The US Embassy in India announced issuing over 140,000 student visas last year, setting a record for the third consecutive year. With strong demand continuing into 2024, officials project a similar or increased number of visas. The annual Student Visa Day saw consular officers across major cities processing thousands of applications, underscoring the priority placed on educational exchanges. This surge reflects a broader commitment to fostering US-India academic ties, despite challenges posed by pandemic-related visa delays. Currently, Indian students constitute a significant portion of international enrollments in US universities, highlighting ongoing educational aspirations and opportunities.

Former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh made a surprise appearance in the Indian team's dressing room following their T20 World Cup victory over USA. Singh, celebrated for his pivotal roles in India's 2007 and 2011 World Cup triumphs, congratulated players including Arshdeep Singh and Suryakumar Yadav. He commended Arshdeep for his match-winning bowling performance and acknowledged Suryakumar's crucial batting display. Singh also presented the special fielding award to Mohammed Siraj. His visit added a touch of nostalgia and inspiration to the team, highlighting his ongoing influence on Indian cricket despite retirement from international play.

The bodies of 45 Indian nationals who tragically perished in a massive fire in Kuwait have been repatriated to Kerala. The victims, primarily migrant workers, were among 176 residents in a housing facility in Mangaf city affected by the blaze. Indian authorities expedited identification and paperwork, completing DNA testing for confirmation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation for the families of the deceased. Local and Indian officials coordinated efforts for swift repatriation, reflecting on the humanitarian crisis affecting expatriate workers. The incident remains under investigation for overcrowding in the building.

A viral video from the G7 summit in Italy has sparked debate online after US President Joe Biden appeared to momentarily wander off during a group photo session with world leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gently guided Biden back into frame during a skydiving demonstration. Critics questioned Biden's focus, while defenders argued he was simply congratulating a parachutist. This incident follows other notable moments, including an awkward salute and past concerns about Biden's demeanor. The White House dismissed criticisms, emphasizing the President's engagement. The video's viral spread highlights ongoing scrutiny over Biden's leadership and physical acuity.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George alleged she was "denied permission" by the central government to travel to Kuwait following the Mangaf building fire that killed 45 Indians. George stated that many of the deceased and injured were from Kerala. A special IAF aircraft, carrying the victims' bodies, arrived in Kochi on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, onboard the flight, coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities for swift repatriation. Kerala had planned to send George and officials to Kuwait to assist the injured and oversee the repatriation, but the Centre reportedly refused the travel request.

An Indian Air Force aircraft carrying the bodies of 45 Indians killed in the Mangaf fire in Kuwait arrived at Cochin International Airport on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh accompanied the remains. Authorities confirmed the identities through DNA tests. The tragedy claimed 49 lives and injured 50 others. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other officials were present to receive the bodies. Of the 45 deceased, 31 are from southern states and 14 will be sent to Delhi. Kuwaiti authorities attributed the fire to an electrical fault.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Italy's Apulia for his first foreign trip since his re-election, attending the G7 Summit's Outreach session. Set to meet several global leaders including Italy's Giorgia Meloni, Modi aims to focus on AI, energy, and issues critical to the Global South. Modi’s schedule includes a possible meeting with Pope Francis and discussions with US President Biden on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This marks India's continued participation in the G7 summits, emphasizing dialogue and international cooperation .

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra have been accused of cheating a Mumbai trader of ₹90.38 lakh. The trader, Prithviraj Kothari, alleges that the couple's company, Satyug Gold, promised to deliver gold at a fixed rate but failed to do so. Kothari claims he was convinced to invest in the scheme by Shetty and Kundra's assurances. Documents, including a letter signed by Shetty and an invoice from Satyug Gold, support Kothari's claims. The Mumbai Sessions Court has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. The accused have not yet commented on the allegations.

An Indian Air Force plane carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indians who died in the Kuwait building fire tragedy has taken off from Kuwait and will land in Kochi, Kerala. Of those killed, 23 were from Kerala. Ambulances and police have been deployed at Cochin International Airport to receive the bodies. The plane will then proceed to Delhi with the remaining bodies. Initial investigations have revealed lapses, including two dozen gas cylinders on the ground floor, inflammable materials used as partitions, and locked doors to the rooftop, preventing workers from escaping.

A devastating accident occurred in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district early Friday morning, resulting in four deaths and 20 injuries. A tractor-trolley carrying devotees to the Ratangarh Mata shrine overturned, killing two girls and two women. The vehicle plunged 15 feet into a culvert, causing the fatalities and injuries. The cause of the accident is unknown. The injured are receiving treatment at various hospitals, with two critically injured girls referred to Gwalior and Jhansi. The authorities are investigating the incident.