Open Glory as Indian Shuttlers Dominate Draw
Indian badminton stars PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen are set to continue their quest for top form at the Swiss Open 2025 in Basel, starting Tuesday. The USD 250,000 BWF Super 300 tournament will witness a strong Indian presence across multiple categories. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, seeded seventh, will face compatriot Malvika Bansod in a much-anticipated opening-round clash. This intriguing encounter between India's top female shuttlers will highlight the battle of experience versu
Amritsar Temple Blast Suspect Killed in Police Encounter; Second Accused Escapes
A suspect involved in the Amritsar temple blast was killed in a police encounter, while another suspect managed to escape, Punjab Police confirmed on Monday. The encounter took place after officers tracked down the accused in the Rajasansi area of Amritsar. The incident stems from the March 15 explosion outside the Thakur Dwara Temple in Amritsar, where an unidentified individual hurled an explosive device toward the temple premises. The blast caused damage to the temple’s wall and shat
Amritsar Temple Blast Suspect Killed in Police Encounter; Second Accused Escapes
A suspect involved in the Amritsar temple blast was killed in a police encounter, while another suspect managed to escape, Punjab Police confirmed on Monday. The encounter took place after officers tracked down the accused in the Rajasansi area of Amritsar. The incident stems from the March 15 explosion outside the Thakur Dwara Temple in Amritsar, where an unidentified individual hurled an explosive device toward the temple premises. The blast caused damage to the temple’s wall and shat
US Tariffs May Reduce Indian Exports by 3-3.5%, SBI Research Predicts Minimal Impact
The United States is set to impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Indian exports. While traders remain uneasy about the impact on export-driven sectors, a report by SBI Research suggests that India's economy is resilient enough to withstand these changes with minimal consequences. According to SBI Research, the newly imposed US tariffs are projected to result in only a 3-3.5% decline in Indian exports. Despite the tariff hike, India&rs
US Tariffs May Reduce Indian Exports by 3-3.5%, SBI Research Predicts Minimal Impact
The United States is set to impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Indian exports. While traders remain uneasy about the impact on export-driven sectors, a report by SBI Research suggests that India's economy is resilient enough to withstand these changes with minimal consequences. According to SBI Research, the newly imposed US tariffs are projected to result in only a 3-3.5% decline in Indian exports. Despite the tariff hike, India&rs
Trump Administration Plans New Travel Ban Targeting 41 Countries
The Trump administration is reportedly considering implementing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries as part of a proposed travel ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The internal memo outlines three distinct groups of countries facing varying levels of visa restrictions. In the first group, a total of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, are listed for a full visa suspension. Thi
Trump Administration Plans New Travel Ban Targeting 41 Countries
The Trump administration is reportedly considering implementing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries as part of a proposed travel ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The internal memo outlines three distinct groups of countries facing varying levels of visa restrictions. In the first group, a total of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, are listed for a full visa suspension. Thi
Holika Dahan 2025: Date, Muhurta, Rituals, and Significance of Chhoti Holi
Holika Dahan, also known as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi, is a revered Hindu festival celebrated on the eve of Holi. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the burning of an effigy representing the mythical demoness Holika. It is observed on the full moon night of the Phalgun month as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Holika Dahan falls on Thursday, March 13, 2025, with the auspicious Holika Dahan Muhurta scheduled between 11:26 PM and 12:31 AM (March 14).
Holika Dahan 2025: Date, Muhurta, Rituals, and Significance of Chhoti Holi
Holika Dahan, also known as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi, is a revered Hindu festival celebrated on the eve of Holi. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the burning of an effigy representing the mythical demoness Holika. It is observed on the full moon night of the Phalgun month as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Holika Dahan falls on Thursday, March 13, 2025, with the auspicious Holika Dahan Muhurta scheduled between 11:26 PM and 12:31 AM (March 14).
NPCI Rule Update: Banks to Remove Inactive Mobile Numbers from UPI IDs by March 31, 2025
Many users have faced difficulties in removing old or inactive mobile numbers linked to their UPI ID, leading to security risks and potential fraud. However, a new directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will simplify this process. By March 31, 2025, all banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) offering UPI services must update their databases to automatically remove inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The new rule is aimed at reducing errors and fraud that may ari
NPCI Rule Update: Banks to Remove Inactive Mobile Numbers from UPI IDs by March 31, 2025
Many users have faced difficulties in removing old or inactive mobile numbers linked to their UPI ID, leading to security risks and potential fraud. However, a new directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will simplify this process. By March 31, 2025, all banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) offering UPI services must update their databases to automatically remove inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The new rule is aimed at reducing errors and fraud that may ari
American Woman Lists 10 Things She Loves About Living in India That the US is Missing Out On
An American woman named Kristen Fischer, who has been living in India for nearly four years, recently shared her insights about things she has experienced in India that she believes would make life easier in the United States. In her now-viral Instagram video, Kristen listed ten things that impressed her about India's lifestyle, infrastructure, and services. From digital convenience to healthcare accessibility, these factors highlight what she considers significant advantages that India o
American Woman Lists 10 Things She Loves About Living in India That the US is Missing Out On
An American woman named Kristen Fischer, who has been living in India for nearly four years, recently shared her insights about things she has experienced in India that she believes would make life easier in the United States. In her now-viral Instagram video, Kristen listed ten things that impressed her about India's lifestyle, infrastructure, and services. From digital convenience to healthcare accessibility, these factors highlight what she considers significant advantages that India o









