India

US employers rewrite H-1B hiring playbook amid chaos of Trump immigration policies

Brooklyn Woman Manages Life in NYC on $35,000 Annual Take-Home Pay

A Brooklyn resident named Julia sustains her life in New York City on a post-tax annual income of $35,000. She keeps housing costs manageable by sharing an apartment, paying $1,200 per month in rent. Julia limits her grocery spending to $250 monthly by shopping at budget-friendly stores like Trader Joe's and Aldi. Her commuting expenses are reduced to just $70 per month through the city's Fair Fares OMNY card program. For leisure and fitness, she relies on free apps and low-cost dance classes to stay within her budget.

Assam Begins Final Flood Loss Assessment to Fast-Track Compensation

The Assam government announced it will launch a final assessment of flood-related damages across the state starting Friday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement on Thursday. The assessment is aimed at determining the extent of losses suffered by affected families. Completion of this process will pave the way for eligible residents to receive compensation from the state government.

Jason Arday: How Cambridge's Youngest Black Professor Misled British Academia

Jason Arday, once celebrated as Cambridge University's youngest black professor, has faced serious scrutiny over extraordinary claims he made across multiple interviews. His assertions reportedly went unchallenged for an extended period, passing through numerous institutional and media channels without verification. The case has sparked broader debate about how Cambridge and British academia may have prioritised symbolic representation over rigorous fact-checking. Commentators suggest that a cultural climate shaped by imperial guilt and performative inclusion created conditions where such claims went unquestioned. The episode is now being examined as a reflection of deeper systemic issues within modern British institutional culture.

Mizoram CM makes big claim on foreign funding Bill, drops August 12 hint

Assam STF Busts Rs 33 Crore Multi-State GST Fraud Network, 12 Held

Assam's Special Task Force has dismantled a multi-state GST fraud network allegedly worth Rs 33 crore, resulting in 12 arrests. The alleged mastermind, Vinit Kumar Poddar, was apprehended from Kolkata on Wednesday night during a targeted STF operation. The network spanned multiple states, indicating a wide-reaching and organised tax evasion scheme. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full extent of the fraudulent activities.

Toxic Industrial Metals Found in Road Dust Near US Schools and Parks

Road dust in seven eastern US cities contains toxic metals and pesticides tied to decades of historical industrial activity. The contaminants persist in the environment and pose ongoing health risks through regular exposure to dust. Children are considered especially vulnerable due to their smaller size and behaviors that increase contact with contaminated surfaces. Northeastern cities show the highest concentrations, reflecting the region's long industrial history. Experts say identifying these persistent pollutants is essential for developing effective public health responses in affected communities.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon completes first spacewalk at ISS

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon completed his first-ever spacewalk outside the International Space Station. He was accompanied by fellow astronaut Jessica Meir during the extravehicular activity. The primary objective of the spacewalk was to upgrade the ISS power system to ensure a reliable energy supply for future missions. Menon's achievement highlights the growing contribution of Indian-origin scientists to international space exploration.

AIFF mulls skipping FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritize India vs Brazil friendly

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is considering withdrawing from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup or sending a second-string squad to the tournament. The move is being weighed to prioritize a high-profile friendly match against Brazil scheduled for October 3. A majority of AIFF Executive Committee members appear to favor the Brazil clash over the regional tournament. However, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has urged the federation to participate in the ASEAN Cup, citing its sporting and financial value to Indian football.

Can talks break the deadlock? Jharkhand student leaders, Soren government to meet today

India Slashes Unlawful Online Content Removal Window from 36 to 3 Hours

The Indian government has significantly tightened its digital content regulation by reducing the deadline for removing unlawful online content from 36 hours to just 3 hours. This marks a major shift in how quickly platforms must respond to takedown directives from authorities. Additionally, the government has introduced mandatory labelling for AI-generated content, bringing deepfakes under formal regulatory oversight for the first time. The move aims to curb the rapid spread of harmful and misleading content across digital platforms. These updated rules signal India's intent to hold social media and tech platforms to stricter accountability standards.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Enabling Charges on UPI and Digital Payment Transactions

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill that would allow service charges to be levied on UPI and other digital payment transactions. Until now, UPI transactions had been exempt from such fees, unlike real-time payment methods like RTGS and NEFT, which already carry service charges. The new legislation marks a significant policy shift in how digital payments may be treated in India. This move could affect millions of users who rely on UPI for everyday cashless transactions.

Ex-cricketer questions Auqib Nabi's selection as Bumrah replacement in Test squad

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has been named in India's Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka series as a replacement for injured fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. His selection was backed by strong domestic performances, including 104 wickets across two standout Ranji Trophy seasons. Nabi made history by becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve this milestone. However, a former cricketer has raised doubts about whether Nabi was the right choice to fill Bumrah's spot in the squad.

'We are not enemies': Rijiju meets Rahul again to break Parliament logjam

Phillip Island's native habitat rebounds decades after rabbit eradication

Phillip Island in Australia has experienced a significant ecological recovery following the removal of invasive rabbits in 1986. Native plant life has made a strong comeback across the island since the pest eradication effort. The island now supports thriving colonies of migratory seabirds, providing a safe breeding ground for thousands of birds each year. Restoration work continues to protect native wildlife and stabilise fragile soil ecosystems. The island has also become a vital refuge for reptile species that have disappeared from other parts of the region.

Bangladesh Schedules Presidential Election for August 20 After Shahabuddin's Departure

Bangladesh has set August 20 as the date for its upcoming presidential election, following the exit of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The Election Commission is responsible for overseeing and conducting the electoral process for the head of state. As per the country's constitutional framework, members of parliament cast votes to elect the president. The announcement comes as the nation moves to fill the presidential vacancy left by Shahabuddin's departure.

Cabinet Approves Rs 23,731 Crore GOBARdhan Scheme to Develop Biogas Sector

The Indian government has approved a Rs 23,731 crore scheme under the GOBARdhan initiative aimed at strengthening the country's biogas sector. The scheme introduces a dedicated 'CBG Offtake Assurance' framework designed to guarantee a stable and predictable market for compressed biogas producers. This move is expected to provide greater financial security to producers by ensuring consistent demand for their output. The initiative also aims to empower farmers by creating new income opportunities through the conversion of agricultural and organic waste into biogas.

Jharkhand Students Form 11-Member Team to Negotiate With State Government

Students in Jharkhand have formed an 11-member delegation to engage in talks with the state government. The team comprises eight students, one lawyer, and two technical experts. The inclusion of legal and technical professionals suggests the discussions may involve complex or specialized issues. The delegation appears aimed at presenting a structured and informed case to government authorities.

Mizoram CM flags FCRA Bill concerns; says Amit Shah promised ‘retrospective clause will go’

India-Meta Talks Focus on Algorithm Transparency and Content Moderation Compliance

Meta's international team is engaged in active discussions with Indian government officials to ensure the platform's compliance with local laws. Authorities have sought detailed information on Meta's algorithms and its preventive mechanisms against harmful content. The talks also cover WhatsApp policies and measures to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A formal meeting between IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Meta's global representatives is anticipated later in the day.