NRI

AI field dominated by many Indians in academia and industry: Washington State University professor Partha Pande

Indian professor Partha Pande leads in the US. He directs engineering at Washington State University. Pande champions the CHIPS Act. The act aims to boost US chip production. He stresses the need for industry and university partnerships. Pande highlights the strong presence of Indians in AI. He recruits students from IITs for his research.

Indians become 2nd-largest group to gain US citizenship in FY 2024

Nearly 50,000 Indians became naturalized US citizens in fiscal year 2024, securing the second-highest spot after Mexico. These new citizens, many of Gujarati origin, often reside in states like California and Texas, drawn by opportunities in technology and healthcare. This growth reflects a continuing trend of Indian immigrants establishing themselves within the American landscape.

Indian-origin man jailed in Singapore for violence and gambling

In Singapore, a 28-year-old Indian-origin man, Visnu Suriamurthi, received a six-week jail sentence and a SGD 2,000 fine for assaulting a rival gang member and illegal gambling. This incident is connected to a fatal brawl outside Concorde hotel. Over ten men have been charged in connection with the brawl. Visnu’s sentencing took into account his history of violent offences.

US visa and H-1B overhaul in 2025: What Indian applicants need to know

NRI among two dead as car crashes into tractor-trolley in Punjab

US tweaks visa appointment rules to cut long wait times in India

Starting January 1, 2025, US nonimmigrant visa applicants can reschedule their interview once without charge. A second rescheduling or missed appointment requires a new booking and fee repayment. This change aims to improve appointment availability and reduce wait times, currently exceeding 400 days in major Indian cities.

H-1B modernisation rule: Flexibility in defining eligible occupations but stricter site-visit norms

The Biden administration has finalized new rules modernizing the H-1B visa program, just days before Trump's second inauguration. These changes aim to clarify specialty occupation criteria, offer flexibility to employers and beneficiaries, and enhance program integrity. Key revisions include relaxed degree requirements, deference to prior adjudications, and formalized site visits.

Tory peer faces suspension for 'Lord Poppadom' jibe

12-year-old girl in UK booked for killing 80-year-old Indian-origin man

11 Indians die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Georgia's mountain resort

Tragedy struck a Georgian mountain resort. Eleven Indian restaurant workers were found dead. Authorities suspect carbon monoxide from a power generator. The generator was indoors, near sleeping quarters. A power outage likely triggered its use. The Indian mission is assisting. Georgian authorities are investigating.

Andhra Pradesh woman dies, 2 friends injured in US car crash

A 26-year-old Indian student, Nagasri Vandana Parimala, pursuing a master's in data science in Memphis, Tennessee, died in a car accident on Friday. Two of her friends traveling with her were seriously injured. Vandana had moved to the US in December 2022 and also worked at the University of Memphis.

US-based interfaith couple cancel Aligarh wedding reception after right-wing groups protest

Australia’s net migration drops by 16% to 4.46 lakh; arrivals decline by 10% to 6.67 lakh

Australia saw its first drop in net migration since reopening borders. Indian arrivals led but declined by 19%. International student arrivals fell significantly. Overall migrant arrivals decreased by 10%. Departures rose by 8%. Despite a drop in overall student numbers, Indian and Chinese student numbers grew.

'He will kill me': Harshita Brella, Indian woman found dead in UK, warned family about husband

Harshita Brella's family alleges she told them her husband, Pankaj Lamba, threatened to kill her days before her body was found in London. Lamba is the prime suspect. The family claims Lamba was abusive and that Harshita had recently suffered a miscarriage. Lamba's mother expresses disbelief at the accusations.

Indian-origin OpenAI whistleblower dies by suicide in SFO home

Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI employee and whistleblower, died by suicide in San Francisco. He had publicly accused OpenAI of copyright infringement in developing ChatGPT and expressed concerns about the technology's potential harm to businesses and the internet ecosystem. Balaji left OpenAI due to ethical concerns, believing its practices were unsustainable.

Study shows decline in H-1B denial rates for initial employment: The fear is that this will not continue

H-1B visa denial rates have plummeted, contrasting sharply with the Trump era's restrictive policies. This drop is attributed to policy reversals and court rulings, benefiting both high-skilled foreign workers and US employers, particularly in the tech sector. However, concerns remain about potential renewed restrictions under a future Trump administration.

18k Indians, mostly from Gujarat, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, in line for US exit as Donald Trump eyes deportations

Nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians in the US face deportation as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prepares a list ahead of President-elect Trump's term. ICE data reveals thousands of Indians await legal status, with hearings scheduled years later. The US government has labeled India "uncooperative" due to delays in accepting deportees, adding to the complexity.

Man comes from Kuwait, kills daughter’s ‘molester’ in Andhra, confesses on video

A Kuwait-based NRI confessed in a selfie video to murdering his 12-year-old daughter's alleged molester in Andhra Pradesh. He claimed police inaction after his wife reported the molestation forced him to take matters into his own hands. Police deny receiving a complaint and suggest a family dispute and conspiracy behind the murder.

US Supreme Court upholds discretionary revocation of visa applications

The Supreme Court upheld the Department of Homeland Security's broad power to revoke visas, even for alleged fraud, barring judicial review. This reinforces agency discretion in immigration matters, potentially leaving petitioners vulnerable while deterring fraud. While critics raise concerns, the ruling allows petitioners to reapply or challenge future decisions if circumstances change.

Five Indian students from AP involved in car crash in UK, one dead and driver arrested

Five Indian students from Andhra Pradesh were involved in a single-vehicle crash in Leicestershire, England. One passenger died at the scene, while the other three passengers and the driver were hospitalized. The driver, a 27-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released on bail.

Indian national sentenced for smuggling 58 vulnerable tortoises into Singapore

An Indian national, Abdul Jaffar Haji Ali, 40, received a 16-month jail sentence in Singapore for smuggling 58 endangered Indian star tortoises. He transported the reptiles in his luggage, intending to travel from India to Jakarta via Singapore. One tortoise died en route, and 22 were found underweight. Previously, Ali also faced charges under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act and the Animals and Birds Act for failing to ensure the well-being of the tortoises.

US visa bulletin brings key progress for Indian green card seekers in January 2025

NRI’s Rs 3 crore gift to mom genuine, not taxable: Tribunal

The Mumbai ITAT ruled in favor of a taxpayer who received a ₹3 crore gift from her NRI son. The I-T department questioned the gift's legitimacy, alleging a circular trading transaction, but the tribunal upheld the gift's validity due to the son's proven financial capacity and dismissed the circular trading claim.

Years-long wait for ICE nod derails the American dream

Thousands of undocumented Indians in the US face lengthy delays for asylum hearings, sometimes waiting until 2027. Detention, deportation threats, and arduous legal processes plague those seeking refuge, while human smugglers advise against claiming political persecution.

Exploring India’s hidden treasures: A new travelogue by Varun Soni

Varun Soni's new travelogue, "India Beyond Metros: Dekho Apna Bharat," invites readers to explore 50 lesser-known Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Launched by the Brunei High Commissioner, the book offers a practical guide to these unexplored destinations, showcasing their unique culture and charm. Soni encourages travelers to discover the heart of India beyond the major metropolises.

US counters BJP's allegations that it's working against India

The US has rejected BJP's allegations of a "deep state" conspiracy involving the State Department, OCCRP, and George Soros to destabilize India by targeting PM Modi and Gautam Adani. The US emphasized its support for a free press and clarified its funding of independent organizations for journalist training does not influence editorial decisions.

Pope Francis elevates Indian priest Koovakad as cardinal

In a historic event, 51-year-old Keralite priest George Jacob Koovakad became the first priest from India to be directly elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis. The ceremony, held at St. Peter's Basilica, saw Koovakad join five other Indian cardinals. Koovakad, who organizes the Pope's travels, was ordained in 2004 and began his diplomatic career in 2006.

Two leading British Indian community figures Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot stripped of their honours by the King

Two prominent British Indian figures, Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot, have been stripped of their CBE and OBE honors respectively. Both denounce the move as an attack on free speech, citing complaints related to their public statements.

'Situation on knife edge': UK MPs condemn attack on Hindus in Bangladesh

British MPs Barry Gardiner and Priti Patel raised concerns in the UK Parliament over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting over 2,000 violent incidents and calling for urgent government discussions with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure protection, law and order, and freedom of religion for minority communities.

'Big fat Indian wedding': JD Vance's picture with wife's family goes viral

A photo of US vice president-elect JD Vance with his wife Usha Vance's Indian family has gone viral, countering accusations of racism and showcasing his bond with Indian culture. Social media users praised his integration and shared a range of supportive reactions.