US opening new H-1B and F-1 visa appointment slots in India

US consulates in India have started releasing new interview slots for H-1B work visas, H-4 dependent visas, and fresh F-1 student visas after months of major disruption.

Riteish Deshmukh's historical epic Raja Shivaji is on its way to join the Rs 100 crore club, making it the second Marathi film to achieve this feat. The film has already collected Rs 96.4 crore worldwide in just 17 days, with over 39.3 lakh footfalls. It has been a consistent performer at the box office, surpassing Baipan Bhari Deva as the second-highest-grossing Marathi film.

Amitabh Bachchan's Instagram post about the Vishnu Temple in Bandar Abbas, Iran has sparked a conversation about the fusion of Islamic and Hindu architecture and the strong connection between India and Iran. Fans have praised the actor for bringing attention to the temple and emphasizing the need to preserve cultural heritage and religious diversity.

India's CBG programme is facing challenges due to low operational plants and production falling short of the 2024 target. Supply chain and financing issues hinder large-scale adoption despite abundant biomass potential. Policy mandates and initiatives have been introduced, but the sector is still overshadowed by other renewable energy sources.

The government has surpassed its wheat procurement target for the 2026-27 rabi season, with purchases in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on track to meet the revised target. The Food Corporation of India and state agencies have seen a 6% increase in purchases, and quality norms have been relaxed to boost MSP purchase. Record output projections of 120 MT have been made for the current crop year.

The 2025-26 ISL season's Boro-Match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is crucial due to the chaotic format and lack of playoffs. Both clubs have a chance to win the top-flight championship for the first time in six years. The winner will be decided on May 17, with East Bengal currently in the lead. This is the first direct title decider between the two since 2001.

India's heat crisis extends beyond outdoor heatwaves as low- and middle-income urban homes experience temperatures above 32°C for up to 5,800 hours. This poses a threat to public health, with rising nighttime temperatures hindering the body's recovery from daytime heat stress.

India's rice exports, the largest agri-product shipment, have decreased by 6% in value due to the West Asia war, which has disrupted Basmati rice exports to Gulf countries. However, non-Basmati rice exports remain unaffected. Despite this, India is expected to maintain its position as the top rice exporter, although global production may decline due to various factors.

India's export diversification has led to a significant increase of $202.2 million in exports by 2025-26. The advanced engineering and industrial sectors have contributed the most, showing a move away from traditional commodities. Agriculture and food products have also diversified, while labor-intensive sectors are expanding into new markets.

US university students are standing against artificial intelligence and top tech executives, citing concerns about job market consumption and negative societal impacts. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's speech at the University of Arizona was met with boos, and other recent AI speeches at US universities have sparked controversy.

The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards Day 2 saw performances from K-pop acts like Wonho, i-dle's Yuqi, and Kwon Eunbi. TVXQ's Max Changmin and K-drama icon Lee Sung Kyung were the hosts, with MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Rei as the main MCs. The fan-voted awards included ENHYPEN for Album of the Year and Artist of the Year.

YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh of causing economic distress despite claims of growth. He used CAG figures to show a decline in tax revenues and questioned the government's projection of GSDP growth. He also criticised the use of NCD funds for revenue expenditure and criticized the government's financial management.

Rajinikanth denies jealousy towards Vijay's political rise, clarifies personal meeting with Stalin. Praises Vijay's success and emphasizes comments were not political. Aims to preserve public image and position.

West Bengal government has given approval to hand over seven national-highway stretches to NHAI and NHIDCL, paving the way for infrastructure works in north Bengal. The stretches include NH-312, NH-31, and NH-33, and cover strategic routes to Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sikkim.

The ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel has had a significant impact on the global economy, as the Strait of Hormuz is being used as leverage. Iran's plan to implement a toll system for ships passing through the strait has caused fears for the economy. India has expressed concern and the US has launched a military operation to reopen the strait.

CNG prices in Delhi and Noida-Ghaziabad have been increased by Re 1 and Rs 2 per kg respectively, marking the second hike in 48 hours. This is due to volatility in global energy markets, including the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

CJI Surya Kant clarifies that his remarks comparing unemployed youth to "cockroaches" were directed at those with fake degrees, not Indian youth in general. The remarks were made during a hearing on the authenticity of professional qualifications and the clarification is crucial to maintain public trust in the judiciary and address concerns over the use of fake degrees.

Andhra Pradesh CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu has introduced measures to increase the state's low fertility rate, such as offering cash grants and benefits for families with a third or fourth child. The move aims to maintain a healthy total fertility rate for economic stability, but has faced scrutiny over its implementation and impact.

The live music industry in India is changing as Gen Z audiences are fueling demand for legacy bands and older global acts. Nostalgia is a key factor, with all age groups attending concerts and festivals. The past two years have seen a rise in international acts like Green Day and Guns N' Roses performing in India, aided by festivals and digital platforms for music discovery.

The government has imposed restrictions on silver imports for domestic use, along with raising customs duty and setting a limit on gold imports, to curb the strain on the current account and forex outflow. However, silver imports for processing and exports will not be affected. The recent increase in precious metal imports due to the West Asia crisis has raised concerns.

Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji, a historical action drama on the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has become a box office phenomenon. Released on May 1, 2026, the film has broken records for Marathi cinema, grossing over Rs 90 crore worldwide in just 16 days.

Antoine Fuqua's Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, has grossed approximately Rs 67.98 crore in India as of Day 23, with its full theatrical run expected to close around the Rs 75 crore gross mark, making it one of the top-performing Hollywood releases in the country this year.

PMOS, formerly known as PCOS, affects 170 million worldwide and 44 million in India. This hormonal condition causes irregular periods, acne, weight gain, facial hair, and fertility issues. The name change reflects its complex nature and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation. After 14 years of effort, the new name marks a milestone in improving diagnosis and care for PMOS.

In India, employers are shifting away from traditional resumes and prioritizing specific skills, practical experience, and cultural fit, as well as personality traits like adaptability and communication ability. This trend is evident in data, institutions, and lived experience, and is happening faster than formal systems can keep up with.

Startups in the fashion industry are promoting body positivity and comfort by offering extended sizing, supportive shapewear, and wellness solutions. Brands like BeyondBound, Underneat, Krvvy, and Invogue are challenging traditional beauty standards by featuring diverse models. Snitch, a menswear brand, is also shifting the narrative around men's body image.

Spotify has introduced a 'Verified by Spotify' badge to identify authentic human artists on its platform, as AI-generated music rises in popularity. The badge will display a green checkmark and verification label on artist profiles. Meanwhile, the 'Stacey Face' trend, fueled by AI beauty apps, is promoting unrealistic beauty standards.

Google and Samsung are incorporating AI into everyday functions, such as the upcoming Magic Pointer cursor that predicts users' actions and performs tasks without opening new windows. Samsung's Vision AI televisions and Google's Gemini Intelligence will improve sound and picture quality. HP is also launching devices with built-in AI, making it easier for professionals to use AI.

Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray believed that cinema is best at portraying the complexities of the human mind. DAG's exhibition, Faces and Facets: Satyajit Ray in Colour, showcases 126 color photographs by Nemai Ghosh, depicting Ray's artistic journey and creative process. The photographs offer a glimpse into Ray's multidimensional personality and humble beginnings.

Mirza Waheed's novel "Maryam & Son" tells the story of Maryam Ali, a strong British-Indian woman who has integrated into English society. Her son Dilawar goes missing, and the secret service suspects he may be linked to a swordsman in an ISIS video. Maryam's emotions unravel as she struggles with her family and herself, ultimately showing the strength and resilience of a mother's love.

PM Modi's push for conserving petroleum has made finding fuel-efficient cars a national focus. Our list of top cars, ranging from the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 to the BMW iX1 LWB, includes the Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG, Toyota Hyryder Hybrid, and Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. With increasing oil prices, choosing an economical car is crucial.

Electric cars have a high energy efficiency rate of nearly 90% due to their simpler design and the ability to recapture energy while driving. They also have a more sustainable supply chain through battery recycling. Physics proves that EVs are better at conserving resources, but the choice between an EV and traditional ICE car depends on individual factors.

The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards kicked off with MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Rei as hosts. Top stars from South Korea and Japan walked the red carpet, with rookie music acts and iconic groups performing. Japanese boy band DXTeen set the stage on fire, while actors Lee Junho, Go Young Jung, and Akasaka Akira presented awards. The winners included VVUP, SWEET STEADY, IDID, CANDY.

The NCB seized a Rs 182 crore consignment of Captagon in "Operation RAGEPILL". A foreign national was arrested and the Home Minister emphasized the government's commitment to a "Drug-Free India". Captagon is linked to organized crime and extremist financing networks.

The 2026 Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA) are back with MONSTA X's Hyungwon and IVE's Rei as main hosts, and Max Changmin as presenter. The star-studded lineup includes performances by ENHYPEN, ATEEZ, and WILD BLUE. Fan-voted categories have top contenders like BTS, BLACKPINK, and IU.

Gig and platform workers in India are going on a five-hour shutdown to protest against rising fuel prices and demand a minimum rate of Rs 20 per km. The recent petrol and diesel price hikes have greatly affected their earnings, and the union is calling for government and platform intervention.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in the Netherlands for his second visit to the country, where he will discuss trade, defence, semiconductors, innovation, and clean energy cooperation. He was welcomed by Dutch officials and will meet with the Dutch PM and the King and Queen. The visit aims to strengthen India's partnership with Europe, particularly in the semiconductor industry.

CJI Surya Kant raised concerns about attacks on the judiciary and questioned the authenticity of law degrees held by some lawyers. He also criticized unemployed law graduates for turning to social media instead of practicing law. The court expressed doubts about the degrees of Delhi advocates and urged for a CBI investigation into fraudulent degrees.

Starbucks plans to lay off 300 employees in the US and restructure its international corporate workforce. This is the third shakeup since CEO Brian Niccol took over in 2024. The company is also closing regional offices to focus on profit. Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy has led to strong sales through investments in staffing and operations.

Panic buying of fuel in Odisha due to rumours of price hike caused disruptions to transport services. Government and oil companies assured sufficient stock, but gig workers and small operators faced a crisis. Officials urged calm and advised against hoarding, while implementing temporary sale limits.

The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre was due to higher crude oil prices and losses faced by state-run oil companies. CNG prices also rose by ₹2 per kg. Economists predict a 12-20 basis point impact on retail inflation. Despite the hike, state-run fuel retailers continue to suffer losses of ₹1,000 crore daily.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is quickly becoming Mumbai's second major airport, serving over 150 flights and 1 million passengers daily. However, the airport's next hurdle is providing reliable travel time for commuters from all areas of the city. While the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has improved access from the south, the western suburbs still face lengthy and uncertain journeys.

The government is procuring onions from farmers to stabilize prices, as they have dropped significantly. A target of 0.1 million tonnes has been set for this fiscal year due to increased production and export challenges. Export incentives should be provided to boost shipments, as current prices only cover production costs.

Presumptive taxation allows professionals on contractual assignments to pay taxes on 50% of their gross professional receipts without detailed bookkeeping. However, those with high business expenses may choose regular taxation. Investing in a spouse's name may not save taxes if the funds come from the other spouse's income.

PM Modi urges people to save India's foreign exchange reserves by avoiding buying gold for a year. Consider exchanging old jewellery for redesigned ornaments, but be aware of potential capital gains tax. All jewellery sales must be disclosed in income tax return, and inherited gold may adopt fair market value for capital gains. Recycled deductions include wastage and non-gold materials.

Equity-based rewards are a common part of pay structures, but can be complex for employees with careers spanning multiple jurisdictions. Tax is triggered in India for Indian employees receiving RSUs from foreign parent companies, and the host country may also tax the income. Changes in residential status can further complicate matters.

Credit card users can now enjoy airport lounge access as a premium benefit, but they must meet minimum spend thresholds of Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 per quarter for mid-range cards. Instead of focusing on meeting these thresholds, customers should prioritize the core value of each card.

Mutual fund houses responded to the ceasefire announcement in April by increasing their cash holdings, with 28 fund houses adding Rs 14,540.63 crore. However, 20 fund houses reduced their cash levels, with ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund leading the way by increasing its cash holdings by Rs 5,557 crore. The industry's overall cash holding rose from 2.55% to 2.57%.

DMRC has launched a shuttle bus service in partnership with two ministries to improve last-mile connectivity in the Central Vista area. The service will operate during peak office hours on working days, with affordable fares and modern safety features. It aims to connect key government offices and landmarks, providing multiple payment options for commuters.

The AIFF is facing financial difficulties in Indian football and plans to charge ISL clubs a license fee of Rs 3 crore if they choose to work with Genius Sports for the next 20 years. An alternative option with FanCode is available, but the AIFF is hesitant due to the guaranteed fees from Genius Sports. This decision is a result of the AIFF's loss of income.

Benchmark equity indices fell by up to 2.70% due to geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and a strong dollar. The Indian rupee hit a record low against the US dollar. This led to a massive wealth erosion of Rs 12.9 lakh crore and foreign investors were also affected.

The CBI has arrested PV Kulkarni, the main suspect in the NEET-UG paper leak, for organizing special coaching classes and dictating the leaked material. Seven others have been arrested and a re-examination for NEET UG 2026 has been scheduled for June 21, 2026. The CBI is dedicated to uncovering the truth and ensuring fairness in the examination process.