WASHINGTON — The State Department will launch a six-month B1/B2 visa interview pilot on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, allowing a limited number of applicants to pay $750 for an interview appointment within 10 business days at selected U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. The paid option will be tested through Thursday, December 31, 2026. It is designed to measure demand for faster interview scheduling at consular posts where regular appointment waits can exceed one

New World screwworm in Texas is raising concern among ranchers, veterinarians and pet owners after federal animal-health officials confirmed the parasite’s return in U.S. animals. The threat is serious because New World screwworm larvae can infest living tissue in cattle, pets, wildlife and, less commonly, people. But officials and experts also stress that the United States has defeated this pest before. New World screwworm in Texas: what officials confirmed

Isro and Andhra University work on AI beach safety system India’s beach safety network may soon get a major technology upgrade as the Space Applications Centre of Isro and Andhra University work together on an AI-based system to detect rip currents and warn visitors in real time. The project, named Project Bharati, is aimed at reducing drowning risks along Indian beaches by combining satellite data, weather inputs, oceanographic information

All 28 chief ministers attend NITI Aayog meeting

Scientists have found a remarkable whale graveyard more than seven kilometres below the surface of the south-eastern Indian Ocean. The discovery includes hundreds of ancient whale fossil sites as well as modern whale falls that continue to support life in one of the darkest and most extreme parts of the planet. Researchers say the site offers fresh clues about extinct whales, deep-sea biodiversity and how marine life survives far below sunlight.

Vijay’s Maiden Address at NITI Aayog Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to make his first address at the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The meeting is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brings together Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors from across India. CM Vijay is expected to present Tamil Nadu’s priorities regar

NJ Transit World Cup travel concerns increased after another round of delays and cancellations disrupted evening commuters at New York Penn Station this week. The service problems came days before New Jersey is set to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at the Meadowlands, adding pressure on transit agencies already preparing for a major increase in passenger traffic. Penn Station delays blamed on Amtrak wire issues According to NJ Transit, the di

India accused Pakistan at the UN Security Council of using Afghan transit access as political leverage, sharply criticizing Islamabad over trade restrictions affecting Afghan businesses and military strikes that India said caused civilian suffering. Speaking at the Security Council, India’s Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said Pakistan’s denial of transit access to Afghan traders amounted to “trade and transit terrorism.” He said the restrictions exploited Af

Eitan Gilboa, an Israeli army reservist accused of involvement in war crimes in Gaza, is currently visiting Himachal Pradesh. His presence has drawn strong reactions from human rights organizations, urging Indian authorities to take legal action under the Geneva Convention, which obliges signatory countries to investigate serious violations of international humanitarian law. Allegations Against Gilboa

The INDIA Bloc convened in New Delhi on June 8, 2026, for a crucial strategy meeting as opposition parties aim to coordinate and unify ahead of future electoral contests, including the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The session is particularly significant amid questions about the alliance's cohesion following recent electoral setbacks and growing internal friction. Leaders from 23 parties attended or were expected to participate, including prominent figures such as Congress president Mallikarjun K

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the political party led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has not yet received an invitation to the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled in New Delhi on Monday, June 8, 2026, according to sources. The meeting is being held at the Constitution Club in Delhi, where representatives from 23 Opposition parties are expected to gather for an important round of political discussions. The agenda is likely to focus on rebuilding Opposition unity, reviewing recent Assembly election set

China robotic dominance is becoming one of the most important shifts in global manufacturing. Factories are no longer depending only on human labor, traditional machines, and manual production lines. Industrial robots are now helping companies produce goods faster, reduce errors, improve safety, and stay competitive in a market where speed and precision matter. According to the International Federation of Robotics, China accounted for 54% of global industrial robot installat

World Environment Day: Purpose and Theme World Environment Day is celebrated globally every year on June 5 to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire action for a sustainable future. Established by the United Nations in 1972 after the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first official celebration took place in 1973. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest envir

BJP Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Statement The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not remain in power in a year. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated that the system Modi once controlled is now collapsing internally and suggested that the government may attempt to suppress public pres

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous monuments in the world and stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. This statue of liberty history begins with a gift from France to the United States, but its meaning is much bigger than a gift. It is a symbol of freedom, democracy, hope and immigration. For visitors, the statue of liberty location is important because it stands near Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants once arrived in America. Today, the site remains a major tourist

St Stephen’s College has entered a historic phase as Susan Elias is set to become its first woman principal, while Delhi University has raised objections over the selection process. Historic First For St Stephen’s St Stephen’s College, one of Delhi University’s most recognised institutions, is set to appoint Professor Susan Elias as its first woman principal in its 145-year history. She is

Inmates Take Protest to Prison Roof A major protest broke out at the Barinas Judicial Internment Centre in western Venezuela after inmates accused prison staff of abuse, violence and harsh treatment. Hundreds of prisoners climbed onto the roof of the facility, burned mattresses and sheets, and raised SOS banners asking for help. The protest created a tense scene inside the jail as thick smoke rose from the buildi

CapMetro Bikeshare suspended in Austin after a fire damaged bike batteries and charging equipment at the agency’s East Ben White facility. The service remains unavailable, and CapMetro has not announced a timeline for when Austin Bikeshare will return. CapMetro said the fire happened on May 23 at its Bikeshare facility in the 5300 block of East Ben White Boulevard in Austin, Texas. The source information did not provide the year,

India-Canada Trade Talks Gain Momentum In May 2026 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit Canada from May 25 to May 27, 2026, as India and Canada work to rebuild economic confidence and push bilateral trade toward a $50 billion target by 2030. The visit comes at an important time because both countries are trying to move beyond recent diplomatic strain and focus on business, investment, energy, and technology cooperation. Goyal w

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan’s maiden visit to Delhi took place on May 23, 2026. He arrived late the previous night and held meetings with senior Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge, and K C Venugopal.​   Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan arrived in New Delhi for his maiden official trip since assuming office, marking an important step in consolidating his role and engaging with central Congres