India

US Labor Dept Investigates H-1B Visa Program, Warns of Major Overhaul

The US Department of Labor's Inspector General, Anthony D'Esposito, has launched a formal investigation into the H-1B visa program. The probe is centered on alleged fraud involving foreign labor under the program. D'Esposito suggested the program could undergo significant changes within a year. Separately, authorities are also scrutinizing universities accused of misusing J-1 visas. These actions are part of a broader federal crackdown on foreign visa programs.

Hyderabad Shuts 11 Restaurants Over Severe Food Safety Violations

Food safety authorities in Hyderabad have shut down 11 restaurants and suspended their licences following a crackdown on hygiene violations. Inspections revealed serious issues including cockroach and rodent infestations, rat faeces, and fungal contamination at the affected establishments. Officials also found expired and spoilt food, poor refrigeration, and improperly labelled products. Unhygienic kitchen conditions and drainage problems were among the additional violations cited by inspectors.

LPU Suspends Classes for 10 Days After Rape Allegations Spark Student Unrest

Protests broke out at Lovely Professional University in Punjab after students alleged that a rape had occurred on campus. Demonstrators vandalized property and clashed with police, leaving several people injured and vehicles damaged. The university responded by suspending all classes for ten days and urging students to remain inside their accommodations. Authorities have launched a formal police investigation into the alleged incident. The university, however, dismissed the claims as unfounded rumors.

Anushka Sharma shares parenting insight after daughter self-limits ice cream at museum

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma recently visited an ice cream museum with her daughter Vamika, allowing her to eat freely without strict restrictions. Notably, Vamika chose not to overindulge despite having no imposed food rules. Anushka reflected on the experience, emphasizing that open conversations about food choices are more effective than rigid restrictions. She noted that discussing nutrition in an engaging way helps children develop healthier eating habits on their own.

Anupam Mittal builds AI content system, rates Grok faster and cheaper than Claude

Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal recently built an automated content system using AI tools over a weekend, despite having no prior coding experience. He initially used Anthropic's Claude but later switched to Elon Musk's Grok, citing its superior speed and lower cost. Mittal noted that the AI-powered setup functions like a team of eight individually named employees. He expressed surprise at how quickly AI has begun integrating into everyday work processes.

Former SBI Chief Manager Sentenced for Stealing Rs 40 Lakh from Deceased Customer

A former State Bank of India official, AV Kulkarni, has been sentenced to jail for fraudulently siphoning Rs 40 lakh from a deceased customer's account. Kulkarni was serving as Chief Manager at SBI's Chamundipuram Branch in Mysuru when the offences were committed. The fraudulent transactions allegedly took place over a period spanning from May 2009 to December 2011. The case highlights a serious breach of trust by a senior banking official who exploited a deceased account holder's funds.

'Unacceptable cynical attempt': Why US rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal

Maharashtra consumer court orders insurer to pay Rs 70 lakh for burnt BMW claim

The Maharashtra State Consumer Commission has ruled against United India Insurance for rejecting a claim filed by a BMW owner whose car was destroyed by fire. The incident occurred after a late-night tyre puncture left the vehicle parked on a highway, where it subsequently caught fire. The commission found that the owner had taken reasonable precautions given the circumstances of the breakdown. The insurer's decision to reject the claim was ruled a deficiency in service, lacking sufficient justification. United India Insurance has been ordered to pay Rs 70 lakh in compensation to the vehicle owner.

Hidden Costs First-Time Car Buyers Should Know Before Signing the Deal

First-time car buyers are often caught off guard by expenses that go beyond the advertised ex-showroom price. Registration fees and road tax are mandatory government charges that significantly add to the total cost of ownership. Additional costs such as insurance, handling charges, and accessories are frequently not disclosed upfront by dealers. Buyers are advised to ask for a complete on-road price breakdown before committing to a purchase.

LPU students vandalize campus mall amid protest over rape allegation, suicide

Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) were caught on video looting shops and damaging property during campus protests. The unrest was triggered by allegations of a female student's rape and the suicide of another student. Police reported clashes, stone-pelting, and significant property damage, including fire at a computer science block. Authorities say social media rumors helped escalate the situation further. An investigation has been launched, while the university has denied the rape allegations, calling them false.

How William the Conqueror's 1066 Invasion Rewrote England's Land Ownership

William, Duke of Normandy, conquered England in 1066 after defeating King Harold II, triggering a sweeping redistribution of land. William rewarded his loyal supporters by granting them estates across the country, concentrating wealth among Norman nobles. To document and manage these holdings, William commissioned the Domesday Book in 1086, a comprehensive survey of land and resources across England. By the close of his reign, Norman nobles had come to control the bulk of English land and wealth. These changes fundamentally restructured England's feudal system and made tax collection significantly more efficient.

Sensex Falls 900 Points, Nifty50 Drops Below 23,000 on Global Tensions

Indian equity markets saw a sharp selloff at the start of the week, with the BSE Sensex declining over 900 points and the Nifty50 slipping below the 23,000 mark. The downturn was primarily driven by investor anxiety over rising crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Persistent foreign institutional selling added further pressure on domestic indices. Concerns over a widening import bill and potential inflationary impact on the Indian economy weighed heavily on market sentiment.

ACs, LED TVs and Washing Machines Set to Get Pricier From October 1

Air-conditioners, LED TVs, and washing machines are set to become more expensive starting October 1, driven by rising raw material and freight costs. Consumer electronics companies have announced price hikes to offset the increased input expenses. Some manufacturers worry that higher prices could hurt sales during the festive season, a traditionally high-demand period. However, buyers may still be able to purchase products at existing prices while current inventory lasts. Further cumulative price increases are also expected in the months following the initial hike.

Kolkata Man Arrested for Allegedly Harassing Woman at Nightclub

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Kolkata in connection with the alleged harassment of a woman at a nightclub. The incident took place at a nightclub in the city, though the exact location and date have not been specified. Authorities took the suspect into custody following a complaint related to the alleged misconduct. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of women in public entertainment spaces.

Why refugees fear renewed anti-migrant violence in South Africa

Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Threatens Execution of Jailed Hamas Operative

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited an Israeli prison and directly confronted Hamas operative Hassan Salameh, who is serving time for his role in deadly attacks. During the encounter, Ben-Gvir publicly expressed his desire to see Salameh executed. The minister described the confrontation as a moment of personal closure. The incident reflects Ben-Gvir's hardline stance on Palestinian prisoners and comes amid recent Israeli legislation pushing to expand the use of the death penalty for terrorists tried in military courts.

2,000 cops deployed, classes suspended for 10 days: LPU protests spiral into violence

'Would like to buy some?': Trump offered Xi US weapons as Taiwan deal hangs

Trump Rejects Iran's New Truce Proposal, Cites Iran's Weakened Position

US President Donald Trump has turned down a new truce proposal put forward by Iran. Trump justified his rejection by claiming that Iranian leaders were seeking a deal because they are in a position of significant weakness. A US diplomat revealed the reasoning behind Trump's decision. The development signals continued tension between Washington and Tehran, with no immediate resolution in sight.

LeBron James Shares Insights on Fatherhood and Raising His Three Children

NBA legend LeBron James has spoken openly about his experience as a father to his three children with wife Savannah James. He reflected on the values and life lessons he aims to pass on to his kids. James emphasized the importance of parenting and guiding his children through life. The basketball star's comments offer a rare personal glimpse into his family life beyond the court.