Indian-origin woman shot dead after stalking in California has raised concerns over repeated harassment and restraining order violations. Shalini Thakur was killed in a Sacramento shooting, while police later found the suspect dead after a Highway 50 operation.  Indian-origin woman shot dead after stalking in California A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman, identified as Shalini Thakur, was shot d

India BRICS joint statement consensus was achieved after intense negotiations involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The breakthrough highlights India BRICS diplomacy as New Delhi hosts the BRICS Summit 2026 amid West Asia tensions.  Iran Saudi Arabia UAE talks pave way for consensus India managed to secure agreement on the BRICS joint statement after negotiations continued into the early hours, rep

India to U.S. parcel customs duty may be collected differently depending on whether a shipment travels through FedEx, UPS, DHL or the postal network. CBP determines applicable government charges, while carriers may collect them and add separate clearance or advancement fees. When a parcel arrives in the United States from India, the delivery company may ask for payment of customs charges. That does not mea

Customs duty on gifts from India to the U.S. does not apply automatically to every parcel. CBP maintains a separate exemption for qualifying unsolicited gifts worth up to $100 per recipient per day, even as broader de minimis treatment remains suspended. A gift sent from India to a friend or relative in the United States can still qualify for duty-free treatment in certain circumstances, despite major changes to U.S. rules

Tamil Nadu Secretariat Pattinapakkam protest has intensified as fisherfolk oppose the Chennai Secretariat project over livelihood and coastal concerns. Political parties are also backing a Secretariat site shift demand and wider consultation.   The Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to build a new Secretariat and Legislative Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam in Chennai is facing growing resistance from fishing communities, en

Delhi HC on Vinesh Phogat maternity and selection case has highlighted women athletes maternity issues while rejecting her interim plea for selection trials. The court also examined WFI eligibility criteria and postpartum athlete comeback concerns.   The Delhi High Court has brought renewed attention to the challenges women athletes face when pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery interrupt their competitive careers. T

Bihar floods affect 46.88 lakh people across 15 districts as the Ganga, Kosi and other rivers remain above danger levels. Bihar flood relief operations have intensified with NDRF and SDRF teams, boats, camps and community kitchens supporting affected families. Flood conditions across Bihar remain serious, with around 46.88 lakh people affected across 15 districts as several major rivers continue to flow above their danger marks

The 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi 2026 brings leaders together for BRICS bilateral meetings, the BRICS Business Forum, trade cooperation and Global South diplomacy under India’s BRICS chairship.  

Rani Mukerji Maharashtra State Film Awards honour marked her 30 years in cinema as she received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award. Her Marathi speech, Mumbai memories and tribute to Maharashtra became key highlights.   Rani Mukerji honoured at Maharashtra State Film Awards Rani Mukerji added another memorable achievement to her celebrated career after receiving the Raj Kapoor Special C

New Delhi is preparing a carefully planned cultural programme for the spouses and family members accompanying BRICS leaders, combining India’s political heritage, traditional crafts, modern art and hospitality. The BRICS Delhi cultural tour will run alongside summit-related engagements as India hosts the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. The programme is expected to take visiting family members beyond the

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting is set to focus on defence ties, energy, nuclear cooperation, technology and the wider India-Russia strategic partnership. India will host the summit on September 12 and 13. Defence ties Defence ties are expec

India to U.S. parcel charges can include government customs duties and separate carrier fees. This guide explains tariffs, customs duty, brokerage, disbursement and processing costs, and why the amount due can vary by product, value, entry type and shipping carrier. A parcel sent from India to the United States can generate more than one type of import charge. A bill may combine government customs charges with courier fees

A customs bill after delivery can surprise U.S. recipients of parcels from India. Carrier billing practices, shipment paperwork and current U.S. import rules can allow duties and related charges to be invoiced after delivery, depending on who was listed to pay them. Receiving a parcel from India does not necessarily mean every U.S. customs charge connected with the shipment has already been paid. Depending on the carrier,

Parcels arriving in the U.S. from India may now face duties even at low values after the $800 de minimis exemption was suspended. CBP rules and carrier billing practices explain why recipients can see customs charges, including invoices after delivery. Americans receiving parcels from India may now encounter customs duty or other import charges even on relatively low-value packages. The change follows the U.S. suspension of the de minimis exem

The Cognizant PERM suspension blocks new permanent labor certification filings as federal investigators examine alleged H-1B and PERM fraud. Cloudera remains under an earlier 180-day PERM processing freeze tied to a Justice Department recruitment case. Cognizant PERM filings suspended The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended Cognizant’s PERM filings as federal investigators examine alleged

With the BRICS summit in New Delhi approaching, uncertainty continues over whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to India for the high-profile gathering. Beijing has yet to officially confirm Xi’s participation, and there is also no announcement on a possible bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. China’s foreign ministry said it had no official information to share regarding the president’s travel plans. If Xi attends the summit, it would mark his fir

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has met 198 Nigerian citizens held in correctional facilities across India, placing prison welfare, legal delays and consular support at the centre of what he described as Nigeria’s citizen-focused diplomatic approach. Muhammad disclosed the initiative during an interaction with diplomatic correspondents in New Delhi. According to the High Commissioner, the three-d

Fresh terror threats to Kashmiri Pandit employees in Kashmir have renewed concerns over employee security, an alleged data leak and the safety of PM Package employees, prompting demands for stronger protection and secure accommodation. Fresh terror threats to Kashmiri Pandit employees in Kashmir have revived serious concerns over the safety of members of the community working in the Valley under government employment programmes. Threat letters attributed t

Does buying a restaurant in USA give an NRI a visa? A restaurant purchase can create business ownership, but immigration permission is separate. Indian investors must independently qualify for an appropriate visa or work-authorized status before managing or working in the business. Buying or investing in a restaurant in the United States does

DMK MLAs evicted from Tamil Nadu Assembly after a DMK Assembly protest over Vijay corruption allegations. The row centred on an ED corruption document and Sarkaria Commission references that the Speaker refused to remove from records.   Vijay corruption allegations trigger DMK Assembly protest The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes on Tuesday after DMK legislators strongly protested