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From The Field: What Code Inspectors Wish Homeowners Knew
When homeowners doing work on their property consider a cheaper route, for example, hiring a contractor who doesn’t want to pull permits, they may not realize the risk they are taking. But they should know that there is no “undo” button on a disaster. That’s one reason behind the International Code Council (ICC) Building Safety Month, a campaign that reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps communities understand what it take
balakn2
4 days ago3 min read


Grass Goals: A Guide To Prepping, Mowing And Growing Your Ideal Lawn
With spring here, homeowners are tending their lawns to boost curb appeal and create an ideal space for kids, pets and gatherings. Whether you’ve been managing your landscaping for years or are just getting started, expert advice can help you tackle the toughest turf problems. Josh McGinnis, a Tractor Supply store manager in Fairview, Tennessee, shares his strategy for achieving a top-tier lawn. Spring Clean Your Yard McGinnis says the first step to becoming a “turf champion”
balakn2
4 days ago3 min read


The Indus Waters Treaty: Obstruction And Exploitation
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Saxena Systematic Obstruction of Indian Development Since the Treaty’s signing, Pakistan has consistently used its dispute resolution provisions as a strategic tool to delay and effectively obstruct development rather than genuine dispute resolution. Virtually every significant hydropower project India has proposed on the Western rivers—even those explicitly permitted under the Treaty’s terms—has faced formal Pakistani objection, technical challenge, or refe
balakn2
4 days ago4 min read


VOLLEYBALL CHAMPS
Stony Point High School team has won the men’s volleyball Austin area championship
balakn2
May 71 min read


Pomona Stadium Construction Begins For Cricket’s Olympic Run At LA28
LOS ANGELES, CA -The International Cricket Council (ICC) has welcomed the start of construction of the cricket stadium here, calling it a major milestone as the sport prepares to return to the Olympic Games at LA28 after 128 years.City & Local Guides A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Fairplex Grounds on April 22. ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, “The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket’s return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC Members
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May 71 min read


ACF celebrates 12 years of Cricket Coaching Education Excellence in USA
The ACF Celebrating 12 years of excellence in Cricket Coaching program, managed by Jatin Patel, a respected multi-sport coach and Cricket Hall of Famer with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrates its 12th anniversary this week. Scholastic Program: Level 1 was launched in 2014, This foundational program focuses on coaching the basics of cricket and introducing the sport as part of the PE curriculum in schools. Its primary goal is to educate American youth about cricket, fost
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May 73 min read


Austin’s Most Unique Cultural Fusion Gala Returns: Indian, Jewish, And African American Communities Unite For Student Success
By Gulshan Singh AUSTIN, TX — In a city known for its eclectic spirit, one event is breaking traditional boundaries to proves that “Unity in Diversity” is more than just a slogan. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the 14th annual Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt (BMBB) gala will transform the Dell Jewish Community Center into a vibrant crossroads of culture, all to ensure local students have the tools to succeed. Hosted by HC4A in partnership with Shalom Austin, this year’s gala marks a h
balakn2
May 13 min read


Survey Finds 53% Of AAPI Adults Affected By Anti-Immigrant Policies
India -West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC -More than half of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults in the United States say they or someone in their community have been affected by anti-immigrant policies or sentiment over the past year, according to a January 2026 survey conducted by Stop AAPI Hate in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago. The survey of 1,378 AAPI adults nationwide, conducted through NORC’s Amplify AAPI panel, found that 53% of respondent
balakn2
Apr 12 min read


US May Revamp OPT, Impacting Thousands Of Indian Students
WASHINGTON, DC -In a move that could directly affect thousands of foreign graduates, the US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it is re-evaluating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, signaling possible regulatory changes to the post-study work route for F-1 visa holders. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a letter to Senator Eric Schmitt, said DHS is reviewing whether the current framework — including the scope and duration of practical training
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Apr 12 min read


New US Policy Limits SBA Loans To American Citizens
WASHINGTON, DC – The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a new policy barring foreign nationals and non-citizens from accessing federally backed small business loans, saying the move is aimed at prioritizing American entrepreneurs amid rising demand for capital. The policy expands earlier restrictions and will apply across multiple SBA-guaranteed lending programs, including the agency’s Surety Bond and Microloan programs. Under the updated rule, applicants mu
balakn2
Apr 12 min read


The Austin Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates 26Th Year As One Of Texas’s Longest-Running Cultural Celebrations, Taking Place April 25 At Festival Beach, Lady Bird Lake
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Feb. 12, 2026; source: Juice Consulting) — The Lunar Foundation is proud to announce that the 26th annual ustin Dragon Boat Festival will take place April 25, 2026 at Festival Beach, Lady Bird Lake (1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Rd, Austin, TX 78702), starting at 10 a.m. The Austin Dragon Boat Festival is one of Central Texas’s longest-running cultural celebrations, uniting hundreds of paddlers, performers, and families each spring. Established by Amy Wong Mok, F
balakn2
Feb 284 min read


AI Impact Expo Is Powerful Convergence Of Ideas, Innovation, Intent: Modi
NEW DELHI- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17 shared highlights of the India AI Impact Expo 2026 and said it was a powerful convergence of ideas, innovation and intent. “It showcased the extraordinary potential of Indian talent in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence for global good. Above all, it reaffirmed our commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence responsibly, inclusively and at scale for human progress,” Modi said. Earlier on February 16, the P
balakn2
Feb 282 min read


Texas Probes Alleged H-1B Visa Fraud
AUSTIN, TX –Texas authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into suspected abuse of the H-1B visa program, placing three North Texas companies under scrutiny over alleged irregularities in foreign worker sponsorship. The probe, announced by the Texas Office of the Attorney General in a January 28 statement, marks increased state scrutiny of companies suspected of misusing the federal visa system. Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands
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Feb 282 min read


India, EU Cementing Economic Ties Amid Global Uncertainties
NEW DELHI- The India-EU summit scheduled for January 27 comes as part of the steady strengthening of economic relations between the two sides amid growing uncertainties in global markets triggered by the US tariff turmoil and dramatic geopolitical shifts in the world order. The summit, to be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and co-chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will witness the adoption of a do
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Jan 313 min read


US Tech Talent Drain? H-1B Uncertainty Pushes Skilled Workers Back To India
What was once a one-way pipeline drawing ambitious Indian engineers to Silicon Valley is now showing signs of reversal, with uncertainty around the H-1B visa program pushing professionals to look elsewhere, often back home, Bloomberg reported. Written by FE News Desk The US is increasingly losing highly skilled tech talent to India as tighter immigration policies under President Donald Trump reshape global talent flows. What was once a one-way pipeline drawing ambitious India
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Jan 312 min read


Trump’s Fundraising Empire Where Access And Favors Follow The Money
India-West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC – During his political campaigns, President Donald Trump has often been seen on camera describing himself as “very greedy,” stating, “My whole life I’ve been greedy, greedy, greedy. I’ve grabbed all the money I can get.” Of course, making the pitch to his followers, he followed it with the idea he would be “greedy for the United States” when elected. In office, Donald Trump has erased the border between lobbying and bribery even as his admi
balakn2
Jan 12 min read


47% Of Surge In India’s Global Investors, From Tier 2 & 3 Cities
MUMBAI- Investors from more than 145 cities in India are now investing globally, with 47 per cent coming from Tier 2 and 3 cities, a report showed on December 15. The report by Vested Finance revealed that Indian investors are increasingly broadening their exposure beyond single-stock investments to include US equities, Index and thematic exchange-traded funds, private market opportunities, and global funds, including GIFT City–domiciled funds. This reflects a more structured
balakn2
Jan 12 min read


Sweeping H-1B Visa Changes, Lottery System Ends
WASHINGTON, DC-The Trump Administration on December 23 announced sweeping changes to the H-1B work visa selection process, replacing the long-standing random lottery with a weighted system that prioritizes higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The move, according to the Department of Homeland Security, is aimed at better protecting the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities of American workers while strengthening the integrity of the H-1B nonimmigrant visa
balakn2
Jan 12 min read


New Delhi Reacts Firmly To Sheikh Hasina Death Sentence
NEW DELHI-India on November 17 said that it has noted the verdict announced by the so-called ‘International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh’ concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and remains committed to the best interests of the people of the neighboring nation, including in peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in the country. “As a close neighbor, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion
balakn2
Nov 27, 20253 min read


India-US Military Chiefs Meet In Hawaii To Deepen Defense Ties
HONOLULU, HI- Senior military leaders of India and the United States are holding “productive discussions” focusing on strengthening bilateral defense engagements, enhancing interoperability, and promoting a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region, during the two-day India–US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting which got underway at Hawaii, earlier November 4. Chief of Integrated Defense Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit co-chaired the meeting with Lt. Gen. Joshua
balakn2
Nov 27, 20252 min read
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