India has ushered in a new phase of insurance regulation with Parliament clearing the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, a move that comes at a time when trust between insurers and policyholders is increasingly strained. For millions of Indians, insurance is ultimately judged not by policy documents or premium receipts but by the ease and fairness of claim settlement. Delays, repeated document requests, late-stage exclusions, and opaque rejections have long plag

The Reserve Bank of India has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down from 5.5% to 5.25%. This marks a total reduction of 125 basis points in 2025, sparking fresh hope among homebuyers for affordable loan EMIs as banks prepare to revise lending rates. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which met on December 3, 4 and 5, voted unanimously after assessing inflation control, liquidity status and growth expectations. Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed the move, addin

India is preparing for one of its busiest wedding seasons, with nearly 46 lakh weddings expected in 2025 and spending projected at around Rs 6.5 lakh crore. As celebrations grow grander, Indian weddings often resemble Bollywood productions with choreographed sangeets, elaborate décor and multi-day festivities. But with budgets crossing Rs 30–35 lakh for most weddings, and luxury ceremonies easily exceeding Rs 1 crore, families are pouring unprecedented amounts into these events. With such

US Congresswoman Haley Stevens announced on Thursday, September 25, that she will introduce articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. The move marks an escalation of her opposition to Kennedy’s policies, which she described as creating “healthcare chaos” across the country. In her post, Stevens stated that the time for patience has ended, declaring “enough is enough” and pledging to pursue formal impeachment proceedi

If you are an NRI parent moving to the United States or already living there, a common question is whether your child’s Indian vaccination certificate will be accepted. The good news is that in most cases the answer is yes, but there are a few important points to keep in mind. Indian vaccination records are generally recognized in the US as long as they are complete, accurate, and clearly documented. The records should include the child’s name, date of birth, vaccine nam

When families move from India to another country, one of the challenges parents face is keeping their child’s vaccination schedule on track. Different countries follow different immunization guidelines, and this can sometimes lead to vaccine gaps. For NRI parents, understanding how to bridge these gaps is important for ensuring their child’s health and meeting the requirements of schools, daycares, and local healthcare systems. In India, the vaccination schedule is more

For many NRI families, international travel is a regular part of life. Whether it’s visiting relatives in India, exploring new destinations, or moving between countries for work, travel brings both opportunities and responsibilities. One area that often raises questions is vaccination, especially when it comes to vaccines that are not part of the standard childhood immunization schedule. Yellow fever and a few other rare vaccines fall into this category, and understanding when they are

When it comes to raising children abroad, NRI parents often face unique challenges regarding vaccinations. One of the most common questions is whether the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis (TB), is necessary for children born outside India. Understanding the importance of this vaccine and its relevance in different countries can help parents make informed decisions. The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is routinely given to newborns in India and many other

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has become a crucial tool in preventing HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, throat cancer, and other cancers caused by the virus. For Indian teens living abroad, understanding the HPV vaccine guidelines in their respective countries is important to ensure they are fully protected. Although the HPV vaccine is not a routine part of India’s vaccination schedule, it is strongly recommended for teens worldwide, particularly for those who are

  Immunization is one of the most important public health strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Both India and the United States have their own immunization schedules to ensure children receive the necessary vaccines to protect them from various diseases. However, the vaccination schedules differ in terms of the types of vaccines, the timing of doses, and the age at which they are administered. Understanding these differences is essential for parents, caregiv

The Indian government has made its position clear regarding sports engagements with Pakistan, especially in the context of upcoming international events. In a new policy unveiled by the Sports Ministry, the government declared that India will not participate in any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, even if hosted at neutral venues. The policy, which has been implemented immediately, aims to limit interactions with Pakistan in sports following the strai

Parents, students, and community members gathered outside the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building on Monday morning as tensions rose over policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. The demonstration came as the school board met to address an order from the U.S. Department of Education, which recently declared that several Northern Virginia school districts, including Loudoun, were violating Title IX protect

A newly surfaced immigration enforcement memo reveals that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now deport migrants to countries other than their homeland with as little as six hours’ notice. This marks a dramatic shift from the previous standard, where ICE generally provided a minimum 24-hour notice period before conducting deportations to a third country. The policy, outlined in a memo dated July 9 and signed by acting ICE director Todd Lyons, allows for this ex

US President Donald Trump has described recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as an act of "obliteration," even as official assessments continue to question the extent of the actual damage inflicted. The strikes, which targeted three major nuclear facilities in Iran early Sunday morning local time, have triggered a wave of scrutiny over how significantly Tehran’s nuclear program was impacted. Trump, however, insisted the damage was monumental and backed his claims w

A Fremont-based Farmers Insurance franchise owner has raised serious allegations claiming the company has been canceling insurance policies by falsely stating the cancellations were requested by the insured clients. Jeffrey Carvalho, a 37-year veteran in the insurance industry, says this troubling practice has affected hundreds of his clients, especially senior citizens aged 65 and older across the Bay Area. Carvalho is demanding transparency and an end to these questionable cancellations.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to double tariffs on steel imports to 50%, up from the existing 25%, as part of his administration’s effort to reinforce domestic manufacturing and ensure long-term industrial independence. Speaking to American steelworkers during a visit to a steel facility in Pennsylvania, Trump emphasized that his administration remains committed to policies that protect American jobs and prevent foreign dominance in vital sectors. Trump’s

In a recent address from Morristown, New Jersey, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his administration's commitment to using tariffs as a tool to boost domestic manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as military equipment and advanced technology. Speaking before boarding Air Force One, Trump clarified that his tariff agenda is not intended to revive traditional textile production like sneakers and T-shirts, but rather to prioritize manufacturing of tanks, artificial intelligence

Vinay Prasad, a renowned oncologist-hematologist, has been appointed as the new director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This division of the FDA is charged with overseeing the evaluation and approval of critical biologic products, including vaccines, blood derivatives, and select gene-based therapies. Prasad’s appointment comes at a time when the FDA remains under public and political scrutiny for its handling of

A new congressional proposal to reduce Medicaid funding for Washington D.C. is causing concern among officials and health experts, who warn that such cuts would have wide-reaching consequences beyond the program’s low-income beneficiaries. Medicaid is deeply integrated into the region’s health care infrastructure, and any funding reduction could disrupt care for patients across the income spectrum, affecting hospitals, clinics, and community health providers. House Rep

House Republicans have unveiled a legislative proposal that could significantly raise the costs associated with legal immigration in the United States. Central to the plan is a provision that would require individuals applying for asylum to pay a fee of $1,000, a notable shift in policy given that such applications have traditionally been exempt from high costs due to the vulnerable status of asylum seekers. In addition, the proposal includes a $500 fee for work authorization permits, to be rene