MIT Bars Indian-American Student Leader from Graduation Over Pro-Palestine Speech

MIT Bars Indian-American Student Leader from Graduation Over Pro-Palestine Speech

Cambridge, MA— Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American student and the Class of 2025 president at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was barred from attending her graduation ceremony after delivering a commencement speech criticizing MIT's ties to Israel and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. The speech, delivered on May 29, 2025, deviated from the pre-approved version, leading to MIT's decision to exclude her from the official ceremony the following day.

Padma Lakshmi's New Cookbook Celebrates America's Culinary Diversity

Padma Lakshmi's New Cookbook Celebrates America's Culinary Diversity

New York— Padma Lakshmi, the Emmy-nominated culinary icon and former Top Chef host, is set to release her latest cookbook, Padma’s All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond, on November 4, 2025. This deeply personal collection weaves together over 100 recipes inspired by her travels across the U.S., highlighting the rich tapestry of immigrant and Indigenous cuisines that define American food culture. The book also features contributions from her 15-year-old daughter, Krishna, making it a heartfelt family endeavor.

Harvard Faces Unprecedented U.S. Visa Crackdown Amid Political Tensions

Harvard Faces Unprecedented U.S. Visa Crackdown Amid Political Tensions

Washington, D.C.— The Trump administration has initiated stringent visa vetting procedures for all individuals seeking to travel to Harvard University, citing concerns over campus antisemitism and unrest. This directive, issued on May 30, 2025, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, mandates U.S. consulates worldwide to conduct enhanced scrutiny of visa applicants associated with Harvard, including students, faculty, and visitors. The move is part of a broader governmental effort to address perceived ideological issues within elite academic institutions.

Nisha Desai Biswal Joins The Asia Group as Partner

Nisha Desai Biswal Joins The Asia Group as Partner

Washington, D.C.— Nisha Desai Biswal, a seasoned Indian American diplomat and business leader, has joined The Asia Group (TAG) as a Partner. Her appointment comes as TAG expands its South Asia and Energy & Sustainability practices, aiming to guide global businesses in navigating the dynamic Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Man Faces Jail, Deportation for U.S. Marriage Fraud Scheme

Indian Man Faces Jail, Deportation for U.S. Marriage Fraud Scheme

West Virginia— Aakash Prakash Makwana, a 29-year-old Indian national unlawfully residing in West Virginia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft as part of a marriage fraud scheme aimed at securing U.S. permanent residency. Makwana, who overstayed his J-1 visa, admitted to paying $10,000 to marry a U.S. citizen and falsifying documents to support his immigration application. His sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2025, and he faces potential jail time, fines, and deportation.

BJANA Celebrates 50 Years with Grand Conclave in New Jersey

BJANA Celebrates 50 Years with Grand Conclave in New Jersey

New Brunswick, NJ— The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) hosted a grand Golden Jubilee Conclave on May 24–25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, New Jersey. Over 700 guests from the U.S., India, and other countries joined the two-day celebration, marking 50 years of cultural unity and diaspora achievements.

Salesforce's $8B Informatica Deal Aims to Supercharge AI Capabilities

Salesforce's $8B Informatica Deal Aims to Supercharge AI Capabilities

San Francisco— Salesforce has announced its acquisition of Informatica for approximately $8 billion, marking a significant move to enhance its artificial intelligence (AI) and data management capabilities. The deal, offering $25 per share, represents a 30% premium over Informatica’s recent trading price and is expected to close early in Salesforce's fiscal year 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

Tragic Deaths of Indian Family Prompt Harsh Penalties for Smugglers

Tragic Deaths of Indian Family Prompt Harsh Penalties for Smugglers

Fergus Falls, Minnesota: In a case that has shocked both the U.S. and India, Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, a 29-year-old Indian national, was sentenced on May 28, 2025, to 10 years and one month in U.S. federal prison for his role in a human smuggling operation that led to the deaths of four Indian nationals, including two young children. His co-conspirator, Steve Anthony Shand, 50, received a sentence of six and a half years. The victims, Jagdish and Vaishaliben Patel and their children, 11-year-old Vihangi and three-year-old Dharmik, perished while attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border during a severe blizzard in January 2022.