INDIAN COMMUNITY
IIT Kharagpur becomes first IIT to offer NMC-accredited postgraduate medical degrees
IIT Kharagpur is set to become the first IIT to offer postgraduate medical degree programmes. The inaugural cohort of MD students will begin in the academic session 2026-27 at the Dr B C Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre. Admissions will be conducted through the NEET-PG online counselling process for qualified candidates. Six MD disciplines will be offered, each with two available seats.
The new trends reshaping India's art market
Art Mumbai is back, showcasing a wider array of international exhibitors while highlighting the evolution of art collections. With community initiatives and social media playing pivotal roles, art accessibility and engagement are being transformed in India.
KL Rahul invests in PlayBlue, joins as brand ambassador ahead of flagship store launch
KL Rahul will invest in PlayBlue, a multi-brand sports retail venture launching its flagship store on November 14. The flagship store in Bengaluru will feature over 75 brands, including apparel and sporting equipment. PlayBlue aims to create an integrated platform that offers expert guidance and experiential retail for consumers. It plans to expand its presence to more than 100 stores across India over the next five years.
Amish Shah, Pia Dandiya join centrist New Democratic Coalition
Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya have recently joined the New Democrat Coalition, increasing its membership to 142. The New Democrat Coalition, which is the largest ideological group in the Democratic Party, welcomed 40 new members this week. Shah is a physician with roots in Gujarat, while Dandiya has a background in education and policy leadership.
Indian Navy to conduct fifth Sea Vigil exercise from November 11, covering entire coastline and EEZ
The Indian Navy has launched the Sea Vigil-26 exercise to assess India's coastal defense preparedness. Scheduled from November 11 to 19, this exercise will cover the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. It involves multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard and local communities, to enhance maritime security. This exercise is crucial for identifying gaps and improving coordination among various security forces.
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Indian diaspora a "living bridge between India and world": EAM Jaishankar at 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas website launch
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora at the launch of the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2027. The event will take place in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027, in cooperation with the West Bengal government. This year’s theme focuses on reconnecting the diaspora with their roots and heritage.
India rejects USCIRF remarks on gurdwara attacks, calls it 'blatantly political'
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also wondered why the USCIRF chose to remain silent on attacks on religious places in the US and on racial abuse targeting the Indian community in that country.
India signs Haj 2027 agreement with Saudi Arabia, secures quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims
India has secured a Haj quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for 2027 after signing a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on November 9. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement following discussions with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The two sides reviewed preparations for the next pilgrimage season and discussed logistical support, coordination and pilgrim welfare.
Sanju Samson serves biryani to elderly residents at old age home, his latest video leaves fans impressed
Sanju Samson celebrated Diwali by visiting an old-age home, where he served food to elderly residents, interacted with them and posed for photographs. A video shared by the Sanju Samson Foundation has crossed five million views. Established in 2023, the foundation was co-founded by Samson and Charulatha Remesh.
India gets quota of 1.75 lakh pilgrims under Saudi Arabia's Haj 2027 agreement
India and Saudi Arabia signed the Haj agreement for 2027, permitting 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims to participate. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met with Saudi Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah to establish the agreement. Discussions also included enhancing cooperation for pilgrims' welfare and logistical support in the upcoming pilgrimage. The Haj quota for India has gradually increased, reflecting the growing number of pilgrims.
Seattle Diwali celebration disrupted by far-right activists with anti-Indian placards
A Diwali celebration in Seattle was disrupted after two far-right activists, Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, entered the venue carrying placards demanding the deportation of Indians and alleging a Hindu takeover of Christian America.
NRIs can now complete online KYC from the US, UK, UAE and other FATF-compliant countries
For Indian investors residing overseas, a new development brings good news. A recent circular from Sebi allows them to open investment accounts without needing to return to India. By permitting digital KYC submissions from various compliant countries, this initiative simplifies the process for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs).
US leaders join Indian-Americans in Diwali celebrations, light traditional lamps across states
Diwali celebrations across the United States saw governors, lawmakers and public officials join Indian-Americans in marking the festival of lights. Former Vice President Kamala Harris extended festive greetings, while California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the state's first official Diwali holiday.
Emmanuel Macron, Mark Carney, Anthony Albanese, leaders from across the world call for peace, prosperity on Diwali
World leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Anthony Albanese, extended warm Diwali greetings, celebrating the festival's message of joy and unity among diverse communities. The festivities were marked in India along with vibrant celebrations in Canada, Australia, and the UAE. Additionally, Thailand's Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival showcased the richness of cultural diversity, symbolizing the enduring ties of the global Indian diaspora.
Russia, US extend Diwali wishes to people in India
"Warm Diwali greetings to all our dear friends in India. light never diminishes by sharing; rather, it only increases. I believe that this very spirit of mutual respect, goodwill, and trust will continue to strengthen the friendship between India and Russia. May this auspicious festival of Diwali bring new hope, happiness, peace, and prosperity into your lives. Happy Diwali to you all," he said.
Seattle Diwali celebrations disrupted by activists carrying 'Deport All Dot Heads' placards, spark outrage
Diwali celebrations at Seattle Center were disrupted by conservative activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, who carried placards with anti-Hindu and anti-immigrant slogans. The incident triggered condemnation from US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and community leaders, who called the display racist and said Hindu Americans should be able to celebrate safely.
Indian Americans condemn Seattle Diwali disruption by far-right activist Jake Lang
Far-right activist Jake Lang disrupted a Diwali celebration in Seattle while carrying racist signs targeted at Hindus. Prominent Indian Americans including Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal condemned this hateful display, emphasizing the importance of Diwali. The Coalition of Hindus of North America advised community preparedness against similar incidents in the future. Lang's past included participation in the January 6 Capitol attack, for which he received a pardon.
Frontier Raas opens new store in Ahmedabad, Kangana Ranaut attends inauguration as Chief Guest
Indian ethnic and occasionwear brand Frontier Raas inaugurated its new store in Ahmedabad on November 1, 2026, marking another step in its retail expansion. Actor Kangana Ranaut attended the inauguration as the chief guest, alongside prominent business personalities, leading families and members of the city's fashion and cultural communities.
'Ability, confidence, education, not minority identity': Family of Saba Haider on US poll victory
Saba Haider, an Illinois House representative, secured a significant victory in the recent elections. Her family in Uttar Pradesh celebrated the achievement, highlighting the importance of education and public service. Saba's journey included a gold medal in Wildlife Science from Aligarh Muslim University before moving to the US. She previously ran unsuccessfully for the DuPage County Board before winning her current position.
Choti Diwali in North vs South India: 5 Traditions That Will Surprise You, From Ganga Snanam to Evening Diyas
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated with strikingly different customs across India. While many North Indian families observe it with evening diyas, traditional baths and preparations for Lakshmi Puja, several South Indian communities celebrate Deepavali itself with pre-dawn oil baths, new clothes, festive breakfasts and firecrackers. Here are five traditions that reveal how differently the same festival is experienced across the country.
First South Asian woman in state's General Assembly takes the seat; India-born Saba Haider wins Illinois House seat
Saba Haider won a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives during the November 3 mid-term elections. She secured 70.9 per cent of the votes against her Republican opponent, Brian Scopa. Haider previously served on the DuPage County Board and focussed her campaign on affordable healthcare and education. Her victory is significant as she is the first South Asian woman in the state's General Assembly.
Indian-born Nithya Raman elected Mayor of Los Angeles, scripts history as first South Asian mayor of the city
Nithya Raman has made history by becoming the first South Asian mayor of Los Angeles. She won the election against incumbent Karen Bass during the recent mid-term elections. Raman, an urban planner with degrees from Harvard and MIT, aims to address housing and transit issues. The Indian-American community has achieved significant political gains across the country in these elections.
US President Donald Trump to participate in Diwali celebration at White House
President Donald Trump is set to participate in a Diwali celebration at the White House this Friday. The event will take place in the Oval Office, continuing a tradition that began with President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama was the first to light a lamp during a White House ceremony in 2009. Last year, India's Ambassador Vinay Kwatra joined Trump to celebrate Diwali by lighting a lamp.
Govt eases passport, visa rules for foreign nationals residing in India
The Union home ministry has announced relaxed passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals. These amendments apply to individuals including Pakistani citizens and minority refugees. Exemptions also cover members of religious communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan on humanitarian grounds. Registered Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans who entered India under specific permits are included in the amendments.
Amish Shah claims victory in Arizona congressional seat, 6th Indian-American in US House; becomes first from community to represent state
Amish Shah defeated Republican Jay Feely to become Arizona's first Indian-American congressman. He won 52.49 per cent of the vote in a competitive election. Before Congress, Shah served three terms in the Arizona House of Representatives, focusing on healthcare and public safety. His campaign emphasised lowering healthcare costs and protecting voting rights for all citizens.
Congressman Subramanyam vows to end 'forever wars', fight tariffs, hold Trump admin accountable
Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam recently won re-election in Virginia's 10th Congressional District. He pledged to address concerns about rising costs, healthcare cuts, and federal workforce reductions. Subramanyam committed to ending "forever wars" and fighting unnecessary tariffs to lower costs. His victory reflects significant gains by Democrats in the recent midterm elections. Subramanyam aims to collaborate with the community to drive changes in Washington.
Diwali Abroad 2026: How NRIs in the US, UK and Gulf Are Keeping Indian Traditions Alive Thousands of Miles From Home
Diwali 2026 is bringing Indian communities together across the US, UK and Gulf, with celebrations ranging from Times Square and London's Trafalgar Square to Dubai's Festival of Lights and temple gatherings in Abu Dhabi. As November 8 approaches, NRIs are marking the festival through cultural performances, traditional food, diya lighting, family pujas, festive shopping and community events. Here is how the Indian diaspora is celebrating Diwali abroad this year.
US Midterm elections 2026: The Indian American vote may be small, but the political weight isn’t
As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, the influence of Indian Americans on electoral decisions could be significant. A striking 66 per cent favour Democratic candidates, while just 19 per cent support Republicans. Their economic presence is marked, contributing 6 per cent of total US income tax revenues, although they constitute only 1.5 per cent of the populace.
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