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FIA-Chicago Hosts Community Picnic in Partnership with Chicago Hindu Mahotsav Group

  On July 27, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago) collaborated with the Chicago Hindu Mahotsav Group NFP to host a vibrant community picnic. Over 150 attendees gathered for a day filled with delicious food, fun games, karaoke, dance performances, and a lively Garba session. Prominent community leaders, including Mafatbhai Patel of Patel Brothers grocery chain, and former Presidents and Trustees Bhailalbhai Patel, Kantibhai S Patel, Kantibhai N Patel, Rakesh Malhotra, Dr. Rashmi Patel, and Raj Patel, joined the celebration. Also present were esteemed guests from Harisumiran Mandir, including P. Guruprasad Swamiji, P. Harisanmukh Swamiji, and Himanshubhai Sheth. VHPA President Vineshbhai Virani encouraged attendees to participate in the upcoming “Support a Child” initiative on August 9 at Manav Seva Mandir. New India Abroad covers such vibrant community events celebrating unity and culture.  

The Uproar Over Jeffrey Epstein Threatens GOP Midterm Hopes and Public Trust

  The ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal may pose a significant threat to Republican hopes in the 2026 midterm elections , according to bipartisan voices in Congress. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are pushing for full transparency through a House vote on releasing the government’s Epstein files. Their concern: that the current lack of transparency fuels public distrust and the belief that the wealthy and powerful evade justice. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press , Massie warned, “This is going to hurt Republicans in the midterms. The voters will be apathetic if we don't hold the rich and powerful accountable.” With a narrow 219-212 majority in the House and a 53-47 edge in the Senate, Republicans are vulnerable to political backlash—especially given midterm trends that often disadvantage the president’s party. New India Abroad reports that President Trump , currently in his second term, is frustrated by his administration’s handling of t...

Arjun Gupte and Ishaan Singh Named 2025 Astronaut Scholars at Purdue University

  New India Abroad proudly highlights the achievements of two exceptional Indian-origin students—Arjun Gupte and Ishaan Singh—who have been named 2025 Astronaut Scholars by the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). This honor is among the most competitive merit-based awards in the U.S. for undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Gupte, a senior majoring in computer engineering at Purdue’s College of Engineering, received the scholarship sponsored by Jim Hays in memory of astronaut Gene Cernan. Singh, a junior pursuing applied physics honors and biochemistry through Purdue’s College of Science and John Martinson Honors College, was selected for the award sponsored by Marc and Sharon Hagle. They are joined by Zhiyuan Chen, a junior majoring in biological engineering and biochemistry, whose scholarship was sponsored by Dick and Kathleen Covey and the CoveyLove Legacy Fund. These three brilliant students are among 74 recipients selected...

U.S. Lawmakers Urge Action on Indian Student Visa Delays

  A bipartisan group of 15 U.S. lawmakers has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address serious delays in student visa appointments for Indian nationals. In a letter dated July 24, the lawmakers warned that the backlog could prevent hundreds of Indian students from arriving in time for the upcoming academic semester. Citing concerns from universities in their districts, they highlighted that Indian students—the largest group of international students in the U.S.—are facing limited appointment availability at American embassies and consulates in India. The lawmakers stressed the need for immediate intervention to avoid academic disruptions. New India Abroad continues to monitor this evolving situation, which significantly impacts educational exchange and U.S.-India bilateral relations.

Trump Says He Won’t Destroy Elon Musk’s Companies Amid Subsidy Clash

  On July 24, President Donald Trump clarified that he has no intention of harming Elon Musk’s companies by removing federal subsidies, stating he wants the billionaire’s businesses to “thrive.” The statement followed tensions after Musk criticized Trump’s tax policies and launched a new political party. “Everyone is stating that I will destroy Elon’s companies... This is not so!” Trump wrote on social media. Meanwhile, Musk countered on X, claiming the subsidies Trump referred to “do not exist,” noting that SpaceX earned NASA contracts through cost-effective performance. Despite Musk’s past calls to end subsidies, companies like Tesla have historically benefited from U.S. tax credits. New India Abroad continues to track this evolving political-business dynamic.

Indian Football in Crisis: A "Sleeping Giant" Struggles to Wake Up

  Once dubbed a "sleeping giant" by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Indian football now faces a deepening crisis. From the grassroots to the top tiers, the sport is in turmoil. The national men’s team is without a coach, and the Indian Super League (ISL) risks collapse due to conflicts between the federation and its commercial partner. Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who came out of retirement at 40, highlighted the lack of emerging talent. With 95 international goals, Chhetri remains a key figure due to the absence of younger replacements. India is currently ranked 133rd by FIFA, its lowest in nearly a decade, with only one win in the last 16 matches. New India Abroad continues to monitor the unfolding challenges in Indian football.

Thanedar Commends NAFA for Promoting Marathi Cinema in North America

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  Congressman Shri Thanedar praised the North American Film Association (NAFA) for its dedicated efforts in promoting Marathi cinema across North America. Speaking at a recent cultural event, Thanedar emphasized the importance of preserving regional languages and arts through global platforms. New India Abroad recognizes NAFA’s role in bridging cultural gaps and showcasing the richness of Marathi storytelling to international audiences. This collaboration highlights a growing appreciation for Indian regional cinema on the world stage.