Bitcoin reached an all-time high of over $106,000, marking a significant milestone just 10 days after surpassing the $100,000 mark. The cryptocurrency’s surge is fueled by expectations that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates during its upcoming policy meeting. Lower interest rates historically benefit Bitcoin, as they weaken the US dollar and increase the money supply, driving investor interest in digital assets. Bitcoin has risen over 77% in the last year, and its rec

Indian tourists may soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, with the new arrangement expected by spring 2025. Since August 2023, Indian travelers have already been eligible for e-visas, which are processed within four days. The upcoming visa-free travel agreement will further strengthen tourism ties between India and Russia. In 2023, Russia granted 9,500 e-visas to Indian visitors, placing India among the top five countries for easy travel access to Russia. Consultations between Mosc

Elon Musk’s Tesla has become one of the top employers of H-1B workers, with over 1,700 H-1B visas approved for Tesla employees in 2020. This marks a significant reliance on skilled foreign workers as Tesla continues to grow. Musk’s early career began with illegal work on a student visa in the U.S., but now Tesla’s future is intertwined with the availability of H-1B workers, a visa program that is crucial for attracting talent to the tech industry. The Trump adminis

The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has released the Visa Bulletin for January 2025, providing crucial updates for green card applicants, with a notable focus on Indian applicants. This bulletin offers insights into the availability of immigrant visa numbers, which are vital for individuals waiting in the green card queue. The limits for employment-based preference immigrants have been set at 140,000, while family-sponsored category immigrants have a cap of

The UK government has announced an extension of the grace period for accepting expired physical travel documents until March 31, 2025, as part of its transition to a fully digital eVisa system. This move is intended to ease the burden on visa holders facing challenges in the ongoing switch to eVisas.   Who Is Affected? The initiative, led by the UK H

Bangladesh summoned India's High Commissioner to Dhaka after the closure of its visa and consular services in Tripura, India, due to a security incident involving a protest in Agartala. The protest, which occurred against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, led to about 50 people entering the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission's premises. The Bangladeshi government expressed concerns over the lack of local police action to contain the situation, which left mission staff fe

The Rs 450-crore Rushikonda Palace in Vizag has sparked controversy after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described it as a "criminal waste" of money. The opulent building is equipped with expensive amenities, including Rs 36 lakh bathtubs and Rs 16 lakh commodes with autowash features, raising questions about its necessity. Amid the debate, suggestions have emerged to repurpose the palace as a US Visa Application Centre, as many students from Telugu-speaking stat

US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed H-1B visa restrictions could have significant implications for India's economy. A report by the State Bank of India (SBI) suggests that while stricter visa rules might increase costs for Indian IT firms operating in the US, they could also encourage India to focus more on domestic manufacturing and economic independence. This potential shift aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative,

With Donald Trump set to become the US president, Indian exporters may face challenges due to potential changes in trade policies. Experts suggest that the 'America First' agenda could lead to higher customs duties on goods like automobiles, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, stricter H-1B visa rules may impact Indian IT firms, as a significant portion of their revenue comes from the US market. The US is India's largest trading partner, accounting for a substantia

The famous election prognosticator, New York Times’s 'Needle', was projecting an 84 per cent chance of a Donald Trump victory with about 295 electoral college votes based on its data at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday (9 a.m. Wednesday in India). The 'Needle' swings as the data that comes in is analyzed in real-time and makes the projection it considers valid at that time. A little before 10 p.m., it showed Trump at nearly 290 seats before swinging down five to 285 at 10 p.m. and ris

The Financial Times has unveiled its 2024 global rankings for Masters in Management (MiM) programs, with the University of St. Gallen maintaining its lead for the 13th time. This prestigious position underscores the Swiss institution's consistent excellence in business education. HEC Paris follows in second place, while Insead, making a notable debut in third, stands out for its top ranking in alumni international work mobility. Edhec Business School and Shanghai Jiao Tong University'

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped global immigration policies, introducing a myriad of changes aimed at balancing public health concerns with the needs of international mobility. Countries worldwide have had to adapt their immigration frameworks, leading to significant shifts in travel restrictions, visa processing, and health requirements for entry. Initially, the pandemic prompted swift and stringent travel restrictions. Many nations close

The United States accepts hundreds of thousands of foreign workers each year in a variety of industries. Persistent U.S. labor shortages and accusations of abuse have reenergized the debate over the scale of these programs.   Summary Temporary foreign workers have long supported the U.S. economy, providing American industries, such as agriculture and technology, with a critical labor force. These