Kamala Harris' nomination for the U.S. presidential race is historic, not just for being the first Black woman on a major party’s presidential ticket but also for her identity as the first Indian American in such a position. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in Chennai, India, and immigrated to the United States to pursue a doctoral program at UC Berkeley. This mixed-race heritage allows Harris to connect across diverse identities, reaching multiple audiences and voting blocs.

India has appointed former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra as its new ambassador to the United States, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday. Kwatra, an experienced Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1988 batch, is set to take over a position that has been vacant since the retirement of Taranjit Sandhu in January 2024.

• VFS Global has launched the Seattle Centre to facilitate the Indian diaspora and other applicants across the United States of America
• VFS Global is the exclusive service provider for visa, OCI, passport, renunciation of Indian citizenship, and Global Entry Programme (GEP) verification services for the Government of India in the United States of America

Former President Donald Trump has announced Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate for the 2024 election. On the opening day of the Republican National Convention, Vance, 39, was accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, who has become a prominent figure in highlighting the rise of Indian Americans in politics.

West London was awash with colour and tradition as the Telugu community celebrated the Bonalu festival, a significant event in the Telangana calendar. The streets were alive with the sight of women in traditional attire carrying bonams, offerings to the goddess Durga, seeking blessings for the well-being of Telangana and the global Telugu community.

In a gesture of gratitude and recognition, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) of the United Arab Emirates has named a road in Abu Dhabi after Dr George Matthew, an 84-year-old doctor of Indian origin. This initiative is part of the "Honouring UAE's Visionaries: Commemorative Streets" project, which celebrates individuals who have made substantial contributions to the nation's development.

Shivani Raja has become the first Conservative MP to claim victory in Leicester East in 37 years, marking a significant political shift in the constituency. On July 10, the 29-year-old Indian-origin leader took her oath of office, pledging allegiance to the UK Parliament on the sacred Bhagavad Gita, a symbolic gesture that underscored her cultural heritage and values.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada is grappling with a significant surge in auto thefts, which has sparked a rise in home invasions, violent robberies, and gun violence, according to local police reports. The situation has left many residents contemplating drastic measures to ensure their safety.

In recent episodes of the popular show "America's Got Talent," young Indian talents have been making waves, capturing the hearts of audiences and judges alike with their extraordinary performances. Among the standout acts is 10-year-old Maya Neelakantan, whose fusion of rock and Indian classical music has left an indelible mark on the global stage.

Maya Neelakantan: The Rock Goddess

Australia's recent decision to double student visa fees has sparked significant concern among international student representatives and prospective students. This policy change is part of the federal government’s broader initiative to manage immigration levels, which have surged post-COVID-19. Indian students, who form a substantial segment of the international student community in Australia, are likely to be the most affected by these changes.

Visa Fee Increase and New Financial Requirements