Is your US visa approved? Those contemplating a visit to the US are likely to face this question more often. With the country tightening visa rules, nothing can be taken for granted.Even a routine US visa renewal can turn into a hassle that didn’t exist earlier. A small lapse or moment of carelessness can undo months of hard work. Here’s what happened when one had to face a bit of trouble when a single dropdown menu disturbed his straightforward travel plans.As per a reddit post by darkened_matter, “My B1/B2 visa was to expire in January 2026 and I decided to renew early, well within the window that allows travellers to use the interview waiver programme. The process is meant to be simple- submit documents by mail, skip the embassy visit, and wait for your passport to return with a shiny new visa. With a solid travel history and no prior visa denials, there was little reason to expect trouble.“

“So when my application status came back as ‘REFUSED,’ it landed like a small shock.”In US visa terminology, ‘refused’ does not necessarily mean rejected. Often, it indicates that a consular officer has chosen not to make a decision yet and needs either additional documents or an in-person interview. Still, it was enough to trigger anxiety, especially after reading about other renewal applicants who had been denied despite clean records and years of compliant travel.The instructions arrived nearly two weeks later along with the returned passport. “I was required to appear at the US Embassy for an interview. There was no fixed appointment date, just a range of days for a walk-in appearance. It meant rearranging schedules and making a long trip across the city, all for a renewal that was supposed to happen through the mail.”“So mentally prepared myself that maybe I am going to be denied this time, given the kind of environment now with the US government being very strict with visa applications. It didn’t help that a lot of applicants before me during the queue were getting denied after so many questions being asked. I was already expecting for the worst.”

The interview itself began normally enough. Purpose of travel? Tourism. Any concrete plans? Not yet, just the intention to take a vacation in the future.Then the unexpected question. Based on the declared travel history, the consul asked, had the applicant ever been to North Korea?There was a pause, and then laughter. “I clarified that I have never been to North Korea and didn’t believe I was even allowed to. It was then clarified that I did travel to South Korea earlier that year, which had been declared in the application.”

That was the moment everything clicked.The consul checked the passport, confirmed the South Korea entry stamp, and typed for a few moments before explaining that this mix-up happens more often than people realise. The issue wasn’t the travel itself, but how it appeared in the system.South Korea and North Korea are listed separately in visa application dropdown menus as “Republic of Korea” and “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” Applicants don’t type the country name manually, they select it. And in that small but critical moment, many people click the wrong Korea.Once the mistake was cleared up, the interview ended almost as quickly as it began. “The visa was approved with the only formality being the cancellation of the still-active visa in the passport. When I asked whether this was the sole reason for being called in, the consul confirmed that it was.”“I left the embassy relieved, amused, and continued to laugh as I left the area.”When the experience was later shared online, it struck a chord. One commenter asked how long it took to receive instructions after seeing the dreaded “refused” status. The response: nearly two weeks, with the letter arriving alongside the returned passport.Others chimed in with their own experiences.One traveller recalled being summoned for an interview in 2020 after actually visiting North Korea the year before. He answered honestly, explained it was for tourism, and was ultimately granted a US visa. The takeaway was that visiting North Korea does not automatically make someone ineligible for a US visa, but it does almost guarantee closer scrutiny.Another commenter admitted to making the same dropdown mistake during their own renewal. In their case, the interview was issued under a 221(g) request. They were surprised at the time but later realised the interview was simply meant to confirm details and assess intent. Once the confusion between North and South Korea was resolved, the visa was approved without issue.Some readers questioned why anyone would select ‘Korea’ instead of ‘South Korea’ in the first place, until others pointed out that the form doesn’t make it that simple. With two nearly identical official names listed side by side, mistakes are almost inevitable.The post shared a cautionary tale that the system, while rigid, still allows room for clarification. Sometimes, an in-person interview isn’t a rejection at all, just a human checkpoint to confirm that a traveller’s holiday in Seoul was, in fact, not a covert trip to Pyongyang.And if nothing else, the episode left behind a piece of hard-earned advice: when filling out your travel history, double-check your Koreas.

On the second spot is Como Residences Penthouse, also on Palm Jumeirah, sold for a whopping AED 500 million in 2023. The residence oozes wealth in every corner! The project, developed by Nakheel, is noted for its high-end design and ultra-luxury finishes. It’s a penthouse which is spread across 22,000 sq ft.

Some of the prime features of the place include smart home automation and breathtaking views of both the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. What makes this sale even more remarkable is its position in the global context. The property is ranked among the most expensive penthouses ever sold.

(PC: sterlingcapital.realestate)

Jennifer Winget and Karan Wahi

The rumour mill is on fire over the buzz of Indian TV actors Jennifer Winget and Karan Wahi tying the knot! The reason: the duo initially worked together back in 2007 on the show ‘Dill Mill Gayye’, and now years later they have reunited on-screen for the ‘Raisinghani vs Raisinghani’. And looks like those old ‘Dill Mill Gayye’s’ are apparently still flying with speculations of dating each other and even getting married soon! But Karan recently put the rumours to rest, calling the wedding whispers “fake news” in a chat with HT. “Total nonsense,” he basically said. Still, with their flirty on-screen vibes and long-time friendship (she was Dr. Riddhima, he was Dr. Siddhant in the 2007 show), it’s got everyone gossiping. So, here’s a look at Jennifer Winget’s past relationships, amid wedding rumours with Karan Wahi:

Jennifer Winget: From fairy-tale vows to being solo and self-love

In the same 2007 show ‘Dill Mill Gayye’, Jennifer Winget met her co-star Karan Singh Grover and the duo started dating. Sparks flew off-screen as the couple got married in 2012 in a dreamy church wedding. However, as fate would have it, in 2014 news of Jennifer and Karan’s divorce started doing the rounds. Meanwhile, actress Bipasha Basu, who was shooting the film ‘Alone’ with Karan at that time, was blamed for Jennifer-Karan’s split. In 2016, Karan married Bipasha and in 2022 they welcomed their daughter, Devi.

And Jennifer? She kept it classy by keeping her personal life private. Rumours linked her to Code M’s actor Tanuj Virwani, but nope, “just friends,” she insisted. Post-divorce, Jennifer’s been thriving solo, serving looks and boss energy. And the recent Karan Wahi whispers seem to be pure fan fiction.

Karan Wahi’s past relationships

Meanwhile, Karan Wahi has had his fair share of relationships in the past. Back in 2012-13, during ‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’, he and Kritika Kamra had us all shipping hard – those cozy set pics! But Karan laughed it off by calling them “Just best friends!” Then, in 2016 rumours of Karishma Kotak being linked to Karan started doing the rounds. But, Karishma put and end to them, calling the buzz “bullsh**”.In 2017, Karan started dating fashion photographer Jinita Sheth and the couple were quite open about their relationship– read red carpets, mushy Insta posts, total PDA goals. But whispers say he craved “space,” and that caused their split.Then in 2020, Karan started dating London-based Uditi Singh. They made their relationship publicly official too, until 2022 breakup rumours took over the internet. Karan never revealed the real reason behind their split.What do you think about Jennifer Winget and Karan Wahi’s dating rumours? Do you think they’re together and getting married soon, someday? Tell us in the comment section below.

Mumbai remains the undisputed real estate capital! It continues to be the costliest city in India for real estate. The main reason behind it is the limited land availability, increasing demand, and concentration of wealth. As per property market data, prices in Mumbai’s premium regions like South Mumbai, Bandra, Juhu and Worli can range anywhere ₹59,275 per sq. ft, Cuffe Parade ₹55,960 per sq. ft, Tardeo ₹47,223 per sq. ft, and Bandra West ₹44,509 per sq. ft.

Crunchy snacks are no longer automatically associated with greasy packets pulled off supermarket shelves. Over the past few years, home kitchens have quietly taken over part of the snack conversation, helped along by air fryers, better ovens, and a growing interest in ingredient control. People still want crunch. What they seem less interested in is excess oil, artificial flavours, or snacks that feel heavy an hour later.Vegetable and fruit chips fit neatly into this shift. They are familiar enough to replace potato chips, yet different enough to feel intentional. Zucchini, beetroot, kale, cauliflower, apples, mushrooms, and even tomatoes are now being sliced thin and turned into crisp snacks at home. These are not diet foods in disguise. They are alternatives that offer texture, flavour, and flexibility, depending on how they are seasoned and cooked.

Chips that can be easily made at home

Zucchini chips have a mild flavour, making them adaptable, whether paired with creamy dips or eaten plain. The air fryer helps remove moisture quickly, delivering crunch without needing much oil. What surprises many first-time makers is how close the texture feels to traditional chips when sliced thin and cooked evenly. Zucchini does not overpower other flavours, which is why it works well with herbs, cheese, or simple seasoning blends.

Beetroot chips bring something potato chips do not: natural sweetness and visual appeal. Thin slicing is essential, as thickness directly affects crispness. When baked or air-fried correctly, beets develop a deep crunch with a slightly caramelised edge. Their earthy flavour makes them satisfying on their own, without heavy seasoning. For many home cooks, beetroot chips feel less like a substitute and more like a distinct snack with its own identity.

Kale’s reputation often works against it, but crisping it properly changes perceptions fast. When baked or air-fried without overcrowding, kale leaves turn light, brittle, and intensely savoury. The bitterness softens, replaced by a roasted depth that feels more indulgent than expected. Kale chips disappear quickly, partly because they are easy to eat and partly because their crunch feels lighter than dense fried snacks.

Cauliflower chips (Image source: AI- Generated)

Cauliflower chips are moving onto the line of indulgence, especially when you serve them with Parmesan and robust spices. They can be cooked in both ovens and air fryers, which is convenient no matter what your kitchen looks like. The beauty of cauliflower is that its flavour can easily transition from being delicate to robust. Italian seasonings, ranch-style seasoning, or spicy seasoning blends can completely turn the tables. These chips will please those who are looking for a satisfying crunch and a more substantial mouthfeel without resorting to potatoes.

When the craving turns sweet, apple chips step in naturally. Thinly sliced apples air-fried with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger create a crisp snack that feels dessert-adjacent without being heavy. The texture matters as much as the flavour. Properly dried apple slices snap rather than bend, making them satisfying on their own or paired with yoghurt-based dips. They fit well into evening snacking, when people often want something sweet but lighter.

Mushroom chips (Image source: AI- Generated)

Mushroom chips are for the snackers who are more interested in the taste than the quantity. When you bake them, they dry out, and the umami flavour becomes more concentrated, with a satisfying crunch that is almost indulgent. They are often described as addictive, not because they are salty or oily, but because of their inherent depth of flavour. Mushroom chips show that snackers don’t need indulgent fat or texture to be satisfied; they need depth of flavour.

Tomato chips (Image source: AI- Generated)

Tomato chips are not as popular, but they are slowly gaining popularity among home snackers. Thinly sliced tomatoes, baked slowly, develop a satisfying crunch on the edges while retaining a tangy bite. The tanginess keeps the flavour bright and not heavy, especially when you are snacking on fried foods. Tomato chips are great on their own or as a crunchy accompaniment to dips, providing a welcome contrast to richer flavours.

Replace potato chips with sweet potato chips

Sweet potato chips sit closest to traditional potato chips in familiarity. They offer a similar shape and crunch while bringing natural sweetness and a denser texture. Baked or air-fried sweet potato chips tend to feel more filling, which is why many people find they eat fewer of them. While they are not automatically healthier in every preparation, they offer a practical transition for those trying to move away from standard chips without giving up the crunch entirely.

We truly seem to be living in a strange world it seems. At a time when couples are getting divorced over petty issues, a woman in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, India had recently filed for a divorce from her husband within only 18 months of her marriage. The reason? The wife told the Sharia court in Sambhal that her husband loved her “too much” and would not fight with her because of which she was “fed up”, according to Dainik Jagran. “Neither he [husband] ever shouted at me nor he ever disappointed me over any issue. I am feeling suffocated in such an environment… Whenever I make a mistake, he always forgives me for that. I wanted to argue with him,” she complained, as per the report.

However, listening to her bizarre reason for divorce, the cleric of the Sharia court was not only baffled, but he also dismissed her plea, calling it frivolous. The woman had also approached the local panchayat for the same, but they too had refused to give a ruling on this matter!

Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported by Khaleej Times sometime back when an Arab woman had sought divorce because her husband is “too nice and weak”, and never fought back with her! The couple were married for 12 years and had two children together.

This is the story of a couple from Hyderabad and their love for Sky. This is no ordinary tale of an animal-loving couple who reunited with their dog in Australia because they had been sorely missing him ever since they had moved base to the new continent. Divya and John prove that love can fathom all heights and move all barriers. Software professionals with steady jobs, they lived modestly, saving for a home, pinching pennies on weekend outings, and dreaming of stability. But their world revolved around Sky, their super cute golden retriever. Sky wasn’t just a pet; he was their anchor, their laughter on tough days, the wagging tail that greeted them after grueling 12-hour shifts. When a life-changing job offer called them to Australia, joy turned to dread. Leaving Sky behind? Unthinkable.

The couple moved to Melbourne to set up a life in Australia, but they constantly missed Sky. Meanwhile “Sky started suffering from anxiety issues after we left. He would have these bouts when he would have these fits. The doctor explained to us that these are symptoms of separation anxiety,” says Divya.But what kept Sky from reuniting with John and Divya were the stringent pet rules of Australia. Dogs from India can’t fly directly to Australia. They must spend 180 days in a rabies-free country undergoing tests, vaccines, and quarantine. The cost? A staggering ₹15 lakh! “We are not born with a silver spoon. We had to save every penny to bring him here,” says John. “We were also dissuaded by friends and family who said that you can easily get another pet for Rs 2 to 3k. But what they did not understand was that Sky was not our pet; he was like a child to us,” he added.

After saving a part of their salary, they finally set out to bring Sky to Australia. “We chose Dubai as the quarantine country because we felt that Sky was a Hindi guy, and he would understand the language and not feel that the place was totally alien,” says Divya. They boarded him at a premium facility, video calls became lifelines.“We lived on daily updates about him and counted each day. Did Sky eat well today? Is he okay? Does he miss us? We stayed connected on video calls.” John’s heart shattered hearing Sky’s barks through the phone, a sound that once filled their tiny flat with joy.