U.S. Visa Policy Shift Hits University of the Pacific’s International Student Community
The University of the Pacific, with its main campus in Stockton, California, has become the latest academic institution to feel the impact of recent changes in federal visa enforcement. The university reported last week that two of its international students had their student visas revoked without prior notice, stirring concern among the campus community and raising questions about the broader implications for international education in the United States. While the university conf
U.S. Visa Policy Shift Hits University of the Pacific’s International Student Community
The University of the Pacific, with its main campus in Stockton, California, has become the latest academic institution to feel the impact of recent changes in federal visa enforcement. The university reported last week that two of its international students had their student visas revoked without prior notice, stirring concern among the campus community and raising questions about the broader implications for international education in the United States. While the university conf
Millions Face Debt Shock: Student Loan Collections Resume as Trump Revamps Education System
In a sweeping move set to impact millions of Americans, the U.S. Department of Education announced it will resume collections on approximately five million defaulted federal student loans starting May 5. This marks the first time since the pandemic-era pause that collections will be enforced, ending a five-year period of relief that shielded borrowers from wage garnishments and federal benefit offsets. The action targets borrowers who had already defaulted on their student loan
Millions Face Debt Shock: Student Loan Collections Resume as Trump Revamps Education System
In a sweeping move set to impact millions of Americans, the U.S. Department of Education announced it will resume collections on approximately five million defaulted federal student loans starting May 5. This marks the first time since the pandemic-era pause that collections will be enforced, ending a five-year period of relief that shielded borrowers from wage garnishments and federal benefit offsets. The action targets borrowers who had already defaulted on their student loan
Texas Hospitals Report Millions in Care for Undocumented Patients Amid Push for Annual Immigration Data
Preliminary data collected from hospitals across Texas reveals that tens of thousands of undocumented patients received medical treatment in recent months, costing the state’s health care system millions of dollars, according to testimony from a state health official this week. During a House Public Health Committee hearing on Monday, lawmakers reviewed a new bill introduced by Rep. Mike Olcott (R–Fort Worth) that would formalize Governor Greg Abbott’s 2024 executive order r
Texas Hospitals Report Millions in Care for Undocumented Patients Amid Push for Annual Immigration Data
Preliminary data collected from hospitals across Texas reveals that tens of thousands of undocumented patients received medical treatment in recent months, costing the state’s health care system millions of dollars, according to testimony from a state health official this week. During a House Public Health Committee hearing on Monday, lawmakers reviewed a new bill introduced by Rep. Mike Olcott (R–Fort Worth) that would formalize Governor Greg Abbott’s 2024 executive order r
Summer Kitchen Essentials: 6 Smart Tips to Keep Your Indian Kitchen Cool, Clean and Pest-Free
As the summer heat intensifies across India, staying cool and hydrated becomes a top priority for many households. While most of us rush to load our pantries with fresh fruits, summer veggies, and cooling drinks, we often forget about an equally important area of our homes—the kitchen. The combination of rising temperatures, humidity, and grease can quickly turn this space into an unmanageable, unhygienic zone, attracting pests and raising food safety concerns. But there's a solutio
Summer Kitchen Essentials: 6 Smart Tips to Keep Your Indian Kitchen Cool, Clean and Pest-Free
As the summer heat intensifies across India, staying cool and hydrated becomes a top priority for many households. While most of us rush to load our pantries with fresh fruits, summer veggies, and cooling drinks, we often forget about an equally important area of our homes—the kitchen. The combination of rising temperatures, humidity, and grease can quickly turn this space into an unmanageable, unhygienic zone, attracting pests and raising food safety concerns. But there's a solutio
Trump’s $5M ‘Gold Card’ Visa for Wealthy Immigrants to Launch Soon, Built by Elon Musk's Team
WASHINGTON – As his role in the federal government’s cost-cutting task force nears completion, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has taken on a new challenge. Under direct instructions from U.S. President Donald Trump, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been tasked with building the digital backbone for the new “Gold Card” visa—a fast-tracked path to U.S. residency for the world’s wealthiest immigrants. According to The New Yor
Trump’s $5M ‘Gold Card’ Visa for Wealthy Immigrants to Launch Soon, Built by Elon Musk's Team
WASHINGTON – As his role in the federal government’s cost-cutting task force nears completion, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has taken on a new challenge. Under direct instructions from U.S. President Donald Trump, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been tasked with building the digital backbone for the new “Gold Card” visa—a fast-tracked path to U.S. residency for the world’s wealthiest immigrants. According to The New Yor
Texas House to Vote on School Vouchers and $8B Public Education Funding Boost
The Texas House is poised for a pivotal vote that could redefine education funding across the state. Lawmakers are set to decide on two major education bills: one that introduces a $1 billion private school voucher program, and another that aims to invest $8 billion into public school funding. These bills represent two of the most consequential education initiatives of the current legislative session. The voucher proposal is a significant development in Texas politics, especially
Texas House to Vote on School Vouchers and $8B Public Education Funding Boost
The Texas House is poised for a pivotal vote that could redefine education funding across the state. Lawmakers are set to decide on two major education bills: one that introduces a $1 billion private school voucher program, and another that aims to invest $8 billion into public school funding. These bills represent two of the most consequential education initiatives of the current legislative session. The voucher proposal is a significant development in Texas politics, especially
Indian Student Visas Drop Sharply Across Canada, US, and UK for the First Time in Five Years
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
Indian Student Visas Drop Sharply Across Canada, US, and UK for the First Time in Five Years
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
India and US Set to Launch Trade Agreement Talks During 90-Day Tariff Truce
India and the United States are preparing to open formal discussions this week on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, taking advantage of a 90-day pause in escalating tariffs. The two nations, long-standing economic and strategic partners, are moving to resolve trade tensions and explore deeper commercial engagement at a time when global trade is under pressure from protectionist trends and economic uncertainty. The initial discussions will be conducted virtually, with officials from both
India and US Set to Launch Trade Agreement Talks During 90-Day Tariff Truce
India and the United States are preparing to open formal discussions this week on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, taking advantage of a 90-day pause in escalating tariffs. The two nations, long-standing economic and strategic partners, are moving to resolve trade tensions and explore deeper commercial engagement at a time when global trade is under pressure from protectionist trends and economic uncertainty. The initial discussions will be conducted virtually, with officials from both
India’s Inflation Falls to 3.34% in March, Supporting More Rate Cuts by RBI
India’s annual retail inflation rate eased to 3.34% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline and falls below the 3.61% recorded in February, offering significant relief to policymakers and consumers alike. The main factor contributing to this moderation is the continued softening of food prices, which make up a large portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Food inflation dr
India’s Inflation Falls to 3.34% in March, Supporting More Rate Cuts by RBI
India’s annual retail inflation rate eased to 3.34% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline and falls below the 3.61% recorded in February, offering significant relief to policymakers and consumers alike. The main factor contributing to this moderation is the continued softening of food prices, which make up a large portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Food inflation dr
Joe Biden Slams Trump Administration Over Social Security Cuts in First Post-Office Speech
After months out of the spotlight, former President Joe Biden returned to the national stage with a blistering critique of the current administration’s handling of Social Security and the deepening divide in American politics. Addressing a crowd of policy advocates and community leaders, Biden warned of sweeping staff reductions at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and accused the White House of undermining a foundational institution that millions of Americans rely on. Biden&rs
Joe Biden Slams Trump Administration Over Social Security Cuts in First Post-Office Speech
After months out of the spotlight, former President Joe Biden returned to the national stage with a blistering critique of the current administration’s handling of Social Security and the deepening divide in American politics. Addressing a crowd of policy advocates and community leaders, Biden warned of sweeping staff reductions at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and accused the White House of undermining a foundational institution that millions of Americans rely on. Biden&rs
Trump Admin Freezes $2B in Harvard Grants After University Rejects Federal Demands
A growing clash between academic independence and federal oversight has erupted into a full-scale standoff after the Trump administration announced a freeze on over $2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University. The decision comes after the Ivy League institution firmly rejected a list of sweeping federal demands, including audits of student viewpoints and the dismantling of diversity and inclusion programs. On Monday night, the administration's Joint Task Force to Combat
Trump Admin Freezes $2B in Harvard Grants After University Rejects Federal Demands
A growing clash between academic independence and federal oversight has erupted into a full-scale standoff after the Trump administration announced a freeze on over $2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University. The decision comes after the Ivy League institution firmly rejected a list of sweeping federal demands, including audits of student viewpoints and the dismantling of diversity and inclusion programs. On Monday night, the administration's Joint Task Force to Combat
Trump Faces Legal Backlash Over Proposal to Deport U.S. Citizens Convicted of Crimes
A controversial proposal by Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from constitutional scholars, legal analysts, and civil rights advocates after he suggested that U.S. citizens convicted of crimes should be deported to foreign countries, including El Salvador. The idea, mentioned during a recent meeting with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, has been widely condemned as unconstitutional and without legal basis under existing immigration law. Trump, during his remarks, focused
Trump Faces Legal Backlash Over Proposal to Deport U.S. Citizens Convicted of Crimes
A controversial proposal by Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from constitutional scholars, legal analysts, and civil rights advocates after he suggested that U.S. citizens convicted of crimes should be deported to foreign countries, including El Salvador. The idea, mentioned during a recent meeting with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, has been widely condemned as unconstitutional and without legal basis under existing immigration law. Trump, during his remarks, focused
H-1B, F-1, Green Card Holders Now Legally Required to Carry ID 24/7 in the US
In a sweeping change to US immigration enforcement, a new federal mandate now requires all immigrants—including legal visa holders and permanent residents—to carry valid identification at all times while in the United States. This directive, which came into effect on April 11, has sparked significant discussion among immigrant communities and legal experts, particularly those affected, such as H-1B workers, F-1 student visa holders, and Green Card recipients. The polic
H-1B, F-1, Green Card Holders Now Legally Required to Carry ID 24/7 in the US
In a sweeping change to US immigration enforcement, a new federal mandate now requires all immigrants—including legal visa holders and permanent residents—to carry valid identification at all times while in the United States. This directive, which came into effect on April 11, has sparked significant discussion among immigrant communities and legal experts, particularly those affected, such as H-1B workers, F-1 student visa holders, and Green Card recipients. The polic
University of Texas Ends Flags Program, Shifts to Skill-Based Curriculum Amid DEI Debate
The University of Texas at Austin has announced the immediate termination of its Flags program, a cornerstone of its graduation requirements for the past two decades. The university will replace it with a skills-based educational model designed to better align with workforce demands, student flexibility, and public scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Flags program required undergraduates to complete coursework in cultural diversity, global cultures, ethics,
University of Texas Ends Flags Program, Shifts to Skill-Based Curriculum Amid DEI Debate
The University of Texas at Austin has announced the immediate termination of its Flags program, a cornerstone of its graduation requirements for the past two decades. The university will replace it with a skills-based educational model designed to better align with workforce demands, student flexibility, and public scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Flags program required undergraduates to complete coursework in cultural diversity, global cultures, ethics,
Minecraft Movie Chaos Prompts Rule Change at New Jersey Theater
A small family-run theater in Washington Township, New Jersey, has been forced to change its policies after a viral social media trend led to widespread chaos and damage during the opening night of the much-anticipated Minecraft movie. The Township Theatre, a local entertainment staple, announced new restrictions requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult when attending the movie after a disruptive incident that left the facility damaged and other guests distressed. The
Minecraft Movie Chaos Prompts Rule Change at New Jersey Theater
A small family-run theater in Washington Township, New Jersey, has been forced to change its policies after a viral social media trend led to widespread chaos and damage during the opening night of the much-anticipated Minecraft movie. The Township Theatre, a local entertainment staple, announced new restrictions requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult when attending the movie after a disruptive incident that left the facility damaged and other guests distressed. The
India Confident of Trade Gains Amid Trump’s Tariff Hike, Piyush Goyal Responds
India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has expressed confidence that the recent tariff hikes announced by U.S. President Donald Trump could present an opportunity for India to strengthen its position in global trade. In response to the sudden shift in the U.S. trade stance, Goyal stated that India is well-positioned to benefit economically from the new environment created by America's protectionist approach. Trump recently declared a s
India Confident of Trade Gains Amid Trump’s Tariff Hike, Piyush Goyal Responds
India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has expressed confidence that the recent tariff hikes announced by U.S. President Donald Trump could present an opportunity for India to strengthen its position in global trade. In response to the sudden shift in the U.S. trade stance, Goyal stated that India is well-positioned to benefit economically from the new environment created by America's protectionist approach. Trump recently declared a s
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed to Begin First Official Visit to India
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, will begin a two-day official visit to India on Tuesday, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Monday. This marks the first official visit to India by Sheikh Hamdan in his capacity as Crown Prince and will include meetings with top Indian leadership as well as engagements aimed at strengthening b
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed to Begin First Official Visit to India
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, will begin a two-day official visit to India on Tuesday, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Monday. This marks the first official visit to India by Sheikh Hamdan in his capacity as Crown Prince and will include meetings with top Indian leadership as well as engagements aimed at strengthening b
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
Trump Criticizes India’s High Tariffs, Announces "Liberation Day" Tariff Plan
In a move that has stirred significant concern among global policymakers, US President Donald Trump took aim at India’s high tariffs on American goods during a recent press conference. Speaking on the matter, Trump expressed frustration over the tariffs imposed on US agricultural products, specifically highlighting the fact that India has a 100% tariff on American agricultural goods. This, according to the President, makes it “virtually impossible” for American products to b
Trump Criticizes India’s High Tariffs, Announces "Liberation Day" Tariff Plan
In a move that has stirred significant concern among global policymakers, US President Donald Trump took aim at India’s high tariffs on American goods during a recent press conference. Speaking on the matter, Trump expressed frustration over the tariffs imposed on US agricultural products, specifically highlighting the fact that India has a 100% tariff on American agricultural goods. This, according to the President, makes it “virtually impossible” for American products to b
MK Stalin responds to Yogi Adityanath over Hindi row, calls remarks “political black comedy”
In a fiery exchange over the long-standing language debate and the contentious three-language policy under the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a scathing counterattack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Responding to Adityanath’s accusation that the DMK is fostering regional and linguistic division for vote-bank politics, Stalin described the remarks as not ironic but “political black comedy at its dark
MK Stalin responds to Yogi Adityanath over Hindi row, calls remarks “political black comedy”
In a fiery exchange over the long-standing language debate and the contentious three-language policy under the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a scathing counterattack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Responding to Adityanath’s accusation that the DMK is fostering regional and linguistic division for vote-bank politics, Stalin described the remarks as not ironic but “political black comedy at its dark









