NRI

Singapore's Indian-origin ex-transport minister no longer facing corruption charges

S. Iswaran, Singapore's former transport minister of Indian origin, no longer faces corruption charges but will be prosecuted for five other counts including obtaining valuable items as a public servant and obstructing justice. With the prosecution dropping charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Iswaran is expected to plead guilty. He was earlier granted SGD 800,000 bail.

US extends green card validity for renewal applicants

USCIS has announced an extension of Green Card validity to 36 months for those filing Form I-90, aiming to mitigate long processing delays. This change affects both new and existing applicants, who can use receipt notices alongside expired Green Cards as proof of lawful status and employment eligibility.

Indian Embassy official found dead at Washington DC office under mysterious circumstances

An Indian embassy official was found dead under mysterious circumstances within the mission's premises two days ago. Local law enforcement and the Secret Service are investigating, considering various possibilities including suicide. The Indian Embassy confirmed the death and is coordinating with relevant agencies for transferring the remains to India. Further details are pending as investigations continue.

'Privilege not a right': Canada to cut international student, worker permits

Canada will reduce international student and worker permits to manage high immigration levels. In 2025, the country plans to issue fewer study permits compared to this year. Work permit eligibility will be limited to spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.

Pannun files civil lawsuit in US against GOI, Doval and others, seeks damages

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against the Indian government and key officials in a US court. He seeks compensation for an alleged assassination attempt on him last year. The plot, involving high-ranking Indian officials, was foiled by undercover US agents. Pannun claims ongoing threats to his life.

US think-tank bats for international medical students to be included in STEM-optional practical training program

The Niskanen Center recommends adding MD and DO programs to the STEM OPT program, extending work opportunities for medical graduates by two years. This proposal aims to benefit international students, especially from India, and address a future physician shortage in the US. The representation highlights that these students are among the top medical talent.

Telangana student drowns in Toronto lake while celebrating birthday

Praneeth, a student from Meerpet, Telangana, lost his life by drowning in a lake in Toronto during his birthday celebration with friends. He was there for his Masters degree. His family is appealing to the government for swift repatriation of his remains. Footage shows him enjoying moments before the tragedy.

Indian-origin pitcher Kumar Rocker scripts MLB history

Kumar Rocker made his Major League Baseball debut for the Texas Rangers against the Seattle Mariners, becoming the first player of Indian heritage to do so. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery, he showcased resilience and talent. His parents were present to witness this historic moment, highlighting increasing diversity in American sports.

JK Rowling slams Indian-origin trans executive Mridul Wadhwa over rape crisis centre failings: What’s the fallout?

JK Rowling has condemned Mridul Wadhwa, the former CEO of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, after a report revealed significant failures in safeguarding women-only spaces. Wadhwa resigned following an investigation that found she lacked professional standards. The ERCC board has committed to implementing recommendations to enhance their services and protect women-only spaces.

Indian-origin ex-South African finance minister Pravin Gordhan dies at 75 after battle with cancer

Pravin Gordhan, South Africa's former Finance Minister, has died at age 75 from cancer. A key political figure since the nation's democratic transition in 1994, he held numerous important roles. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed sorrow over his death, commending Gordhan's integrity and service to the country.

Kashmir diaspora condemns Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism in UK protest

Indian diaspora groups held a protest near the UK Parliament in London to raise awareness about Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism and counter a propaganda event. They highlighted the neglected plight of Kashmiri Hindus and other communities, urging action against Pakistan's destabilizing activities in Jammu and Kashmir, including human rights abuses and terrorism support.

Who is Piyush Pratik, the IIT-graduate Apple product manager who spoke about Camera Control feature on iPhone 16 series

Apple introduced its iPhone 16 series at a launch event where Piyush Pratik highlighted the new Camera Control feature. An IIT Delhi alumnus and Stanford MBA graduate, Pratik has a notable career history with Biocon, Bain & Company, InMobi, and InstaFit before joining Apple in 2019. His achievements garnered attention on social media.

Pope Francis to use chairs made by Indian-origin man during Singapore visit

Govindharaj Muthiah, a 44-year-old Indian-origin carpenter in Singapore, has been commissioned to create two handcrafted chairs for Pope Francis' visit. The chairs will be used during inter-religious dialogue sessions. Muthiah completed the project within a month using leftover lumber from temples and mosques, drawing inspiration from 18th-century furniture designs.

'Humble' Indian billionaire stops for selfie with fan in Abu Dhabi mall; internet applauds

Lulu Group chairman MA Yusuff Ali is earning praise for his humility after a video showed him stopping to pose for a selfie with a fan. This comes after another viral video where he gifted a luxury watch to an admirer. Ali oversees 256 hypermarkets and malls across the Gulf and India.

Teen charged with murder of British Indian, 80, at Leicester park

A 14-year-old boy faces charges for the murder of Bhim Kohli, an 80-year-old British Indian man attacked while walking his dog in Leicester. Kohli died from neck injuries sustained during the assault. Three girls and another boy were also arrested but subsequently released without further police action.

'Kicked him in the spine': How Indian-origin grandfather Bhim Sen Kohli was tragically beaten to death by children in Leicester

Sources also claim that the group of young people suspected to be responsible for the horrifying tragedy fled the scene after brutally assaulting him. The victim was left screaming in agony at the scene, his daughter said, according to The Sun.

Yoga guru Pradeep Ullal held for raping NRI

Kerala man returning from US, dies in road accident on his way home

Shijil, a 40-year-old man recently returned from the United States to Kerala, died in a road accident while traveling home to Thalassery. The incident occurred near Mukkali, Vadakara when the taxi he was in collided head-on with a truck. The taxi driver also succumbed to his injuries. Further details are awaited.

US elections: Campaign launched to increase participation of Indian-Americans in polls

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has launched the 'Indo American Votes Matter' campaign to increase the policy impact and participation of Indian-American voters in the upcoming US presidential elections. With around 4.5 million Indo-Americans concentrated in key swing states, their votes could significantly influence election outcomes.

Tata AIA launches US dollar denominated life insurance for Non-Resident Indians

Tata AIA Life Insurance has inaugurated an offshore branch at GIFT City, India's first International Financial Services Centre, aimed at offering US dollar denominated life insurance for NRIs. These plans cover various risks and include flexible add-on benefits. Tata AIA also plans to introduce unit linked life insurance products soon.

Will Canada remain an attractive destination for Indian students? Policy changes throw up some challenges

Indian students in Canada are facing difficulties due to new policy changes impacting work permits, cost-of-living requirements, and post-graduate work opportunities. Restrictions on open work permits for spouses and caps on international student intake add to the challenges, potentially affecting their residency and career goals in Canada.

4 Indians, including 2 from Hyderabad, killed in fiery multi-vehicle crash in Texas

A devastating multi-vehicle crash on US route 75 in Anna, Texas, feared to have claimed the lives of four Indian nationals. The accident occurred when a speeding truck rear-ended their SUV, causing it to burst into flames. Authorities are using DNA fingerprinting for identification due to the severity of the fire. Families await confirmation.

Many NRIs are disposing of their properties in Andhra Pradesh

India-origin mother pleads guilty to killing 10-year-old daughter in UK

Jaskirat Kaur, aged 33, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her 10-year-old daughter on grounds of diminished responsibility at Wolverhampton Crown Court. The girl's body was found at their West Midlands home in March. The prosecution accepted Kaur's plea, and sentencing is set for 25 October. The case remains a tragic incident that shocked the community.

Ties with India: FBI offers $ 25,000 reward for information leading to arrest of Cindy Rodriguez-Singh on her son's murder

The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, accused of murdering her son Noel Alvarez. She was last seen in March 2023 heading to India with her family. Authorities report that Rodriguez-Singh lied about her son's whereabouts, claiming he was living with his father in Mexico.

Visitors can no longer apply for work permits within Canada

The IRCC has discontinued its 'temporary' policy that let visitors apply for work permits while in Canada as of August 28. Introduced in August 2020 due to COVID-19, this policy was supposed to end in 2025. The change aims to reduce immigrant numbers ahead of upcoming costs and an election.

USCIS announces key OPT policy changes announced for international STEM students

USCIS has revised its guidelines for international STEM students, enabling limited online courses to meet study requirements and confirming that associate degrees can qualify for OPT. The new policy clarifies transfers between SEVP-certified institutions and outlines the 60-day grace period post-OPT for transitions and applications.

Over 24,000 Indian-Americans sign up for mega community event in NY to be addressed by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a large gathering of over 24,000 Indian-Americans at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 22. Organized by the Indo-American Community of USA, the event celebrates Indo-American diversity and will feature cultural performances and appearances by prominent Indian-Americans. Modi is also scheduled to speak at the UN General Assembly on September 26.

Large Indian-American turnout at Democratic convention in support of Kamala Harris

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, members from the Indian American community actively supported Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential candidacy. With over 700,000 eligible Indian American voters in key battleground states, their engagement was notable, reflecting their growing political involvement. Organizers and leaders expressed optimism about their influence in the upcoming election.

US: Indian-origin doctor Ramesh Peramsetty shot dead in Alabama

Dr Ramesh Babu Peramsetty, a physician of Indian origin, was fatally shot in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Founder and medical director of Crimson Care Network, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Known for his contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic, he is survived by his wife and four children. The network requested privacy for his family.