Sunday, September 13
The US Department of State’s latest data, updated on 29 July 2025, shows that Indian applicants for B1/B2 business and tourist visas still face significant wait times for interview appointments. Average wait times range from three months in Mumbai and Hyderabad to eight and a half months in Chennai. New Delhi applicants wait around four and a half months on average, while Kolkata faces six months. Though these figures reflect some improvement from earlier in the year, the waits remain long enough to affect travel plans for business, tourism, and urgent visits. Next Available Appointments and Average Waits Differ It is important to note the difference between the “average wait time” and “next available appointment” for visa interviews. The average wait time reflects how long past
The government is considering further easing the norms for setting up petrol pumps in the world's fastest-growing fuel market, in light of the evolving energy security paradigm and commitment to decarbonisation, according to an official order.The government had, in 2019, relaxed the norms for setting up petrol pumps, opening the door for non-oil companies to enter the fuel retailing business.At that time, companies with a net worth of Rs 250 crore were permitted to sell petrol and diesel, provided they committed to setting up infrastructure for at least one new-generation alternative fuel, such as CNG, LNG, biofuels, or EV charging, within three years of beginning their operations.For companies wanting to sell petrol and diesel to retail and bulk consumers, the networth criteria was set at
