Elon Musk announced on X that the US government's Gold Card visa program, initiated by President Trump in February 2025, is undergoing a quiet testing phase. This program aims to grant US residency and a path to citizenship for foreign nationals investing $5 million.

American universities are facing challenges in attracting international students. Donald Trump's policies have created uncertainty. Students are worried about visa issues and their status. Competitor countries like Canada see this as an opportunity. They are trying to attract more international students. The US job market still holds appeal. But the current situation is causing concern among educators and students.

The Amul Girl turns fifty

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to reveal a new immigration policy. This aims to reduce the number of arrivals in the country. The government plans to present an Immigration White Paper to parliament. New rules include longer residency requirements for citizenship. Stricter English language tests are also proposed.

Amidst heightened India-Pakistan tensions, the education-abroad market initially faced uncertainty as parents reconsidered plans due to safety and financial concerns. While the ceasefire offers some relief, anxieties persist, prompting families to weigh alternative options. Experts advise against hasty decisions, emphasizing long-term aspirations and financial preparedness, though some consultants foresee limited impact on study abroad numbers.

London's Stansted Airport faced significant IT disruptions on Sunday, leading to extensive queues and flight delays, impacting check-in, baggage handling, and security processes. While the technical issues have been resolved, flights are still experiencing delays. This incident follows similar disruptions at Heathrow and Manchester airports, highlighting recent challenges in UK airport operations.

An Indian citizen has been convicted in the US for filing a false immigration application under a law meant to protect abuse victims. The individual submitted fabricated evidence of a sham marriage and false abuse claims to seek immigration benefits.

The UK government is set to tighten visa rules, aiming to curb the influx of foreign workers amidst rising concerns about pressure on public services and right-wing protests. New measures include stricter requirements for skilled worker visas and limits on lower-skilled visas, prioritizing domestic recruitment and training.

The Income Tax Department emphasizes the importance of PAN. Minors, including NRIs, can obtain a PAN card through their parents or guardians. The application process involves online and offline steps. Form 49A is used, and specific documents are needed. A fee is applicable. Upon turning 18, a new PAN card is required for signature and photo updates. Read more about applying for PAN of minor.

As Asia nears a millionaire milestone, family offices are evolving rapidly. From AI adoption to multigenerational governance, wealth management is shifting to meet longevity, diversity, and digital expectations with culturally grounded, forward-looking frameworks for legacy and leadership.

NRIs are increasingly aligning investments with Indias growth, drawn by economic resilience, reforms, and emotional ties. Tax-friendly hubs like Dubai and Singapore amplify returns, while new tools like GIFT City and fractional real estate expand options.

Denmark is set to implement new restrictions on international students from third countries enrolled in non-state-approved higher education programs. Starting May 2, these students will be barred from working during their studies, staying for job searches post-graduation, and bringing family members.

The United Kingdom is likely to implement stricter English language rules for migrants. New rules may require a 'fluent' English level for permanent residency. This could delay settlement for some applicants. The government aims to reduce high net migration figures. Reforms are expected to link immigration with boosting UK employment.

Bhubaneswar will soon have direct flights to Abu Dhabi starting June 2025, under the B-MAAN initiative, announced by the Odisha CMO. IndiGo will operate the service thrice a week, enhancing international connectivity for tourism and trade. This addition brings Bhubaneswar's total international destinations to five, alongside ongoing airport upgrades to manage increasing passenger traffic.

Travel experts in the UAE reveal common mistakes leading to UAE visa rejections, including incomplete minor applications and duplicate submissions. Applicants should wait a month after exiting the UAE before reapplying. Essential requirements include confirmed return tickets, proof of accommodation, financial proof, and printed documents to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Following the Pahalgam attack and escalating tensions between India & Pakistan, travellers are urged to stay aware. As Turkey & Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary. Stay informed. Travel responsibly, EaseMyTrip posted on X.

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow it to revoke the legal status of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Trump administration asked the conservative-majority Supreme Court last week to back its bid to end temporary protected status (TPS) shielding more than 350,000 Venezuelans from deportation.

In this insightful conversation, Kalwani outlines how NRIs can reposition their portfolios with a focus on long-short equity strategies, precious metals like gold and silver, and Indias growing appeal as a manufacturing and investment hub.

Following Operation Sindoor, several nations issued travel advisories, with the US cautioning against travel to Jammu and Kashmir due to security concerns and potential flight disruptions. The UK warned against travel near the India-Pakistan border, citing terrorism risks, while Singapore advised deferring non-essential travel to the region.

Following the Liberal Party's victory under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada will maintain reduced immigration targets through 2027, aiming to lower temporary residents to 5% of the population. This includes capping international student enrollment and tightening controls, a shift from previous plans. Leaders in international education express concerns about the impact on Canada's reputation and talent acquisition.

International Experience Canada participants already in Canada can now receive their new work permits by mail if they meet specific eligibility conditions, according to IRCC. This option helps participants avoid leaving and re-entering the country. The policy is effective until December 1, 2025, and applicants must maintain legal status throughout the process.

Hong Kong is actively working to revive its global image and reestablish itself as a major Asian events hub after years of political unrest, strict COVID measures, and a drop in tourism. Efforts include modernizing transport, enhancing digital payment systems, and investing heavily in major cultural and sports events, especially at the new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium.

President Trump's stringent immigration policies are chilling Miami's real estate market, traditionally fueled by foreign investment. Increased deportation fears and stricter regulations are deterring potential buyers and renters, leading to declining sales and rental prices. This shift threatens Florida's economy, heavily reliant on real estate, as international investors reconsider the stability of the U.S. market.

Vinay Prasad, an oncologist-hematologist, has been appointed as the new director of the FDA's CBER, overseeing vaccines and genetic medicines. Known for his outspoken views on public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prasad's appointment, praised by FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the agency's regulatory approach.

An appeals court grappled with the Trump administration's stance on First Amendment protections for international students facing deportation due to campus unrest related to the Gaza Strip. The government lawyer declined to comment on whether the students' speech is constitutionally protected, focusing instead on procedural issues.

The India-UK free trade agreement is set to create new avenues for Indian independent professionals like yoga instructors, musicians, and chefs, according to the commerce ministry. The agreement facilitates easier mobility for various professionals, including contractual service suppliers and investors. Similar provisions exist in the India-Australia economic cooperation and trade agreement, offering quotas for Indian chefs and yoga teachers.

India and the UK completed their Free Trade Agreement. This agreement brings good news for Non-Resident Indians working in the UK. Indian professionals will get exemption from social security payments for three years. The FTA makes it easier for Indian professionals to work in the UK. Indian firms will have better access to the UK market.

Facing pressure from the hard-right populists, the Labour government in Britain is planning to restrict visa applications from nationalities considered most likely to overstay and claim asylum. The government official confirmed that applications for work and study visas from Pakistanis, Nigerians, and Sri Lankans are among those set to be curbed.

Armed clashes, suspected to be drug-related, have erupted along the Thai-Laos border, leading to the closure of the Phu Chi Fa viewpoint in Thailand. The violence, occurring in Laos' Bokeo province within the Golden Triangle, involves confrontations between the Lao military and armed groups. Increased security patrols are underway as authorities investigate the situation.

Donald Trump's immigration policies are changing US citizenship rules. He favors wealthy immigrants with a fast track. Higher fees are proposed for others, including refugees. Trump challenges birthright citizenship and aims to strip citizenship from some. The Justice Department created a Denaturalization Section. These policies prioritize wealth and loyalty over traditional values.

Schengen visa applications from India have surged by 29% as Indian travelers plan summer holidays, with Southern European countries being the top choices. Gen Z and millennial travelers are driving the increase, showing interest in immersive experiences. While major cities contribute significantly, tier-two cities also see a rise in applications, indicating a broader interest in European travel.

An Air India flight (AI188) from Toronto to Delhi was diverted to Frankfurt on May 2 after several onboard lavatories became unusable, according to airline sources. The aircraft resumed its journey to Delhi after a short halt. Air India officially cited a echnical issue for the diversion.

The UAE's Ministry of Higher Education has significantly reduced paperwork for students and graduates, cutting required documents from 14 to four. This 70% reduction, part of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, streamlines qualification recognition. A successful pilot phase nearly doubled recognised qualifications and sharply decreased application rejection rates, enhancing students' academic and career paths.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, established in 1990 and significantly reformed in 2022, remains a structured, legally grounded pathway for foreign investors seeking U.S. residency through economic contribution and job creation.

Under the Trump administration, green card holders face increased scrutiny at US ports of entry, leading to detentions and pressure to relinquish residency. While green card holders are legally entitled to live and work in the US, stricter border enforcement and expanded definitions of risk have created uncertainty.

Iran defended its right to enrich uranium, citing its NPT membership, amidst Western concerns about potential nuclear weapons development. Talks with the US have been delayed, while the US Secretary of State urged Iran to cease enrichment and allow inspections. Tensions remain high as Iran enriches uranium to 60-percent purity, sparking concerns from Western powers and calls for sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded Iran halt uranium enrichment, missile development, and support for terrorist groups, also insisting on American inspections of Iranian facilities. These demands highlight significant disagreements in nuclear talks, leading to postponement of a scheduled meeting. Iran insists on its right to uranium enrichment under the NPT, rejecting nuclear weapon ambitions and external pressure.

The Trump administration has launched an investigation into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review following allegations of race-based discrimination at the legal journal. This development follows ongoing tensions between the administration and Harvard, particularly regarding the universitys diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and its policies on screening international students for ideological concerns. Harvard previously filed a lawsuit against the administration after it su

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a key IPL 2025 match at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, April 25 at 7:30 PM. Both teams have four points from eight matches and need a win to remain in contention for the playoffs.

Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak have been cast as young Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird in Lionsgate's The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel exploring the 50th Hunger Games. The casting of these sought-after roles has generated excitement, with producers praising Zada and Peak's talent in bringing these iconic characters' origins to life. The film is slated for a November 2026 release

Marco Rubio says Iran must end all nuclear enrichment for a deal with the Trump administration. Talks are ongoing to prevent armed conflict. Iran insists its program is for energy, not weapons. Trump seeks a tougher agreement, but Iran wants sanctions eased. Military action could trigger a broader conflict. The IAEA will verify any deal.

Rohit Sharma's brilliant 70 propelled Mumbai Indians to a dominant seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. After restricting SRH to a paltry 143/8, MI chased down the target with ease, thanks to Sharma's knock and Suryakumar Yadav's quickfire 40. Heinrich Klaasen's 71 was the lone bright spot for SRH, who suffered a top-order collapse.

President Trump asserted that immigrants without permanent legal status shouldn't have trials, advocating for deportation without judicial review. He falsely claimed other countries emptied prisons into the U.S., necessitating bypassing due process.

India aims to significantly boost its manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP from 12% to 23% in the next two decades, prioritizing job creation and economic expansion. The focus is on 14 sunrise sectors, including semiconductors and renewable energy, supported by production-linked incentives. This strategic shift seeks to absorb a youthful workforce, reduce import dependence, and establish competitive global supply chains.

In a bizarre IPL match, Sunrisers Hyderabad's Zeeshan Ansari was denied a wicket due to wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen's gloves being marginally in front of the stumps, resulting in a no-ball. This incident allowed Mumbai Indians' Ryan Rickelton to continue batting, eventually contributing to their four-wicket victory. The no-ball occurred a day after Mitchell Starc's back-foot no-ball in another match.

IPL 2025 SRH vs PBKS playing 11: Sunrisers Hyderabad, desperate to break their four-match losing streak, face a strong Punjab Kings side. SRH's top order needs to fire, while their bowlers must find their rhythm. PBKS, riding high with three wins, will rely on their in-form top order and potent pace attack to continue their winning momentum, despite concerns over Maxwell and Stoinis' form.

US House Democrats are scrutinizing Elon Musk's relationship with NASA, alleging potential conflicts of interest due to his dual roles as SpaceX CEO and head of DOGE. In a letter to NASA Chief Legal Officer Iris Lan, House Democrats have requested documents to ascertain whether Musk has leveraged his influence for personal enrichment through government contracts.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya is set to unveil a 'Ram Darbar' on June 6, following the installation of idols on May 23. While a religious ceremony will accompany the installation, it will not be a consecration, as that already occurred in January 2024.

Netflix has released the trailer for Moonrise, a new anime series based on a novel by Tou Ubukata. The story follows a future where Earth and the Moon are in conflict due to social inequality. The series will stream on Netflix from April 10, 2025.