New York — Citigroup is moving forward with significant workforce reductions this week, cutting approximately 1,000 jobs as part of CEO Jane Fraser's ambitious restructuring initiative. This marks another wave in a multi-year transformation program designed to eliminate up to 20,000 positions by the end of 2026, affecting roughly 8% of the bank's global workforce.
Jersey City—Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon has appointed Keshav Poddar, the executive director of his transition team, as Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, effective immediately after his January 15, 2026 swearing-in. Poddar, a Yale Law School graduate and New Jersey native, brings over a decade of experience in affordable housing construction and community economic development.
Hillsborough, New Jersey — A 35-year-old Indian-origin mother has been arrested and charged with murdering her two young sons in a shocking case that has devastated the community. Priyatharsini Natarajan of Hillsborough was arrested on January 13 after her two children, aged 5 and 7, were found dead inside their home.
Woodbury, New York — Dr. Jatin Shah, the world's leading head and neck surgeon, was honored as The South Asian Times Person of the Year 2025 at an elegant gala on January 9, 2026. The prestigious event celebrated his transformative career spanning five decades at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, drawing over 150 distinguished members of the Indian American community and medical professionals to Crest Hollow Country Club on Long Island.
Parsippany, New Jersey—In a landmark moment for the Indian-American community, Pulkit Desai made history on January 3, 2026, when he was sworn in as the first Indian-American mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran and technology professional defeated Republican incumbent James Barberio by just 80 votes in November 2025, in one of the closest municipal races in recent New Jersey history.
New York City— In a dazzling display of cultural fusion and opulence, Indian-American tech executive Varun Navani and legal director Amanda Soll shut down Wall Street with their grand wedding procession, or 'baraat,' captivating onlookers and social media alike. The couple's four-day celebration, beginning May 23, 2025, epitomized the evolving landscape of South Asian weddings in the United States, blending traditional rituals with modern extravagance.
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By Simon Fraser University - University Communications - Shabana Azmi, CC BY 2.0
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New York City— A disturbing incident in Queens has triggered a police investigation after a man was filmed removing and discarding Hindu religious flags from the front porch of an Indian-American family's home.
Trenton, N.J.— With the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, fast approaching, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has launched an emergency REAL ID issuance program. This initiative aims to assist residents who need to board domestic flights within the next 14 days due to life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel plans and lack acceptable identification for TSA checkpoints.
Prospect Park, NJ: Anand Shah, a 42-year-old Indian-American councilman from Prospect Park, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling ring allegedly tied to the notorious Lucchese crime family.
New York, NY: A devastating plane crash in upstate New York on Saturday, April 12, 2025, claimed the lives of six individuals, including Indian-origin doctor Dr. Joy Saini, her husband Dr. Michael Groff, and their two adult children.
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New York: The Consulate General of India in New York has launched a Yoga Video Competition to commemorate the upcoming International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025.
New York City— On March 22, 2025, the Indian community in New York gathered to celebrate Bihar Diwas, marking the 113th anniversary of Bihar's formation.
New York City: On February 27, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams announced significant appointments within the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) to strengthen engagement with the Muslim community. These appointments aim to ensure that city leadership reflects the diverse population it serves.
Edison, NJ: The Indian Consulate in New York, in collaboration with the Odisha Society of Americas (OSA) NYNJ chapters, hosted a special screening of the Odia film 'Delivery Boy' as part of the Indian Film Festival series. Held in Edison, New Jersey, the event drew over 270 attendees, promoting cultural exchange and diversity through cinema.
New York: Indian American physicist Jainendra K. Jain has been awarded the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific honors. The Israel-based Wolf Foundation recognized him for his pioneering composite fermion theory, which has transformed the understanding of the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE)—a fundamental concept in condensed matter physics.
New York, NY: New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar's campaign for New York City Public Advocate is gaining significant traction, marked by substantial fundraising achievements and notable endorsements.
New York City: Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York State Assemblymember representing Queens, has made significant strides in his bid for the city's mayoralty by raising $845,000 over the past two months. This substantial fundraising effort underscores the growing support for his progressive agenda among New Yorkers.
Franklin Park, NJ: On March 14, 2025, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin's New Jersey chapter (AAPI-NJ) hosted a vibrant Holi celebration at the Spice Rack restaurant. The event uniquely blended cultural festivities with a critical focus on raising awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention within the South Asian community.
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