The polar vortex, a powerful atmospheric phenomenon, is expected to cause a dramatic shift in weather patterns across the eastern United States. As the vortex weakens and shifts southward, frigid Arctic air will move down into the country, bringing temperatures that could plunge as much as 30 degrees below normal. This extreme cold event will be one of the harshest in recent years, especially compared to the record warmth seen during last year's winter. The cold air will first a

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has launched its recruitment drive for 89 Junior Assistant (Fire Services) positions across India. Candidates interested in applying for these positions must meet the educational qualifications, which include being a 10th pass with a three-year approved diploma in Mechanical, Automobile, or Fire disciplines, or having completed their 12th standard (regular study). The online registration for the recruitment will close on January 28, 2025, and applicants ca

The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit issued by the U.S. to foreign nationals with specialized skills in fields like technology, engineering, medicine, and finance. Initially granted for three years, the visa can be extended up to six years, with the possibility of indefinite renewals for those pursuing permanent residency through a Green Card. The visa provides a vital bridge for skilled workers to join U.S. companies facing talent shortages. The application process for the H-1B

As the US tourism industry struggles to return to pre-pandemic levels, the hospitality sector has found hope in the rising number of Indian visitors. In 2024, nearly 1.9 million Indians traveled to the US, marking a 48% increase from 2019, driven by a rise in business and leisure visas. This influx is supporting the recovery of US tourism, with hotels and travel companies adjusting their offerings to cater to Indian tastes, such as providing chai and samosas in hotel lobbies and airing popula

The National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is set to begin its recruitment process for various positions in 2024, targeting 518 vacancies across two complexes—S&P Complex in Angul and M&R Complex in Damanjodi. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the official website, mudira.nalcoindia.co.in, starting from tomorrow. The last date to submit the online application is January 21, 2025. Vacancies are available in diverse roles such as Fitter, Electrical

In South Korea's deadliest air disaster, a Jeju Air passenger jet, Flight 7C2216, crashed during its landing attempt at Muan International Airport on Sunday, resulting in 179 fatalities. The crash occurred after a series of events, starting with a bird strike reported by the pilot as the flight was approaching the airport. According to the final timeline of the flight, the aircraft was cleared by air traffic control at 8:54 am to land on runway 01. However, just minutes later, a

A vlogger recently outlined compelling reasons why Indian passport holders should consider investing in a 10-year U.S. visa, highlighting its long-term advantages for frequent travelers. The multiple-entry visa eliminates the need for repeated applications and offers flexibility for personal, professional, or leisure trips to the United States. In a post on X, Ami Palan, an Indian passport holder, emphasized that possessing a U.S. visa often simplifies the process of obtaining visas

President-elect Donald Trump has broken his silence on the ongoing H-1B visa debate, expressing strong support for the program. In a recent interview, Trump stated, “I’ve always liked the visas; I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them.” Trump highlighted his personal experience with the H-1B program, saying, “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve bee

On Christmas, an Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau city in Kazakhstan, leading to the deaths of 38 people out of the 67 on board. The flight had originally departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, headed for Grozny, Russia, but was diverted when it was unable to land in Grozny due to dense fog. The aircraft, rerouted over the Caspian Sea, crashed in an open field near Aktau after encountering difficulties. 29 passengers survived the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines, in

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed prominent Indian-American venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. This historic appointment reflects the growing influence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics. Krishnan is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping U.S. immigration policies and steering the future of technological advancements. Thi

Nepal's tourism industry, which saw a post-pandemic resurgence with over a million foreign visitors this year, continues to grow, attracting tourists with unique experiences like the recently held hot-air balloon festival. The event, organized by Sabin Maharjan and his team, featured more than 10 countries participating in the thrilling balloon flights. The stunning views of the snow-capped Annapurna range, mountains, lakes, and rolling hills provided an unforgettable experience for the p

In response to Russia's Christmas Day attack on Ukrainian cities and its energy infrastructure, President Joe Biden has instructed the U.S. Defense Department to maintain its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Biden condemned Russia’s actions, which were aimed at disrupting Ukraine’s power supply and endangering the country’s energy grid during the harsh winter. The attack, which involved cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones, is part of Russia’s ong

As 2024 draws to a close, plans are underway to kick off 2025 with a range of new changes and updates. Starting January 1, 2025, significant nationwide changes will take effect, impacting households, professionals, travelers, and finances. These updates cover various areas, including data charges, visa processes, and GST regulations. Key Updates Effective January 1, 2025 GST Compliance Changes Several important adjustments to GST compliance w

In a significant policy shift, the Government of Canada has announced that starting spring 2025, job offers will no longer provide additional points for candidates applying for permanent residency under the Express Entry system. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller explained the rationale behind the move: “We are taking important steps to reduce fraud while continuing to attract the skilled talent our economy needs. Immigration has always been a

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014, with 239 people on board, remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history. The Boeing 777, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, vanished after its last transmission at 40 minutes into the flight. Military radar showed it veering off course and flying back over Malaysia before heading south into the Indian Ocean. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage was found, and the mystery of its final location persists. A

Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study destinations like the US and UK to explore new opportunities in countries such as Malta, Singapore, Dubai, Italy, and various European nations. These countries have simplified their visa regulations, and their competitive living and tuition fees, along with diverse academic programmes, are attracting a growing number of students. The ease of access and affordable education options are key factors driving this trend. Many expert

The Biden administration has introduced important modifications to the H-1B visa program, aimed at facilitating the hiring of highly-skilled foreign workers, particularly in the tech sector. These changes are expected to benefit thousands of Indian professionals seeking to work in the United States. The rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expands the definition of specialty occupations and introduces provisions for nonprofits and governmental research organizations t

At Chennai Airport, an Air India cabin crew member was arrested for helping a passenger smuggle 1.7 kg of gold. The incident occurred when the flight from Dubai landed on Sunday. Customs officials intercepted the passenger and the crew member after the passenger admitted to handing over the gold during the flight. Upon searching the crew member, officials found the gold concealed in the undergarments, l

China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days. Previously, the visa-f

The recent discontinuation of the Canadian Student Direct Stream (SDS) program as of November 8, 2024, has left many Indian students reassessing their plans to study in Canada. The SDS program previously allowed students to speed up the student visa process if they met specific English proficiency test (EPT) requirements like IELTS or PTE. However, with the end of SDS, students now have the opportunity to explore a broader range of EPTs accepted by Canadian institutions. One of the