The US government plans to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas to prevent abuse of the program by IT outsourcing companies like TCS, which is the second-highest beneficiary after Amazon. The move aims to curb the influx of foreign STEM workers and address the issue of artificially low labor costs.
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".
Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of stealing votes and promises to reveal evidence to expose the truth. He also accuses CEC Gyanesh Kumar of protecting "vote chors" and praises former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy. Gandhi hints at targeting Modi's Varanasi seat with his "hydrogen bomb" of evidence.
Trump's administration has placed new restrictions on federal funds for student aid at Harvard University, citing concerns about finances and conflicts with the White House. Trump has threatened to cut funding for universities over issues like pro-Palestinian protests and diversity programs. The government is seeking a settlement with Harvard, with Trump proposing a $500 million payment.
President Trump plans to focus on promoting global peace at the UNGA by showcasing his administration's efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He boasts of settling seven wars and preventing a nuclear crisis in Iran. Trump also discusses diplomatic efforts with China to end the conflict and a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit.
Kapil Sharma faces a Rs 25 crore notice from producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala for using the character 'Baburao' from his film Hera Pheri without permission in an episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show. The Nadiadwala family owns the trademark and has demanded the removal of all related segments. Fans are uncertain about the show's future.
The last solar eclipse of 2025 on September 21 will be visible in the Southern Hemisphere, with the Moon creating a unique crescent shape. It will not be visible in India and other Northern Hemisphere regions. Protective eyewear is recommended for viewers, and the eclipse will have a magnitude of 0.855 during the Moon's descending node. This holds significance for solar-dominant religions.
President Trump's new executive order imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, causing worry for Indian IT industries. This move is expected to hinder the US economy and benefit India's growth. Ex-NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant predicts a surge of progress in India's top IT sector as the order will push a wave of innovations and patents in Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Gurgaon.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project achieved a breakthrough for a 4.88 km-long tunnel between Shilphata and Ghansoli. The tunnel, part of the 21 km underground stretch, was excavated using the NATM method. The breakthrough now connects the Savali shaft to the tunnel portal at Shilphata, linking it to the viaduct portion of the project.
India warns citizens about fake job offers in Iran, citing recent cases of Indian nationals being lured with promises of employment and then kidnapped by criminal gangs. MEA cautions Indians to be vigilant and not to trust agents promising visa-free entry into Iran for employment purposes. Visa-free entry is only allowed for tourism.
FBI Director Kash Patel's handwritten note, which appears to be a pep-talk to himself, has gone viral on social media. The note was written during a congressional hearing on political violence and Jeffrey Epstein's case files. The note includes lines like "Good fight with Swalwell" and "Rise above the next line of partisan attacks". Social media said that it reflects Patel's "troll mentality".
Renowned Assamese singer, Zubeen Garg, died at 52 after sustaining water adventure injuries in Singapore. He was scheduled to perform at the North East Festival but passed away due to his injuries. The Assam CM stated that Garg was not wearing a life jacket and had removed it, claiming it was too big. An investigation is ongoing, and his body will be kept for the public to bid farewell.
IIM Ahmedabad released its 2025 placement report, showing a 7.9% increase in median salary for PGP students to Rs 34.53 lakh per annum in domestic placements. The maximum salary also saw a staggering 96% growth to Rs 1.1 crore per annum. However, international placements saw a 23% drop in maximum salary, with only 2 students placed compared to 11 last year.
Manish Gupta, the new president and MD of Dell Technologies India, has launched a growth strategy targeting cloud, AI, and data center solutions. He sees India's digital infrastructure and initiatives as key drivers for its emergence as a global tech leader. Dell India's role in global operations and local digital infrastructure makes it a crucial player in India's tech revolution.
President Trump has implemented a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, sparking criticism for its potential harm to small businesses and startups. The fee will be paid by employers and takes effect on September 21, raising concerns about the impact on the US economy. Experts warn of a potential decrease in foreign workers and their impact on the US economy.
Realme P4 Pro is a budget-friendly phone designed for young users. It boasts a smooth display, strong camera system, and smart features, making it ideal for casual gaming and daily use. With a distinct design and long battery life, it also offers a powerful processor, advanced cooling, and AI utilities for versatile use.
The Blaupunkt 65-inch Mini QD Google TV from the Milkyway Series is a budget-friendly option with advanced features such as Dolby Vision, 120Hz refresh rate, and smart home integration. Its bezel-less frame and slim design add to its appeal, while the six-speaker setup provides excellent audio quality.
TCC Concept, a BSE-listed real estate service provider, has announced its plan to acquire omnichannel furniture retailer Pepperfry. The deal is expected to be below Pepperfry's last-known valuation of $367 million, as the company has been struggling to scale and find potential buyers. Pepperfry's revenue dropped by 30.6% in FY24, but TCC aims to use its technology-driven platforms.
Morgan Stanley predicts Adani Power's market share in thermal segment to double to 15% by FY32, with capacity increasing to 41.9 GW. The company has favorable resolutions of regulatory issues and a strong balance sheet. 60-65% of its capital expenditure is expected to be met through internal accruals. Adani's Ebitda is forecasted to reach Rs 67,200 crore by FY33, with a CAGR of 17%. India aims to
Amazon is investing Rs 2,000 crore to expand its network of micro-fulfilment centres in India from 100 to 300 by 2025. These centres will help speed up deliveries of daily essentials and high-demand items, using technology and AI to increase productivity and efficiency.
SAP has launched Sovereign Cloud in India, investing €20 billion in Europe and dedicating teams for initiatives. The Secure Operational Facility at SAP Labs India Innovation Park in Bengaluru will co-create digital solutions. "Viksit Bharat" is the focus, with Meity's additional secretary praising India's talent pool.
Trump signs proclamation for $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, sparks backlash from tech industry. Commerce Secretary defends decision, saying it will only apply to top professionals and has support from major companies. Experts warn of potential harm to US-India trade relations and ability to attract top talent.
Supreme Court to hear Vodafone Idea's plea against Rs 9,450 crore demand from DoT on September 26, with government not opposing the petition. This marks a change in the government's stance, as it now holds a near-50% stake in the company. The court also flagged the issue of finality, with Vodafone Idea's stock surging 12.36% and Bharti Airtel also gaining.
FMCG distributors have requested relief from the Centre for the accumulated cess on soft drinks and cigarettes, now subject to a 40% GST. This has resulted in a large pool of unutilized input tax credit, causing a liquidity squeeze for distributors. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation has called for government intervention.
The Indian stock market is set to receive a large amount of paper worth $70 billion in the next year, mainly from IPOs, institutional placements, and promoter/private equity blocks. This is due to favorable valuations and the potential for further capital raising. Promoters and private equity firms are taking advantage of high stock valuations.
The Trump administration plans to charge a $100,000 yearly fee for H-1B visas, affecting skilled workers from India and China. This is part of a larger immigration crackdown, with supporters citing the need for talent, while critics claim it hurts American workers. This move may also drive away global talent and push companies to outsource work. India is the biggest recipient of H-1B visas.