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.

Diane Hendricks, the richest self-made woman in the US, has a net worth of $22.3 billion. From a teenage single mother in rural Wisconsin to the owner of ABC Supply, her rags-to-riches journey is inspiring. Despite challenges, she built a multi-billion dollar company through hard work and determination. Hendricks remains dedicated to her business and shows no signs of slowing down.

Obsession, the horror-romance film from Focus Features, has defied expectations and become a record-breaking success, earning $224.7 million worldwide and surpassing the studio's previous top-grossing film. Directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, the film has outperformed big-budget blockbusters and has shown remarkable staying power, thanks to a unique marketing campaign and strong word-of-mouth.

The development of a Rail-Metro Hub at Jogeshwari in Mumbai will connect the Jogeshwari Terminus with Metro Lines 6 and 7A. This integration is expected to reduce travel time and improve last-mile connectivity for commuters and long-distance passengers. The project is set to be completed by 2027, making Jogeshwari a crucial transport interchange hub in the city.

Reliance Group clarifies that former executives Satish Seth and Gautam Doshi are no longer associated with the company. The ED arrested them as part of a probe into alleged financial irregularities. The case involves industrialist Anil Ambani, multiple group companies, and associates. The CBI also registered a separate corruption case against them.

Popular e-commerce platform Zepto has filed for an IPO to raise Rs 8,010 crore, but faces red flags such as founders being summoned by the Enforcement Directorate, weaknesses in internal controls, heavy losses in subsidiaries, consumer protection violations, and intellectual property challenges. Upcoming Social Security Code may also increase operating costs.

 Indian Railways has introduced a new direct train from Sabarmati to Lalgarh. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to flag off the Sabarmati–Lalgarh Express very soon. The Sabarmati–Lalgarh Express will run every day and cover a distance of around 740 km. On its way, the train will stop at major stations including Sabarmati, Mehsana, Patan, Bhildi and Dhanera,

A newly released artificial intelligence model from Anthropic was pulled offline just days after launch following a dramatic standoff with the Trump administration, according to Wall Street Journal, citing multiple administration officials and a senior White House official.

The Noida International Airport in Jewar, which opened on June 15, offers modern and convenient travel options with well-connected transport links and efficient navigation systems. Passengers can easily access the airport from nearby cities through buses, shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Dedicated pickup areas and shuttle buses inside the terminal provide a seamless journey.

More than a year after the deadly Air India AI-171 crash that claimed 260 lives, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said the investigation is now in its final phase and the final report could be submitted soon. Speaking on Monday, the minister said investigators are carefully following international rules and do not want to rush the process.

North Central Railway has announced a special train between Kanpur Central and Tiruchchirappalli to handle higher passenger movement and reduce pressure on regular services. The train will operate on limited trips in both directions, and reservations are now open. This will provide relief for long-distance passengers travelling between northern and southern India.

President Trump's company, World Liberty Financial, donated $250,000 to the UFC White House event, increasing the bonus pool to $1.65 million. Fighters will receive payment in a stablecoin called "USD1," which aims to match the value of the US dollar. Critics, such as Governor Gavin Newsom, questioned the ethics of using the White House for personal business gain.

Southern Railway has extended the services of special trains between Tambaram and Bodinayakkanur to accommodate the high demand from passengers. The train will provide direct connectivity to key towns and districts and will operate for two more weekends. Reservations for these trains will open shortly and passengers are advised to book early to avoid any inconvenience.

Brent and Nymex Crude prices saw a 5% drop in early Asian trade, with Brent trading below $85 for the first time since March 2026. This was due to the US and Iran reaching an initial agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz and extend the ceasefire in the US-Iran War. However, experts caution that it could take months for oil and gas supplies to return to normal due to slow shipping.

Many people spend their days at office desks, in warehouses, or on shop floors dreaming about turning their hobbies into full-time careers. For hundreds of people, that dream has already become reality through a fast-growing online marketplace called Whop.

Indian-origin Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President of Security, Compliance, Identity, Management, and Privacy at Microsoft, was named among the Top 10 Technology Influencers for 2026 by Technology Magazine. Ranking seventh on the list, she shares the honor with tech titans like Elon Musk and Jensen Huang.

Stanford students protested Google's contract with Israel during CEO Sundar Pichai's commencement speech, sparking a social media debate. Pichai's speech did not address the controversy, but high-profile individuals like Vinod Khosla and Ro Khanna weighed in. The incident sheds light on the increasing trend of activism against tech companies.

Hundreds of Stanford University graduates walked out of their commencement ceremony on Sunday while Google CEO Sundar Pichai was delivering the keynote address, turning a celebratory event into a protest over Google's ties with the Israeli government.

After 107 days of war, the United States and Iran have agreed to a framework aimed at keeping the ceasefire in place for another 60 days while both sides try to resolve the biggest issue left on the table, Iran's nuclear program. 

The Luma Air Fryer by EDT stands out in the crowded air fryer market with its unique glass-based cooking chamber and advanced temperature controls. It prioritizes health and safety with its toxin-free design and NutriRetain technology. Its versatility as a 7-in-1 cooking system and dual-bowl setup make it suitable for various cooking needs.

Lava's Bold N1 and HMD's Vibe 2 are two new budget smartphones catering to value-conscious buyers. While the Bold N1 offers a large display and clean Android experience, the Vibe 2 boasts a 6,000mAh battery and high refresh rate display. With capable processors and affordable prices, these phones are ideal for first-time buyers and those upgrading from older 4G handsets.

AI is transforming the dating landscape by improving match discovery, safety, and personalization. It tackles choice fatigue by analyzing user behavior and preferences. Safety is also a key focus, with hybrid AI-human moderation systems in place. While AI can enhance the dating experience, building meaningful connections will always be the ultimate goal.

India's annual exams face familiar issues of cancellations, leaks, protests, and court battles. Calls for stricter security and punishment are not enough to solve the problem. The root cause is the lack of trust in the system and policymakers' failure to address underlying incentives and weaknesses.

The Tata Tiago has been revamped with a new design and reinforced body shell. It comes in petrol, CNG, and electric models, with the electric variant being the most cost-effective in India. The Tiago EV has a 200 km range and a comfortable interior, but the exterior design is not remarkable.

LSBF, a member of GUS, will open a study centre in Delhi offering face-to-face academic training. It also has a recruitment hub in India and is collaborating with KPMG to offer certificates in data science, AI, and cybersecurity. The centre will provide a unique pathway for Indian students to complete their studies at LSBF's campuses in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or London.

The Honda City e:HEV and Skoda Slavia were compared to find the better option. The Slavia has a strong turbocharged engine and SUV-like features, while the City boasts a futuristic hybrid powertrain and superior comfort. Although the Slavia is more fun to drive, the City offers a quieter cabin, advanced safety features, and better fuel efficiency. Both sedans are better than most SUVs.

India's reliance on mineral imports, especially from China, puts its energy transition at risk. The country is vulnerable to supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and price fluctuations due to concentrated sourcing. Processing capacity is also limited to a few countries. To ensure energy security, India must diversify and build long-term partnerships.

The rising market prices of soybean and mustard may result in higher acreage during the upcoming kharif and rabi seasons, as they are currently 20-25% above MSPs. Global cooking oil prices and other factors have also contributed to the increase. India's edible oil demand is mostly met through imports, with soybean and mustard being the top consumed types.

Bill Ackman defends Elon Musk's trillionaire status, praising his contributions to society through SpaceX's IPO, which has turned thousands of employees into millionaires. He criticizes Senator Bernie Sanders for attacking Musk's wealth and highlights the positive impact of SpaceX's technologies on education, business, and healthcare. Despite backlash, the IPO has changed the lives of many.

The government is set to approve six new railway lines through public-private partnerships, with an estimated private investment of Rs 15,000-20,000 crore. These projects will cover 640 km and connect mineral-producing regions to freight corridors and ports.

The RBI's new lending norms, effective July 1, are expected to cause a liquidity squeeze for market intermediaries, potentially impacting market liquidity by ₹50,000-₹60,000 crore and increasing costs for FPIs and mutual funds. This aims to reduce leverage and make liquidity provision more capital intensive, leading to calls for liquidity providers to be recognized.

Elon Musk just became the world's first trillionaire following SpaceX's record-breaking IPO, yet he still lives in a $50,000 tiny home near Starbase. Here's a look at his real estate history, his Texas family compound, his Gulfstream jet fleet, and the rumored $300 million Miami megamansion that could mark a return to luxury living.

Manoj Bajpayee's political drama Governor: The Silent Saviour, directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar and set during India's 1991 economic crisis, has had a modest start at the box office. Despite being the biggest theatrical opener of Bajpayee's career, it has been overshadowed by other releases like Kangana Ranaut's Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata and Diljit Dosanjh's Main Vaapas Aaunga. However

FPIs are buying more Indian government securities due to policy changes aimed at attracting foreign capital. These changes include tax relief, expanded eligibility, and forex swap measures. This has led to a stronger rupee and lower bond yields. Experts believe these reforms could bring in $50 billion in foreign debt and boost India's presence in global bond indices.

India has approved 100% ethanol fuel, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. This will impact the auto industry, with major companies launching flex-fuel vehicles. The government aims to produce more fuel domestically and reduce reliance on petrol and diesel.

The Trump administration has limited foreign access to Anthropic's advanced AI models, causing a rift with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Despite being blacklisted, Anthropic is the most valuable AI company and plans to go public. CEO Dario Amodei has refused to use AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, leading to government retaliation.

This week, the world of AI saw major developments including Anthropic's release and withholding of powerful AI models, OpenAI's plans for an all-in-one superapp, and researchers using Codex to simulate a Black Hole. However, the US is limiting access to its advanced AI while India is building its own infrastructure. It's a complex world of AI, but progress continues.

The Noorjahan mango, grown in Katthiwada village, is in high demand due to its rarity, large size, and delicious taste. Priced between Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000, the variety's limited availability has led to pre-booking and long wait times. Its Afghan origin and prestigious endorsements contribute to its premium prices. Efforts are underway to preserve and spread this special mango.

New technology is being implemented in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project to improve the comfort and reduce noise levels during high-speed journeys. Tunnel hoods will be installed at mountain tunnels to decrease noise and pressure changes, making operations more efficient at speeds over 300 kmph. This is the first time this technology is being used in Indian railway tunnels.

Delhi's government has limited the consumer-facing increase in electricity prices to just 2.4 per cent, despite a 31 per cent rise in power procurement costs due to tensions in West Asia. The Power Purchase Adjustment Cost (PPAC) provision allows power utilities to pass on fuel cost changes, but regulators have intervened to protect consumers.

Kapil Sharma, a renowned Indian comedian and TV host, was born on April 2, 1981 in Amritsar, Punjab. Despite facing initial rejection, he gained fame after winning The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2007. His own show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, became the top-rated comedy show on Indian TV from 2013 to 2016.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to have a 5-million-strong live audience, but only 30,000 Indians are estimated to attend due to high costs and travel challenges. The dynamic pricing strategy has doubled average costs per person, with airfare, visa issues, and geopolitical uncertainties making travel difficult.

A new blood test can predict lung cancer up to 5 years in advance, increasing survival chances when combined with low-dose CT screening. However, late diagnosis is still a major issue in India due to high pollution and smoking rates. The best prevention is to avoid known risk factors like tobacco and air pollution.

The Trump administration is actively trying to prevent the world from participating in the FIFA World Cup through entry bans and other restrictions, reflecting their distrust of outsiders and tough stance on immigration. Despite this, FIFA maintains a close relationship with Trump, although there are concerns about high ticket prices and human rights issues.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang highlighted Chennai-based startup ePlane during his keynote at COMPUTEX Taipei for its role in AI, aerospace, and next-generation mobility. ePlane is using NVIDIA's AI and simulation ecosystem to speed up aircraft certification, making it the only Asian eVTOL company to receive such support.

Pranav Bakhshi, Ananya Bijesh, and Aakash Chiripal are just a few of the many individuals with cognitive disabilities who have broken barriers and made a name for themselves in the world of art and entertainment. Despite facing challenges and roadblocks, they have proven that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Manoj Bajpayee's journey from a small town boy to a Padma Shri-winning actor is a tale of resilience and determination. Despite facing multiple rejections and setbacks, he never lost faith in his craft and eventually found success with the film Satya. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and a reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to great achievements.

Eros Innovation is using AI technology to remaster popular Indian films like Kochadaiiyaan and Tanu Weds Manu. They have licensed their cultural dataset to a UK operation and plan to create a new mythological cinematic universe. Shunya Labs has launched a multilingual voice AI platform to improve digital accessibility in India.

Companies are constantly improving portable chargers to meet the growing demand of people on-the-go. BMX's SolidSafe magnetic power bank uses a safer and more efficient gel-based electrolyte. Other companies like Anker, Belkin, Nitecore, and Dark Energy are also offering fast, durable, and versatile chargers with features like wireless and USB.

The FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil marks a shift in focus towards women's football, with efforts to address the lack of specialized education and research in sports science for female athletes. Mental health and inclusion are also gaining attention in athlete welfare, with policies being implemented by international federations and Olympic bodies.

"Queer India Now" is an anthology that addresses the struggles of queer individuals in a restrictive society. "Breakpoint" examines the crisis facing India's middle class and the changing nature of work. "The New Divide" explores the impact of AI on society and the growing gap between its promises and reality.