The H-1B visa program has sparked controversy in 2025 as Americans accuse Indian workers of taking their jobs, while Indian-Americans are frustrated with the behavior of their fellow countrymen in the US. The debate has escalated on social media, with calls for visa restrictions and defense of Indian immigrants. Immigration and cultural integration continue to be divisive issues.
The government has launched the Employees' Enrolment Scheme 2025 to promote voluntary compliance and extend social security coverage to all eligible employees. The scheme provides a special window for employers to enroll eligible employees who were left out from EPF coverage between July 2017 and October 2025. The window will remain open for six months.
India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has a chance to make history like Kapil Dev's 1983 team. Jemimah Rodrigues' standout performance in the semifinal has brought attention to the team. The packed stadium reflects the rising popularity of women's cricket in India. Despite facing challenges, the team has bounced back and is now a force to be reckoned with.
Indian homegrown brands are making waves in the liquor market by offering unique and authentic alcoholic beverages, catering to well-travelled and experimental consumers. From limoncello to agave spirits, these brands are expanding into new markets with a focus on local ingredients and premium experiences, disrupting the industry and tapping into the trend of premiumization.
Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127 against Australia not only secured India's win, but also catapulted her brand endorsement journey. Experts forecast a 100% increase in her endorsement value, with potential deals worth Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Despite a reach gap with male cricketers, her comeback, fan connection, and performance make her a promising face in women's sports. Authenticity is her key.
India and the US are close to finalizing a deal that would see India's tariffs on US goods decrease to 10-15%. The US is also pushing for India to reduce its oil imports from Russia and open up its markets for American products. However, India must also protect its interests by enforcing strict segregation for genetically modified corn imports and sequencing its approach to US engagement.
Indian carmakers saw a surge in domestic sales in October, with a 17% year-on-year jump, thanks to Diwali demand and lower GST rates. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra all saw significant growth, while Hyundai was the only brand to record a decline due to the phasing out of a model. The upcoming launch of the new Venue is expected to further boost sales.
"Map of Memories" delves into the power of memory and how it shapes individuals and society. Through personal experiences in Mumbai, Kumar reflects on the impact of political, social, and cultural changes and the struggle to hold onto memories. Employing literary techniques, he invites readers to connect with their own emotions and experiences.
"Unseen" is a compelling biography of Zomato's founder, Mohit Hira, that delves into his personal and professional journey. It highlights his childhood trauma, parental influence, and entrepreneurial challenges, while also exploring the emotional struggles and leadership hurdles faced by Deepinder.
Urban Company, a home-services platform, reported a net loss of Rs 59.3 crore in Q3 due to investments in its new Insta Help vertical. Despite this, the company's revenue grew by 37% to Rs 380 crore, with positive Ebitda in its India consumer services segment. Its product vertical, Native, also saw a rise in revenue. Insta Help, offering daily cleaning services, played a key role in this growth.
GST collections in October reached Rs 1.96 lakh crore, showing a 4.6% year-on-year growth despite rate cuts for 380 items. The increase in collections is attributed to the festive season and a jump in consumption of durables and cars. Refunds surged by 40%, indicating the utilization of input tax credit post the tax cuts. Analysts predict a more robust growth in the next month's data.
Pine Labs, a top fintech company, has filed its RHP for an IPO with Sebi. The public issue will include a fresh equity issuance of Rs 2,080 crore and an offer for sale of 82.34 million shares. The company has reduced the issue size and plans to use the funds for debt repayment, technology investments, and global growth.
Office workers often experience neck and shoulder stiffness due to poor posture, stress, lack of movement, and dehydration. This can result in chronic pain and tension headaches. Sleeping with the neck in an unnatural position can also contribute to stiffness. The best sleeping posture is on the back or side with a supportive pillow and mattress.
Teenage burnout is a pressing concern as 70% of students suffer from anxiety and depression. This has resulted in a rise in student suicides, with India contributing to 10% of global cases. The pressure to succeed academically, societal and digital influences are negatively impacting teenagers' mental and physical health. Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, mood swings, and isolation.
OpenAI has introduced Chats for Students in India, featuring 50 sample conversations on topics like exam revision and coding, to demonstrate the use of ChatGPT for coursework and job readiness. Indian hospital chain Narayana Health has created a 97% accurate AI-powered heart disease predictor. MapmyIndia plans to team up with US-based Perplexity AI to improve their services.
The recent AWS server crash had a ripple effect, affecting thousands of businesses worldwide. This incident emphasized the vulnerability of the 'Cloud' and the importance of uninterrupted services. Experts advise using multiple platforms and a multicloud approach, along with failsafes and alternative server options such as sovereign and co-location providers to prevent future disruptions.
Iceland, known for its rugged landscape and cold weather, was considered mosquito-free until this year when three were discovered near Reykjavík. While the species found is not known to transmit major human diseases, its presence highlights the impact of climate change on the Arctic and subarctic regions. Rising temperatures are transforming ecosystems at an unprecedented rate.
Zepto, a fast commerce platform in India's 10-minute delivery market, is now the most competitively priced player by eliminating handling fees, surge charges, and delivery fees for orders above Rs 99. For orders below Rs 99, a delivery fee of Rs 30 will be charged, without any additional small cart fee.
Kirrikin, a powerful indigenous Australian fashion label, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. With a focus on storytelling and social responsibility, the brand has gained global recognition and collaborated with Indian artisans for their unique designs. Founder Amanda Healy reflects on the brand's growth, its impact on indigenous culture, and future plans to empower remote communities.
Human actions and climate change have caused a significant change in bird sightings. This decline could have major consequences as birds are essential to ecosystems. India has a diverse range of bird species, but monoculture plantations, pollution, and urbanization are impacting their populations. While efforts are being made to protect endangered birds, more action is needed to save biodiversity.
Human-wildlife conflicts in India are increasing due to urbanization and deforestation, causing wild animals to venture into cities and creating fear among residents. Government and conservation efforts are being made to protect habitats, but the issue is largely man-made. Education, awareness, and plantation programs have shown success in promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.
Netflix will release "Death by Lightning," a historical drama series based on the true story of President James Garfield and his assassin. Nuremberg Theatres will release "Nuremberg," a film about a psychiatrist tasked with evaluating a Nazi leader's mental state. "Frankenstein," directed by Guillermo del Toro, will also be released on Netflix, telling the classic tale of a scientist.
CDSL reported a 13.6% profit decline in Q2 FY26, with a consolidated net profit of Rs 139.93 crore. This is a decrease from last fiscal year's net profit of Rs 161.95 crore. Additionally, the company's consolidated revenue from operations also dropped by 1.05%. However, over 65 lakh new demat accounts were opened in Q2 FY26, bringing the total to over 16.51 crore.
Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has predicted a massive market crash that will wipe out millions. He advocated investing in silver, gold, Bitcoin, and Ethereum to sail through the storm. Kiyosaki also urged people to invest in real assets, adding that savers are losers.
Zoho's Sridhar Vembu has been facing backlash for questioning HPV vaccine administration to young girls. Author Devina Mehra has called out his "anti-vaccine tirade" and criticised him for sharing views on a subject he has no expertise in. Vembu stands by his belief that very young girls should not be administered the HPV vaccine.
A man in Gujarat got the surprise of his life when a normal cleaning day turned into a discovery worth crores. While clearing out his late grandfather’s house, he found old share certificates that turned out to be worth around ₹2.5 crore, according to an NDTV report. But the lucky find soon led to a family fight that has now reached the Gujarat High Court.
JK Cement records 16.97% profit growth in Q2 FY26, with consolidated profit at Rs 159.25 crore. Revenue also increases by 17.93%, reaching Rs 3,019 crore in Q2 FY26. Last fiscal year, consolidated profit was Rs 136.15 crore and revenue was Rs 2,560 crore in the same quarter.
Karnataka government announces Rajyotsava Awards 2025 to honor 70 eminent personalities from diverse fields, including actor Prakash Raj and former Indian hockey captain Ashish Ballal. Each awardee will receive Rs 5 lakh and a 25 gram gold medal. Kannada Rajyotsava, celebrated on November 1, marks the unification of the Kannada-speaking region in 1956.
Techie-turned-entrepreneur Pradeep Kannan shares his inspiring journey of building a global D2C ice-cream brand from scratch. Despite facing criticism and doubts from society, which believed he was "settled", he left his high-paying job at Oracle to pursue his dream. In just six years, his brand, The Falooda Shop, has expanded to over 18 outlets in India and Dubai.
Nearly a month into the US government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are still on furlough. Their paychecks are on hold, and many are now looking for new ways to make ends meet. Among them is Isaac Stein, a Washington, DC-based attorney working for the Internal Revenue Service.
Shadowfax Technologies, a top logistics provider, has submitted updated papers to Sebi for an IPO to raise Rs 2,000 crore. The IPO includes a fresh issue of Rs 1,000 crore and an offer for sale of Rs 1,000 crore by current shareholders. Funds will be used for network expansion, lease payments, branding, and acquisitions. Key investors include Flipkart, TPG, and Nokia Growth Funds.
Halloween 2025 was a star-studded affair at the Ambani residence, with Bollywood's elite dressed in iconic costumes. Nita Mukesh Ambani stole the show as Audrey Hepburn, while Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt also turned heads with their creative outfits. The event also saw directors and producers dressed as popular characters from movies and TV shows, making it a night to remember.
Baahubali: The Epic, a re-release of the epic saga by SS Rajamouli, has created history at the box office. With a massive opening day collection of over Rs 10 crore in India and an overwhelming response from international markets, the four-hour master cut has left fans amazed. The film, starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, and others, continues to be a cult-favourite.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the celebrated Bollywood actress, turns 52 today. With a strong presence in the fashion and film industry, she has won a National Award and owns a luxurious villa in Dubai with her husband Abhishek Bachchan. Despite facing rumors, the couple remains strong and private.
US President Donald Trump is facing vehement calls to roll back a newly imposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants. PTI reported that a group of US lawmakers has urged the POTUS to withdraw his recent proclamations --- warning that the aggressive immigration crackdown could hurt America’s technological advancement and further strain relations with India.
Startup founder Pradeep Sharma's LinkedIn post sparked a debate on social media as he questioned the double standard in how Western and Indian traditions are perceived. He argued that while Western spirit-related traditions are seen as "education and fun", Indian ones are dismissed as "superstition".
Tamil Nadu government reduces eligibility age for home delivery of essential commodities under PDS from 70 to 65 years. Deliveries to be made on the first weekend of every month starting November. Revised schedule aims to improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery to elderly and differently-abled cardholders. Database to be updated to include more beneficiaries.
"GST department introduces 3-day registration scheme for small and medium businesses with low-risk and output tax liability not exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh per month. Finance minister expects 96% of new applicants to benefit and directs CBIC to set up dedicated help desk for GST registration."
The impossible $100 billion threshold is no longer the gantry to the world's fascinating class of super wealthy. The emergence of artificial intelligence has redefined ultra-rich status, making $200 billion the new benchmark.
Sridhar Vembu doubts the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine for young girls and expressed concerns about adverse reactions after female students, who were administered the vaccine, fainted in Bihar. While some criticised his views, others argued that billionaires may not have expertise in all matters. CDC recommends the vaccine for children between 11-12 years.
Former Sabarimala executive officer arrested for concealing gold-plating of Dwarapalaka idols in official documents. He is the third person arrested in the case, following the prime accused and a former administrative officer. The SIT is also interrogating a close aide of the prime accused and investigating two related cases of missing gold from the temple.
Congress has announced a major reshuffle in its Delhi unit, appointing new District Presidents, senior observers, and ward in-charges for the upcoming MCD by-elections. The aim is to strengthen the party's district-level leadership and grassroots presence in the national capital. The list includes names for 12 wards, indicating a structured approach for the local electoral exercise.
India calls on Pakistan to end human rights abuses in illegally occupied Kashmir and dismisses Islamabad's accusations as hypocritical. Indian diplomat Bhavika Managalanandan highlights the people's participation in elections as proof of India's democracy, rejecting Pakistan's attempts to denigrate India. India reaffirms its commitment to human rights and cites the Gandhian legacy.
Lucknow, famous for its Awadhi cuisine, was named the 'Creative City of Gastronomy' by UNESCO. It is only the second Indian city, after Hyderabad, to receive this honor. The city's food is a fusion of Persian, Indic, and Muslim influences and is supported by a strong community of chefs, traditional markets, and local food industries.
The FDA has restricted the sales of fluoride-based drugs for children under 3 due to potential risks such as fluorosis and effects on neurocognitive, thyroid, and gut health. These drugs, commonly available off the shelf, are prescribed as supplements to prevent tooth decay but the American Dental Association disputes the FDA's claims, citing increased cavities in communities.
President Trump has declared Nigeria a "country of particular concern" due to the threat to Christianity. He has urged lawmakers to investigate the violence between Muslim and Christian communities, blaming radical Islamists. The White House and global leaders have expressed concern and called for action by the Nigerian government. US support has been promised to the Christian community.
President Trump announced the U.S. will resume nuclear testing, but did not clarify if it would include underground tests. The move is seen as a message to China and Russia in light of renewed nuclear competition. The Pentagon supports the decision as a responsible way to maintain nuclear deterrence. No nuclear power has conducted explosive testing in over 25 years.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has taken strong exception to US Vice President JD Vance’s recent remarks about his wife, Usha Vance, her Hindu background, and the possibility of her converting to Christianity. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the group asked Vance why, if his wife had inspired him to reconnect with his Christian faith, he hadn’t shown the same curiosity toward Hinduism.
Markets had an interesting week with Nifty breaching 26,000 for the first time in 2025. FIIs were net buyers of over Rs 10,000 crore but also sold in the next two sessions. FinancialExpress.com covered top 10 brokerage reports, including Buy ratings on SBI Life Insurance, Tata Steel, L&T, Hyundai Motors, Federal Bank, and Dr Reddy's
A resident of Pune has lost Rs 11 lakh in a scam after responding to an online ad offering Rs 25 lakh for impregnating a woman. The victim transferred money for fees before realising it was a fraud. Police are investigating the case and have warned citizens to be careful of such suspicious offers.
The Indian Navy is closely monitoring foreign powers in the Indian Ocean with 40-50 ships at all times. They are prepared for any situation and track all foreign vessels entering or exiting the region. Challenges of piracy, human trafficking, and drug trafficking are a concern. 19 vessels will be inducted next year and 13 the year after.