Trump admin plans $70,000 post-study work fee; Indians may be hit hardest

The US Department of Homeland Security proposed a $70,000 fee for universities nominating international students for the Optional Practical Training program, crucial for foreign graduates seeking work in the US. This measure aims to combat visa fraud and align with previous administration policies, potentially limiting employment opportunities for over 350,000 Indian students currently in the US.

Oppn 'colluding with anti-social elements’: BJP chief amid anti-CEC protests

Senior BJP leaders condemned ongoing protests in New Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing opposition figures, particularly Rahul Gandhi, of colluding with anti-social elements to undermine democracy. BJP chief Nitin Nabin insisted that the public would reject such "anarchist mentality." Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also criticized opposition actions, emphasizing support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

King Charles hears man’s Microsoft layoff story as ex-Apple CEO stands behind them

A video featuring King Charles III listening to a former Microsoft employee's layoff story has emerged, with Tim Cook present at a youth workshop promoting skills for creative industries. The event, attended by Sir Elton John, highlights efforts to support young people amidst significant Microsoft layoffs affecting 4,800 jobs, emphasizing the importance of skill adaptation in a changing work landscape.

Amazon layoffs hit India again as company cuts 1,000 jobs globally: report

Amazon has confirmed recent layoffs affecting less than 1,000 employees globally, primarily in its Stores business, as part of CEO Andy Jassy's strategy to streamline operations. This follows broader workforce reductions including 18,000 roles cut in January 2023. The layoffs stem from overhiring during the pandemic, as noted by founder Jeff Bezos.

How Warner, Smith and Bancroft’s evil tampering plot was caught on camera: ‘It was absolute fluke'

South Africa and Australia will commence their three-Test series at Kingsmead, a significant event given Australia's first Test return since the notorious 2018 sandpapergate scandal, where players tampered with the ball. This history looms large as media discusses it extensively, influencing fan behavior expected during the matches, showcasing the lingering impact on cricket.

Broadband landscape, analysing Optimist X1, and DailyObjects Stack

DailyObjects has launched the Stack for iPhone 18 Pro series, offering high-quality leatherette cases starting at ₹2,499. Available in several colors, these cases boast a flexible design and compatibility with accessories. In contrast, competitors' cases are pricier. Meanwhile, the Stack Signature and Clear cases, priced at ₹1,999, add personalization options while ensuring functionality. DailyObjects aims to compete with established brands.

OpenAI gives GPT-6 an Intelligent UI to dial up chatbot’s interactive outputs

OpenAI has launched Intelligent UI for the ChatGPT app, enhancing the GPT-6 models by allowing responses to include visual elements, tables, and interactive features, aimed at simplifying complex topics. The update caters to Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers, with a broader rollout for free users soon. Background: OpenAI seeks to improve user experience through evolved response mechanisms.

25 years, many slogans: Modi's journey from 'Acche din' to 'We will do it'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a new slogan, "We will do it," to promote his vision for a developed India by 2047, marking 25 years in public service. He emphasized leadership in various sectors and reflected on previous slogans that shaped his journey. Modi aims for transformative change while navigating India's political landscape.

Floodwaters disrupt last rites, temple visits in Lucknow

LUCKNOW's Gomti River flooding has inundated key cremation grounds and religious sites, complicating last rites for grieving families. Major affected areas include Bhaisakund, where only 11 out of 32 cremation platforms are usable. The situation worsens at Gulalaghat, as all platforms are submerged. This crisis also impacts the Chandrika Devi temple, which has been closed for three days.

Despite no rain, swollen Gomti breaches Lucknow’s urban core

Lucknow faces severe waterlogging as the Gomti river surged into urban areas, despite no rainfall since September 27. Floodwaters breached major routes, including Shaheed Path, impacting thousands and forcing families to evacuate, especially in Faizullaganj. The crisis, worsened by upstream discharges, mirrors peaks from the 2008 floods. Officials advocate monitoring to prevent further inundation.

IIM-Lucknow to start 2-yr MBA in Family Business from next year

The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow will launch a two-year MBA in Family Business at its Noida campus next year, aimed at family enterprises with a Rs 20 crore annual turnover. The program emphasizes complex family dynamics and requires students to visit monthly. Limited family business courses are offered in India, highlighting the program's uniqueness.

Meerut court convicts woman, lover for husband’s murder

A Meerut court convicted Ravita and her lover Amardeep for the murder of her husband, Amit Kashyap, whom they strangled and attempted to frame with a snake to mask the crime. The court's verdict followed extensive hearings and evidence, with a sentencing scheduled for October 16, 2023. The crime occurred on April 17, 2025, after Amit discovered their affair.

Nana Patekar dies at 75 due to cardiac arrest, industry in shock

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, renowned in Hindi and Marathi cinema, has died at 75 after a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. Despite efforts to revive him at Manipal Hospital, he was declared dead at 5:20 am. Born on January 1, 1951, Patekar's impactful career included acclaimed films and two National Film Awards, along with a Padma Shri in 2013.

Four killed as car rams truck on Purvanchal e-way in Sultanpur

Four tennis ball-cricket players died and two were injured in a car-truck collision on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur, likely caused by the driver dozing off. The players were returning from a tournament in Lucknow when their car, traveling at about 100 km/h, crashed. Authorities rescued the injured, but three passed away on the spot.

Simple rice-based dishes to celebrate Navarathri

During Navarathri, the traditional Kannadiga meal, known as Oota, represents culinary simplicity with roots in ritual purity. Central to this cuisine is rice, specifically regional varieties like Oorpel Ari, consumed as kanji for breakfast. The meal's structure balances six tastes, culminating in a ceremonial experience rooted in historical practices and local ingredients. Traditional Oota can be enjoyed at various eateries across Bangalore.

Fake pharma racket sourced Pfizer labels from Turkiye: SIT

A SIT investigation into a fake pharmaceutical racket led by R Prashanth Ranjan Babu, arrested on September 28, uncovered overseas links to Turkiye, where counterfeit Pfizer labels were sourced. The network, distributing spurious antibiotics since April 2025, involved multiple Indian states. Regulatory actions, including license cancellations, have escalated amid ongoing legal proceedings and investigations into the supply chain’s financials.

Is Keralam’s better healthcare a handicap in allotting AIIMS, HC asks Centre

The Kerala high court questioned the Union government on whether the state's superior healthcare facilities hinder the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Despite better infrastructure, the court argued Kerala still needs AIIMS due to high population density and significant private healthcare costs. The case has been pending since 2016, highlighting governmental inaction.

Keralam cuts deals with NTPC to tide over power crisis, meet long-term needs

The Keralam government has initiated significant measures to address the state’s power crisis, including establishing a dedicated power plant and acquiring 300 MW from NTPC's Sinnar facility at ₹5.18 per unit. Plans also include installing a 2000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Kayamkulam and expediting a 27MW solar project, prompted by recent power shortages due to rainfall drops and El Nino effects.

Court gives ED custody of suspended KPSC chairman

A Bengaluru court has remanded suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and member B V Geetha to ED custody until October 19 amid a money laundering investigation linked to the manipulation of 400 veterinary officer recruitments. Their arrests follow earlier detentions of two others, with allegations revealing a bribery system for exam leakages and prioritizing certain candidates. This event unfolds against ongoing investigations regarding the integrity of KPSC’s recruitment processes and connections to possible misconduct involving Sahukar’s family.

Transformer blast injures four in Bengaluru

A transformer explosion in Bengaluru injured four people and damaged a motorcycle. The incident, occurring near a Coca Cola godown, sparked a police investigation for alleged negligence by BESCOM officials. Concurrently, another explosion of a ring main unit injured a man, with preliminary assessments suggesting animal interference. Technical evaluations are ongoing to determine incident causes.

K’taka says 90% crops damaged, releases 1st instalment of relief

Karnataka’s government will begin releasing drought compensation to farmers affected by widespread crop damage, with deputy chief minister G Parameshwara announcing an immediate ₹2,500 payment. Nearly 90% of crops are affected, prompting a request for ₹11,500 crore from the Centre amid an estimated loss of ₹46,000 crore. The state continues to assess drought-impacted areas, prioritizing farmer assistance.

Fight for survival: Can October 9 ‘memorial rally’ galvanise BSP?

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has scheduled a rally in Lucknow on October 9 amidst a political crisis marked by six electoral defeats and a dwindling voter base, aiming to rally support for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. With no parliamentary representation and a shrinking vote share, the party faces potential loss of national status. Once a significant force, the BSP struggles without a compelling narrative, as rival parties threaten its core support base.

Arman’s jail transfer prompts broader hunt for Guddu Muslim, Sabir

The Uttar Pradesh Police are intensifying the search for three absconding suspects in the Umesh Pal murder case: shooters Guddu Muslim and Sabir, each with a reward of Rs 5 lakh, and Atiq Ahmed’s wife, Shaista Parveen, who carries a Rs 50,000 reward. Named in the FIR, they've eluded capture for over three years. The investigation gained urgency following the arrest of another accused, Mohd Arman, who had been in Gaya Central Jail. Authorities are checking prisons across nine states for leads and are revisiting old evidence, including CCTV footage from the attack that revealed Arman's involvement alongside Guddu Muslim. Umesh Pal was murdered on February 24, 2023, in Prayagraj.

HC acquits man on death row for murder of toddler in Hisar

The Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Hem Raj, previously sentenced to death for the murder of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy, citing lack of evidence. The child’s remains were discovered in 2018, and initial testimonies shifted during trial. The court highlighted the unexplained identity of another suspect, Mahabir, ultimately emphasizing insufficient proof against Raj.

Take inspiration from Modi’s life: Haryana Speaker

Haryana assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan emphasized public engagement in nation-building during the Vikasit Bharat Seva Sankalp Sabha, marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s service. Attendees, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Bhatia, participated in a torch-lit Seva Jyoti Yatra, part of a campaign launched on Modi's birthday to highlight his contributions to society over his political career.

2 workers run over by reversing car at Hisar workshop; 1 dead

A reversing car at Unique Auto Workshop in Hisar killed Vivek Kumar and critically injured Rajpal on Wednesday. The vehicle, owned by local advocate Ashish Dhingra, was being serviced when it hit the workers. Dhingra witnessed the incident and reported it. Police are investigating the accident's circumstances, examining CCTV footage to gather more information.

Minor girl alleges rape by social media friend in Rohtak; 1 booked

A minor girl from Rohtak accused a youth, whom she met on Instagram, of sexual assault after he allegedly drugged her. The accused filmed the assaults and blackmailed her for gold jewelry. After months of coercion, the victim informed her family. Police have launched an investigation under relevant laws, but the accused’s identity remains undisclosed.

HC initiates contempt case against two nat’l dailies over Dera Sacha Sauda ads

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has demanded responses from Dera Sacha Sauda and editors of two national dailies regarding advertisements asserting that its leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, is a victim of conspiracy. Justice Mehla noted these ads might obstruct justice, prompting a contempt evaluation. Ram Rahim is currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and faces multiple ongoing investigations.

Haryana Congress demands caste census, meets guv over ‘lack of counting mechanism’

The Haryana Congress, led by former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has demanded a caste census due to inadequate caste-counting mechanisms in the current process. At a state-level rally, Hooda emphasized the importance of representation for all societal segments and criticized the BJP for lacking a clear caste column in the ongoing census. He proposed a unique caste code for accurate identification.

Farmers protest delay in paddy procurement in Jind, Fatehabad

Farmers in Fatehabad and Jind blocked a road in Jind's Alewa for hours due to delays in paddy procurement, stranding commuters. Protests included a sit-in outside Ratia market against low prices and unprocessed local crops. Officials promised to address the procurement issues, but farmers warned of escalating protests if conditions did not improve. The situation reflects ongoing frustrations in agricultural practices.