A US jury has found Nepali-American Naresh Bhatt guilty of first-degree murder, defiling, and concealing the body of his wife, Mamta Kafle. Bhatt admitted to dismembering and disposing of her body in a landfill in 2024, though he claimed she died by suicide. He faces a minimum of 20 years in prison.
A group of US lawmakers, led by Grace Meng, has reintroduced the Diwali Day Act in the House of Representatives to recognise Diwali as a federal holiday. The bill aims to acknowledge the cultural significance of Diwali for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and various South Asian communities, especially amidst rising anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate. If passed, Diwali would become the 12th federally recognised holiday in the United States.
Far-right activists, led by Jake Lang, stormed Diwali celebrations in Seattle, displaying racist placards and sparking widespread condemnation from US lawmakers and community leaders.
US President Donald Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the Oval Office, attended by prominent Indian-American members of his administration, entrepreneurs, and top CEOs. The event featured the lighting of a diya and highlighted the growing cultural ties and contributions of the Indian-American community.
Following the midterm elections, attention is already turning to the 2028 US presidential polls. Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna is seeing early support for a potential bid, with allies launching a group to build momentum. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed reports of his own presidential aspirations, affirming his commitment to the current administration.
Democrat Ranjeev Puri, an Indian-American, has been elected as the Speaker of the Michigan House, marking a historic first for the community. Puri, who previously served as the first Sikh American in the Michigan House, expressed his honour and commitment to working with other state leaders to fulfil election promises. His election is celebrated as a significant step for Indian-American representation in US politics.
Indian-American physician Amish Shah has made history by becoming the first from the community to represent Arizona in the US Congress. Shah, a Democrat, defeated Republican Jay Feely in Arizona's First Congressional District, flipping a Republican-held seat. A three-term member of the Arizona House of Representatives, Shah campaigned on issues like lowering costs, expanding healthcare, and solving the water crisis, and his victory is part of a broader trend of Indian-American candidates succeeding in US elections.
The US Treasury Department has sanctioned a Chandigarh-based couple, Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, and their network of companies. They are accused of providing false flags and certifications to support Iran's shadow fleet, enabling the transport of petroleum and evasion of international restrictions. Their operations involved defrauding maritime regulatory administrations and establishing fraudulent flagging registries across multiple jurisdictions.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the war in Iran largely contributed to Republican losses in the midterm elections due to rising gasoline prices. However, Trump remained defiant, stating he would undertake the action again as it was the "only answer" in the long term to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also dismissed suggestions of replacing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Indian-Americans have achieved significant victories in state legislative races across the US midterm elections, with several individuals securing key positions and making history in various states like Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, and Texas, further solidifying their growing political influence.
Following a challenging midterm election night, former US President Donald Trump publicly criticised Republican candidates and media outlets for the party's political reversals. His reactions, shared on Truth Social, ranged from balanced observations to angry outbursts, including accusations against Fox News and Texas Governor Gregg Abbott. Trump initially blamed candidates despite his extensive campaigning, then suggested he would become a political pundit, and later indicated a willingness to work with Democrats despite earlier hints of using executive orders.
Democrats are projected to gain control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, marking a significant shift in the balance of power and delivering major victories in traditionally Republican states like Texas, Kansas, and Iowa.
Indian American Pia Dandiya has won the election to the US House of Representatives from Florida's 22nd congressional district, defeating Marine veteran Casey Askar. Dandiya, a former high school principal, secured 51.9 per cent of the votes, becoming the newest Indian-American US congresswoman and turning a competitive district blue.
Americans are voting in crucial midterm elections, widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trump's presidency. The elections will determine control of the House and Senate, with Democrats hoping to gain power. Key races include governorships and numerous Indian-American candidates. Trump's last-minute policy announcements and campaigning efforts are highlighted, as analysts predict a potential shift in power that could limit his agenda.
Candidates in the US midterm elections are actively engaging with Indian-American voters through cultural events like making dosas and visiting temples. This outreach highlights the growing influence of the Indian-American community, particularly in battleground states where their votes can be decisive. Democratic and Republican candidates are employing various strategies to win over this crucial demographic.
A survey by Indian American Impact reveals that 25% of South Asian Americans who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election plan to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. Key issues driving voters include cost of living, healthcare, jobs, and education, with discrimination also a significant concern. The survey highlights the potential influence of this demographic in closely contested states like Michigan and Texas.
Former US President Donald Trump has once again claimed he prevented a war between India and Pakistan by threatening them with steep tariffs, expressing disappointment that his efforts have not earned him a Nobel Peace Prize. India, however, maintains that any de-escalation was a direct agreement between the two nations.
Former US President Donald Trump revealed he considered renaming the Atlantic Ocean but was dissuaded by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who warned of international repercussions. Trump also mentioned renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake of America" and toyed with renaming rivers, while recently advocating for New Mexico to be renamed.
Over 100 US lawmakers, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have written to FBI Director Kash Patel demanding an investigation into an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois as a federal hate crime. They also sought answers on measures to address online threats targeting Indian-Americans, criticising the Trump administration's past messaging for legitimising racial stereotypes.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US and India are 'pretty close' to finalising a trade deal, which he expects to be significantly different from previous agreements. This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions between officials from both nations, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, following an initial framework agreement in February.
