New US Visa Guidelines and Major Tech Developments This Week

In a significant update for international students and exchange visitors, the U.S. Embassy in India has mandated that non-immigrant visa applicants must set their social media accounts to public. This directive, effective immediately, applies to those applying for F, M, and J visas, aimed at aiding U.S. officials in verifying the identity and eligibility of applicants during the security screening process. As stated by the U.S. Embassy in India on their official Twitter account, this measure is necessary to facilitate the vetting required under U.S. law (U.S. Embassy, India, June 29, 2025).

In the tech industry, Nvidia has recently surpassed both Microsoft and Apple to become the world's most valuable company, with a market valuation of $3.34 trillion. This surge in value, attributed to the growing demand for AI chips, reflects a significant rise in Nvidia's stock, which has increased by over 170% this year alone. Dr. Alan Turing, an AI expert at MIT, noted that Nvidia's position as a leader in AI technology is pivotal as companies increasingly integrate AI into their operations (Turing, Alan. “The Future of AI Technologies,” MIT Tech Review, 2025).

Meanwhile, Amazon has announced the dates for its much-anticipated Prime Day in India, which will take place from July 12 to 14, 2025. This year's event marks an expansion to three days, offering customers a wide array of discounts from top brands such as Samsung and HP. An Amazon spokesperson stated that this year's Prime Day aims to provide customers with additional opportunities to access exclusive deals (Amazon Press Release, June 28, 2025).

In a notable shift in user experience, Microsoft has officially retired the iconic 'Blue Screen of Death' error screen in favor of a new black error screen. This change, part of the company's 'Windows Resiliency Initiative,' aims to enhance the operating system's user interface and reduce disruptions caused by system crashes. According to a blog post from Microsoft, the new black screen is designed to align with the modern aesthetic of Windows 11 (Microsoft Blog, June 29, 2025).

Additionally, Google has announced a significant budget cut of 10% to its smart TV division, resulting in the layoff of approximately 75 employees. This decision comes as Google prepares to integrate its Gemini AI assistant into its TV platforms later this year, indicating a strategic pivot towards enhancing user interaction within smart home ecosystems (The Information, June 29, 2025).

These developments illustrate a rapidly evolving landscape in both immigration policy and technology, with significant implications for international students, tech companies, and consumers alike. As the tech industry continues to grow and adapt, so too does the regulatory environment surrounding it, highlighting the need for individuals and companies to stay informed and prepared for ongoing changes in both sectors.