Greece to raise Golden Visa investment amount in areas where rent is high
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is considering raising the minimum investment required for foreign property buyers to be eligible for a Golden Visa. The proposed measure aims to manage the surge in demand for housing and target areas with higher rental prices. Key Points
Economic TimesManav Rachna's Dr. O.P Bhalla Foundation signs MoU for the Smart Fellowship powered by EKL - an initiative by Workverse, and advised by Nimaya Foundation
Faridabad (Haryana) [India], January 27: Dr. O P Bhalla Foundation and Manav Rachna Educational Institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Workverse, founded by Samyak Chakraborty in the presence of program advisor Navya Nanda, co-founder of Nimaya. This collaboration is aimed to support The Smart Fellowship, a career accelerator program for women from restrictive backgrounds that helps them build an inspirational career. A batch of 60 underprivileged students will be a part of this programme. The Smart Fellowship is powered by Escorts Kubota Limited, an initiative by Workverse and Nimaya as the program advisor. Key Points
Hindustan TimesIran launches satellite that is part of a Western-criticised program as regional tensions spike
Announcement comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iran said, on Saturday, it had... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaAs Israel-Hamas war rages, Israelis can now travel to US for 90 days without getting a visa
The United States has launched a visa waiver program allowing Israelis to visit the country for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. Israel was admitted into the program on September 27, with the program becoming operational on Thursday. To be eligible, Israelis must register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and have a biometrically enabled passport. The move comes amid the intensification of the Israel-Hamas war, with Hamas launching attacks against Israel just days after Israel's admittance to the visa waiver program. Key Points
Economic TimesUS appeals court weighs challenge to Pfizer diversity fellowship
An advocacy group that opposes diversity initiatives in medicine urged a federal appeals court on Tuesday to revive its lawsuit claiming a fellowship program offered by Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) to improve diversity at the company discriminates against white and Asian-American applicants. Key Points
Reuters
US judge refuses to block Medicare from negotiating drug prices
The U.S. government's Medicare health insurance program can begin negotiating prices for some prescription drugs this fall under a new program, a federal judge ruled on Friday, vindicating one of President Joe Biden's signature initiatives. Key Points
ReutersAmazon, Google partners with White House to secure devices from cyberattack
The White House is collaborating with companies like Amazon, Google, and Best Buy to introduce a certification and labeling program for smart devices to enhance cybersecurity standards. Manufacturers and retailers will affix a U.S. Cyber Trust Mark logo to their devices. Key Points
mintFlipkart to now let you exchange non-functional phones and home appliances
Flipkart has announced a new Exchange program for non-functional phones and other electronics. This program is also applicable to appliances to address the issue of electronic waste and provide a hassle-free solution for Indians. Key Points
India TodayXEBS admissions open for (MBA-MSc) International Sports Management Program
XEBS has started admission for dual degree in ISM program. The admissions have been opened for MBA-MSc degree in International Sports Management Program. | Education News Key Points
Hindustan Times99th edition of PM Modi's ‘Mann Ki Baat’ today; check time, livestream details
The program is held every month on the last Sunday, through which the PM Modi interacts with the nation. Its first show had aired on 3rd October 2014. Key Points
mintI tried Whole30 to heal my relationship with food. Instead, I experienced disordered eating after I finished the program.
I used Whole30 and my guilt around food disappeared while adhering to the program. But when I started reintroducing foods to my diet, I began to feel shame when I'd eat. Key Points
InsiderPlanning a future in America? Get free EB-5 visa consultation from U.S. Immigration fund in April – Check dates
The EB-5 program is a residency-by-investment program that provides a direct path to U.S. permanent residency for foreign investors. Key Points
FinancialexpressZEE floats Monthly Management Mentorship program to measure business growth
The program, led by ZEE Chairman R. Gopalan, has been constituted to protect the interests of all stakeholders of the company. Key Points
Business TodaySamunnati, Maha FPO Federation come together to host farmgate procurement of onion in Maharashtra
Over 50 FPOs are expected to participate in the program in the districts of Nashik, Pune, and Ahmednagar, where the commodities will be graded and kept for future distribution. This program will in a first provide a platform where an FPO Federation can collaborate with an external agency to provide quick door-to-door credit services to its members. Key Points
Economic TimesUS State Dept slams Congress for failure to renew PEPFAR anti-AIDS program
The U.S. Congress' failure to reauthorize the main U.S. program aimed at reducing the spread of AIDS sends a message that Washington is "backing down" from its leadership on the issue, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday. Key Points
Reuters
US to begin domestic H-1B visa renewals this December
The plan, formally announced during Modi's visit, has been well-received by the Indian community in the U.S. Stufft mentioned that there will soon be an official federal register notice outlining the steps, eligibility criteria, and instructions for the first tranche of applicants. Key Points
Economic TimesThe 10 most successful visa and PR pathways
The world is becoming more interconnected and globalised, and many people are looking for opportunities to live, work, study, or invest in different countries. However, not all countries have the same immigration policies and requirements, and some are more welcoming and accessible than others. Key Points
Economic TimesIMF chief Georgieva, Yellen to meet with Egyptian authorities
By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will meet with Egyptian authorities in Washington on Tuesday, Key Points
ThePrintWhite House partners with Amazon, Google, Best Buy to secure devices from cyberattacks
The White House on Tuesday along with companies such as Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O), Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O) and Best Buy (BBY.N) will announce an initiative that allows Americans to identify devices that are less vulnerable to cyberattacks. Key Points
ReutersWho is Amit Kshatriya, head of NASA’s new Moon to Mars program Office?
NASA has appointed Amit Kshatriya to head its new Moon to Mars program Office. Here is everything you need to know about him. Key Points
The Indian Express
Domestic H-1B visa renewal program: United States initiates process
The US Department of State is working on a domestic visa renewal pilot program that aims to benefit H-1B visa holders, including many Indians. The program will allow eligible H-1B visa holders to renew their visas within the US, eliminating the need to travel to a US consulate abroad. Key Points
Economic TimesPakistan, IMF in talks for $2.5 billion standby aid: Report
Pakistan economic crisis: The cash-strapped nation is taking decisive steps with the fund’s prescriptions to regain access to a $6.7 billion bailout program. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesCanada has changed the rules of its post-graduation work permit for international students
The Government of Canada implemented changes to the PGWP program, allowing masters degree graduates, even under two years, to qualify for a 3-year PGWP. Starting September 1, 2024, curriculum licensing agreement program students will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. Key Points
Economic TimesBiden administration picks 31 regional tech hubs to spur US innovation
The U.S. Commerce Department has announced the names of 31 regional tech hubs that will be eligible for $500 million in federal funding to promote innovation in various sectors. The program aims to diversify the tech landscape in the United States and attract private sector investments in industries such as electric vehicle battery production, semiconductors, and clean energy. Key Points
Economic TimesAmid war, Israelis can now travel to US for 90 days without getting a visa
The U.S. announced Sept. 27 that it was admitting Israel into the visa waiver program. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times
L&T, Navantia sign teaming agreement for Project 75 (India) submarine program
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Monday said it has signed a teaming agreement with Spain-based Navantia for submission of a techno-commercial bid for the Indian Navys prestigious P75 (India) submarine programme. P75 (India) Submarine Project is expected to be valued at €4.8 billion (over Rs 43,500 crore) and is India‘s largest defence acquisition project. Key Points
Economic TimesInternational Monetary Fund approves $15.6 billion Ukraine loan package
Ukraine's previous, $5 billion long-term IMF program was cancelled in March 2022 when the fund provided $1.4 billion in emergency financing with few conditions. It provided another $1.3 billion under a "food shock window" program last October. Key Points
India TodayChinese Investors Warm to Sweetened U.S. Cash-for-Visa Program
Worries over China’s economy and country’s direction rekindle interest in the U.S. initiative, this time in small-town America Key Points
mintUnited States kicks off domestic H-1B visa renewals
The US Department of State began the pilot program allowing H-1B visa holders to renew their visas within the United States. The program, announced in June 2023, will accommodate up to 20,000 qualified nonimmigrant workers over the next five weeks. If successful, the program could be expanded to include other visa categories. Key Points
Economic TimesH-1B domestic visa renewal pilot clears White House review
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the government to reduce wait times for consular services. Currently, individuals on H-1B specialty occupation visas, commonly used in the tech industry and valid for three years, need to get an appointment at a US embassy or consular office for a visa stamp after traveling abroad. Key Points
Economic Times
Canada to launch citizenship path for undocumented immigrants, including students & workers with expired s
The existing population of Canada includes an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals residing without valid documentation, putting them at risk of deportation due to their lack of formal status. The proposed program will include not only those who entered the country without proper documentation but also those who initially arrived legally as temporary workers or international students and chose to stay beyond the expiration of their visas. Key Points
Economic Times300,000 students got accepted to college before applying, via this ap
More than 300,000 students have been accepted into colleges even before completing their application because of this app. Get to know more below. Key Points
Hindustan TimesU.S. will allow drugmakers to discuss Medicare drug price negotiations
The U.S. government on Friday released its revised guidance for its Medicare drug price negotiation program, saying it will allow drug companies to publicly discuss the negotiation at their discretion. Key Points
ReutersAI imagines SRK as Rambo, Ajay as Maximus and Anupam as Yoda. See pics
An AI design program reimagined Bollywood actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn in iconic Hollywood roles. SRK was seen as Rambo while Ajay was a gladiator. | Bollywood Key Points
Hindustan TimesWhy All US F-1 International Students Should Consider the EB-5 Green Card Program
International Business News: The GCC’s leading immigration advisory firm, Step Global, headed by MD and U.S. Lawyer Preeya Malik, is offering free consultations to anyone interested in the US EB-5 Green Card program. Key Points
Times Of India
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi to address 102nd episode today; check time, where to listen and other details
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi's monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, through which he interacts with the nation, will be aired today at 11 am. The program has become a key pillar of the government's citizen-outreach program, addressing multiple social groups such as women, youth, and farmers. Key Points
mintAustralia starts world's first peanut allergy treatment for babies: What is it?
Australia introduces the world's first nationwide program to treat peanut allergies in children. Under medical supervision, infants will receive increasing doses of peanut powder to reduce sensitivity. Key Points
India TodayGermany signs U.S.-led space norms pact Artemis Accords
Germany on Thursday became the 29th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a U.S.-led multilateral agreement meant to establish norms of behavior in space and on the lunar surface. Key Points
ReutersExplainer: Why the US is negotiating the price of 10 drugs
The U.S. government on Tuesday released a list of 10 prescription medicines that will be subject to the first-ever price negotiations by the Medicare health program that covers Americans aged 65 and over. Key Points
ReutersDemand for Fed funding tool hits record before rate hike
Borrowing from the Federal Reserve's emergency lending program, the Bank Term Funding program (BTFP), reached a record high of $167.8 billion. Demand for the program increased by $6.3 billion in the week leading up to January 24. The BTFP's interest rate had fallen below the rate at which institutions could earn money by parking reserves at the Fed, leading to an arbitrage trade. Key Points
Economic Times
H-1B visa domestic renewal begins January 29, 2024; open only to Indians and Canadians
In a recent Federal Register announcement, the US State Department has unveiled that the initiative is set to kick off on January 29, 2024. It has also introduced specific limits and procedures for interested individuals. The program is designed to accommodate a maximum of 20,000 renewals, and to qualify, applicants must have received their original H-1B visas during specific periods at U.S. consulates in Canada and India. Key Points
Economic Times