PAGH presented Lifetime Achievement Award for Saeed Sheikh. BITS Alumni Award for Krishna Vavilala -- PAGE 3
As US Tightens Entry for H1Bs, Canada Opens Wide for Doctors, Scientists
Ottwwa: Canada is the latest country to roll out the welcome mat to highly skilled workers and scientists as the United States restricts immigration and cuts research funding under President Donald Trump.
Canada on Tuesday announced a $1.2 billion, decade-long investment in salaries, infrastructure and grants aimed at recruiting more than 1,000 doctors, scientists and researchers in critical fields. Canada has announced a fast-track immigration pathway aimed at retaining international doctors already working in the country, as it battles acute shortages in its healthcare syste
Lena Metlege Diab, immigration minister, announced on Monday that a new Express Entry category will be created for foreign doctors with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience.
Express Entry is Canada’s pointsbased system for selecting skilled workers for permanent residence. Invitations under the new stream will begin in early 2026.The Canadian govt will also reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed physicians with job offers. Doctors selected under these slots will receive expedited, 14-day work-permit processing so they can continue practising while awaiting permanent residency.
According to the International Migration Outlook 2025 released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,
Canada had 3,900 Indiatrained doctors (the data related to 2021).
Anecdotal evidence shows that the number of India origin doctors is much more, pegged at around 8,000 - 10,000.
The move is part of Ottawa’s bid to address labour gaps identified in Budget 2025 and to stabilise a health system where nearly one in six adults reported not having a regular healthcare provider last year. Eligible occupations include family physicians, general practitioners and medical and surgical specialists.
pushed to March next year.
Following the recent policy change by the Trump administration of mandatory social-media screening (from Dec 15) of all applicants for H-1B and H-4 visas (spouse and dependent children of the H-1B visa holder) – these individuals are facing a fresh disruption.
Immigration attorneys are reporting that interview slots at US consulates scheduled for mid to end Dec 2025 have been cancelled, including those in India such as at the Hyderabad and Chennai consulates. The interviews have been deferred by several months – in many instances these have been
Illustrating the woes of their clients, immigration attorneys told TOI that some were those who are now stranded are those taking up new jobs, others were on a visit to India but needed stamping –they were on a brief visit to attend a wedding, or to drop off their parents who typically return to India during the winter season.
The fall out - consulates reportedly plan to interview fewer applicants each day, the reduced capacity is cited as the main reason for widespread cancellation of existing appointments, said an immigration attorney.
Immigration law firms are issuing alerts that any foreign national planning international travel should not proceed unless it is urgent. In addition, instances of revocation of visas of those already in the US, based on social media posts are also sporadically surfacing.It may be recalled that on May
27, the DoS had paused the scheduling of new interviews for student and exchange-visitor visas (F, M, J categories).
This was while DoS reviewed and updated its social-media and online-presence screening for international students. The freeze was lifted in June, but under stricter social media vetting guidelines.Also Read: US to scan social media of all H-1B, H-4 visa applicants from December 15For H-1Bs and their family members who now come under social media vetting guidelines, no freeze has been announced. But pushing an interview slot by several months, has the same fall out, state immigration attorneys.
The new Canadian policy opens doors for skilled workers impacted by U.S. immigration changes, with Canada investing heavily in talent mobility and research innovation.
Canada has launched a new fasttrack visa program targeting U.S. H-1B holders, particularly those affected by recent U.S. immigration reforms. Announced as part of the 2025 federal budget, the initiative is a key component of Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, designed to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and address
workforce gaps in critical sectors.
The new policy comes as the U.S. implements a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, a move that has reshaped employer hiring patterns. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the program “an opportunity to attract skilled professionals” and confirmed that formal applications will open soon.
Backed by over C$3.4 billion in funding, the initiative includes research grants, infrastructure support, and streamlined credential recognition for international professionals. A dedicated C$97 million Foreign Credential Recognition Fund will fast-track licensing for globally trained workers, particularly in healthcare and construction.
For Indian professionals in the U.S. facing visa uncertainty or layoffs, this policy offers a clear alternative pathway. It positions Canada as an appealing destination for high-skilled workers.
As part of this initiative, Canada will launch three new streams to welcome and retain “leading international and expatriate researchers” who can deliver “direct economic, societal and health benefits for Canadians”.
These new streams will support the recruitment of international talent in STEM, healthcare, francophone studies, and other fields, who will then arrive in Canada through existing study permit and work permit pathways.
Award for Krishna Vavilala Lifetime Achievement Award for Saeed Sheikh
HOustOn: The Pakistan Chamber of Commerce USA (PCC-USA) proudly recognized Mr. Saeed Sheikh with its Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chamber’s Annual Gala last night, celebrating more than 20 years of exceptional service to the Chamber and over four decades of community leadership across multiple platforms in the United States and abroad.
This recognition highlighted Mr. Sheikh’s enduring contributions to strengthening business ties, empowering the Pakistani-American community, supporting humanitarian causes, and advancing trade, civic engagement, and inter-community partnerships.
In his remarks, Mr. Sheikh expressed deep appreciation to the Chamber’s leadership for honoring his long journey in service, stating that the award “holds a special place among the many recognitions collected over the years, as it represents the Chamber that shaped my earliest steps in community work.”
He extended special gratitude to President Amir Piprani and the PCC-USA Board for celebrating his forthcoming national honor— the Sitara-e-Khidmat, announced by the President of Pakistan and scheduled to be formally bestowed next March.
Mr. Sheikh also offered heartfelt
thanks to the founding leadership and the many colleagues, volunteers, and community partners who played important roles throughout his 40-plus years of service. He acknowledged the encouragement and steadfast support of Chief Patron Syed Javaid Anwar, noting that “his guidance and strength have always stood behind many of my efforts.”
Speaking on his lifelong commitment to service—first developed during his years with Pakistan Jaycees—Mr. Sheikh reaffirmed his belief in unity, shared purpose, and the transformative power of community-driven action.
Hyderabad: Birla Institure of Technology & Science (BITS) will be presenting its Distinguished Service Award to three alumni, including long-time Houston resident -- Krishna Vavilala. The award ceremony will take place on January 10, 2026 in Hyderabad.
Mr. Vavilala a retired Electrical Engineer is happily settled in Housto with his wife and two daughters. He keeps extremely busy by working for Indian organizations that work towards spreading the Indian culture, including India Culture Center and
India House.
Mr. Vavilala is the founder and Chairman of the Foundation for India studies (FIS). In 2006, Mr. Vavilala was instrumental in establishing the India studies program in University of Houston, He was also responsible for initiating the India Studies program at Texas Southern University in May 2022. Krishna Vavilala also served as a President of the American Society of Indian Engineers, Telugu Cultural Association, Houston and Telugu Literary and Cultural Association.
Mr. Saeed Sheikh (third from left) with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Texas legislator Dr. Suleman Lalani is to his left alongside PAGH officials.
TCC 2025 | WINNERS: WOMCC | RUNNERS-UP: POWERSTARS
HOustOn: WOMCC secured a remarkable third consecutive TCC Championship, completing a historic hat-trick in a closely contested game worthy of a final between two top quality teams.
After winning the toss, WOMCC chose to field first and displayed exceptional composure and team discipline to seal the title..In a successful chase of 121 in 19.3 overs, key contributions came from Someswara Reddy (27 off 17), *Pradeep Naidu (25 off 17)**, Viswatej Mudigonda (20 off 21) and an aggressive knock by Harsha Teja (20 off 13).
In bowling, Viswatej led the attack with 3 wickets, supported by disciplined spells from Harsha, Abhiram, and Jayanth, each picking up a wicket. Abhiram’s tight economy of 4 runs per over proved crucial in restricting the opposition.
But the turning point came in the field — WOMCC’s sharp defensive effort created breakthroughs at key moments. Pratap delivered two crucial run-outs, shifting the game’s momentum and cutting short promising partnerships. This, combined with tight bowling and composed death-overs execution, restricted Powerstars to 120 all out in 19.5 overs.
The fielding unit delivered with high intensity, highlighted by Abhiram’s game-changing bulletthrow run-out and sharp wicketkeeping from Prakash, who took key catches under pressure. With this victory, WOMCC reinforces its status as one of the most consistent and resilient sides in the tournament, showcasing teamwork, discipline, and a champion mentality.
Powerstars show Fighting Spirit in TCC Final Battle
Powerstars delivered a strong and determined performance in the TCC Championship final, showcasing discipline, teamwork, and resilience despite falling just short in a thrilling contest. Batting first, Powerstars built a competitive total through crucial contributions at key moments. Their top order provided a solid start, followed by composed middle-order batting that kept the scoreboard moving under pressure. Prashant Manne –31 (28) anchored the innings with calm & classy stroke play. Ronald Robinson – 24 (23) Positive intent in the middle overs, kept
scoreboard moving. Navin Negi – 14 (15) Aggressive start before a sharp run-out. Khalid Muneer – 12* (10) Late surge with two timely boundaries. When defending the total, the team maintained pressure throughout, executing tight lines with strategic field placements, safe catching and sharp ground fielding. The attack produced timely breakthroughs
and pushed the contest deep into the final overs, keeping the match alive until the very end. Khalid led the bowling with 3 scalps and was supported well by Karthik with 2 wickets and an economical Dylan with two wickets for 8 runs. Although the title eluded them this season, Powerstars earned praise for their grit, sportsmanship, and never-give-up attitude.
The final was followed by a lively presentation ceremony, hosted by TCC organizers Jagadish Biradar and Dinesh Kasliwal. Gaurav, Paul and Jagadish from Bulls team along with the joint organizer Dinesh made the live feed an interesting one with witty and analysis rich commentary. Vishwatej was named MOM for final for his heroic match-winning ef-
fort. The Winners’ Trophy was jointly received by WOMCC Captains Prakash Partibhan and team Owner Neelesh Musale & team manager Pratap Patil, while the Runners-up Trophy was received by Powerstars captain Prashant Manne who led his team with great spirit and resolve in the final. In tournament awards, Harsha from Powerstars was the MVP of the tournament. For Divn I, Prashant from Powerstars was best batsman with 467 runs, Gaurav Mogane from Bulls & Nasar shaik from ECC won the best bowler with 18 wickets, George Issac from ECC was the best keeper with 26 dismissals, Sukitha from Tuskers was best allrounder with 288 runs and 9 wickets Sukitha from Tuskers, Hamza from CSK & Prashant from Powerstars got special awards for centuries. For Divn II, Sai from Clearlake CC was best batsman with 246 runs and best all rounder with 246 runs and 8 wickets, Archit from All Stars was best bowler with 13 wickets, Vishnu from Clearlake CC was the best wicket keeper with 23 dismissals, Khurram from Legends and Sreeji from Champs Mortgage Houston Arrows got special awards for centuries.
Cricclubs score card is https:// cricclubs.com/3T/viewScorecard. do?matchId=2824&clubId=8675 YouTube link is at https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=U2dHEPwZbkk&t=s Report on TCC Taped Ball website is at https://triggerscricket. com/?p=1144
Join Wednesday afternoons at Stafford Park for low stress, practice sessions. Recently retired players welcome. Contact Andy at (281) 851-9602 or andyb@infodatinc.com for more information.
Fall 2025 Champions WOMCC
Fall 2025 Runners up Powerstars
Indian-origin Man Charged with Murder, Driving a Tesla at 150 mph, Killing Woman
PleasOntOn PatcH, califOrnia: 28year-old Badal Dholaria, an Indian-origin man, has been charged with second-degree murder and other felony DUI couts after his Tesla collided with a Ford Bronco, killing Alix Mari Sparks, a 41-year-old woman.
Dholaria was drunk and was driving at more than 150 mph, Pleasanton Patch reported. The woman was not driving the car but the Tesla struck the rear passenger side of the Bronco.
The accident took place on November 29. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announced that it was charging Dholaria with second-degree murder and four other felony DUI counts: two counts of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, two counts of driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury, and enhancements alleging great bodily injury to both the Castro Valley woman who died and another passenger, a 40-year-old man from Castro Valley.
Dholaria was taken into custody at the scene and was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on initial charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. Dholaria pleaded not guilty.
“I want to be clear: every DUI-related incident represents a choice -- a choice that can kill. If you’re impaired, don’t drive,” Contra Costa County DA Diana Becton said in a statement. “Every time you get behind the wheel under the influence, you’re gambling with lives.”
”Despite the fatal crash, Dholaria did not suffer any cuts, an eyewitness told a news outlet. A witness said, “It was a horrible experience to witness. The driver at fault (Tesla driver) proceeded to try to unbuckle the victim’s wife, but I and everyone stopped him from doing so cause you’re not supposed to touch or move a body that’s been in an accident if they can’t move on their own. And of course the driver in fault had no scratches or cuts, just a bruise.”
Dholakia has plead not guilty to all the charges against him. -- ToI
IndiGo Meltdown Deepens: Passengers Weep, Howl; 650 Flights Cancelled Sunday
new delHi: Despite the relaxation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, chaos continued across major Indian airports on Sunday. Passengers angry, exhausted and desperate were seen shouting, sobbing and climbing service counters.
IndiGo said it managed to operate 1,650 flights out of its 2,300 daily domestic and international services, while 650 flights were cancelled as the airline attempts to stabilise operations after five days of severe disruption. Passengers across the country continue to face huge delays, cancellations and logistical challenges, with major hubs such as Hyderabad, Kolkata and Delhi the worst affected.
Stranded travellers at the airports expressed their frustration over the lack of options. At Thiruvananthapuram airport, passenger Pravita Hari said she had received a web check-in message at 3 am but still had no clarity. Speaking to ANI, she said, “I have a return ticket on 21st December...I am a working woman associated with the IT industry. I have reached here by train, but the return ticket is for a flight. So, my hours will suffer. Similarly, those with medical emergencies or some urgent work will be affected.
Trains will take 12-13 hours to reach, however fast it might be. Ideally, passengers should have been given the alternative to book tickets on another airline,” she said.”My flight’s departure time is 9.50 am. I am going to Mumbai with IndiGo. I got the message for web check-in at 3 am. So, I have to check whether my flight is leaving,” Pravita Hari added.
At several airports, frustration spilled over as stranded passengers broke down in tears, shouted at ground staff, and even climbed over service counters in desperation for updates or alternative arrangements.In Lucknow, a scuffle broke out between passengers amid widespread IndiGo cancellations, as seen in a widely circulated video.
In Mumbai, tempers flared at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where passengers were seen arguing heatedly with IndiGo staff at ticket counters.At Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, long queues stretched across the terminal, with one passenger visibly in tears as several IndiGo flights were cancelled yet again.
In Guwahati, passenger Arnav said his morning flight to Kolkata had been cancelled. Arnav, a traveler from Kolkata, said, “My flight today has been cancelled, I got the information last evening itself. I had a flight to Kolkata today at 7.20 am. I came here to check about the availability of flights. IndiGo operations are almost shut. If I go to other counters like Air India, Akasa - they have limited flights and they are really costly. It’s not affordable. I got a flight for tomorrow. I am figuring out my stay here. So, it is becoming a little tough. I also had to take a leave at my office...Several passengers are facing a similar problem...”
Luggage piled up at multiple airports on Sunday as IndiGo’s mass flight cancellations triggered widespread logistical breakdowns, leaving hundreds of bags stranded and unclaimed.
.Several passengers also alleged that IndiGo has still not returned the luggage of thousands of travellers, leaving many with no belongings and no viable alternative travel options.
The disruption has spread across India’s busiest airports.
Hyderabad (RGIA): 115 flights cancelled (54 arrivals, 61 departures)
Delhi Airport: 109 flights cancelled (59 departures, 50 arrivals)
Kolkata Airport: 76 flights affected (53 departures, 23 arrivals)
Overall, one-third of IndiGo’s total schedule stood cancelled.With airfares surging on other airlines, the government has stepped in to cap ticket prices between Rs 7,500 and Rs 18,000, depending on flight distance. -- ToI
Frustration with long line and flight cancellations at Indigo counters in India
‘Dhurandhar’: Ranveer Singh Fuels Mafia Thriller
by renuka VyaVaHare
Story: Story: Set against the backdrop of terror events — the IC-814 Kandahar hijacking (1999), the Parliament attack (2001), and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks (2008) — the film explores a covert operation helmed by India’s Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan), codenamed Dhurandhar.
Review: A fictional narrative inspired by true incidents, Aditya Dhar’s action drama follows Hamza (Ranveer Singh), a mysterious Indian agent who embeds himself deep within Karachi’s mafia network (Lyari gangwar) to dismantle terror operations from the inside.
Structured across multiple chapters, the world-building is deliberate and immersive, pulling you into a gritty, violent universe that unfolds over nearly 3.5 hours. Yet, the runtime rarely feels overbearing thanks to Dhar’s stylish, tight storytelling.
The music and background score — weaving 70s and 80s Bappi Lahiri classics into modern soundscapes — are a triumph. They elevate the narrative and maintain the film’s relentless pulse.
Though marketed as a spy thriller echoing the classic RAW vs ISI conflict, at its core, Dhurandhar is more of a Godfather-esque saga set in Karachi’s underbelly — a world clearly designed to expand into a trilogy.
Despite being set in the past, some production design choices feel a little too contemporary and occasionally generic. The film also dips into stereotypical moments, like a terrorist smirking, “Hindus are darpok,” reminding you of Bollywood’s tendency to lean on familiar tropes.
Ranveer Singh returns to claim his number one spot in a layered, restrained avatar that plays to his strengths. His look — long locks, a grungy beard, and a piercing stare — may evoke comparisons to Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, but
the performance and tone are entirely different. Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi and Danish Pandor deliver solid supporting turns that enrich the narrative. Sara Arjun is likeable in her part.An exten-
sion of Uri’s ‘Yeh naya India hai, yeh ghar mein ghusega bhi aur maarega bhi’ sentiment, despite its length and unflinching violence, Dhurandhar grips you from start to finish and never lets go. -- ToI
‘Tere Ishq Mein’: Dhanush & Kriti
Story: Shankar (Dhanush) is an “outstanding, outrageous, and out of hand” flight lieutenant facing disciplinary action, whose mental state must be assessed and cleared by a counsellor before he can fly during an ongoing war.
The psychologist assigned to him is Mukti (Kriti Sanon), with whom he shares a complicated past marked by intense love, what derailed it, and how meeting again shapes what comes next.
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Send us the correct answer before December 16, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
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