Former US President Donald Trump has announced a significant shift in US immigration policy, introducing the ‘Gold Card’ visa program, which allows Indian graduates from US universities to secure jobs and eventually gain citizenship. This move is seen as a major boost for international students, particularly those from India, who have often struggled with restrictive visa policies despite their high qualifications.   The ‘Gold Card’ initiative, un

The Trump administration has taken a dramatic step in reshaping U.S. foreign aid by terminating 2,000 employees from the U.S. Agency for International Development while placing thousands more on administrative leave around the globe. Following a ruling by a federal judge, the decision affects both domestic and international USAID staff, leaving only those designated as essential for mission-critical functions, leadership, or specific programs in active service. As of 11:59 p.m. EST on

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Joint Base Andrews airbase in Maryland, United States, on Wednesday (local time) for a two-day visit at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This visit comes at a crucial time in international affairs, as both nations are looking to strengthen ties and address shared challenges on the global stage. The arrival at a key military and administrative facility underscores the significance of the trip, symbolizing not only a routine diplomatic vis

Elon Musk has assembled a team of six young engineers to modernize US federal systems under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Among them is 22-year-old Akash Bobba, an Indian-origin engineer whose selection has sparked discussions on the role of young tech talent in governance. DOGE aims to introduce cutting-edge AI-driven automation to streamline government processes, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and enhance cybersecurity. Bobba, a UC Berkeley graduate with experience at

According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Indian nationals accounted for 72.3% of all H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023. This data was presented in the Rajya Sabha by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs. The minister highlighted the crucial role of Indian professionals in the US technology and innovation sectors, reinforcing India's significance in the skilled migration landscape. He also noted ongoing diplomatic efforts

A US military C-17 aircraft landed in Amritsar on February 7, 2025, carrying hundreds of Indian migrants deported for illegal immigration violations. The large-scale deportation follows strict enforcement policies under Donald Trump’s administration, which have intensified efforts to remove undocumented migrants. The sudden influx of deported individuals has raised concerns about their legal status in India and their ability to reapply for visas in the future. According t

USAID, the US government’s aid agency, has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that American taxpayer money was used to fund the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), a Pakistan-based organization linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. The FIF is considered a front for LeT, the terror group responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people, including six Americans.Despite being banned by the US government in 2010, FIF continued to receive funding, raising

U.S. Job Openings Plunge to 7.6 Million in December, Indicating a Cooling Labor Market The U.S. labor market showed signs of slowing in December, as job openings fell sharply to 7.6 million, marking the lowest level since September. This decline, reported in the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, came in below market expectations, missing th

Stefanik’s Senate Testimony and Nomination Elise Stefanik, nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 21, 2025. In her testimony, Stefanik outlined her approach to the U.N. and her foreign policy agenda. She stated that, if confirmed, she would prioritize reforming the U.N. to ensur

The world of cinema and music mourns the loss of David Lynch, a singular talent and visionary filmmaker whose influence extended far beyond the screen. Lynch, whose death was announced Thursday, left an indelible mark not only in film but also in the music world, where his creative impact inspired generations of artists. Lynch’s artistic legacy transcends mediums, seamlessly blending surrealist storytelling with

President Joe Biden is set to end his term with a relatively strong labor market, as the U.S. added a surprising 256,000 jobs in December, and the unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%. These figures, reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday, outperformed Wall Street expectations. Analysts had predicted only 155,000 new jobs and for the unemployment rate to remain at 4.2%. These numbers suggest that the U.S. ec

Trump's Abraham Accords and Saudi Arabia's Involvement Former President Donald Trump’s Abraham Accords were a significant diplomatic achievement, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. However, Trump’s ultimate goal was to bring Saudi Arabia into the fold due to its geopolitical significance as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites and a major oil exporter. Despite informal talks, the kingd

As the new year unfolds, a fresh wave of talent is set to make their mark in Bollywood with exciting debuts: Aaman Devgan Aaman Devgan, nephew of actor Ajay Devgn, is stepping into the acting world with Azaad, releasing this month. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film tells the story of a 19-year-old Govind and his bond with a remarkable horse, set against the b

A groundbreaking study has uncovered notable differences in the nut-cracking abilities of chimpanzees within the same group, shedding new light on their cognitive and motor skills. Researchers analyzed extensive video footage of wild chimpanzees from Bossou, Guinea, where they observed 3,882 instances of chimps attempting to crack open nuts using stones as tools. The study found varying levels of efficiency among individuals, indicating differences in cognitive abilities and physical dexterit

Top 10 Most In-Demand Skills for 2025: Shaping the Future of Work The professional landscape of 2025 is dynamic, driven by technological advancements, globalization, and evolving consumer behaviors. Staying relevant in this ever-changing world requires embracing the skills that are reshaping industries. Here’s a deep dive into the top 10 most in-demand skills and why they matter. 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Drivi

In a dazzling celebration of beauty and talent, Caitlin Sandra Neil, a 19-year-old Chennai-born Indian American teenager, was crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey. Caitlin, who is a second-year student at the University of California, Davis, expressed her desire to leave a lasting, positive impact on her community, with a strong focus on women's empowerment and literacy. Having lived in the United States for the past 14 years, Caitlin's journe

On Thursday, the Indian Rupee weakened to a record low of 84.88 against the US Dollar, following a series of declines this week. The rupee had opened flat at 84.85 for the second consecutive day, and this followed a similar trend on Wednesday when it closed at 84.84 after opening at 84.85. Earlier in the week, the rupee had weakened by 12 paise on Tuesday to close at 84.85, marking a new low. The domestic currency dipped to 84.73 on Monday, continuing its downward trajectory. Expert

Indian students have witnessed a significant decline in F-1 student visas issued by the United States in 2024. According to the latest data from the US State Department, the number of F-1 visas granted to Indian nationals dropped by 38% in the first nine months of the year. Specifically, 64,008 F-1 visas were issued to Indian students from January to September 2024, down from 1,03,495 in the same period in 2023. This represents the lowest number of F-1 visas granted since 2020, when the pande

The Indian Rupee weakened by 13 paise, hitting a new record low of 84.86 against the US Dollar during trading on Tuesday. The currency had opened lower at 84.79, weakening by 6 paise from the previous day’s close of 84.73. This marks a sharp dip despite a recent positive momentum for the rupee last week, when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held interest rates steady and announced measures to improve financial market liquidity. Monday’s announcement of Sanjay Malhotra as

 The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has received enough H-1B visa petitions to meet the annual cap. The cap includes 65,000 visas for regular applicants and an additional 20,000 for individuals holding US advanced degrees. With the lottery system in place for processing petitions once the cap is exceeded, many applicants will be notified if they were not selected. USCIS will send out non-selection notices through online accounts, with the