Families and friends across Kerala and beyond exchange heartfelt messages and celebrate the vibrant harvest festival of Onam with traditional customs and joyous gatherings.

Indian professionals seeking employment and long-term careers in the US via H-1B visas face increasing unpredictability in costs, tougher odds, and greater risks due to recent changes in the application process.

Ghanaian politicians and experts are defending GoldBod against accusations that it caused the Bank of Ghana's $1.7 billion loss, challenging claims made in an IMF report. They argue that the losses were necessary for GoldBod to compete in the gold market and stabilize the economy.

The website Bribes.fyi, which enabled Indians to anonymously report instances of bribery, has announced it is going on a 'break' and will eventually shut down permanently.

Peyush Bansal, co-founder and CEO of eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions, has become India's latest billionaire five months after the company's listing.

Indian immigrants are increasingly able to secure homes in the US shortly after their arrival, driven by appealing mortgage conditions and reduced initial payments. The affordability of monthly mortgage payments makes homeownership a realistic goal for many.

This article focuses on strategies and services aimed at empowering Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to effectively convert their international earnings into sustainable long-term wealth.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are increasingly investing in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the creation of generational wealth and fostering economic growth in the region.

Three Indian individuals unfurled the Indian national flag while skydiving in Libya, reportedly contributing to a new world record.

Indians across the globe commemorated the 80th Independence Day with various cultural events and flag-hoisting ceremonies.

A recent Pew survey indicates that Indians and Pakistanis predominantly view each other as their primary geopolitical adversaries, with unfavorable opinions widespread across the border.

A straightforward three-step method is being promoted to help more individuals in India successfully quit tobacco use.

US colleges are bracing for an anticipated 9.5% decrease in foreign student enrollment, a trend that is expected to particularly impact Indian students.

On International Youth Day 2026, reports indicate a 75% rise in fresher hiring, prompting questions about where young Indians are finding employment opportunities.

Indians and Colombians have emerged as the third and fourth largest groups of foreign workers in Poland, following Ukrainians and Belarusians who remain the dominant immigrant populations. This shift indicates changing migration patterns.

Global banks are reportedly withdrawing credit cards from Indian customers, prompting advice for travelers on how to manage and cut costs abroad, with prepaid forex cards suggested as an alternative.

Abhijeet Dipke of CJP has urged Prime Minister Modi to dedicate his upcoming Independence Day speech from the Red Fort to young Indians, requesting him to address the steps being taken for Gen Z.

A new plan under the Trump administration could make H-1B and L-1 visa extensions more expensive, potentially impacting Indian professionals.

Millions of Indians are facing significant bureaucratic hurdles and difficulties in proving their identity during the country's voter revision process.

The U.S. administration has cancelled the Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) of 24,000 non-citizens who lack English proficiency, a move expected to significantly impact immigrant truckers, including many from India.

A recent poll indicates that a majority of Indians disapprove of Prime Minister Modi's response to ongoing exam scandals, which have sparked widespread student protests and accusations of excessive force by authorities.

Two columns offer contrasting perspectives: one reflecting on how the church has brought wealth, and another by an Asia correspondent asserting that Indians are moving towards the future and will not wait for Europe. These pieces highlight different societal and economic viewpoints.

The latest updates for US Green Card availability in August indicate that the EB-1 category may become unavailable for Indian applicants.

The Bombay High Court criticized the prevalent issue of littering in Mumbai, noting that the same people who litter locally often use dustbins abroad, and called for strict civic action.

India's Ministry of External Affairs announced that 139 Indian nationals have been freed from the Russian Army, with 24 still remaining. The MEA also issued a warning against fraudulent job offers luring Indians into the conflict zone.

During a CCS meeting, Prime Minister Modi ordered a 'whole of government' plan to protect oil supplies and Indians in West Asia. This meeting, the fourth since the start of the West Asia conflict, occurred as the Iran-US ceasefire is on the verge of collapse.

Five Indian nationals have been arrested in Bangkok for allegedly kidnapping three Indian tourists in Pattaya, holding them captive and torturing them while demanding ransom in cryptocurrency from their families. Police are investigating a potential Pakistani link to the plot.

Non-Resident Indians are reportedly not flying home for the Punjab polls, reflecting disillusionment with past political promises and the state's ongoing agrarian and social distress.

A new 'End H-1B Abuse Act,' proposed by Senator Tim Sheehy, could suspend new H-1B visas for three years and implement stricter regulations, potentially impacting Indian professionals.

Azmia Riaz writes that India's Gen Z has found its voice, and Indians in Ireland must now listen, emphasizing that the work for the diaspora is not over even as weeks of protest conclude.

India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India consistently expects Pakistan to cease its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, responding to reports of Pakistani support for CJP protests.

Thailand's new policy offering 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens is projected to attract a record 2.7 million visitors from India.

Indians comprise nearly 60% of the recent decrease in new permanent residents to Canada, significantly impacting the overall decline.

Rising housing costs in India, which now exceed average earnings, are making independent living challenging for young Indians, compelling many to remain with their parents for extended periods.

Leading endocrinologists are recommending that diet become a standard part of care when prescribing GLP-1 weight loss drugs for patients in India.

Data from India's Ministry of External Affairs reveals that an average of three Indian nationals die every week in workplace accidents across Gulf countries.

The Indian embassy is monitoring the situation following a strike in Odesa, Ukraine, confirming that two Indian nationals are safe while a search is underway for two others.

A US court rejected the Trump administration's proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, while a new bill has been introduced by a US Senator seeking a three-year pause on H-1B visas and a standardized $100,000 fee. These developments have significant implications for H-1B visa applicants, particularly from India.

A satirical online group, the 'Cockroach People's Party,' has grown in influence across India, with young Indians continuing to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

India summoned the Russian envoy to protest a Black Sea tanker strike that resulted in the deaths of four Indian nationals. The incident has caused significant diplomatic tension between the two countries.

What started as a satirical protest against exam leaks in India has grown into a wider movement voicing young Indians' anger over jobs and education.

Rise of movement reflects frustrations among young Indians over high youth unemployment, frequent exam paper ​leaks

The Reserve Bank of India has relaxed investment regulations for Non-Resident Indians, allowing a single account to be used for investment, redemption, and repatriation, funded through inward remittances.

Data reveals that Indian seafarers constituted the majority of those killed in attacks on commercial vessels during the Strait of Hormuz crisis between March and July 2026, accounting for seven out of 16 fatalities.

Thailand has scrapped its plan to end visa-free entry for Indian visitors, now allowing thirty-day visa-exempt entries. This decision follows a recent drop in arrivals from India and aims to align with Indian tourist travel behavior to boost visitor numbers.

India is seeking more foreign currency deposits from its diaspora due to the war in Iran driving up energy prices, which has caused the Indian rupee to significantly depreciate against the dollar.

An Indian woman's viral home tour of her 'middle-class' residence in the US has sparked an online debate, with many Indians finding her definition of ordinary to be quite extraordinary compared to housing realities in India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against Pakistani terrorist Shehzad Bhatti and seven Indian nationals in connection with the Ambala police station car blast case.

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24 report indicates a steady increase in India's Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education, rising from 23.7% in 2014-15 to 30% in 2023-24, with women showing significant leadership in this trend.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia for the Annual Leaders' Summit included delegation-level talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, highlighted by several notable quotes.

An emerging labor corridor between India and Japan aims to improve lives in both countries, with young Indians moving from classrooms to nursing homes to fill Japan's need for caregivers.

India faces ongoing threats from Pakistan, which is accused of radicalizing Indians and engaging in subversion, sabotage, and terrorism, highlighting the need for strengthened counter-intelligence.

P. Chidambaram stated that 10 crore Indians could lose their right to vote, a comment made after an ex-envoy's social media post.

Zubin Bharucha has been appointed as the new Director of Performance for the Mumbai Indians cricket team.

A panel has proposed utilizing funds generated by medical tourists to subsidize healthcare for impoverished citizens in India, aiming to make medical treatment more affordable.

A Pakistani Member of Parliament claims he was denied a stay at a UAE hotel following a flight cancellation, alleging that only Indian and American nationals were being accommodated.

Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath has commended SEBI's proposal for a fully digital onboarding process for non-resident Indians, which aims to simplify investments by eliminating the need for physical presence and extensive documentation.

A surge of racist AI-generated videos targeting foreigners, particularly white and black men and Indians, is circulating on Chinese social media. These videos are notably uncensored despite their racist content.

A social media joke has evolved into a serious political movement, the 'Cockroach Janta Party,' gaining support from young Indians frustrated by unemployment and controversies, posing a challenge to Prime Minister Modi.

A new website has launched in India, offering a crowdsourced and completely anonymous platform for citizens to report the amount of bribes they have paid.

State Bank of India (SBI) is working to enhance its banking services and strengthen connections with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), catering to their specific financial needs.

An analysis compares how Indian parents and US-based Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) plan and pay for higher education, examining which group is better positioned financially.

A new trend shows that Indian students are increasingly reconsidering studying abroad and are instead turning to higher education opportunities within India.

The Wealth Company has introduced a new Gift City Fund, offering Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) a single, dollar-denominated investment route into India's mutual fund market.

Data from 36 countries released by India's Foreign Ministry reveals a sevenfold increase in attacks on Indians abroad over the past five years, with most incidents reported in the United States, UAE, UK, and Canada.

A Pew report indicates that Indians are three times more likely than Pakistanis to favor the US, revealing stark differences in perceptions of global allies between the two nations and a growing bond between the US and Pakistan.

Canada has deported more than 3,000 Indian nationals within a six-month period, a figure that is double the number of Indians deported from the United States during the same timeframe.

Indian citizens can now obtain a visa-free entry to the UAE for a period of three months. Details regarding eligibility, rules, and the booking process have been released.

The number of US student visas issued to Indian nationals has dropped by 62%, according to a new report. The report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) also recommends discontinuing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

Two Indian nationals accused of murdering a 59-year-old psychologist appeared before an investigating judge in Nafplio, Greece. They are facing charges related to the homicide.

Student protests have highlighted a widening gap between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP party and young Indians. Experts suggest that current outreach methods are insufficient to bridge this divide.

Police in Argolida, Greece, have solved the disappearance and murder of a 59-year-old psychologist, arresting two Indian nationals, aged 20 and 24, who have confessed to the crime and robbery.

An article highlights the importance of disaster drills for Indians, advocating for better preparedness and response mechanisms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Viveka Smaraka youth centre in Mysuru, aiming to inspire young Indians with ideals of nation-building and service.

India is actively working to secure the release of approximately two dozen of its nationals who are currently serving in the Russian army amidst ongoing efforts.

Indian citizens can now enjoy visa-free entry to 27 countries and visa-on-arrival access to 47 countries, expanding their international travel options.

India has facilitated the return of 2,557 of its nationals from Iran since the West Asia conflict began in February, with approximately 10,000 Indians, mostly students, present in Iran at the time.

Three individuals were lured to Thailand with the promise of a holiday trip, only to be held for ransom, leading to the arrest of five Indian nationals.

Dubai has introduced a new invite scheme, a measure taken as ongoing conflicts have negatively impacted global tourism.

Three Indian nationals were reportedly lured to Thailand with a holiday offer and subsequently kidnapped, with police alleging a Pakistani mastermind behind the incident.

A new legislative proposal, the Renewing Immigration Provisions bill, aims to grant permanent residency to millions of long-term US residents, particularly H-1B professionals, after seven years.

More Indians are reporting nine-figure incomes on their tax returns, with the number of high-earners rising to 576 in the 2025-26 assessment year, a fourfold increase from five years prior.

An article highlights the critical need for early therapy for Hepatitis B in India, noting that many individuals may not show symptoms until it's too late.

The immigration minister has refused to release a document that Winston Peters claims would prove the government is 'covertly' changing migration settings for Indians, suggesting discrimination.

Nepal has eased post-demonetisation restrictions on Indian currency, now allowing citizens and Indian travelers to carry up to ₹25,000 in ₹200 and ₹500 notes. This change simplifies currency rules for visitors from India.

A vessel with four Indian crew members was struck at Ukraine's Odesa port, marking the second such attack in a week. Two crew members are confirmed safe, while information on the other two is awaited.

Reports indicate that 25-30% of the Indian population suffers from varicose veins, prompting health experts to provide guidance on when individuals should consider undergoing a Doppler test for diagnosis and treatment.

India's Prime Minister paid tribute to freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary, commending his inspiration for 'motivated young Indians'.

A new trend of 'anti-itinerary' travel is changing the way Indians plan and experience their holidays, moving away from rigid schedules.

An Indian man from Uttar Pradesh was killed in a Russian strike, leading to mourning in his village and protests from the Chief Justice of India. The incident has raised concerns about Indians being recruited for jobs that place them in conflict zones.

By 2050, one in five Indians will be over 60, a demographic shift that is being viewed as a potential 'silver lining' for the country.

This comes nearly two weeks after a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper, Michael E. Pahira Jr, was hit and killed by a commercial vehicle on July 1.

Young Indians are reportedly struggling with infertility, with insulin resistance identified as a significant contributing factor.

Thirteen Indian nationals have died and three are missing in the Gulf region since late February, with recent attacks on commercial ships contributing to the casualties amidst escalating regional tensions.

The bodies of 15 Indian nationals who died in a boat tragedy in Vietnam have arrived in Mumbai. The repatriation brings closure for the families of the victims.

Vietnamese police arrested the captain of a boat that capsized near Phu Quoc island, killing 15 Indian tourists. The bodies of the deceased have since reached Ho Chi Minh City and are being prepared for transport to India.

India added over 31,000 new dollar millionaires in 2025, surpassing China, with wealthy Indians preferring to hold most assets in real estate and gold, a contrast to Western economies' financial asset focus.

A far-right protester heckled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a Melbourne hotel, shouting anti-immigrant slogans before being removed by police.

Indian consumers are once again able to make purchases at the Apple Store using credit and debit cards, restoring a previously unavailable payment option.

An Indian-origin entrepreneur has raised accusations of racism against Switzerland, with a dispute involving a neighbor gaining significant attention in her home country, leading her to warn other Indians.

Many Indian applicants are reportedly having their Kyrgyzstan e-Visas returned due to a common mistake, highlighting issues in the application process.

A growing number of Indians are using GLP-1 injections like Ozempic for rapid weight loss, primarily influenced by wedding pressures and social media ideals, raising concerns among medical professionals.

Prime Minister Modi commended 140 crore Indians for their resilience in defeating attempts to destabilize the nation during a challenging global energy crisis, which he linked to the US-Iran war.

India has drawn $73 billion in financial inflows over 11 weeks, primarily fueled by foreign currency bank deposits made by non-resident Indians.

Bhajan clubbing is gaining popularity across New Zealand, offering a modern, alcohol-free twist on traditional devotional music that is attracting large crowds of young Indians seeking a new form of spirituality.

Citigroup Inc. has partnered with Axis Bank Ltd. to finance non-resident Indians investing in foreign-currency deposits with the local lender, capitalizing on a boom in India dollar deposits.

A tech professional's assertion that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are discouraging Indian students from pursuing education in the US due to jealousy has ignited a significant debate.

A Pakistani MP claimed discrimination against Pakistanis at a UAE hotel following a flight cancellation, stating that only Indian and American nationals were allowed, and urged his government to address the issue diplomatically.

An analysis of social media data, dubbed the 'Bhatti-verse,' has revealed how Pak-backed handler Shahzad Bhatti constructed an extensive online network to lure young Indians into terrorist activities.

An American influencer's admiration for stylish IKEA chrome plates, priced at fifteen dollars, sparked a conversation online as Indian consumers quickly noted their resemblance to common everyday steel thali plates.

Recent data shows a 35% drop in US green card approvals for extraordinary workers, with Indian technology professionals being most affected due to stricter evidence requirements from USCIS.

The Wealth Company has launched a new GIFT City fund of fund specifically tailored for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

According to Stop AAPI Hate, Indians have become one of the most targeted groups by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) during the Trump administration. They reportedly face the highest number of arrests, detentions, and deportations among all Asian and Pacific Islanders.

Life insurance protection plans for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can be 50-60% cheaper in India compared to other countries, prompting a discussion on where to purchase them.

Close to a quarter of India's youth aged 15 to 29 are classified as NEET (not in employment, education, or training), highlighting a significant challenge in the job market.

An article explains the eligibility criteria for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in the National Pension System (NPS) and outlines the associated withdrawal rules.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has put forward proposals to ease Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and other foreign investors.

A Pew survey indicates that Indians and Pakistanis perceive each other as their greatest geopolitical threat, with mutual distrust persisting eight decades after independence, despite some positive sentiments from Indian Muslims.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the United States recorded the highest number of attacks on Indians abroad between 2021 and 2025.

Prime Minister Modi has called upon citizens to celebrate India's Independence Day with honor and pride, encouraging them to take a pledge for a developed India.

Green card and citizenship applications in the U.S. are now exclusively online, a change that significantly impacts applicants, including those from India.

Thousands of young Indians, led by the 'Cockroach Janta Party,' marched towards Parliament in New Delhi last month, facing tear gas and batons from the police. The incident is seen as part of a broader trend of Gen Z protests across South Asia.

Canada deported 3,323 Indian nationals during the first six months of 2026, according to recent reports. This figure represents a significant number of deportations from Canada to India within the specified period.

A BJP Member of Parliament, Ashok Mittal, has called for a protection law for Indian expatriates, citing a worrying increase in the number of Indians killed abroad, which rose from 29 in 2021 to 86 in 2023.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are increasingly cashing out their property investments in India, with Maharashtra leading the resale listings. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) alone accounts for 27% of the property resale pipeline.

Young Indians involved in the 'Cockroach' movement have achieved some victories but are now complaining about unfulfilled promises and threatening to resume their protests.

A recent poll indicates that the majority of Indians are unhappy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the exam scandals that have triggered widespread protests. The findings highlight public discontent over the government's management of the issue.

Young Indians are increasingly turning to debt instead of savings, influenced by digital credit, rising costs, social media pressures, and financial illiteracy, posing a growing challenge for the country.

The court also directed the Centre to appoint a nodal officer to help families pursue compensation claims with the Russian authorities.

In the digital age, there is a growing discussion in India about the need for citizens to have a 'right to know the contactor,' likely in response to issues like spam calls and digital privacy concerns.

The number of Indians deported from the US has significantly increased, tripling from 617 in 2023 to an projected 2,000 in 2025, with deportations also noted from the UK and Cyprus.

The Indian government has raised with the UAE the issue of over 130 Indian nationals affected by the closure of an Iranian hospital in Dubai, where they were employed.

US immigration judges issued 801 removal orders for Indian nationals in June 2026, marking a significant acceleration in deportation rulings. This increase, nearly 30% in one month, indicates a faster processing of immigration cases by US courts.

A health expert highlights a widespread myth about jaundice that many Indians still believe, clarifying that it does not align with current hepatitis treatment practices.

The Indian Embassy is actively monitoring a ship carrying 13 Indian nationals amidst ongoing drone attacks in Ukraine, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Indians represent nearly 60% of the recent decrease in Canada's permanent residency numbers, prompting questions about the reasons behind this significant decline.

An opinion piece from an Indian outlet discusses the financial challenges of early retirement in India, highlighting how reduced income and increased expenses make it mathematically difficult for a large percentage of the population.

The Indian government reported that 576 individuals declared an income of ₹100 crore or more in Assessment Year 2025-26, a significant increase from 142 in 2021-22.

Two Indian crew members, Chandra Ram Dubey and Deepak Kumar Gupta, remain untraced after reportedly jumping into the Black Sea following an incident involving a cargo ship. Search efforts are ongoing.

Thailand's decision to grant Indians 30-day visa-free entry is expected to drive Indian tourist arrivals to a new record of 2.7 million next year, supported by increased flights.

Following an attack on the vessel MG AGN Ragnar at Odesa Port in Ukraine, two of the four Indian nationals on board have been reported missing, while the other two are safe.

An article discusses the EB-1 visa category and why it is narrowing for Indian applicants in Fiscal Year 2026.

Indians residing in the Netherlands are expressing solidarity, stating they will amplify their voices if people in India are silenced, reflecting concerns over the political situation in their home country.

A $750 fast visa appointment pilot program has commenced in Mexico, but there is no immediate good news for Indian B1/B2 visa applicants.

A Ukrainian citizen, identified as a key figure in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of Indians of over 16 million euros, has been arrested in Romania, with Indian authorities in Mumbai requesting his extradition.

Katrina Kaif faces backlash from fans over her silence on CJP protests, with fan page 'katholic_fans' shutting down, calling her out for lacking "the spine to speak for Indians." While some fans…

A guide outlines what Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) need to know before purchasing residential property in India, covering eligibility, payment channels, loan options, and tax implications.

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with New Delhi following reports that four Indian nationals were killed in a ship strike in Ukraine.

German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann has lauded Indian migration to Germany as a success, expressing his impression of how well Indians have integrated into the German labor market.

Months after the US-Israeli war with Iran spilled across the Gulf, many workers in Dubai, including Indians, are facing a job crisis with disappearing employment and salary cuts.

An Indian entrepreneur recounted his experience of moving to Toronto, where he earned ₹10 lakh but paid ₹5 lakh in taxes, ultimately leaving after 18 months. He shared ten key insights for other Indians considering relocation to Canada.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that a passport is a government-issued document primarily intended to regulate the departure of Indian citizens from the country. He also noted that only 8% of Indians currently possess a passport.

A video shows a woman confronting volunteers at a Calgary park, blaming 'Indians' for littering during Canada Day celebrations and expressing disappointment over the scattered garbage.

An article explores the phenomenon of Indians 'stealing' public property, using the example of bedsheets from AC coach trains, and questions the underlying reasons.

An attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman has prompted condemnation from India's Ministry of External Affairs, with reports of 10 Indian nationals rescued and one still missing.

Vietnamese authorities have arrested a boat captain following a capsize incident that resulted in the deaths of 15 Indian nationals, citing 'violations of law'.

A significant number of seemingly healthy young Indians are experiencing heart attacks without prior symptoms, with nearly half of coronary artery blockage patients showing no warning signs. Diabetes is identified as a major contributor, substantially increasing the risk of these silent heart attacks.

A recent US birthright citizenship ruling has reportedly eased fears among Indian communities, according to The Daily Star.

A study by Corning reveals that 53% of smartphone users in India purchase new devices prematurely because of broken screens.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated in an interview that despite global anti-immigrant bias, New Zealand maintains a strong social license for immigration and holds high respect for Indians.

Despite significant growth in India's credit card market over the past decade, penetration remains low compared to global standards, though there's an observed increase in ownership among younger consumers and in semi-urban areas.

Consumers in India are purchasing a record number of alternative fuel vehicles, even as protests related to ethanol continue to grow across the country.

Urban consumers in India spend 1.6 times more on Saturdays and Sundays compared to weekdays, with significant increases in fashion, entertainment, electronics, and dining expenditures.

The Indian government has designated 23 individuals, including 17 from Pakistan and 6 Indians, as 'individual terrorists' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These individuals are associated with terror outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.