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.

The US Embassy in India has announced the availability of thousands of student visa appointments across its Mission. This announcement follows Ambassador Eric Garcetti's statement in April, emphasizing the high priority placed on student visas. In 2023, the US issued over 140,000 student visas in India, surpassing all other countries for the third consecutive year, and processed a record 1.

House Republicans have introduced a proposal to increase fees for legal immigration processes, including a $1,000 asylum application fee and a $500 fee for work authorization every six months. These fees aim to generate revenue for immigration enforcement, potentially raising $77 billion.

A tourist attraction in Hebei province, China, has sparked online mockery for painting a small hill white to imitate Japan's Mount Fuji. Visitors expressed disappointment, noting the hill's size and the misleading marketing of Universe Fantasy Land. Despite criticism, some tourists appreciated the novelty for photo opportunities, highlighting debates about authenticity in Chinese tourist destinations.

Delhi Capitals will look to end their two-match losing streak at home and revive their playoff hopes in a crucial IPL 2025 encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. With 12 points from 10 matches, Delhi is fifth on the table, relying heavily on away wins but needing a strong performance at home to stay in the top-four race.

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following last month's deadly Kashmir attack, major global airlines including Air France and Lufthansa have begun avoiding Pakistani airspace, flight data and airline statements confirmed. While India has closed its airspace to Pakistani carriers and Islamabad has imposed reciprocal restrictions, international airlines are still permitted to fly over Pakistan.

Venice, grappling with sinking land and rising sea levels, faces increasing flood threats. An Italian engineer proposes injecting water into underground aquifers to lift the city by 30 centimeters, offering a temporary solution alongside the MOSE flood barriers.

The Amul Girl turns fifty

With less than one month having passed since the launch of the new US tariff regime, investors do not have hard economic data on hand to gauge the expected drag on spending.

Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian student in Alabama, was detained by immigration officers. His fiance, Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani, shared their ordeal. Other Iranian students now fear deportation. Doroudi's visa was revoked earlier. The university offers resources for international students. He is currently in a Louisiana detention facility awaiting a hearing. Many international students have faced visa revocations recently.

Amid intense competition for medical seats in India, Russian and Ukrainian universities are aggressively targeting Indian students with promises of low-cost, entrance-free admissions through ads on YouTube and Instagram.

The UK government will soon launch a program to attract leading global researchers. Around 50 million pounds will be invested in research grants and relocation. The focus is on life sciences, AI, and green energy. Initially, ten research teams will be supported. This initiative comes amid concerns about science policies in the US. Visa costs are a barrier for researchers.

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.

Harvard students weave through tree-lined streets and redbrick campus buildings, the most prestigious university in the United States is bracing for an assault by President Donald Trump. Since returning to the White House, Trump has targeted prestigious universities, alleging anti-Semitism and liberal bias -- with Harvard a primary quarry.

Several European airlines, including Lufthansa and British Airways, are changing flight paths. They are avoiding Pakistani airspace. This follows Pakistan's closure of some airways to Indian carriers. Rising regional tensions are the reason. These reroutings add up to an hour of extra flight time. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines continues to use Pakistani airspace. They are prioritizing passenger and staff safety.

Gerald Coetzee acknowledged Gujarat Titans' positive intent despite their IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He highlighted the team's consistent effort to field well. GT hammered 224/6, defending the total with a spirited performance, while SRH's chase faltered, leading to a 38-run defeat and jeopardizing their playoff chances. GT maintained their flawless record of defending a 200-plus target.

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.

Australias federal elections have sparked concern among Indian students and study abroad advisors as both major political parties push for tighter controls on immigration and international education. Policy proposals like enrolment caps, visa fee hikes, and linking students to the housing crisis have led to rising unease

Air India is exploring alternatives for its North America flights from Delhi due to the Pakistan airspace closure, which has increased operational costs. The airline is considering technical stops within India, like Mumbai or Ahmedabad, to avoid costly European stops for refueling.

We are going to be taking away Harvard's Tax Exempt Status. It's what they deserve! Trump said in a post on his social media platform.

The Trump administration seeks to move a Georgetown scholar's deportation lawsuit to Texas, where he's jailed for allegedly spreading Hamas propaganda. A judge expressed skepticism, concerned about voiding her order to keep the scholar in the US while his First Amendment case proceeds. The ACLU alleges the move is forum shopping, seeking a more conservative court.

To ensure a smooth UAE visa or Emirates ID application, adhering to the ICP's strict photo guidelines is essential. Photos must be recent, correctly sized, and feature a clear, front-facing view with a neutral expression. Non-compliance with these specifications may lead to application rejection and subsequent delays.

On May 1, 2025, IRCC conducted its first Express Entry draw under the new education-based category, issuing 1,000 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 479. This draw, part of a revised immigration strategy announced in February 2025, follows Canada's recent federal election.

The US government has expanded the grounds for deporting international students, sparking widespread concern among students and educational institutions. This policy change allows visa revocations, even for minor infractions or dismissed charges, to trigger immediate deportation, impacting thousands.

Across the US, international students faced sudden visa revocations and status terminations, prompting legal challenges. Federal officials initially restored their status but then introduced new guidelines allowing quicker deportations based on broader criteria, including visa revocation and database matches.

Starting May 1, 2025, international students in Canada must secure a new study permit before transferring to a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This updated policy from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires students to await approval before commencing studies at the new institution.

IRCC conducted a PNP-specific Express Entry draw on April 28, issuing 421 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 727. This marks the second PNP-focused round in April, as IRCC aims to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, with a significant portion through economic immigration programs like Express Entry. Successful applicants can include family members in their PR application.

In Germany, obtaining a driving license is becoming increasingly expensive, costing between 2,500 and 3,500, making it a luxury for many. Strict regulations, mandatory classes, and high failure rates contribute to the high costs.

In Newcastle, Washington, a tragic shooting at a residence resulted in the deaths of three Indian-origin individuals. Shwetha Panyam, 41, and Dhruva Kikkeri, 14, were victims of homicide by gunshot wounds, while Harshavardhana Kikkeri, 44, died by suicide, according to the King County medical examiner.

A new ICE memo is causing concern for international students. Students whose SEVIS records were restored now face potential gaps. These gaps could lead to being out of status. Consequences include re-entry bans and deportation risks. The memo outlines SEVIS termination reasons. Visa revocations by the Department of State are also a factor.

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.