From Students to Tourists: Who Will Lose US Visa Interview Waivers This Year?

Synopsis: Starting from September 2, 2025, the U.S. is tightening its visa process. This pulls back most interview waivers and forces thousands of Indian students, professionals, and tourists to attend in-person interviews. But who exactly will be affected, and how will these rules disrupt travel plans and timelines?. Read Here....

Big Change Ahead: Why US Visa Interviews Will Be Harder for Indians from September 2

New US visa interview rules are coming into effect from September 2, 2025. If you are planning to travel to the United States after that date, the process will feel different. The U.S. Department of State is cutting back on interview waivers, which means a lot more people will have to go in person now. This applies not only to first-time applicants but also to many people who are simply renewing their visas.

It feels like they are undoing the relaxed update that came in February earlier this year. For students heading to universities, professionals on H-1B, and families planning holidays, this change is going to matter.

Know what exactly is changing? For most non-immigrant visas, an in-person interview will now be required. The B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa renewals are affected the most. The waiver window that used to be 48 months is being cut down to just 12. That means if your last visa expired more than a year ago, you will have to attend an interview. The previous age exemptions for children under 14 and seniors over 79 are mostly being removed, too. Even student visas (F and M), work visas like H-1B, and exchange visas (J) that sometimes skipped interviews will now almost always require one.

Who falls under this rule? Pretty much everyone in those categories: B-1/B-2 applicants, students, H-1B holders, J exchange visitors, children under 14, seniors over 79, and anyone who ever had a visa refused unless it was overturned later. Even people who qualified for the drop-box system earlier may no longer get it. Some official or diplomatic visa holders might still have waivers, and in very specific cases, a full-validity B-1 or B-2 renewal could qualify. But even then, the consular officer can still ask you to come in.

For Indian travellers, this has some obvious impacts. Wait times are going to stretch because so many more people will need appointments. Students who used to skip interviews under drop-box rules will now have to go in person, which could affect joining dates. H-1B professionals visiting India to renew will have to factor in interview slots, which can make returning to work in the U.S. a bit more complicated. Tourists and business travellers will lose some flexibility since the waiver is now limited to visas that expired within 12 months. Families will feel it too because kids under 14 and older parents will, in most cases, need interviews now. And of course, interviews bring more preparation: documents, biometrics, and travel to the consulate. All of it adds extra time and cost.

So what can you do now? First thing is to check your visa category carefully and find out if you still fall under any waiver at all. If you are a student or someone renewing a work visa, applying early is the safest option.

This change is going to affect a large number of Indian students, working professionals, and even families planning trips.  A bit of preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.

 

Before You Get Excited About Starlink in India, Read This...

Image Credit: Starlink

Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk, is facing fresh hurdles before it can fully launch in India. The Indian government has come up with some new restrictions. It has reportedly capped Starlink’s user base at 20 lakh connections across the country. And honestly, it feels like a balancing act. On one hand, the tech sounds promising. On the other hand, the government is clearly trying to protect its own telecom space and, of course, national security.

First off, there is a user cap. Starlink can only serve up to 2 million users in India. That sounds like a lot, but in a country this big? It is a limitation.

Along with that come the security rules. There are 30 of them, that is right. And they are not light rules either. Things like setting up local data centers, using India’s own navigation system called NavIC, and making sure they can block websites or hand over metadata when the authorities ask. Basically, Starlink needs to be fully controllable from within India.

Also, they are being told to build control centers inside the country. These centers would let the government shut down or restrict services in any sensitive region if it ever comes to that.

Read More: Musk’s Starlink All Set to Launch in India: Will It Be Affordable, and Who Will Be Impacted?

Now, why all this? Well, the domestic players like BSNL, Jio, and Airtel were obviously concerned. The government seems to be giving them some breathing room. These new Starlink conditions kind of level the playing field a bit. You could say it is a way to make sure the local telecom companies are not blindsided by a global tech giant swooping in.

Even though Starlink already got a GMPCS license, that alone is not enough. They now need to meet all these extra requirements to actually start offering services.

According to reports, Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, will be permitted to offer internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps. The service is expected to primarily cater to users in rural and remote areas of India. The upfront cost of Starlink’s satellite setup will be high. Monthly charges for the service are likely to be around Rs 3,000, making it a costly option for most users.

Starlink has reportedly obtained IN-SPACe Approval from IN-SPACe to operate its Gen-1 satellite constellation in Indian Airspace. The licence is valid for 5 years, up to July 7, 2030.

In short, the government seems open to innovation, but not at the cost of control or fairness. It is being careful about how and when to let in something as disruptive as satellite internet.

My View: I feel Starlink could change internet access in rural India, but these rules show the government wants control before letting it grow. It looks like India is saying yes to new technology, but only on its own terms.

Read More: How I Wonder What You Dream; Starlink Moves Closer to India Launch

Why is TCS Letting Go of 12,000 Employees? The Unspoken Side

Alas! I read about this big move at TCS! They are letting go of about twelve thousand employees. That is about two per cent of their global workforce. Means thousands of mid and senior-level staff are affected.

What surprised me is that they said this is not just about cutting costs. The CEO insisted that it is not due to AI productivity gains. Rather, it is about a mismatch between what skills the company needs and what people currently have. They tried reskilling and redeployment. But some roles did not fit into the new model.

TCS says it wants to become more agile and future-ready. The technology world is shifting fast. They are moving to AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and data solutions. Many traditional project and program managers are no longer in demand. That, they say, is the real reason behind the cuts.

This also comes with a stricter bench policy. More than thirty-five days without a project could lead to termination. They now require employees on the bench to train and be in the office. Billable days are fixed at 225 per year.

Here is the part that feels like a warning lamp for industry watchers. Analysts call this a "canary in the coal mine" for Indian IT services. If TCS is doing this, other big firms could be next. For investors, it shows deep structural shifts and rising risk.

But I keep wondering: is TCS doing the right thing? Sure, they plan to offer severance, health insurance, and career support. Yet letting go of so many skilled people in the name of future readiness leaves a question. Does their reputation stand for resilience or caution?

I urge TCS not to go this way, as thousands of professionals have built their careers with you, given their best, and adapted through every shift and transformation. Let us not forget that they are not just resources. They are people. Loyal employees, skilled minds, and families depending on them.

Reskilling takes time. Guidance, too. Cutting off may seem faster, but rebuilding trust is much slower. With the reputation and strength TCS holds, you have the chance to lead by example, not just in business, but in care.

So, before letting go, can we ask,  have we truly done everything possible to support employees?

Let this not be remembered as a cost-cutting move, but a human-first decision made by a company millions admire.

The Last Word: Dear TCS, if you really go ahead with laying off 12,000+ of your own, think again. People are not just employees; they are your real capital. Investors are watching. The market reacts not only to numbers, but to sentiment, trust, and ethics. You risk more than talent loss. You risk public confidence. If the people lose faith in your values, they will lose interest in your stock, too.

The Great LinkedIn Job Hunt Circus

Job seekers, beware of:  LinkedIn is turning into a talent trap! Behind flashy job titles and “urgent hiring” lies a circus of fake posts, recharge scams, and profile polish pressure. Stay sharp, trust real contacts, and always double-check before you click “Easy Apply.”

Easy Apply, Hard Regret

Mr. P C was a highly optimistic job seeker with a polished resume and even bigger dreams. Every morning, he would log into LinkedIn as if it were a temple darshan. Polished his profile, added motivational quotes like “Ready to work hard and harder,” and waited. One fine Monday, his eyes lit up:-  “Urgent Hiring: Remote Rs.. 80K per month, Work 3 hours a day.” Hallelujah!

He clicked “Easy Apply.” No response.

Next, he applied for “Government project hiring secretarial consultant for NASA project (India Division).” He even changed his display pic to look more “NASA-ish.”

Again… silence.

A week passed.  P C  got excited when he received a message: 

“Hi, Sir, we saw your profile. Kindly send Rs. 499 for the application kit.” 

P C, now semi-suspicious, replied, “Do you take UPI?” 

They said, “Only Google Play recharge codes accepted.”

That is when reality hit. Mr. P C realized LinkedIn was less job portal, more job puzzle. He started noticing patterns: 

*   Jobs with no company name. 

*   No contact emails. 

*   37 job posts from one “Global HR manager” who had 14 followers.

Frustrated, he posted: 

“Dear LinkedIn, why does my resume need 5 stars to find 1 genuine job?”

Solution Suggestion (with a laugh):

 P C now runs his own blog covering many “Job*  seeker Jokes & Justice.” 

He recommends this: 

*   Post jobs like proper “WANTED” ads. 

*   Add Gmail for contact. 

*   No AI bots, no ghost recruiters. 

*   Use LinkedIn to connect, not confuse.

And as Mr. P C  now says, 

“Your skill should speak louder than your resume font!”

Read More:

IBPS PO & SO 2025: Correction Window Now Open

Missed a detail in your IBPS PO or SO application? Now is your only chance to fix it! IBPS has opened a rare 2-day correction window. Find out who can edit, what can be changed, and why this matters before time runs out.

Key Updates

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has opened a two-day correction window. It will run from July 31 to August 1, 2025. During this time, candidates can edit and resubmit their PO and SO application forms. This option is only for those who submitted their forms and paid the fee by the extended deadline, which was July 28, 2025.

Who Can Use It and What They Can Change:

Only a single edit is allowed during this window.

Editable fields include:

  *  Academic qualifications

  *  Communication address

  *  Employment preferences

  *  Category (within permitted combinations such as OBC to GEN or EWS)

*   Non-editable fields: name, email address, and mobile number remain locked.

 Fees & Submission Guidelines:

*  There is a non-refundable correction fee of Rs 200 per candidate, except if the application was submitted using DigiLocker.

*  Once the corrected form is submitted, it becomes final. No further edits will be possible.

Why This Matters:

This is a one-time opportunity to fix any errors that could lead to rejection or disqualification during document verification.

Many candidates have reported issues, such as incorrect credentials, category, or personal details. This window gives them a last chance to rectify those mistakes.

At a Glance

Application Deadline: July 28, 2025                       

Correction Window: July 31 to  August 1, 2025            

Correction Fee: Rs. 200 (waived via DigiLocker)        

Editable Fields: Education, address, preferences, category 

Non-Editable Fields: Name, email, mobile number          

Final Take

This correction window is a critical safety net. If you have already applied, please review your details carefully and make any necessary edits within the next two days. After that, there is no turning back. Make it count.

Check full official details and notice on IBPS

Looking for Industry-Relevant Research Funding? This Fellowship Opens the Door

Applications are now open for this Post-Doctoral Fellowship program in India. The deadline is 04 August 2025. Every year, they take in 25 fellows. It is a one-year fellowship, and the focus is on research in areas that are still developing or emerging.

This is not for just anyone. They are looking for people with a solid research background. People who have published papers, maybe won some recognitions. Basically, people who have already proven they are serious about research.

The fellowship gives Rs. 1.08 lakh per month. That is under the main fellowship budget. Apart from that, there is an additional Rs. 1.0 lakh per year as a contingency grant. But again, it is temporary. Only for one year.

Now, here is how it works. The proposal has to be submitted by institutions,  not by individuals directly. Only certain eligible institutions can send in the proposal. And if the proposal is accepted, that institution will enroll the selected fellow. So, if you are planning to apply, you need to do it through one of those institutions.

There are some eligibility rules. You must be an Indian citizen. You must have a PhD from a recognized university. And all your academic records, right from the beginning, should be first-class. Your PhD should have been completed not more than five years ago. Also, you should be under 40 years of age at the time of applying.

You cannot apply to the same institution from which you completed your PhD. That is not allowed. Also, your application needs to include the name of a mentor. This mentor should be someone already working in that institution in a regular academic or research post. They must also have a PhD, either in science or engineering.

They will give preference to candidates who have some kind of industry connection. Maybe you are solving a problem that is relevant to industry. Or you are collaborating with an industry partner. That helps. Your proposal needs to be clear. It should explain what you plan to do, what you hope to achieve, and how you will go about it.

There are a few restrictions, too. If you are in regular employment, you cannot apply. But if you are in a temporary job, then you can, only if you are ready to resign if selected. Also, if you are already getting another fellowship, then you cannot apply.

In case someone decides to quit the fellowship midway, then the institution has to inform the PhD Cell at DIC, MeitY. They need to give at least one month’s notice, and they have to stop using the fellowship funds from the date the fellow leaves.

There are other reasons why the fellowship could be canceled. Like if the fellow is not making good progress, or if they misuse the funds, or do not follow the guidelines. Also, if they take up any part-time or full-time job during the fellowship, that will lead to cancellation.

For More details, check HERE

AAI’s New Hiring Drive: Are You the Expert They Are Looking For?

Find Job Here: I came across this new job opening from the Airports Authority of India.  They are hiring Senior Consultants for their head office in Delhi.  There are 10 positions, and the pay? About  Rs 1.5 lakh per month!.

They are splitting the roles into two types:  

• Six for Planning 
• Four for Operations

Know who can apply. First off, age.  you should be under 45 years old by August 1, 2025. That is the cut-off.

Then comes the education part. For Planning roles, they want people with a Civil or Electrical Engineering degree, and also an MBA. If you are from IIT or NIT, that is a plus.

For Operations roles, the degree options are wider:- Engineering, Statistics, Economics, or Operations Research, plus an MBA.

But degrees are not enough. They also want 8 to 10 years of experience. For Planning, it should be in things like project monitoring, execution, or airport infrastructure. For Operations, they need people who are good at data analysis and official reporting.

Applications are open from  21st July to 1st August, 2025. And apply online,  either on the  Airports Authority of India website or EdCIL India.

Also, if you are planning to apply for more than one role, make sure to send separate applications.

How is the Selection? That will be based on your academics, experience, documents, and finally, an interview. The AAI will inform you by email if you get shortlisted.

One thing to note is that this is a contract job for one year. Only Indian nationals can apply. And no, they are not covering any travel costs for the interview. The deadline is near. Just make sure you meet the conditions and get everything submitted in time.

Hi, I'm PC Thomas at the Best Blog. I write clear and useful articles, particularly career-oriented ones, that people benefit from. If you need good content for your website or blog, just email me at... askpcthomas@gmail.com.

What Happens If India Misses Its 30-Year Growth Window?

                                                                               JobIndia

In Short: India, with more young people entering the workforce than ever before, the country has a rare opportunity to grow. But that chance could slip away. Jobs are not growing fast enough. The real issue is not wages but the shortage of skilled workers. Schools are failing, vocational training is weak, and job security feels out of reach. While the government has launched a hiring incentive, experts believe it is not enough. This piece explores why India must fix education, build skills, and create safer work conditions.

Can Giving Companies Rs 3,000 Per Hire Really Solve India’s Unemployment Puzzle?

When you stop and really think about it, the future of India depends a lot on the young people who are stepping into the job market right now. A few years ago, in 2019, according to some estimates, India entered a special phase in its population trend. The number of working-age people became higher than the number of children and the elderly. This kind of balance gives a country a rare advantage. Experts say it will last for about thirty years. But there is one important condition. If India does not become richer during this time, it might not get another chance. It could remain stuck.

This puts a heavy burden on the current generation. But they cannot carry it unless there are good jobs available. Jobs that help people become more productive. Jobs that help families earn more. At the moment, these kinds of jobs are missing. The economy seems to be growing. But job opportunities are not growing with it. That is a problem.

It is not easy to know the real number of people without jobs in India. The data is often unclear. In a country where many people do not work in formal jobs, the numbers can give the wrong idea. Some events clearly show how bad the job situation is.

The government knows this, too. That is why a new program was approved this month. It gives companies a little support for each new person they hire. The company gets 3,000 rupees each month for each new employee, and one month of social security is also paid by the government. The plan lasts for two years. If the company is in the manufacturing sector, then it lasts for four years.

These numbers are not very large, but the hope is that this will help create more jobs. Still, it is not clear how much this will help. The plan assumes that the biggest challenge for companies is the cost of hiring. But many employers say that is not the real issue. The bigger concern is finding workers with the right skills.

That may sound strange in a country with such a large population. But what companies really mean is that they are unable to find workers who are skilled and dependable. This is especially true in manufacturing, which the government wants to support. It is not that workers cost too much. It is that there are not enough people with the right training. This is what needs attention.

One big reason is the poor quality of basic education. Many children finish school without learning simple skills. It may already be too late for the young people entering the workforce today. But schools still need to be fixed. A well-known school survey showed that only one in four students in grade three could solve a basic subtraction problem. That is something they should have learned in grade two. As they move up in school, this learning gap only gets wider. If many people cannot even do simple math, it is hard to expect them to qualify for skilled jobs.

Then there is vocational training. In theory, these programs are supposed to teach young people useful skills. But in practice, many of these schools are not working well. The training does not match what companies need. And most of these schools do not even help their students get jobs afterward. One government report said that less than one in a thousand students from Industrial Training Institutes actually got placed in a job.

Now, someone might ask why people do not learn these skills on their own. Why not find a way without waiting for the government? The reason is simple. The pay difference is very small. There is not much reward for becoming skilled. A trained worker in a car factory may earn only 20 to 25 percent more than a basic helper. That is not enough to make someone invest in training.

Another issue is job safety. Many people try very hard to get into government jobs. Even if the number of openings is small, they still prefer these jobs. Government jobs come with benefits, health care, and long-term security. Private sector jobs do not feel safe, and there is not much support if someone loses their job. So people do not want to take that risk.

The government needs to do more than just give money to companies. It must make workers feel safe enough to invest in learning. Schools must teach well. Job training must be better. And maybe online tools can be used to teach skills in a new way.

Just giving companies a little money for each new worker will not solve the bigger problem. If India wants to grow and provide real jobs to its people, it must fix the deeper issues.

Hi, I'm PC Thomas at the Best Blog. I write clear and honest articles that people enjoy reading. If you need good content for your website or blog, just email me at...  askpcthomas@gmail.com.. You can check whether this content is written by AI. It shows 0% AI detection.

 

Could You Be One of Emirates’ 17,000 New Hires?

Do not waste your time chasing fake hopes on LinkedIn.  Go beyond…. Explore real job openings around the world. The right opportunity is out there… not hidden in endless scrolls.

In Shorts: Emirates Group has announced a sweeping global recruitment plan.  This hiring wave spans aviation, customer service, engineering, IT, and more. Tied closely to Dubai’s growth goals, the initiative reflects the company’s strong financial health and focus on innovation.

How Emirates Plans to Reshape Its Future With a Global Talent Drive 

Emirates Group is doing something pretty big this year. They have started this massive hiring plan, and they are looking to bring in more than 17,000 people. That is not a small number. It looks like they are opening up about 350 different roles, and all of this is supposed to happen in the current financial year. 

Now, from what I understand, this is part of a larger goal. The company wants to grow, obviously, and this hiring spree matches up with something called Dubai's Economic Agenda D33. That agenda is all about making Dubai stronger in the global economy. So Emirates is not just hiring for the sake of it. There is a bigger picture.

When you look at the details, it is clear this is well-planned. There are 17,300 positions open. That is huge. They are hiring for all sorts of departments. Think cabin crew, pilots, engineers, sales, customer service, finance, IT, and even catering. And not just Emirates. Their partner Dnata is hiring too. Around 4,000 positions there, mostly in cargo, catering, and ground operations.

And it does not stop there. They are planning over 2,100 recruitment events across 150 cities. That means they are not just waiting for people to come to them. They are actually going out to find talent.

Also, it is worth noting that Emirates has had a strong financial year. They made a profit of over 19 billion dirhams, which is about 5.2 billion dollars. That was for the year ending in March. And it is the third year in a row they are seeing record profits. So it makes sense they are ready to expand. Overall, it looks like a serious and exciting opportunity for job seekers across the world.

Check Emirates Group careers site for jobs and details.

Message from the Chairman of the Emirates Group read as under:

"Today, with over 175 nationalities, we are truly a global organisation with talented people employed from every continent. I am reminded constantly that no matter how many millions we invest in the latest equipment, it is our people that make the difference in terms of results. I look forward to having you in our team and sharing our future success with you as we grow and expand our business globally.”

Hi, I'm PC Thomas. I write clear and honest articles that people enjoy reading. If you need good content for your website or blog, just email me at...  askpcthomas@gmail.com. 

Google’s AI Overview is Killing Your Top Ranking - Here’s Why

Synopsis: Google’s AI Overviews aim to simplify search by offering quick, AI-generated answers right on the results page. This new feature makes things easier for users. But it is hurting websites that used to get more clicks. Top-ranked pages are now seeing fewer visitors. Some studies indicate that traffic has dropped by over 30%. That is a big deal for people who depend on clicks, like publishers and SEO folks. They are worried. Less traffic means less visibility, maybe less income too. It’s forcing content creators to think again. How do they stay visible? How do they keep people coming back? It is not as simple as before.

Looking for 0% AI detected content that actually ranks? At Best Blog PC Thomas, I craft Google-friendly, SEO-smart articles that connect with real readers. If you need high-quality, original content for your site or blog, I’m here to help. Reach out at -  askpcthomas@gmail.com 

Click-Through Rates Just Crashed 34%! "Thanks" to This Google Feature

Google rolled out this thing called AI Overviews, and it changes a lot for how we see search results. Basically, instead of just showing the usual list of links, Google now gives you this AI-generated summary right at the top. Sounds useful, right? It may not be for everyone.

See, the moment that summary shows up, people stop clicking as much on the links below. According to Ahrefs, the top result,  which used to get a decent chunk of traffic,  is now seeing its click-through rate drop by over 34%. That is huge. It means, imagine putting in all that SEO effort to rank first… and then barely getting any clicks because Google already gave people what they needed.

And it gets worse if you are  targeting informational queries like “how to do this” or “why that happens.” These are common, especially for bloggers or educational content. Research from Amsive shows that in those cases, CTR drops around 20% when AI Overviews are there.

Now, if you are in publishing or SEO, this is worrying. Because fewer clicks mean less traffic. And less traffic? That usually means less ad revenue, fewer leads, and just lower visibility overall. So yeah, it is a shift.

What can you do? Well, one option is trying to get your content featured in the AI Overview, though that is not entirely in your control. Or maybe you explore other ways to engage your audience,  like email, social, or even video.

Bottom line: these AI summaries are making life easier for users, sure. But for creators and publishers, it is another curveball. One more reason to rethink how we approach SEO today.

Read More: Is Google Finally Listening to Creators? What This Core Update Might Reveal

The U.S. Master’s Designed Just for India’s Tech Talent - What’s the Catch?

Synopsis: Explore the unique setup of these online programs, built for working professionals in India, with global mentorship, immersion options, and top-tier credentials..

How Indian Engineers Are Tapping into Global Classrooms Without Ever Leaving Home

The University of San Diego has launched a bunch of online Master's programs, and they are actually designed specifically for tech professionals in India. That is interesting, right? Especially because it is not just any generic online course. It is the exact same degree you would get if you were sitting in a classroom in the U.S., same content. Same credibility.

Now, what kind of programs are we talking about? There are four: Applied AI, Applied Data Science, Cyber Security Engineering, and Cyber Security Operations & Leadership. All pretty relevant, especially if you are already in the field. They have structured them to run asynchronously over 20 months. This means you do not need to take a break from work. That flexibility matters a lot if you are already mid-career.

There is also this optional two-week immersion program in the U.S., if you are up for it. It is not mandatory. But it might be a good chance to network, see the campus, and maybe connect with faculty face-to-face. Speaking of connections, students get access to alumni mentors (who are apparently working at top companies). Plus, there are masterclasses by global experts in AI, data, and cyber. So they are clearly trying to keep this industry-focused.

What about support? Well, they have partnered with GradRight in India. That group’s job is to help students through the entire application process. Basically, from start to finish. No guessing games.

And yes, there is the big question about the cost. It is about Rs. 10.49 lakhs for the full program. Not cheap. But there are scholarships available if you qualify, which helps a bit.

Now, if you are thinking about applying, the deadline is August 1, 2025. Classes start September 2. Everything is in English, obviously. You will need to show English proficiency, viz., either IELTS 7, Duolingo 120, or some proof that you have already studied in English for two years.

Lastly, in terms of qualifications, you will need either a four-year degree with at least a Second Division or a three-year degree with a First Division. So it is not open to everyone. But they have kept the entry bar reasonable for professionals who have already put in the work.

Honestly, it sounds like a decent opportunity, especially for people in India who want a U.S.-level tech degree without uprooting their lives.

Applied, Ignored, Rejected: The Harsh Comedy of LinkedIn Job Hunting

Job seekers say, Job hunting on LinkedIn can feel like chasing shadows!! Glossy job titles, “easy apply” buttons, and recruiters who vanish mid-conversation. If you have ever questioned whether these posts are real or just digital bait, you are not alone. Here’s a tongue-in-cheek look at the strange, confusing, and sometimes hilarious world of LinkedIn hiring and “laugh Through the Pain” with THESE shots:

1. LinkedIn Job Post: "We’re urgently hiring!" 

   Reality: Position closed... in 2018.

2. Interviewer: "Tell us why you applied for this role." 

   Me: "Honestly? I thought it was real."

3. Applied for a job on LinkedIn. 

   3 minutes later: “We’ve decided to move forward with other candidates.” 

   Wow. Was it my resume or my vibes?

4. LinkedIn: "500 applicants in 3 hours." 

   Job: "Unpaid internship requiring 10 years' experience."

5. That moment when LinkedIn says “Actively hiring,” but no one ever replies. 

   Ghosted by a job post. Again.

6. Me:  I applied for 12 jobs on LinkedIn. 

   LinkedIn: “You’re a great fit!” 

   Recruiters: Crickets

7. Why did I update my resume on LinkedIn? 

   So fake recruiters can ignore it in high definition.

8. LinkedIn Job Post: “We’re building a dream team.” 

   Me: “Oh, nice!” 

   Job Post: “Only dreamers may apply.”

9. Me: Gets excited about a perfect job listing. 

   LinkedIn: It was posted 3 months ago, and they have already hired.

10. They say opportunity knocks once. 

   On LinkedIn, it knocks... then vanishes without a trace.

11. Applied on LinkedIn. 

   Status: "Easy Apply" 

   Response: Also "Easy Ignore."

12. Job title: "Entry Level." 

   Requirements: "12 years of experience, PhD, ability to time travel."

13. LinkedIn: “You’re a top applicant.” 

   Me: “Then why am I still broke?”

14. The job said "remote." 

   Turns out they meant emotionally remote.

15. “We’ll keep your resume on file.” 

   Translation: Recycle bin.

16. LinkedIn recruiter: “We’re impressed with your profile.” 

   Also, recruiter: “Can you work for free to gain exposure?”

17. The company posts the same job every month. 

   Must be hiring ghosts.

18. Interview scheduled. 

   Then rescheduled. 

   Then vanished. 

   Maybe the company’s freelance magician?

19. “This job no longer accepts applications.” 

   It never did.

 20. Applied for a job. 

    Got a rejection email… 

    before hitting “submit.”

 

Why Are IITs Giving Away 10 Aerospace Engineering Courses for Free?

Several  IITs are offering free online courses on Aerospace Engineering. And there are ten different options. You can actually enroll now. The registration is already open, but there is a deadline, so this is something you might want to act on soon.

This is a great opportunity, especially if you are someone curious about how aircraft and spacecraft work. Or even if you are just trying to explore this space without jumping into a full-fledged degree immediately. Aerospace Engineering is one of those fields that has been picking up speed lately. More students are going for it, probably because the industry itself is evolving so rapidly.

Now, here is the thing. These courses are hosted by different IITs across the country. They cover everything from the very basics to more advanced topics. Here is  breaking them down, one by one.

1. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering – IIT Bombay

This is probably a good one to start with if you are completely new to the field. It is meant to give you a broad overview - nothing too intimidating. The course is structured into ten "capsules," and each capsule has two lectures. So, kind of digestible chunks. It runs from July to October 2025, and you need to enrol by August 15.

2. Introduction to Aircraft Design – IIT Bombay

Now this one is more detailed. You will go into things like aircraft types, configuration, how to size them, and aerodynamic coefficients. Even things like noise and emissions are included, which shows how practical it is. Again, the deadline is August 15.

3. Elements of Mechanical Vibration – IIT Delhi

This sounds a bit more mechanical-focused. It deals with vibrations. Like how machines vibrate, and how that impacts the design of structures or parts. They also promise to keep it practical, not just theory-heavy. The enrolment ends on August 15, and the exam is on November 2.

4. Introduction to Airplane Performance – IIT Kanpur

This is about how airplanes behave performance-wise. It mixes design and even flight testing. So it sounds like something that bridges theory and real-world application. Enrol before August 15; the exam is on September 21.

5. Aircraft Stability and Control – IIT Kanpur

This one dives into the whole idea of how to make sure an airplane is stable and controllable. If you are someone who wants to understand how aircraft stay balanced mid-air, this is your course. The last date again is August 15, and the exam is on November 1.

6. Design of Fixed-Wing UAVs – IIT Kanpur

Now, if you are into drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, this could be fascinating. It covers the early design and performance evaluation of fixed-wing UAVs. The course runs from July to September 2025, and the exam is on September 21.

7. UAV Design – Part II – IIT Kanpur

So this is like the next level of the previous course. It adds simulation and experimental elements. If you are planning to build a career or project around UAVs, this might be valuable. The same deadline is August 15.

8. Introduction to Airbreathing Propulsion – IIT Kanpur

This one is a bit more technical. It is about propulsion systems for aircraft and rockets. You will also go into engine design, maintenance, and things like that. The exam is scheduled for October 26.

9. Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics – IIT Kanpur

If you are someone who likes the math and simulation side of things, this is for you. It teaches you how to model compressible flows, solve equations, and deal with shocks - sounds intense, but also rewarding. Enrolment closes on August 15.

10. Space Flight Mechanics – IIT Kharagpur

This is where things get a little more... celestial? The course starts with basic motion and then gets into two-body and three-body dynamics - basically, how bodies move in space under gravitational forces. Lagrange Points are also discussed. The course runs from July to October, and the exam is on November 1.

If any of this sounds interesting, the key point is: enrolment ends August 15, 2025, for most of these. These are not casual webinars -  they are proper, structured courses by IIT professors. You will probably need to put in real effort. But the fact that they are free? That is pretty generous.

If you are serious about Aerospace, or just curious and ready to explore, this could be your chance to dip your toes in, without spending a rupee.

Germany’s Freelance Visa – Indians Can Work Without an Employer

Here’s something interesting I came across: - If you are a professional like a journalist, engineer, lawyer, or even in something like IT or design, and you're considering working in Germany without having a German employer lined up... that’s actually possible.

Germany has this visa:-it is officially called the Freiberufler visa, but most just call it the Freelance Visa. And yes, Indians can apply for it. It lets you live and work there independently, without being tied to a company or boss. Basically, you are your own employer.

Now, what’s pretty cool is that it’s open to people outside the EU, so that includes us. And it's not just a short-stay tourist kind of visa. It’s a national visa (Type D), valid for up to three years. You can enter and exit Germany multiple times with it. The fee is about €75, which comes to around Rs. 7,500.

There are actually two routes you can apply through. So you will need to figure out which one fits better.

1. Freelancer (Freiberufler):-This is more for people in the so-called liberal professions. Think: writers, teachers, doctors, translators, IT folks, architects, that sort of thing. You are offering services independently, not running a business with employees or a storefront.
2. Self-Employed (Selbständiger or Gewerbetreibender):-This is more like if you are starting a small company or setting up a private consultancy. You will probably need a trade license. So if you are setting up, say, a small media agency or consulting practice, this might be your route.

The visa itself is the same, but the criteria you need to meet will depend on how your profession is defined under German law. That’s... a little bureaucratic, but manageable.

Now, Germany has this list: it’s from Section 18 of their Income Tax Act:-and that defines what counts as a "freelance profession." Just to give a quick idea, it includes:

• Scientists, artists, and educators
• Lawyers, engineers, architects
• Doctors, dentists, physiotherapists
• Journalists, translators, pilots
• Accountants, economists... basically, people offering intellectual or creative services

So if you fall into one of these categories, that’s a good start.

As for what you actually need to qualify:- here’s where it gets specific. Indian applicants, for example, will need:

• A valid passport (with at least two blank pages and issued within the last 10 years)
• Proof that you’ll earn at least €1,280 per month:-that’s about Rs 1.27 lakh
• A professional qualification:-could be a degree, diploma, whatever’s relevant to your field.
• A description of the kind of freelance work you’ll be doing
• Valid health insurance that works in Germany
• Proof that you’ve already got some clients or business contacts:-either in Germany or Europe
• A CV, recent passport-sized photos
• And if you are over 45, you’ll need to show some kind of pension plan or retirement benefit

Now here’s the catch:-you must apply while still in India. You can’t go to Germany on a tourist visa and then switch. You’ll need to:

• Fill out the National D Visa application form
• Book an appointment at the German consulate or embassy nearest to you
• Make sure your documents meet all the language and format requirements
• Go for your visa interview, where they’ll also take your biometrics
• Once approved, you’ll get a visa valid for 3 to 6 months, which lets you enter Germany

Then, once you land in Germany, you’ve got a couple of steps:

• Register your address (within two weeks of arrival)
• Visit the local foreigners’ office to convert your visa into a proper residence permit.
• Also register with the tax office (Finanzamt): they’ll give you a tax ID, which is essential for invoicing and financial stuff.

And here's a long-term benefit: if you manage to live there for five consecutive years, demonstrate a stable income, and achieve a decent level of proficiency in German, you can actually apply for permanent residency.

So, it’s not exactly instant or effortless:-but if you are someone with a freelance career and the ability to work independently, this could be a genuinely practical way to live and work in Germany, on your own terms.

And the idea of setting up your life in Berlin, Munich, or maybe Hamburg, doing what you love... honestly, it’s kind of exciting.