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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apple's new iPhone 17 series has received a strong response with pre-bookings surpassing last year's iPhone 16 launch. Analysts predict shipments of over 5 million units in the July-September quarter, with the iPhone 17 series contributing 15-20% of sales. The festive season and supply shortages have led to long queues and record sales in India.
The CAG of India, K Sanjay Murthy, stressed the importance of enhancing audit quality of Urban Local Governments (ULGs) to drive the country's GDP growth. Special attention will be given to 100 cities with a population of over 0.5 million, as they contribute over 50% of the GDP. Although the government has introduced an Urban Challenge Fund, issues like pollution, traffic.
Chouhan urges farm equipment makers to pass on GST cuts to farmers starting September 22, resulting in 7-13% price reduction. He stresses the importance of reducing middlemen and ensuring direct benefits to farmers to boost farm mechanization and lower input costs. The move is expected to make farm machinery more affordable and increase financial benefits for farmers.
Sebi plans to introduce corporate bond indices to boost derivative trading, as stated by Ananth Narayan at an ASSOCHAM event. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts, Narayan stressed the importance of diversifying instruments to cater to investors' risk appetite.
Japan's Rating and Investment Information upgraded India's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'BBB+' from 'BBB', citing its strong economy, demographic dividend, domestic demand, and sound government policies. This is the third upgrade this year, reflecting increasing recognition for India's robust macroeconomic fundamentals and prudent fiscal management.
Prism, parent company of Oyo, has launched CheckIn, a collection of 1,300+ premium value hotels in India. The brand caters to growing middle-class with trained staff, breakfast, clean rooms, amenities, and in-room entertainment. It brings together Oyo's brands under one umbrella, with professional management for consistent service.
Godrej Enterprises Group's appliances business aims for a 40% sales surge this festive season, thanks to GST cuts, wider distribution, and strong product offerings. The lowered GST rates on ACs, TVs, and dishwashers will drive sales, particularly among budget-conscious buyers who have been hesitant to spend amid economic uncertainties.
The government's eCourts project Phase III has been hindered by challenges and delays, resulting in a massive backlog of over 53 million cases. The project aims to digitize documents and establish virtual courts and eSewa Kendras, but obstacles like procedural matters, the digital divide, and interoperability need to be overcome for its success.
Srinivas Phatak, Unilever's new CFO, is the second Indian to join the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE). India's contribution to Unilever's revenue is over 12%, making it a key market for the company. Phatak's financial skills will be put to the test as he navigates future challenges and growth, partnering with CEO Fernando Fernandez.
Sebi's new related party transactions framework brings a scale-based approach, with stricter rules for smaller companies and raised thresholds for larger ones. This aims to improve governance and empower auditors to use professional judgement, increasing transparency and trust for investors.
Filing income tax returns can be overwhelming, and even the most careful taxpayers can make errors. Luckily, the law allows for corrections through revised, rectification, and updated returns, providing a safety net for taxpayers to fix mistakes caused by oversight or system errors. It is crucial to identify errors early and take immediate action to avoid penalties.
Infosys shareholders may face higher tax if they participate in the buyback offer, as the buyback price of Rs 1,800 is at a premium of 16.6%. Short-term investors may find it attractive, but experts recommend long-term investors to sell on the exchange and pay capital gains tax for greater benefits. The decision should consider tax arbitrage for maximum net gains.
Transferring savings to your spouse as a gift in the 30% tax bracket will result in the income being taxed in your hands. However, gifts from specified relatives, including a spouse, are exempt from tax. For property purchases over Rs 50 lakh, 1% TDS is deducted, excluding GST. Selling gifted jewellery for land will attract capital gains tax, but exemption can be claimed.
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a stylish and functional midsize SUV with a bold design and a luxurious interior. It comes in CNG, petrol, and strong hybrid options, with the hybrid providing excellent fuel efficiency. While it may not have the most powerful engine, it offers good value for money and is a great choice for those seeking a fashionable and eco-friendly SUV.
At IAA Mobility, HERE Technologies and AWS launched the SDV Accelerator, a platform that combines cloud and AI capabilities to speed up the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This allows automakers to start writing and testing software earlier, reducing costs and time. The platform also simplifies procurement by offering a curated catalogue of solutions.