Skoda is launching the Octavia RS in India in November, with a price tag of around Rs 50 lakh. The limited edition car will boast a sporty exterior, luxurious interior, advanced technology, and safety features. It will be equipped with a powerful 2.0-litre TSI EVO engine, generating 261 bhp and 370 Nm of torque.
ECI asks state election officers to prepare for nationwide voter roll review by September 30. The clean-up process will most likely start in October-November, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Last SIR dates were in 2002-2004 and ECI plans for countrywide SIR before state elections.
US urges Pakistan to increase fiscal accountability and transparency by subjecting defence and intelligence budgets to parliamentary or civilian oversight. The State Department also recommends timely budget publication and debt disclosure. While acknowledging areas of progress, the report highlights gaps in oversight and transparency, particularly in the management of public funds.
An Indian customs officer and his wife were denied a US tourist visa in a brief three-minute interview at the US Embassy in Delhi. Despite owning a house, a steady government job, and savings worth Rs 50 lakh, the officer was surprised by the rejection. The couple now plans to visit Japan and Ireland instead, saving them nearly Rs 80 lakh in travel expenses.
The US Chamber of Commerce is worried about the Trump Administration's H-1B Executive Order, which increases the fee for sponsoring H-1B applicants to $100,000. They are collaborating with the Administration and members to determine the impact and find a solution. The fee will only affect new applications after September 21 and will not affect current visa holders.
Taylor Swift, the billionaire pop star, is releasing her new album 'The Life of a Showgirl' on October 3, her lucky number thirteen. The album, featuring Sabrina Carpenter, will be available globally on all major streaming platforms. Despite not being able to listen to her SiriusXM channel 'Taylor's Channel 13' in India, fans are eagerly anticipating her biggest hits.
The highly anticipated Noida International Airport in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, will open on October 30 with 10 routes and a capacity to handle 12 million passengers in its first phase. Despite pandemic-related delays, the airport is on track to start operations this year and will eventually handle 70 million passengers annually.
Dubai's Roasters Specialty Coffee House has broken the Guinness World Record for the most expensive cup of coffee, priced at Dh 2600. The coffee is made with rare Panama Esmeralda Geisha beans and served in a handmade crystal glass, providing a unique sensory journey with a precision V60 pour-over. This exclusive coffee experience can be enjoyed at various outlets in Dubai.
The stock market is likely to be impacted by the US H-1B visa fee hike, trade talks, and GST rate cut this week. Investors will keep an eye on global equity market trends, while the Indian IT sector may face negative effects from the US decision. Cheaper prices for consumers are expected due to the reduced GST rates.
Trump's new order introduces a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, exempting renewals and transfers. The fee won't affect H-1B holders leaving and re-entering the country, but it may harm startups and innovation, as big tech companies may stop sponsoring. Immigration lawyer Sophie Alcorn has warned of potential consequences.
The US government has raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, causing concern among Indian tech workers. The White House released a fact-sheet explaining the decision, citing a significant increase in H-1B visa workers and American companies replacing workers with visa holders. President Trump's "America first" approach has also resulted in tariffs.
India is taking proactive measures to secure a strategic reserve of critical minerals and rare earths for its defence manufacturing, as China tightens export restrictions. This includes diversifying supply chains and tapping into rare earth mines in Myanmar. The government has designated rare-earth mining as strategic, streamlined regulatory processes, and is promoting recycling.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu urged Indians affected by the recent H-1B visa fee order to make a bold move and come back home, citing the example of how Sindhis built their business empire in India after leaving everything during partition. The $100,000 fee on renewal and new H-1B visas has caused panic among companies and is seen as a threat to national security.
Assamese singer Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore while on a scuba diving trip. Investigations have begun into the incident and FIRs have been filed against the event organizers. His wife disclosed that he had a history of seizures, possibly contributing to his death. Fans and officials mourned his death as his body returned to his hometown.
Donald Trump's order to raise H-1B visa fee to $100,000 has caused uproar and legal battles. Indian IT employees are affected as US firms must pay the amount for visa holders. Top companies are recalling employees, but experts doubt the order's survival in court. India is examining the impact and seeking a resolution with the US.
Trump's proclamation on the H-1B visa caused chaos with the initial belief of a $100,000 annual fee for six years. Clarifications stated it was a one-time payment for new applications. Confusion was fueled by social media and White House's failure to clarify. A three-point clarification stated the fee did not apply to current visa holders or on renewals.
The New Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to open on September 30, 2025, with a lotus-inspired design and plans to handle 20 million passengers in Phase 1 and 90 million eventually. The Maharashtra government has also prepared a connectivity plan for easy travel to the airport.
Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 for fresh applications, causing concern among techies and tech giants. Indians on an Emirates flight bound for India were seen deboarding at San Francisco International Airport, fearing they would be barred from returning without paying an "entry fee". However, there is no entry fee to enter the United States.
Infinity Learn has introduced AINA, a voice-based AI mentor that aims to transform NEET/JEE exam preparation. Named after the Hindi word for mirror, AINA offers personalized guidance and quick doubt resolution, along with test analytics and motivational support. It caters to both paid and non-paid users and plans to extend its services to government schools.
Indian Air Force group captain Shubhanshu Shukla's recent trip to the ISS on the Axiom Mission 4 has made him a role model for aspiring scientists and engineers. He is also a part of the team for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The space industry offers various job opportunities, including tech, law, economics, and business roles, with specific qualifications required.
Trump raises H-1B visa fee to $100,000, affecting Indian professionals the most. Visas valid for 3 years, can be renewed for another 3 years. The hike may lead to changes in delivery models due to squeezed margins. US cites national security threat as reason for sudden increase.
Trump demands Afghanistan return control of Bagram Air Base to the US, citing its strategic significance near China border. China and Afghanistan reject foreign military presence, arguing for Afghan people's control. Concerns arise over Western efforts to re-establish military presence in Afghanistan.
The future of TikTok in the United States has been determined with a deal between Washington and Beijing. American users' data will be stored on U.S. servers and the U.S. will have control over the app's algorithm. President Trump is working towards finalizing the deal and has made progress in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Asia Cup, a cricket tournament between India and Pakistan, has been overshadowed by a no-handshake incident and political tensions. Despite the participation of other countries, the focus remains on the two hostile neighbors. The recent game highlighted the commercial interests forcing the two teams to face each other multiple times.
FAA reports telecom failures by a company caused 2,000 flight disruptions at Dallas airports. American Airlines canceled 530 flights while Southwest had only one cancellation. FAA's recurring tech issues show the urgency for an overhaul of U.S. air traffic.
President Trump commended the reduction in crime in Washington, DC under his administration's policing, calling the city "beautiful and safe." However, he threatened to declare a new national emergency if local police do not cooperate with immigration authorities.
E-commerce sales during festive season to hit Rs 1.15 lakh crore, up 20-25% from last year. Quick commerce up 150%, value commerce up 30-35%. Festive sales may contribute 40% of annual turnover for retailers in consumer electronics and jewellery. E-commerce platforms offering discounts and strengthening supply chains. Offline retailers also optimistic.
The Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid is a powerful and efficient bike with a sleek design. Its Smart Motor Generator system boosts performance and saves fuel. With a comfortable riding position and advanced features like traction control and Bluetooth connectivity, this bike is worth the extra cost for its added benefits.
The Hero MotoCorp Xoom 160 is a unique global product that combines the thrill of a motorcycle with the practicality of a scooter. It boasts a refined engine, bold design, and impressive performance, setting it apart from traditional scooters. While its design may not appeal to everyone and it lacks certain features, it competes with top models such as the Yamaha, TVS.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has introduced the Neo Drive system in their Fortuner and Legender SUVs, which pairs a 48-volt electrical system with a powerful 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine. The system provides marginal fuel efficiency benefits and features like wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera. However, it falls short in terms of electric-only driving, ride quality, and dated cabin.
The Serendipity Arts Festival, celebrating its 10th edition in Goa, has supported artists and provided grants through its foundation. Founder Sunil Kant Munjal hopes to make the arts a part of everyday life in the next 10 years. The festival, rooted in South Asia, promotes a dialogue between local and global cultures and plans to expand to Europe and the Middle East.
"Running behind Lakshmi" by Adil Rustomjee is a comprehensive exploration of India's stock market, tracing its history from the 19th century to its transformation in 1991. In "107 Days," Kamala Harris shares her personal experiences during her campaign for the US presidency in 2024. "Economica" by Victoria Bateman highlights the role of women in economic growth throughout history.
Manoranjan Byapari's "Nowhere People" delves into the hidden world of rickshaw drivers living on a railway platform in Jadavpur, West Bengal. The novel follows Nobo, a young man who joins this marginalized community, and sheds light on themes of social inequality, injustice, and the struggles of the poor.
World Alzheimer's Day 2025: Alzheimer's disease is the leading form of dementia and a significant global health issue. WHO states that 10 million new cases of dementia arise every year, with the majority being Alzheimer's. Currently, over 55 million people have dementia, but this is predicted to increase to 139 million by 2050.
Zero to Scale by Arindam Paul is a must-read for anyone looking to build a successful consumer brand in India. With valuable insights from Atomberg's journey, this practical guide covers all aspects of the brand lifecycle and offers mentor-like advice on navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of the Indian market.
Smriti Mandhana, vice-captain of India's women's cricket team, made history by scoring the fastest hundred by an Indian in ODI cricket. She achieved this feat in just 50 balls against Australia, breaking Virat Kohli's record. Her innings included 17 fours and 5 sixes, ending with a total of 125 runs.
Dashcams, once seen as a mere novelty, have evolved into a valuable tool for drivers, insurers, and automakers in India. With advanced technology, they now offer features like night vision, GPS tagging, and cloud storage, making them smaller, smarter, and more integrated into vehicles.
"The Ba***ds of Bollywood" is a new film that satirically portrays the glitz and drama of the Indian film industry, while also celebrating it. This is not the first time Bollywood has explored itself through movies, with other Indian film industries also showcasing the industry's allure to audiences. Director Aryan Khan offers a unique perspective on the world of Bollywood.
Studds Accessories reached out to the author for a helmet review and they chose the Trooper D4 with Race Decor and matte finish. This versatile flip-up helmet is ideal for urban commutes, with features such as a dual-visor setup, ventilation channels, and hypoallergenic padding for comfort and safety. It is also lightweight and has dual certifications, making it a top choice for riders.
The Karnataka government is set to introduce a new bill to protect and provide welfare for domestic workers, following the recent Gig Workers Bill. The bill will require registration, minimum wage, and social security coverage for workers, as well as a welfare board. It also aims to prevent exploitation and ensure a written agreement between workers and employers.
Adult pacifiers are gaining popularity for stress relief, sensory regulation, and self-expression. While they have therapeutic benefits for adults with autism, ADHD, or sensory disorders, dentists warn about potential negative effects on teeth and jaw health. They are now a part of mainstream wellness and lifestyle, with numerous designs available online.
Trump's new H-1B visa proclamation has caused fear among tech workers and current holders. The $100,000 fee only applies to new petitions or renewals, and is the employer's responsibility. Exceptions will be made for those in the national interest, and the policy will be reviewed in 12 months. The order prioritises highly skilled and well-paid individuals for entry.
Jodhpur RIFF, Pushkar Fair, India Art Fair, Hornbill Festival, Comic Con India, Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Sunburn Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival, and Lollapalooza India are some of the top cultural events to look out for in 2025. These events feature traditional folk traditions, art exhibitions, literature discussions, EDM music, and global performances.
The anti-sugar movement is growing as people opt for artificial sweeteners, but eliminating added sugars is safe and beneficial. Natural sugars found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy are the healthiest option. Processed foods and drinks often contain hidden sugars, and even proteins can be high in sugar. It is best to limit added sugar intake to 10 for optimal health.
Radhika Arora finds a new therapy while traveling in London, involving a plunge pool with a temperature of 10-15 degrees Celsius, along with stretching, yoga, and massage. This therapy is gaining popularity for its health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving skin health. However, experts advise caution and recommend using it in the morning or after a workout.
Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, is worried about the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications in the US, signed by President Trump to prevent misuse of the program. Pai believes this could result in decreased filings and more offshoring, as top H-1B employers already pay high salaries. The fee will go into effect in September.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav sparked controversy after avoiding mentioning Pakistan by name in the post-match presentation following India's match against Oman. The tense relationship between the two arch-rivals has escalated, with Pakistan filing a complaint against Yadav for refusing to shake hands and protesting against the match referee.
The ICC has appointed Andy Pycroft as the match referee for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the 2025 Asia Cup, despite objections and requests from the PCB. The ICC has defended its decision and dismissed accusations of violating the 'Spirit of the Game' code. The two teams are set to face each other again on Sunday in the Super 4 stage of the tournament.
India has over 8,71,700 millionaire households, with Maharashtra leading the pack. The USA and UAE are top destinations for overseas investment, while Singapore is the preferred vacation spot for 11% of Indian millionaires. The UK and Switzerland also attract high-net-worth individuals, followed by France and Greece. Japan and the Maldives have niche attractions, too.
Tech companies are urging H-1B visa holders to return to the US before September 21 due to a new proclamation signed by President Trump. However, the long flight time, approximately 20 hours, and no direct flight today from India make it difficult to meet the deadline. AI chatbots have suggested that one should leave on September 19 to be able to make it before the deadline, which is impossible.
Congress slams PM Modi for his weak leadership as US President Trump imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, causing confusion and harm to Indian IT employees. Rahul Gandhi reiterates his 2017 statement saying - "India has a weak PM". Congress MPs criticize his "strategic silence" and "loud optics".