H-1B 2026 hiring data: Top Wall Street banks cut tech visa hiring while others buck trend

H-1B visa filings from major Wall Street firms have gone down after the Trump administration introduced tougher rules and higher costs for work visas

Motilal Oswal remains optimistic about select stocks in various sectors, with a 'Buy' rating and target prices for ACME Solar Holdings, Kalyan Jewellers India, and V-Mart Retail. These companies have strong expansion plans, improving profitability, and a healthy demand outlook, making them attractive investments. ACME Solar Holdings is a key player in renewable energy, adding to its appeal.

Kristina Martinelli never saw it coming. At 55, after decades of climbing the corporate ladder in technology and finance, she was suddenly let go from her role as a portfolio manager executive at a Midwest bank.

Korean entertainment industry is gearing up for the 24th Director's Cut Awards, just days after the successful 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards. Multi-talented singer-actor Park Ji Hoon received multiple nominations, including for Best Actor and Best New Actor, following his recent wins at Baeksang.

Chinese Consulate in Kolkata warns against illegal Indian entry, emphasizing the need for a valid visa and written permission from Indian authorities. The recent case of a Chinese national detained at the India-Nepal border highlights the risks of accidentally crossing into Indian territory. Overstaying a valid visa could result in severe legal consequences.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Instagram post with Tamil Nadu CM Vijay was blocked citing MEITy guidelines. Gandhi accuses the Centre of suppressing his social media accounts, but MEITy denies involvement and says it was due to Instagram's moderation system. Meanwhile, Vijay takes oath as Tamil Nadu CM, vowing to serve the people and thanking his young supporters.

For over a century, the word "coolie" was the verbal ghost that haunted the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean, a slur born in the sugar cane trenches to remind indentured labourers they were property, not people.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 95 per US dollar, dropping by 0.56% due to increasing crude oil prices and a stronger dollar. Tensions between Iran and the US added to market uncertainty, with President Trump rejecting Iran's peace proposal. The domestic equity market also saw a significant decline, while India's forex reserves and rupee value continued to decrease.

Indian Railways has introduced a new bi-weekly summer special express train from Barmer to Haridwar, running for 40 trips and offering direct connectivity for pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters. This will provide a convenient and affordable option for travelers during the peak summer season and alleviate the burden on regular trains.

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna defended his decision to appear on conservative media after US President Donald Trump launched a series of angry social media posts attacking both Khanna and Fox News. 

The Indian stock market saw a significant decline today, with the Sensex and Nifty falling over 1.3%. This was due to various factors such as rising crude oil prices, West Asia conflict, concerns over India's import bill, and PM Modi's comments on fuel and spending. All sectors were affected, and analysts warn of economic pressure and the impact on heavyweights.

The Trump administration is discussing suspending the federal gas tax in response to rising tensions with Iran. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is open to all solutions to address the increasing gas prices, which have risen by 50%. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, causing uncertainty about future gas prices. Trump may also resume his "Project Freedom" to weaken Iran's control.

Indian Railways has launched a bi-weekly special train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai to alleviate the struggles of commuters due to limited train services, overcrowding, and waiting lists. The train will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays from Bengaluru and Sundays and Wednesdays from Mumbai, passing through major cities and junctions.

Tata Consumer Products reported strong quarterly earnings for Q4 FY26, despite the impact of El Niño on the rural economy. Nuvama Institutional Equities remains cautious and lowered the target price due to potential risks for rural consumption in the second half of FY27. However, the company's India business showed robust growth in volumes and revenue across different segments.

Swiggy's food delivery and quick commerce businesses have shown positive trends, with improving profitability and narrowing losses. Nuvama brokerage has a 'Buy' rating on the stock and a revised target price of Rs 477, indicating a potential upside of 70%.

A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Kathmandu faced a major scare when one of its tyres exploded upon landing, triggering a fire near the wheel section. All 278 passengers and 11 crew members were safely evacuated using emergency slides, as captured in videos shared on social media. The cause of the tyre explosion is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.

Indian-origin scientist Jay Bhattacharya has urged people not to panic over the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship near Spain’s Canary Islands, saying the situation is very different from the Covid-19 pandemic and is unlikely to turn into a major global health crisis. 

Titan Company, supported by Tata Group, has announced robust Q4 earnings and received an ‘Overweight’ rating from JP Morgan. Despite expensive gold prices, Titan’s jewellery division maintains a strong market position and customer appeal, proving to be a competitive advantage.

US journalists discuss NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's "Tax the Rich" proposal and the growing anti-billionaire sentiment in America. The debate gained attention for references to figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, with polls showing majority support for taxing the rich. The recent Met Gala also sparked controversy, with calls for a boycott due to Bezos' involvement.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s latest response to a US-backed peace proposal aimed at stopping the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The reaction came just hours after Iran sent its counteroffer through Pakistani mediators.

India's IT industry has a strong global position in delivering customized software solutions, with projected revenue of $300 billion by FY26. However, concerns about technological disruption and the rise of AI raise questions about the country's role in the global technology ecosystem.

Nestle India's March 2026 quarter results saw a rise in net profit and revenue, driven by Nescafé's double-digit growth in value and volume. This was due to lower coffee prices and the rise of coffee chains and ready-to-drink formats. The brand's rural expansion and focus on premiumization also played a role, but rising input costs may lead to price adjustments for its products, including Nescafé.

The BMW M440i Convertible is a practical 'family supercar' with four seats, ample luggage space, and impressive speed. It may not be as flashy as a Lamborghini, but it still turns heads. The spacious and practical cabin makes it suitable for a couple with kids. With a 374 hp engine, it can go from 0-100 km/h in just over 5 seconds and has a comfortable suspension for city driving.

Maruti Suzuki, India's top carmaker, will debut in the three-row EV market with its new YMC electric MPV. The company aims to maintain its lead in the people-mover segment by entering the EV space. The YMC, launching in 2026, will share components with the eVitara and focus on family buyers before expanding to fleet use. Rivals like BY are also vying for the three-row EV market.

India's thermal power capacity addition in FY26 fell short at 73% due to delays in equipment supplies and land acquisition, despite peak electricity demand and reliance on coal-based generation. With only 29% of planned additions completed in FY25 and an estimated 6 GW to be added in FY27, the gap between rising demand and slower thermal capacity addition is a major concern.

The introduction of commodity bourses on an experimental basis in FY25 has led to a rise in sales of farm goods by FPOs. In FY26, over 100 FPOs have sold agricultural commodities worth Rs 700 crore on the NCDEX platform. This has formalized agricultural trade and expanded selling options for farmers beyond traditional mandis.

MI and RCB are set to clash in a crucial match, with other teams hoping for a Mumbai win. RCB holds the key to the final playoff spot and a loss would benefit the league. A win for RCB would secure their place, but a loss would create a four-way tie at 12 points.

The government is under pressure due to rising expenses and low revenue growth. To tackle this, the Income Tax Department has instructed officers to boost tax recovery, monitor non-compliant taxpayers, and manage demands better. Special teams will focus on top arrear cases and analyze tax trends.

India and Oman will be discussing remaining issues and setting a date for their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to take effect. Chile's Minister of Foreign Affairs will also be in New Delhi to discuss trade and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides are actively working on concluding negotiations, with a focus on critical minerals.

SIP contribution in February hits record high at Rs 32,087 crore, but growth in number of accounts slows down for second year. Direct investments decline and 4.28 million SIP accounts mature/close/pause. Assets per SIP account increase, showing committed investors. Decline in accounts reflects market cycle psychology as new investors are cautious due to increased uncertainty.

CSK must win against LSG in their must-win match to secure a spot in the top four of IPL 2026. LSG, led by breakout star Prince Yadav, have been a formidable team and could potentially spoil CSK's chances. CSK needs to win three of their remaining four matches to secure a playoff spot.

PM Modi's diplomatic tour to UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy aims to strengthen energy security, economic partnerships, and strategic ties amidst global uncertainty. The UAE visit will prioritize safeguarding energy supplies and strengthening ties.

Indian-born transgender immigrant Q Manivannan made history by becoming the first non-binary person to be elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the pro-independence Scottish Greens. However, their success was met with controversy due to their immigration status and previous social media history. The relaxation of rules allowed them to qualify as a candidate.

On May 10, Tamil Nadu witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of its 13th Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as "Thalapathy." In his debut speech, Vijay emphasized his humble origins and promised to fulfill his pre-election pledges. He also thanked the public for their love and support, especially the younger generation who call him "Vijay Mama."

Sridhar Vembu, CEO and founder of Zoho Corporation, criticized Tamil Nadu politics for demonizing the BJP and called for a focus on grassroots development rather than alliances with suppressive parties. He also praised BJP's alliances in other states and advocated for nurturing passionate youth leadership to revive the party in Tamil Nadu.

Indian-origin family loses sole earning member to heart attack in US, leaving behind wife and two children. Sunil Kumar Gundrai, a dedicated IT professional, worked tirelessly to build a better life for his family. GoFundMe campaign launched by NATS to support grieving family with a donations cap of $200,000. Currently at $60,000.

C Joseph Vijay, leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, will be sworn in as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister today. His party, along with key allies, has formed a coalition after winning a record 108 seats in the recent elections. Vijay is expected to prove his majority by May 13 and bring a major political shift in the state.

Hyundai is expanding its SUV portfolio in India with two new models set to launch this year. One will be a mid-size SUV positioned alongside the popular Creta, while the other will be a four-metre long electric SUV. The company aims to regain market share and attract buyers with aggressive pricing and high localisation levels.

The Venice Biennale, known as the 'Olympics of the art world', opened amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and controversy over the participation of Israel and Russia. Instead of a jury, visitors will vote for the best national pavilion and curated show, with winners announced on the closing day.

India's floral tourism is growing, with hotspots like Jammu & Kashmir's Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Meghalaya's cherry blossom festival, and Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers National Park attracting many visitors. Ladakh and Kerala are also developing their own flower-themed attractions.

Sheikh Mansour's ownership of Manchester City has brought immense success to the club, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. However, as the Abu Dhabi-backed project faces scrutiny beyond football and finance, questions arise about geopolitics, international regulation, and the role of sovereign wealth ownership in global sport.

Tata Motors is currently the leader in the electric car industry, but Mahindra is quickly closing the gap with the launch of new EV models. The difference in sales between the two companies has decreased to just 1,000 units from 18,000 in 2025. The competition is intensifying with new players like Maruti Suzuki, Vinfast, and Toyota, and upcoming EVs from Hyundai and Kia.

India is experiencing extreme heatwaves, with 95 cities among the hottest in the world. The health ministry has issued guidelines for state governments to monitor heat-related illnesses. High-risk groups include the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic diseases. Prevention measures include staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat hours, and wearing light clothing.

Summer brings an increase in stomach infections, with contaminated food and water being the main cause. Proper hygiene and safe food practices are key to prevention, along with staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet. Probiotics can help restore gut health, but should be used as advised and not self-prescribed.

India's para athletes have shown remarkable determination and transformed their disabilities into success at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, winning 22 medals, including 6 gold. This was followed by a record-breaking performance at the 2024 Paris, solidifying India's position in the global para sports arena.

Vinesh Phogat, the richest wrestler in Indian sport, has overcome various obstacles in her career, including an Olympic disappointment and a political venture. However, the Wrestling Federation of India has barred her from participating in the Asian Games, disregarding her success, endorsements, and popularity. Vinesh's comeback ambition appears to be diminishing.

Indian teenagers have widespread access to smartphones and the internet, causing worries about their digital involvement and mental wellbeing. Countries like Australia, France, and South Korea are considering or enforcing social media bans for children under 16, while India's Karnataka state plans to do the same.

OpenAI has added AI pets to its Codex coding tool to make technology more approachable and less intimidating. While this shift reflects the trend of technology becoming more playful and emotional, it also raises concerns about commercialization and emotional attachment to highly powerful AI systems. The demand for software that feels like a friend is on the rise.

Cities worldwide are taking bold steps to combat climate change, with Amsterdam leading the way by banning advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products. This move aims to promote sustainable practices and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Other cities are also implementing similar bans and redesigning infrastructure to adapt to a warming planet.

Fashion is evolving beyond just style to include functionality, with brands like Harfun and Wacoal using advanced technologies and smart materials to create performance-driven and comfortable garments. The demand for functional fashion is increasing in India, as professionals seek versatile clothing for work and home.

The Lucknow Metro project's East-West Corridor (Line 2) will bring a major transformation in urban transport with fully driverless metro trains. Equipped with advanced technologies like UTO, CBTC, and AI-based predictive maintenance, the 11.165 km long corridor will have 12 stations and is expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel time.