| Greetings from India! You're reading Meanwhile, Back Home, our daily newsletter specially curated for our overseas readers. While you were asleep, it was a whirlwind of a day here in India. We've got the top highlights lined up for you. Dear Reader, What. A. Finish! India pulled off a heart-stopping six-run win against England at the Oval to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. England needed only 57 runs with four wickets in hand, but Mohammed Siraj (five for 104) and Prasidh Krishna (four for 126) turned the tide on the final day. Chris Woakes bravely came out to bat with a dislocated shoulder, but Siraj shattered England’s hopes by bowling Gus Atkinson. Joe Root’s century went in vain. π‘Spotlight Thinking of applying for a green card through marriage? Be prepared for tougher scrutiny. As of August 1, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out stricter rules aimed at cracking down on fraud and verifying that marital relationships are authentic and legally sound. Whether you are just starting the process or already waiting on a decision, these changes could directly impact your case. A breakdown of what’s new: π Stricter evidence Couples must now provide stronger documentation to prove their relationship is real. This includes joint financial records (bank accounts, bills), photographs together, and personal letters from friends or relatives. π In-person interviews Interviews will be more common and thorough. Expect detailed questions about your shared life to test the authenticity of your relationship. USCIS will review the applicant’s entire immigration history, including past filings involving the same sponsor or beneficiary, to catch patterns of potential abuse. π Approval not protection from deportation Even with an approved petition, applicants may still face removal if deemed ineligible for status adjustment. Approval alone does not guarantee legal stay. π Special circumstancesCertain family members of US military or government personnel overseas may file directly with the State Department. Emergency exceptions (like disasters or conflict) also apply. ☕ Spill the Expresso National Awards, populism & propaganda Actor Shah Rukh Khan finally got his long-overdue National Award, but at what cost? asks Rajesh Rajamani, a Chennai-based filmmaker. This year’s honours felt like a balancing act, mixing popular masala with political messaging. While genuinely deserving films such as Ullozhukku and Kathal were recognised, so was the controversial The Kerala Story, raising eyebrows. The awards tried to please everyone: social media, star fans, and political agendas, yet risk diluting their credibility. Are we celebrating cinema or curating narratives? With each passing year, the National Awards seem performative. Korean actor found dead Beloved actor Song Young-Kyu, known for his role in Extreme Job, was found dead in a parked car near Seoul, just two weeks after being involved in a DUI case. At 55, his passing has shocked fans and the Korean entertainment industry alike. Though no foul play or suicide note was found, reports suggest he was deeply affected by public backlash and media scrutiny following the incident. Song had stepped away from several projects amid the controversy. A respected stage and screen actor since 1994, his sudden death casts a somber shadow over Korean cinema. π¨ Must Read ‘Nehru is not to blame for Pahalgam’: In Idea Exchange, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi slammed the BJP for evading accountability on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam tragedy. Gogoi criticised India’s faltering diplomacy, economic inequality, and Assam’s unfair electoral system under BJP rule. He pushed back on CM Himanta’s divisive politics. Confident of a Congress comeback in Assam, Gogoi stressed on real issues such as jobs, local industry, and social justice. He believes the BJP’s narrative is wearing thin, and voters are ready for change. πBook Nook The timeless magic of Ahlbergs: Children’s literature lost a legend with the passing of Allan Ahlberg at 87. Alongside his late wife, illustrator Janet Ahlberg, Allan created over 100 beloved books that reimagined what children’s stories could be. We revisit their magical partnership in life and creativity. Their timeless children’s books like Peepo! and The Jolly Postman redefined picture books. That’s all for now. Until next time, Aishwarya Khosla π Welcome to MyExpress on Indian Express! π Imagine a homepage that’s as unique as you are! With MyExpress, you get to curate your very own personalised news hub, tailored to your tastes and interests. Love sports, but can't resist a good political drama? Maybe you're into tech news, but still enjoy the occasional Bollywood buzz? No worries! Just register on the site, pick your favourite sections, and watch as your personalised MyExpress page fills up with all the news that matters most to you. It's like having your very own express lane to the stories you love—no traffic jams, no detours. So why wait? Start personalising your news journey with MyExpress, and let the headlines come to you! ππ° Check it out here and make your news truly yours! If you like this newsletter, read more Indian Express newsletters here. |
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