Air India flight from San Francisco to Delhi halts in Mongolia over suspected technical issue
An Air India flight from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Monday due to a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing checks, with the airline working to re-route passengers to their destination as soon as possible.
Migrate
Under Trump, becoming a US citizen gets harder
The Trump administration is implementing stricter requirements for U.S. citizenship applications, including a harder civics test and enhanced vetting for "anti-American" views. New standards now require demonstrating "positive attributes" and may involve neighborhood investigations. These changes aim to deter applicants and ensure citizenship is not easily obtained.
Applying for an Australian family visa demands meticulous preparation to ensure a 'decision ready' submission, minimizing delays and refusals. The Department of Home Affairs emphasizes accurate documentation and prompt responses to requests for all visa categories, including Partner, Parent, Child, and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas.
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Trump’s new visa plan could make H-1B talent too pricey for American companies
New Trump administration immigration rules propose a $100,000 fee and significantly higher prevailing wages for H-1B visa holders, potentially making hiring too costly for US employers. This measure, previously blocked by courts, could deter international students and impact talent pipelines, leading to job relocation overseas.
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Study
Fearing fraud, Canada rejects most Indian study permit applicants
Canada's new rules are making it harder for Indian students to study there. Rejection rates for Indian applicants have surged dramatically. This is causing a significant drop in Indian students applying to Canadian universities. Many Indian students are now finding it difficult to secure study permits. This trend is impacting Canadian educational institutions that relied on Indian talent.
New College of Florida, has become the first US institution to accept President Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education." This federal initiative ties funding preferences to policy conditions like international student caps and restricted gender definitions. The college, under Governor DeSantis's influence, stated compliance with the compact's provisions is already in place.
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OPT students may lose a crucial tax break under new US bill
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Thomas Cook, SOTC Travel expand China holiday portfolio for Indians
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Thailand has entered a period of national mourning following the loss of the beloved Queen Mother Sirikit. Despite this sorrowful time, the country still warmly welcomes tourists, with most attractions and services operating as normal. Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully during their stay. Notable landmarks, including the Grand Palace, will reopen their doors post-November 8.
Air India flight from San Francisco to Delhi halts in Mongolia over suspected technical issue
An Air India flight from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Monday due to a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing checks, with the airline working to re-route passengers to their destination as soon as possible.