More than 10 years ago, a mere five words frightened desk jockeys everywhere: “sitting is the new smoking.” Still, many people across the U.S. are walking less than they used to. Long days spent sitting can take a toll over time, negatively impacting bodies and minds. Research from the American Heart Association shows 1 in 4 adults in the United States sits for longer than 8 hours each day, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cert

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

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

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

NEW DELHI- India on March 20 delivered a 2.5-tonne consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Afghanistan to support the treatment of those injured in Pakistan’s recent attack on a hospital in Kabul.India business insights Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India will continue to provide humanitarian support to Afghanistan in this difficult time. India delivered assistance to Afghanistan after a Paki

WASHINGTON, DC – Indian American households reported a median annual income of about $151,200, far above the US median of roughly $83,700, and ranked first among all major ethnic groups in the country, a new report has said. Pew Research Center findings said that Indian American households earn roughly $67,000 more per year, or nearly 80 percent higher than the typical American household. Indian Americans, roughly 4.8 million people, make up a relatively small portion of the

The South Asian International Volunteer Association (SAIVA) recently participated in a community research initiative exploring how fitness technology can motivate older adults to stay active. The study, “Gamification and Motivation in Older Adults: An Analysis of Fitness Device Use and Sentiment,” was conducted by Ayan Malpani under the guidance of Dr. Harlan Beverly at Texas State University. SAIVA volunteers helped connect researchers with older adults in the community, as

To add charm to your yard, encourage local wildlife and give you a front-row seat to nature, building a birdhouse is a simple weekend project that checks all of those boxes. Seasoned DIYers and first-timers alike can follow this step-by-step guide to create a functional, welcoming birdhouse. Step 1: Choose the Right Design Start by deciding what type of birds you’d like to attract. Different birds prefer different house sizes and entrance types. A simple, classic birdhouse de

NEW DELHI-Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on February 18 said Google is infusing artificial intelligence at all levels in India to improve healthcare, support startups, agriculture, and more. Pichai earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed India’s growing work in artificial intelligence and how Google can collaborate with the country’s talented students and professionals. Modi earlier said the conversation with Pichai focused on India’s rapid progress in A

Sleep is essential to nearly every aspect of human life, influencing physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of living. It is not simply a time of rest but a critical biological process that allows the body and mind to recover, repair, and function properly. Hence, here are some useful tips that can help you sleep better. Disciplined schedule To keep your body clock stable, you should always try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on wee

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

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

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

MUMBAI- Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan took to his social media account to extend heartfelt wishes to his dear friend and Bollywood star Rani Mukerji as her movie ‘Mardaani 3’ hit theatres on January 30. SRK went on to laud the actress, calling her ‘feisty, strong and compassionate’, both on screen and off screen. He wrote, “Just from the heart….to my Rani ‘Mardaani’ all my best wishes. I am sure you will be feisty, strong & compassionate in ‘Mardaani 3’ like u are in the

MUMBAI- Akshay Kumar made a surprising confession on the upcoming episode of his quiz reality show ‘Wheel of Fortune’, revealing that he has never read a single book in his life, even though his wife, Twinkle Khanna, is a bestselling author who makes sure to read at least one book a day. During an interaction with contestant Yash on the show, Akshay said, “You know, I have not read a single book in my entire life. I read faces. Honestly, my wife is a writer and I think she r

MUMBAI- Actress Alia Bhatt has joined the list of BAFTA presenters for 2026 alongside prominent stars such as Cillian Murphy, Kate Hudson, and Sadie Sink. The British Academy recently released its star-studded list of presenters for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, slated to take place on February 22. The list includes several heavyweights such as Aimee Lou Wood, Bryan Cranston, David Jonsson, Delroy Lindo, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Olivia Cooke, and Patrick Dempsey. Several

Gulshan Singh, Feb 2026 AUSTIN — The US-India Chamber of Commerce (USICoC) Austin Chapter recently hosted its third annual AI Impact Summit 2026, signaling a major milestone for the local Indian American professional community. Held at the Austin Central Library, the event highlighted how Texas is transforming from a regional tech hub into the global “factory floor” for artificial intelligence. With a growing network of enterprise executives, founders, investors and technolo

WASHINGTON, DC – “Why are Americans paying for AI in India? ChatGPT is operating on U.S. soil, using American electricity and servicing large users… in India and China and elsewhere around the world. So, that’s another issue that’s got to be dealt with.” With these pointed remarks, U.S. trade adviser Peter Navarro launched a fresh offensive a gainst India, this time framing American artificial intelligence dominance as a trade-related resource drain. Speaking with former Whit

NEW YORK, NY – In a year crowded with notable debuts, Parul Kapur’s ‘Inside the Mirror’ has quietly emerged as one of the celebrated literary novels of 2025, earning the Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award and placing its author among a growing list of writers to watch. Announced in Interlochen, Michigan, the honor comes with a $25,000 cash prize and a writer in residence appointment at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a setting long associated with nurturi