Latest Updates
Vistara is being phased out, staring September 3. What happens to your international ticket?
Vistara International Flight Tickets: Vistara will merge with Air India on November 12, redirecting passengers to book tickets through Air India's website from September 3. Existing Vistara international tickets will be honored as Air India tickets. The merger will also integrate Vistara's Club Vistara frequent flyer program with Air India's Flying Returns program. Regular updates will be provided to customers.
Hurun reveals the top 10 richest NRIs in the world; check full list
The 2024 Hurun India Rich List, released on Wednesday, features 102 NRIs, with nearly 79% being self-made. The USA is the top country for NRIs, followed by the UAE and the UK. Gopichand Hinduja & family is the richest NRI with Rs 192,700 crore, and LN Mittal & family is the wealthiest NRI in the UK with Rs 160,900 crore.
Passport Seva portal to be unavailable from Aug 29-Sept 2
The Passport Seva portal will be offline for technical maintenance from 8:00 PM IST on August 29, 2024, to 6:00 AM IST on September 2, 2024. During this period, all related services, including application processing and appointment bookings, will be unavailable. Affected appointments will be rescheduled, and new dates will be provided to applicants.
Indian collaborators beware...we want a visa: Protesters disrupt Indian visa centre in Dhaka
India has requested increased security from Bangladesh after a demonstration with anti-India slogans occurred inside the Indian visa center in Dhaka. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has formally raised the issue with Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although there was no vandalism or physical violence, the staff at the visa centre felt threatened and struggled to operate.
Texas judge suspends Biden immigration reform policy for spouses of US citizens
A Texas judge on Monday ordered a temporary pause on a policy that would streamline the process for spouses of US citizens to obtain legal status in the country, a blow to one of US President Joe Biden's biggest immigration reform policies. The new rules would streamline the process for those who already qualify for permanent residence by removing a requirement that they leave the country as part of the application process.
Australia provides legal right to ignore out-of-hours calls, emails from bosses; Here is all you need to know
Australia implemented a new law on Monday, giving millions of workers the legal right to disconnect from work-related communication outside office hours unless refusal is deemed unreasonable. This measure, currently for medium and large companies and later for smaller firms by 2025, aims to promote mental health and work-life balance.
World's most dangerous countries in 2024
In 2024, severe conflicts and instability continue to plague several regions, marking Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine as some of the most dangerous countries. The Global Peace Index highlights these nations for their extreme violence, humanitarian crises, and infrastructure destruction.
Indian-American entrepreneur Arun Agarwal named chairman of Texas economic body
Governor Greg Abbott named Indian-American Arun Agarwal, CEO of Nextt, as the chairman of the Texas Economic Development Corporation's board. Agarwal aims to boost Texas's economic profile globally, leveraging his extensive business and philanthropic experience. His appointment underscores the growing influence of Indian American leaders in key economic roles.
Russia to provide temporary residence to people trying to flee 'Western liberal ideals'
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing foreigners who oppose neoliberal ideals in their own countries to seek refuge in Russia, where traditional values are upheld. The new policy permits these individuals to apply for temporary residence without needing to meet certain requirements, such as demonstrating knowledge of the Russian language or history.
Brazil to impose restrictions on entry of Indian & other Asian migrants, aiming to curb migration to US & Canada
Starting Monday, Brazil will impose new restrictions on Asian migrants seeking refuge who use the country as a transit point to reach the U.S. and Canada. The measure targets migrants from India, Nepal, and Vietnam, who often stay in Brazil after booking flights with layovers in São Paulo. Under the new rules, travelers without visas will need to continue their journey or return home.
Must Watch
Harris vs Trump: Key differences in their immigration policies
Vice President Kamala Harris, now leading the presidential ticket, promises to continue President Biden's immigration policies and supports comprehensive reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. She defends her handling of immigration against Republican criticisms. Former President Donald Trump plans a large-scale deportation operation, reinstating his previous immigration policies, and expanding the travel ban.
Immigrants prepare for new Biden protections with excitement and concern
Roberto Garcia, who has been in the U.S. since 2009 and married to an American woman with three American children, has found new hope through a Biden administration program. This initiative, which allows certain undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to legalize their status without leaving the country, offers a potential pathway to citizenship and eliminates the fear of deportation.
Immigration biggest issue for Britons for first time since 2016, poll shows
Immigration has re-emerged as the primary concern for Britons, according to Ipsos, with 34% citing it as the most significant issue. This shift comes after widespread riots against migrants and Muslims. Healthcare, the economy, crime, and inflation follow closely, showcasing the public's growing unease in response to recent events.
Airlines suspend flights as Middle East tensions rise
International airlines have suspended or adjusted flights to the Middle East due to rising conflict concerns. Many airlines, including Aegean, Airbaltic, and Air India, have halted services to and from key cities like Tel Aviv and Beirut.
Indian-origin executives who are leading Google, Microsoft & other tech giants
A growing number of Indian-origin executives are now at the helm of major global technology companies, profoundly influencing the industry's direction. Leaders such as Sundar Pichai at Alphabet, Satya Nadella at Microsoft, and Nikesh Arora at Palo Alto Networks are shaping the digital landscape. Similarly, Steve Sanghi of Microchip and Arvind Krishna of IBM are making significant impacts in their respective fields.
MakeMyTrip launches new campaign to invite Indian diaspora to 'rediscover their homeland'
MakeMyTrip has launched the 'India: The Homecoming' campaign to coincide with India's 78th Independence Day. This initiative encourages Indians living abroad to revisit India and experience its progress, beauty, and cultural richness. Minister of Tourism & Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the importance of reconnecting the Indian diaspora with their homeland.
