India urges US to process student visas fairly and without delay
India has urged the United States to ensure that student visa applications from Indian nationals are processed on merit and without unnecessary delays. This appeal follows growing unease among Indian students over recent changes to US visa regulations, which many fear could disrupt their academic plans just as they prepare for the upcoming academic semester. A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the United States’ sovereign right to grant or deny v
India, US advance talks on defence, trade and tech under TRUST framework
India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri concluded a three-day visit to the United States on Thursday, where he led discussions on a broad range of strategic issues including trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit marked a continued deepening of bilateral ties, with both nations reaffirming their shared commitment to shaping a forward-looking partnership suited for the evolving global landscape. During his visit, the foreign secretary engaged in high-level meetin
Over 1,000 Indians Deported from US Since January, Confirms Indian Government
India has confirmed that over a thousand of its nationals have been deported or have voluntarily returned from the United States since January 2025, amid intensified immigration enforcement. The Ministry of External Affairs revealed this during a recent press briefing, highlighting cooperation between the two countries on migration-related issues. According to the ministry spokesperson, around 62% of these individuals returned on commercial flights. The rest were likely deported t
Avoid ITR filing in 2025 if you're an NRI under this concessional tax regime
As the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing window opens for the Assessment Year 2025–26, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are being presented with a valuable opportunity to simplify their tax obligations and, in some cases, avoid filing a return entirely. Under Chapter XII-A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, NRIs who earn income from specific foreign exchange (FOREX) assets in India may opt for a special concessional tax regime that offers multiple benefits—including exemption from filing if certai
Kerala sees record growth in remittances and NRI deposits in 2025
Kerala has reached an unprecedented economic landmark as annual remittances from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly those from Kerala, have surpassed ₹2 lakh crore for the first time. Alongside this, total deposits from NRIs in the state’s banking sector have crossed ₹3 lakh crore, signaling a robust and growing contribution of overseas Malayalis to the state’s financial ecosystem. This financial influx has significantly boosted Kerala’s domestic econo
Free summer train rides offered to Ravinia Festival 2025 attendees
Getting to one of the region’s most iconic outdoor summer music festivals is easier and more affordable than ever in 2025. For the fifth straight year, attendees of the Ravinia Festival can enjoy complimentary train travel to the event, simplifying the journey for thousands of concertgoers. The partnership allows anyone heading to the Ravinia Festival to ride the Union Pacific North Line at no cost, simply by presenting their event ticket to the train conductor. There is no
RBI reins in JPY-linked special deposits as banks scale down premium offerings
Mumbai's financial sector has witnessed a significant recalibration as a once-popular deposit product—the Japanese yen (JPY)-linked special deposit—loses momentum following regulatory scrutiny and shifting bank strategies. These fancy financial instruments, heavily marketed to attract non-resident Indian (NRI) funds and appease analysts with attractive yield spreads, are now undergoing a correction. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reportedly advised certain banks to ensure
Columbus-area volunteers support Kentucky tornado relief with meals and care
In response to the powerful tornadoes that swept through parts of Kentucky last week, a dedicated team of 28 volunteers from Ohio, including residents from Blacklick and New Albany, mobilized quickly to bring relief to communities left devastated by the disaster. These volunteers, affiliated with the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, were among the first to arrive in some of the hardest-hit areas around London, Kentucky, delivering both ess
Strawberry lovers disappointed as farms across Virginia shut down early
For over a decade, Jimmy Messick has nurtured fields of strawberries at his family-run farm in Bealeton, Virginia. But this year, the farm's lush, green rows have yielded a sobering reality. Despite years of consistent success, the 2025 strawberry season has marked a historic low for Messick and other growers in the region. Instead of thriving crops and bustling pick-your-own events lasting through early summer, fields have thinned early, forcing an abrupt end to a much-anticipated seasonal
Democratic Party slams Trump bill for Medicaid cuts affecting New York, Jersey City, and more
The Democratic Party is raising strong objections to President Donald Trump’s newly proposed tax and immigration legislation, warning that it will severely impact Medicaid funding and disproportionately hurt blue states and cities like New York City, Newark, and Jersey City. The bill, detailed on Sunday, May 11, is already becoming one of the most contentious legislative efforts of Trump’s current agenda, and it has reignited heated national debates around healthcare, tax reform,
RCB Storm Into IPL Final With Dominant Win Over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1
Mullanpur witnessed a one-sided affair in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League 2025 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into their first final appearance since 2016 with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings. On a day when precision, control, and calculated aggression marked RCB’s approach, Punjab’s ultra-aggressive strategy backfired spectacularly, collapsing to a paltry 101 all out in just 14.1 overs. RCB chased the target down with ease in just 10 overs,
Indian wedding procession takes over wall street in vibrant celebration
Wall Street, known globally as the heart of financial power and corporate professionalism, experienced a surprising transformation as it turned into a lively dance floor for a grand Indian wedding. The bustling financial hub of New York City temporarily traded its usual sharp suits and stock tickers for vibrant traditional attire, Bollywood beats, and the joyful celebration of a 400-person Indian baraat that took over Lower Manhattan. A video of the event quickly made waves acr
Top Things to Do in Columbus This Weekend From Golf to Festivals and Zoo Fun
As summer unofficially kicks off, central Ohio is buzzing with vibrant events and family-friendly activities. From world-class golf to community festivals and interactive zoo experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout Columbus this weekend. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a fan of local culture, or simply looking to make memories with your family, this lineup of events will not disappoint. The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club c
Berkeley hills residents divided over EMBER wildfire prevention rules near homes
As the Bay Area braces for hotter temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires, fire safety has become a growing concern in the Berkeley Hills. This elevated risk has led to the introduction of the EMBER proposal—Effective Mitigations for Berkeley Ember Resilience—an initiative aimed at making homes more fire-resilient. However, the proposal has ignited strong reactions among residents, with some questioning its feasibility and fairness. George Perez Velez, a lon
Crash Causes Major Delays on Prince William County Parkway, Only One Lane Remains Open
Commuters in Prince William County faced significant delays Thursday morning following a traffic crash that resulted in multiple lane closures on a major thoroughfare. Authorities confirmed that only one lane remained open on the Prince William County Parkway as police responded to the incident. The Prince William County Police Department issued a public advisory just after 7:15 a.m., alerting drivers through social media that a crash had severely impacted the flow of traffic.
New Fiber Line Aims to Fix Air Traffic Issues Near Newark Liberty Airport by July
Travelers flying in and out of New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport may soon experience smoother skies, as the Department of Transportation announces key improvements to communication systems that have recently caused flight issues. For weeks, Newark has dealt with a string of disruptions caused by communication breakdowns between air traffic controllers and pilots. These problems have raised concerns about traveler safety and the efficiency
Santa Clara County Reshapes Family Health Plan Board to Boost Medicaid Reimbursements
In response to looming federal and state funding cuts, Santa Clara County officials are taking decisive action to protect the viability of their vast public hospital system. The latest move involves a major shake-up of the Santa Clara Family Health Plan’s leadership, with the county seeking greater control over how Medi-Cal reimbursements are handled. At a Board of Supervisors meeting held on May 20, officials voted unanimously to replace a majority of the Family Health Plan’s gov
Sunnyvale residents fear food desert as grocery stores give way to housing projects
Sunnyvale residents are raising serious concerns as new housing developments threaten to displace grocery stores in their northern neighborhoods, pushing the area closer to becoming a food desert. The latest project, proposed by True Life Companies, aims to construct 101 townhomes at the current site of Lakewood Shopping Center—one of the few places offering accessible groceries in North Sunnyvale. This plan would result in the demolition of the New Wing Yuan Market, a vital grocery sou
Wonder Lake Residents Oppose Proposed Slaughterhouse Near Homes and School
A controversial proposal to build a slaughterhouse in Wonder Lake, Illinois has triggered a wave of strong opposition from local residents, who voiced their concerns during a recent McHenry County zoning board meeting. The project, proposed by Sergiy Bazlyuk, aims to process chickens and pigs on a parcel of land located within one mile of at least two residential subdivisions and less than a mile from Greenwood Elementary School. Many attendees at the meeting expressed alarm over the potentia
