The H-1B visa fee ruling has eased concerns for Indian students, skilled workers and US employers after a federal judge in Boston blocked the Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions. US District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled on Monday, June 8, 2026, that the fee was unlawful because it effectively operated as a tax on H-1B petitions without approval from Congress. The policy, announced on Friday, September 19, 2025, had raised immediate concern among stud

Traveling from India to Dallas for university is exciting, but packing for the first time can feel confusing. Many students worry about what to carry, what to avoid, how much grocery to pack and which items should go in cabin baggage. This guide gives a practical packing checklist for Indian students moving to Dallas. The goal is simple: carry what helps you during the first few weeks and buy heavy, common items after reaching the United States. Check Your Baggage

For Indian students traveling to Dallas for the first time, grocery packing can be confusing. Many students wonder whether they should carry rice, dal, atta, masalas, snacks, ready-to-eat packets or other food items from India. The simple answer is this: carry only a small grocery starter kit for the first one or two weeks. Dallas has a large Indian community and good Indian grocery availability, so students do not need to fill their luggage with food. For most students, grocery packing should be about first-week comfort, not long-term storage. How Much Grocery Should Indian Students Carry to Dallas? For most Indian students, 3 kg to 4 kg of groceries is enough. Even if a student has around 44 kg to 46 kg of check-in luggage, groceries should take only a small part of that space. The remaining luggage is more useful for clothes, winter wear, documents, medicines, laptop items, shoes and student essentials. A practical grocery weight plan looks like this: Spices and masalas: 500g to 700g Ready-to-eat food: 1 kg to 1.5 kg Instant mixes: 500g to 800g Snacks and biscuits: 500g to 800g Tea, coffee or small pickle: 300g to 500g Total ideal grocery weight: 2.5 kg to 3.5 kg Maximum suggested grocery weight: 4 kg Why Carry Groceries From India? Indian students should carry groceries mainly for convenience during the first few days after landing. After reaching Dallas, students may be busy with airport travel, housing setup, university formalities, SIM card, bank account work and transportation. During this time, a few ready-to-eat packets, instant mixes and familiar snacks can be helpful. Some students may also prefer carrying their favorite regional masalas, chutney powder, sambar powder, rasam powder or tea brand because the exact taste may not be immediately available near their apartment. However, students should not treat groceries as the main part of their luggage. Best Grocery Items to Carry From India Students should carry only sealed, branded and commercially packed food items. Good options include: Ready-to-eat vegetarian packets Carry 4 to 6 packets. These are useful during the first few days when cooking may not be possible. Instant breakfast mixes Carry 2 to 3 packets of poha, upma, idli mix, dosa mix or similar items. Small masala packets Carry limited quantities of turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala, sambar powder, rasam powder or biryani masala. Regional taste items Students can carry chutney powder, special spice mix or a favorite regional masala if it is properly sealed and labelled. Tea or coffee Carry one small pack if you prefer a specific Indian brand. Snacks Carry 3 to 5 small packets of biscuits, namkeen, khakhra, chikki or dry snacks for travel and the first week. Pickle Carry only one small sealed branded bottle if needed. Pack it carefully in check-in baggage to avoid leakage. What Not to Carry From India: Buy These in Dallas Instead Indian students traveling to Dallas should avoid carrying heavy daily groceries such as rice, dal, atta, oil, ghee, sugar and salt. These items are easily available in Indian grocery stores across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and can be bought after arrival. Carrying these items from India usually does not help much because they take up luggage space, add weight quickly and are not difficult to find in Dallas. A student’s check-in baggage is better used for clothes, winter wear, documents, medicines, personal items and first-week essentials. Students should also avoid carrying fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, curry leaves, coriander leaves, mint leaves, seeds, plants, soil, homemade pickles, homemade chutneys, meat products, egg-based food items and loose masala powders without original labels. These items may create problems during U.S. customs inspection. For regular cooking after arrival, students can buy rice, dal, atta, oil, ghee, vegetables, paneer, frozen chapati, dosa batter, snacks and larger masala packs from local Indian grocery stores in Dallas. The best approach is simple: carry only 3 kg to 4 kg of sealed, dry, branded food items from India and buy heavy regular groceries after reaching Dallas. Should Groceries Go in Check-In or Cabin Baggage? Students should keep almost all groceries in check-in baggage. Check-in baggage is better for: Masala powders Sambar powder Rasam powder Chutney powder Ready-to-eat packets Instant mixes Pickle bottles Tea or coffee Snacks in larger quantities Cabin baggage should carry only small travel snacks such as biscuits, dry fruits, chocolate, protein bars or one small namkeen packet. Avoid keeping pickle, chutney, liquid food, large masala packets or too many powders in cabin baggage. This can create extra security checking during travel. How to Pack Groceries Safely Students should keep grocery packing simple and clean. Use original sealed packets. Do not open and repack masalas into plain covers. Keep all food items together in one transparent plastic bag or pouch inside checked baggage. Double-wrap pickle or liquid-based items. Avoid glass bottles if possible. Keep food away from clothes. Do not carry anything that smells strongly or leaks easily. Keep total grocery weight below 4 kg. U.S. Customs Rule: Declare Food Items Students should declare all food items when entering the United States. If asked at the airport, students can clearly say: “I have sealed Indian dry spices, vegetarian ready-to-eat packets, tea and snacks. I am not carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seeds or plants.” Declaring food is safer than hiding it. If an officer decides that an item is not allowed, it may be removed, but proper declaration helps avoid bigger problems. What to Buy After Reaching Dallas After arrival, students can buy regular cooking items locally. See our guide to Indian grocery stores in Dallas-Fort Worth for nearby stores, timings and shopping options.   After reaching Dallas, students can buy regular Indian groceries locally instead of carrying heavy items from India. Indian grocery stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area usually sell daily cooking items, Indian snacks, masalas, frozen foods, fresh vegetables and other student-friendly groceries. After arrival, students can use local Indian grocery stores for regular purchases. For store options, read our guide to Indian grocery stores in Dallas-Fort Worth. Final Grocery Packing Checklist Carry from India: 4 to 6 ready-to-eat vegetarian packets 2 to 3 instant breakfast mixes Small masala packets Sambar powder or rasam powder Chutney powder or regional spice mix Tea or coffee A few snacks One small sealed pickle bottle, optional Keep grocery weight around 3 kg to 4 kg maximum. Final Advice for Indian Students Students planning their complete luggage can also read our full India to Dallas student packing checklist for documents, clothes, toiletries, medicines, cabin bag items and first-week essentials   For Indian students traveling to Dallas, groceries should be a small comfort kit, not a major part of luggage. The smartest plan is to carry a few sealed food items for the first week and buy regular groceries after reaching Dallas. This keeps luggage lighter, reduces customs risk and gives students more space for important items. Students planning their complete luggage can also read our full India to Dallas student packing checklist.

The NEET UG 2026 exam was canceled after a confirmed paper leak, and a re-examination is scheduled for June 21 with admit cards available from June 14. Students can choose their exam city to reduce travel and ensure a fair testing process.   NEET 2026 Paper Leak Confirmed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 exam conducted on May 3 was compromised due to a leak facilitated through circulating guess papers. Complaints received by May 7 prompted the National Testing Agency to coordinate with central and state authorities for an immediate investigation. By May 12, officials confirmed that the original question paper had indeed been leaked. Pradhan acknowledged a “breach in the chain of command” and stated that the government is taking full responsibility for the lapse. To protect honest candidates from the effects of an organized network of fraudsters, referred to as the “education mafia,” the May 3 exam was canceled. Re-Examination Scheduled and Exam City Choice The NEET UG 2026 re-examination has been scheduled for June 21, 2026. Students will be allowed to select their preferred exam city to reduce travel burdens and ensure smoother logistics for lakhs of candidates. Admit cards will be released on June 14, and candidates can download them using their existing application credentials. Officials clarified that no fresh registration or additional fee is required, and all previous application data and exam center selections remain valid. The decision ensures fairness while maintaining the integrity of the national testing system. Transition to Computer-Based Testing From next year, NEET will shift to a computer-based test (CBT) format. This move aims to enhance exam security, reduce the risk of paper leaks, and align the test with other major competitive examinations. Students will need to adapt to digital testing methods, which will affect MBBS, BDS, and allied medical course aspirants. Investigation and Future Measures The government has ordered a CBI probe into the paper leak. Investigators are examining possible breaches at the printing and distribution stages, as well as circulation through WhatsApp and other channels. Over 22 lakh students had appeared for the original NEET UG 2026 exam. The Education Ministry emphasized that the re-exam and future digital testing reforms are designed to restore confidence in the competitive examination system and protect the interests of students nationwide. Candidates and parents are advised to monitor official NTA notifications for updates on exam schedules and guidelines.

The Karnataka High Court has clarified that SSLC students will be awarded marks, not grades, for the third language in the current academic year. The court emphasised that any changes to examination rules, including the introduction of a grading system, can only be implemented from the next academic session and not midway through an ongoing year. The court further directed the state government to evaluate the recently concluded Senior School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations s

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a significant step towards modernizing India’s education system by introducing artificial intelligence learning for students starting from Class 3. This move reflects the growing importance of digital literacy and emerging technologies in shaping the future workforce. By incorporating AI concepts at an early stage, CBSE aims to ensure that students are not just consumers of technology but also understand its fundamentals and applications. The initiative is part of a broader effort to align school education with global technological trends and prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital world. Under this new curriculum, young learners will be introduced to basic concepts of artificial intelligence through interactive and activity-based learning methods. Instead of complex coding, the focus will be on developing logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how AI impacts everyday life. Students will engage in simple exercises, games, and real-life examples to grasp how machines can learn and make decisions. This foundational approach ensures that children build curiosity and confidence in technology without feeling overwhelmed. Curriculum Focus and Implementation The AI curriculum for primary classes is designed to be age-appropriate and engaging. CBSE has collaborated with education experts and technology partners to create content that is both informative and easy to understand. Teachers will also receive specialized training to effectively deliver AI-related lessons in classrooms. The board plans to integrate AI topics with existing subjects, making learning more interdisciplinary and practical. This approach will help students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, enhancing their overall learning experience. Impact on Students and Future Education Introducing AI learning at an early stage is expected to have a long-term impact on students’ academic and career paths. As industries increasingly rely on automation and data-driven technologies, early exposure to AI will give students a competitive edge. It will also encourage innovation and creativity among young minds, enabling them to think beyond traditional career options. Parents and educators have largely welcomed this move, seeing it as a progressive step toward building a tech-savvy generation. With this initiative, CBSE reinforces its commitment to evolving education standards and preparing students for the challenges of the future. The inclusion of artificial intelligence in the curriculum marks a shift from rote learning to skill-based education, ensuring that students are better equipped to navigate and contribute to a technology-driven world.  

A tragic road accident in the eastern Kazakhstan city of Oskemen has resulted in the death of an Indian student and left two others injured, according to confirmation from the Indian Embassy in the country. The incident involved a group of Indian medical students enrolled at Semey Medical University who were returning from an excursion to the Altai Mountains, a well-known destination in the region. The accident has deeply affected the Indian student community and raised renewed concerns over stu

The killing of a 20-year-old Indian student near a major Canadian university has sparked widespread shock, fear, and concern among international students, particularly those from India studying in Canada. Shivank Avasthi, an Indian doctoral student, was shot dead in a fatal incident close to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, an area that students routinely use for commuting and recreation. According to the

Washington: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of automatic extensions for certain Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), a policy change that will have significant consequences for thousands of foreign professionals, students, and asylum seekers working in the country. The change, effective October 30, removes the automatic renewal grace period that previously allowed eligible workers to continue employment while their EAD renewal applications w

Artificial Intelligence is one of the fastest-growing career fields across the world, and Indian students are in a unique position to make a strong impact in this space. With global companies investing heavily in AI research and applications, the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. To succeed, students need more than just theoretical knowledge—they must combine technical skills, practical exposure, and the right mindset to stand out. The first foundation for

In recent years, Indian youth in the United States have increasingly turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to build innovative startups and disrupt traditional industries. With strong technical backgrounds and global exposure, they are creating smart, scalable, and solution-driven business ideas that are attracting investor interest and market demand. One of the top sectors Indian youth are focusing on is healthcare AI. Startups are using machine learning to develo

Teenagers in India are not just using Artificial Intelligence — they are creating with it. From building AI-powered apps to solving social challenges through machine learning, Indian school students are standing out in global and national competitions. These contests are helping them build confidence, gain real-world experience, and get noticed by universities and tech companies. 1. AI For Youth (CBSE + Intel Initiative) This program trains students from Grad

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics are no longer just futuristic concepts—they are fast becoming a part of everyday life. For Indian teens passionate about building machines, coding, and exploring AI, several authentic opportunities exist to support their growth in this dynamic field. In 2025, the Indian government and leading tech organizations continue to encourage young innovators through contests, learning platforms, and financial support. If you're a student with an interest in

In recent years, Indian communities in the United States have increasingly started organizing AI meetups. These events are providing great opportunities for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and students to come together, learn, and collaborate. But why is this happening, and how does it benefit the Indian community and the broader tech ecosystem in the US? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this growing trend. The Growing Importance of AI:

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, over 1,500 Indian students, predominantly from Jammu and Kashmir, find themselves caught in the crossfire. The Indian government has announced efforts to relocate these students to safer areas within Iran as missile strikes and military retaliation continue unabated. This situation arises following Israel's surprise offensive, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," which targeted Iran’s military co

 A group of 351 international students, many of whom are Indian nationals, have filed a second-amended class action lawsuit in a US district court, challenging actions by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the US Department of State (DOS) that they say unlawfully terminated their student immigration records and revoked their visas without due process. The lawsuit, which has been filed in the Northern District of Georgia, centers on the claim that the federal agencies implemen

In a heartbreaking development, Vanshika, an Indian student living in Canada, has been found dead under mysterious circumstances. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa confirmed her death in an official statement, noting that local authorities are currently investigating the cause. The tragic discovery comes just days after Vanshika was reported missing, raising serious concerns among the Indian community in Ottawa and her family back home in India. Vanshika, daughter of Devinder Sin

After nearly a decade of uninterrupted growth, the flow of Indian students to top international study destinations—Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom—has seen a significant and unexpected downturn in 2024. For the first time in over five years, all three countries have reported a simultaneous drop in student visa approvals for Indian applicants. The decline comes amidst changing immigration policies and growing domestic pressures in host countries, raising concerns amo

A growing wave of visa cancellations is sweeping through international student communities in the United States, raising alarm among students, universities, and civil rights advocates. According to a report by the Associated Press, international students—especially those from India—are facing heightened scrutiny, with some losing their student visas over issues as minor as traffic violations or social media activity. In a troubling shift, several top US universities including Harv

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