New India Abroad

  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 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...

  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...

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated a "historic day" as India and the UK signed a landmark trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral economic ties. The deal is expected to enhance exports, create jobs, and deepen strategic cooperation. New India Abroad highlights this as a major milestone in India’s global economic ascent. With reduced tariffs and expanded market access, the agreement signals a new era of partnership between two influential democracies on the world stage.  

  As the thrilling Test series between England and India heads into its final stretch , England batsman Harry Brook has issued a bold warning to India, stating his team "doesn’t always have to be nice" as they gear up for the fourth Test at Old Trafford on July 23. Following England’s fiery 22-run win at Lord’s, tensions between the two sides have intensified. From heated exchanges between fielders and batsmen to mid-pitch collisions, the spirit of competition has never been higher. With the series poised at 2-1 in England’s favor, the Manchester clash could prove decisive. England have made only one change to their squad, bringing in Liam Dawson after a long eight-year gap to replace the injured Shoaib Bashir. Jofra Archer remains a key figure in the unchanged pace attack, continuing to provide fiery spells and emotional send-offs, as seen with his dismissal of Rishabh Pant. India, on the other hand, must win both remaining matches to clinch their first Test series win...

  Indiaspora and the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) are coming together to host the highly anticipated Philanthropy Summit 2025 , scheduled to take place on October 2nd—Gandhi Jayanti—at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, California. This invitation-only summit will bring together a powerful network of visionary philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and foundation heads who are deeply committed to India-focused initiatives and impactful giving. In a statement, Indiaspora emphasized the symbolic value of the event’s date, noting that “it is a date that resonates deeply with our shared commitment to service and positive social impact.” One of the distinguished speakers at the summit will be Desh Deshpande, President and Chairman of Sparta Group LLC, widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts and business leadership. IPA is a coalition of 21 philanthropic and nonprofit organizations that collectively raise over $250 million annually, including more than $100 million i...

  The Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh Studies (GHISS) has launched its annual Sikh Youth Gurmat Camp in Maryland, running from July 19 to July 27, bringing together children and young adults aged 6 to 20 for a unique, immersive cultural experience. This 9-day camp is centered around strengthening the connection of Sikh youth to their religious and cultural heritage . Through a mix of educational seminars, interactive discussions, and creative competitions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Sikh values and history. Activities include Sikh history Jeopardy, Punjabi Pictionary, lectures, and group seminars on key Sikh issues. The camp also provides hands-on cultural training in Harmonium, Tabla, String Instruments, and Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art . In addition to academic and cultural enrichment, sports competitions such as volleyball, basketball, hiking, and tug-of-war are fostering teamwork and physical engagement. Key highlights of the camp includ...

  Indian talent is powering a new era of innovation in the U.S., where AI breakthroughs are increasingly being led by Desi minds. From Silicon Valley startups to major tech giants, Indian-origin engineers and entrepreneurs are shaping the future. This rise of "Amazing India" in AI showcases how global success is now proudly spelt as ‘DESI’. New India Abroad celebrates these changemakers redefining technology and putting India at the forefront of global progress. For more information Visit us : https://youtu.be/U31uzmcwoQE?si=qH-0bq9m4q9aA_ri  

  The Indian community plays a vital role in strengthening ties between India and the United States. As professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors, Indian Americans foster mutual understanding and collaboration across both nations. Their contributions in technology, medicine, education, and business continue to shape a shared future. New India Abroad celebrates this dynamic community as a living bridge that connects values, innovation, and progress between the world’s largest democracies. For more information Viist us : https://youtu.be/mwUeCfKRbJc?si=fonLJMS0Qlb8OPSa    

  Indian-origin horticulture researcher Sharandeep Singh Chahal is on a mission to combat turfgrass diseases that are wreaking havoc on lawns, athletic fields, and landscapes across the transition zone of the United States. A Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas, Chahal is focusing his research on two significant turfgrass diseases: Yellow Tuft and Large Patch. Yellow Tuft, also known as Downy Mildew, is caused by the pathogen Sclerophthora macrospora, while Large Patch is driven by Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-2. Both diseases pose a serious threat to zoysiagrass , a widely used warm-season turfgrass valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal in home lawns, golf courses, and sports complexes. Through his work, Chahal aims to better understand the biology, environmental triggers, and management strategies for these pathogens. His findings could lead to more sustainable and effective control methods, reducing the need for chemical fungic...

  Nous Infosystems, a global leader in AI-powered product and data engineering services, has appointed Milan Bhatt as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The appointment comes at a transformative time for the New Jersey-based company, marking a new chapter in its strategic growth journey. Bringing over 20 years of global leadership experience, Bhatt has been instrumental in driving enterprise-wide digital transformation across AI, data, and cloud technologies. He most recently served as President and Global Head of Cloud, Data & AI Services at Hexaware Technologies, also leading the Healthcare & Insurance vertical. Previously, he held senior leadership roles for more than a decade at HCL Technologies, managing large-scale digital programs across international markets. “Every wave of disruption in IT services creates room for new leaders,” said Bhatt. “I’m inspired by Nous’ mission to be a true champion in the AI-first era. Our focus on select indus...

  There is a “strong argument” for installing video cameras in airline cockpits to enhance accident investigations, according to Willie Walsh, Director-General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Speaking on July 16, Walsh addressed the aftermath of the June 12 Air India crash, emphasizing how cockpit video footage could prove crucial in understanding aviation disasters more clearly. The statement follows a preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), released on July 12, which revealed that the plane’s engine fuel switches had been turned off—yet neither pilot claimed responsibility. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, along with 19 individuals on the ground, leaving only one survivor. Walsh, a former commercial airline pilot himself, acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue. “I understand the reluctance of pilots,” he said, “but on a personal basis, I can see that there is a strong argument f...

  U.S. Marines patrolling the streets of Los Angeles. Masked immigration officers waiting at courthouses and busy restaurants. Travel bans affecting people from over a dozen countries. These dramatic scenes weren’t just imagined—they reflected the hardline vision of senior White House aide Stephen Miller, the man behind President Donald Trump’s uncompromising immigration policy. Stephen Miller, often working behind the scenes, played a pivotal role in shaping and executing Trump ’s most controversial immigration moves. From the early days of the administration, Miller pushed for executive orders targeting refugees and asylum seekers, culminating in the infamous travel bans that targeted predominantly Muslim-majority nations. His goal was clear: to reshape the face of American immigration and restrict the inflow of migrants at all costs. Miller’s agenda didn’t stop at borders. He advocated for raids in sanctuary cities, restrictions on legal immigration, and even pushed for the...

  Since 1996, All India Cafe has been serving up the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine in Los Angeles. Founded by chef Santokh Singh Khinda, the restaurant quickly became a local favorite for its authentic dishes and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Nearly three decades later, All India Cafe is entering a bold new chapter—led by siblings Pawandeep (Pawan) and Simran Khinda, who are bringing a modern touch while preserving the essence of their family legacy. Now operating outposts in Pasadena, Arcadia, and Glendale, the All India Cafe brand is evolving. The next generation is focused on creating new experiences without losing the warmth and familiarity that long-time guests love. From updated interiors to refreshed menus and digital ordering systems, the reimagined All India Cafe is a fusion of tradition and innovation. We caught up with co-owner Pawandeep Kaur Khinda, who shared insights into her entrepreneurial journey. She spoke about honoring her fathe...

  On July 9, Nvidia made history by becoming the first company to surpass $4 trillion in market value , marking a defining moment in Wall Street’s confidence in the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Led by co-founder and electrical engineer Jensen Huang, Nvidia's stock surged as high as $164.42 after the market opened, briefly pushing its valuation past the $4 trillion threshold before dipping slightly. Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers noted, “The market has an incredible certainty that AI is the future. Nvidia is certainly the company most positioned to benefit from that gold rush.” Nvidia’s valuation now exceeds the GDP of nations like France, the UK, and India, showcasing how central AI has become to economic outlooks. Investors are betting big that AI will spark a new wave of automation, robotics, and productivity growth—disrupting traditional industries in the process. The California-based chipmaker’s success is also lifting broader markets. Even ami...

  Online spending across U.S. retailers jumped by a massive $24.1 billion from July 8 to 11, as consumers rushed to grab steep discounts during what Adobe Analytics calls " Black Friday in Summer ." This surge surpassed Adobe’s forecast of 28.4%, reaching 30.3% sales growth during major events like Amazon Prime Day. Retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy rolled out aggressive promotions, especially on back-to-school items, electronics, and apparel. Amazon extended Prime Day to 96 hours, doubling its usual 48-hour window. Consumers, eager for value, traded up on high-ticket items they might otherwise skip. This year’s sales growth outpaced the $14.2 billion and 11% rise recorded during the same period last year. Adobe noted that Prime Day has become a key back-to-school shopping season, allowing consumers to beat the rush while saving money. Amid trade tensions and upcoming August 1 trade agreement deadlines, shoppers seized the moment to secure deals,...

  New India Abroad brings you the latest from the India vs. England Test series, as the two cricketing giants clash in the third match at Lord’s on July 10. With the five-match series now level at 1-1, India enter the Test with renewed confidence following their emphatic 336-run win at Edgbaston. All eyes are on Shubman Gill , who has taken the world by storm with a sensational start as India’s Test captain. After smashing 585 runs in just two Tests—including scores of 269 and 161 in Birmingham—the 25-year-old is on track to potentially surpass Don Bradman’s record of 974 runs in a single series. Even England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged Gill’s brilliance, while also hinting that the pressure to maintain form could mount. England, meanwhile, look to bounce back with the possible return of fast bowler Jofra Archer , whose last Test appearance was in 2020. With Chris Woakes underperforming and England’s bowling attack lacking bite, Archer’s comeback could be crucial. Coach B...

  Indian nationals traveling to the United States for tourism , education, or temporary work will soon face significantly higher visa costs. Beginning in 2026, a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” will be imposed on most non-immigrant visa categories under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), recently signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 4. This surcharge will apply to B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, F and M student visas, H-1B work visas, and J-1 exchange visas, among others. Only diplomatic visa holders under categories A and G will be exempt. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collect the fee at the time of visa issuance. Framed as a refundable security deposit, it will only be reimbursed if travelers fully comply with all visa conditions—such as leaving the U.S. within five days of visa expiration or adjusting their status legally—and submit the necessary proof. The new $250 charge comes on top of the existing $185 Machine-Readable Visa (...

  An alarming case of digital deception has surfaced, with an AI-generated voice used to impersonate U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in communications with foreign officials, reports New India Abroad . According to a confidential cable reviewed by Reuters on July 8, the impersonator contacted three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor, and a member of Congress in mid-June using the Signal messaging app. The cable reveals that the impersonator left voicemails in two cases and sent a text message in another, urging the recipient to continue the conversation on Signal. This sophisticated use of AI-generated voice and text raises serious concerns about cyber-enabled influence operations and their growing reach into international diplomacy. According to the cable, “the actor likely aimed to manipulate targeted individuals using AI-generated text and voice messages, with the goal of gaining access to information or accounts.” Though the campaign didn’t pose a direct cyber threat ...

  Six days after devastating flash floods tore through Texas Hill Country , more than 160 people remain unaccounted for , with 120 confirmed dead as of July 10. Thousands of first responders are combing through debris in Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster. Among the dead are 36 children, including 27 campers and staff from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. Five girls and one counselor from the camp are still missing. Disaster experts caution that the actual number of missing people may be inflated due to communication breakdowns. In past disasters, such as the 2018 California wildfires and the 2023 Lahaina fire, initial missing persons lists ballooned far beyond the final death tolls. Many people were later found safe but had no means to contact their families. "This list will change," said Josh Dozor, former FEMA official. “People may not know they’re reported missing. Power outages, shelter relocation, and cell network issues all contribute to the confusion....

  Stay updated with the most exciting developments in Indian sports news with New India Abroad . From cricket and badminton to kabaddi and emerging sports, we bring you in-depth coverage, live match updates, athlete interviews, and expert analysis. Whether it’s India's performance on the global stage or rising local talents making headlines, our platform delivers trusted and timely sports journalism. New India Abroad connects the Indian diaspora to the heart of sports action back home, keeping you informed and inspired. Whether you're in the U.S. or abroad, never miss a moment of Indian sporting glory. Dive into our sports section today for the latest highlights, scores, and stories that matter.  

  The NRI community services provided by various Indian organizations and government bodies play a crucial role in supporting the needs and aspirations of Indians living abroad. These services cover a wide range of areas including legal assistance, cultural preservation, financial guidance, educational support, and emergency help. At New India Abroad, we believe that empowering the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community strengthens India’s global presence. Many NRI associations, consulates, and diaspora groups actively work to ensure that Indians living overseas stay connected to their roots while thriving in their new environments. Language classes, Indian festivals, business networking events, and cultural workshops are commonly organized to promote unity and preserve heritage. Additionally, NRI community services often provide help during legal or immigration issues, repatriation cases, or when NRIs face discrimination or emergencies in foreign lands. Helplines, consular supp...

  Indian students continue to shine across the globe, making remarkable contributions in academics, research, technology, and innovation. With their strong educational foundation, adaptability, and determination, they have carved a significant place in top universities and research institutions worldwide. From securing top ranks in international competitions like the International Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics, to winning prestigious scholarships such as the Rhodes, Fulbright, and Chevening, Indian students are being recognized for their excellence. Their presence in Ivy League schools, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and other leading institutions has been steadily growing, not just in numbers but also in accomplishments. One of the key drivers behind Indian student achievements is a deep-rooted emphasis on education and discipline. Whether it’s publishing breakthrough research in artificial intelligence and climate science or launching start-ups while still in co...

  The rich legacy of Assam tea reached a global milestone as it marked 200 years of cultivation, celebrated with grandeur in New York at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025. Hosted at the iconic Jacob K. Javits Center, the commemorative event took place at the India Pavilion and drew attention from food and beverage enthusiasts, global importers, and cultural dignitaries. This historic celebration was a collaborative effort led by the Consulate General of India in New York and featured the presence of key dignitaries including Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York. Together, they inaugurated the event and paid tribute to the significance of Assam tea not only as a global commodity but also as a cultural heritage of India. Assam tea, known for its bold flavor and bright color, has played a pivotal role in shaping the global tea market since the 1820s. This 200-year celebration aimed to showcase the tea’s journey from the l...

  Shree Reddy, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Virginia-based PenFed Credit Union, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 CapitalCIO ORBIE Award in the Enterprise category. This recognition celebrates Reddy's outstanding leadership, strategic innovation, and business impact at one of America’s largest credit unions. The ORBIE Awards , hosted by CapitalCIO—a chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network—are regarded as one of the highest honors for technology executives. These awards recognize CIOs who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership and have driven transformation across their organizations. Since its inception in 1998, the program has highlighted the work of visionary leaders who use innovation and strategic thinking to solve complex challenges and generate lasting value. Doug King, Chair of CapitalCIO, praised the winners, stating, "Great CIOs understand how connections drive transformation. The ORBIE Awards recognize...

  In a significant move toward community development, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced on July 4 that the city will allocate over $1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support various local nonprofit organizations and essential infrastructure upgrades within the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA). The initiative reflects Bhalla’s ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life for Hoboken residents, especially those in vulnerable communities. The proposed allocation of approximately $685,000 is specifically targeted at the Hoboken Housing Authority for two critical improvement projects. The first includes the replacement of aging boiler systems that currently serve senior and disabled residents. These upgrades aim to provide more reliable heating systems across housing units, especially in the winter months. The second major focus of the funding is to strengthen the security infrastructure in HHA buildings. This includes installations of modern s...

  New India Abroad reports that Microsoft will lay off nearly 4% of its global workforce as the tech giant seeks to manage expenses while ramping up investments in artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement, made on July 2, comes as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce organizational complexity. Microsoft employed approximately 228,000 people globally as of June 2024. In May, the company had already laid off around 6,000 employees, with plans to further reduce its workforce—particularly in sales—according to Bloomberg News . The company’s $80 billion capital expenditure commitment for fiscal year 2025 reflects its aggressive push into AI infrastructure. However, the heavy investment has taken a toll on margins, especially within its cloud division, which is expected to see lower margins in the June quarter compared to the previous year. In addition to the broader layoffs, Microsoft’s King division in Barcelona, known for developing Candy Crush,...