The US is reportedly considering a USD 100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas, which allow international students to work in the US after graduation. This move by the Trump administration follows a rejected H1-B visa fee proposal and could significantly impact foreign graduates and tech companies. The Department of Homeland Security is also exploring a USD 100,000 bond for green card applicants.
A joint study by IIT Roorkee and IIT Kanpur has found that a black crust formed by air pollution is accelerating the deterioration of Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi. The crust, primarily gypsum, traps pollutants, weakening the sandstone and making the monument vulnerable to long-term damage. The study recommends conservation measures, pollution monitoring, and source reduction to protect the historical site.
With the duration of stay capped at four years, the biggest impact of the new F-1 visa rules is likely to be on PhD scholars, students enrolled in longer professional programmes, those whose graduation gets delayed and students moving from one academic programme to another, highlight education experts.
A new study reveals that India's annual gross primary productivity (GPP) increased significantly from 1985 to 2014 and is projected to continue rising until 2100, even under high-emissions scenarios. This enhancement is attributed to stronger precipitation and carbon dioxide fertilisation effects, with the Indo-Gangetic Plain, Northeastern India, and the Western Ghats expected to see the largest increases.
'We're doing a lot of work around work-integrated learning, providing students with every opportunity to take at least part of their education as a practical work-based experience.'
A new study reveals that despite China's significant control over global rare earth mining and processing, its dominance has a critical weakness: the US and Japan hold the majority of core patents for advanced rare earth functional material technologies. This technological gap means China lags in higher-value applications, impacting its strategic advantage in the industry.
An independent study reveals that while Geographical Indication (GI) registration has boosted the identity of Kerala's traditional handloom products, it has not uniformly translated into economic benefits across weaving clusters. Challenges include an ageing artisan population, competition from powerloom products, rising raw material costs, and inadequate marketing.
Aarushi Bajaj is all set to star in her first Hindi film, Don't Be Shy, produced by Alia Bhatt.
The Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) has established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies "Manas and Mahabharata" in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the Manas National Academy. The inauguration also saw the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic "Manas," aiming to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.
A study by Amazon Ads reveals that nearly 87% of Indian small and medium businesses (SMBs) believe AI has opened up new advertising opportunities, including streaming TV. The research indicates that 75% of surveyed SMBs attribute business growth to AI-enabled advertising, with 68% noting increased creativity. AI is also facilitating international trade for 59% of businesses, though human oversight remains crucial in decision-making.
Following devastating flash floods in Nepal, experts are calling for systematic scientific assessments of glaciers to understand and mitigate hazards, alongside the development of a robust land use policy for the Himalayan region. The floods, which killed over 460 people and left thousands missing, are believed to be linked to climate change impacts on glaciers and permafrost.
Jai Moondra, a left-arm medium pacer from Rajasthan, made a dream international debut for Ireland, taking a wicket with his first ball against India. His journey is remarkable, having left a secure corporate job at Intel after pursuing an MTech in Dublin to chase his cricketing dream, culminating in a historic victory for Ireland.
United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has rejected a CNN report claiming that the Pentagon's missile defence stockpiles have fallen to 'dangerously low levels' amid the conflict with Iran.
In the next 36 months nearly 25 to 40 per cent of jobs will be under threat from AI and job losses are inevitable.
Sonal Dinusha's magnificent unbeaten 133, including a crucial century-run stand with Keshara Nuwantha, helped Sri Lanka secure a remarkable draw against India in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
India's U20 football team, the Blue Colts, is set to kick off their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers campaign against Syria in Tashkent. This opening match is crucial as India aims to secure their first-ever win against Syria and qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time since 2006, navigating a tough group that also includes Uzbekistan and Bangladesh.
The Indian women's hockey team, unbeaten in the FIH Women's World Cup, faces England in their final Pool D match. A draw secures India's top spot, but England desperately needs a win to advance. India's strong attacking and defensive performances have built confidence, though coach Sjoerd Marijne warns against complacency, highlighting England's previous victory over India and their strong play. The team aims to continue its impressive run and potentially secure a podium finish.
In many ways, 17th century India occupied a position in the global economy comparable to that of the United States today. Just as millions of people now look towards America because of its economic opportunities, merchants, adventurers and trading companies once looked towards India.
An international research team has discovered a new species of subterranean earthworm eel, named Gangaichthys indonepalicus, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar. This small, colourless fish, adapted to life in dark underground aquifers, is the first stygobitic fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin. The discovery followed a TikTok video and involved challenging manual pumping of borewell water to secure samples for scientific analysis.
Scientists are examining how a possible glacial collapse and ice-rock avalanche may have triggered the devastating flash floods along Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, with preliminary assessments indicating that debris may have temporarily blocked the Lhende River and created a landslide dam that subsequently gave way.
Retirement planning is not a test of how smart you are; it is a test of how well you control your behaviour.
Despite near gender parity in basic bank account ownership, women in India remain significantly underrepresented in the growing platform economy due to gaps in digital financial capability and access to credit, according to a joint report by the International Labour Organization and National Council of Applied Economic Research.
The American military's air-defence missile inventories, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, are significantly depleted due to the ongoing five-month confrontation with Iran. A CSIS assessment reveals a steep drop in reserve stocks, raising concerns about the US's capacity to maintain Middle East operations and address other global security challenges. This depletion could force the US and its allies to take higher operational risks.
Experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) suggest that an ice-rock avalanche originating in a high-altitude area likely triggered the devastating flash floods that swept across central Nepal districts, killing at least 95 people and leaving nearly 500 missing.
Lingam Ravindra Rao, 72, and his 17-year-old grandson, Anuraag Pokuri, have successfully scaled Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak. Rao is now the oldest Indian to achieve this feat, while Anuraag is the youngest Indian-origin person to climb both the West and East peaks back-to-back. This remarkable expedition highlights their shared passion for mountaineering and their ambition to complete the Seven Summits.
'The trigger for the flood was definitely natural, but the damage that it caused was human-made.'
Veteran athletics coach Parveer Singh, who guided athletes like Seema Punia, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and Annu Rani to international medals, has been named for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. The article details his extensive career spanning over two decades, his role as a coach educator, and his academic contributions to sports coaching.
RBI says polymer notes have a significantly longer lifespan, potentially reducing printing costs and replacement frequency.
Indian physicist Deepak Dhar, a professor at ICTS-TIFR in Bengaluru, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal for his significant contributions to statistical mechanics. He shares the honour with three other physicists for their work on understanding complex systems, with applications in diverse fields like biology, finance, and AI. Dhar is particularly recognised for his "sandpile model" and has previously received the Padma Bhushan and Boltzmann Medal.
Fifteen-year-old Delhi chess prodigy Vandan Alankar Sawai stuns World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in an online blitz tournament.
Members of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have indicated that interest rate hikes may be necessary sooner rather than later, as headline inflation is projected to rise from its current benign levels in the coming months, according to the minutes of the August review.
England fast bowler John Turner, 25, has announced his shock retirement from professional cricket, citing a persistent stress fracture and injury record.
On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.
China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.
For hundreds of Indian scholars who journeyed to Canada aiming for a foreign degree and a path toward long-term career opportunities, what should have been a triumphant graduation has instead spiralled into deep uncertainty.
A group of experts has voiced significant concerns regarding India's ethanol-blended fuel policy, citing potential negative impacts on land-use, agriculture patterns, food security, groundwater levels, and household incomes. They recommend a return to E10 fuel and a review of the policy's overall benefits versus costs to consumers and the environment.
Researchers from IIT Bhubaneswar and Virginia Commonwealth University have theoretically predicted a new two-dimensional material, a FeCl3 monolayer, exhibiting i-wave altermagnetism. This discovery holds significant potential for developing faster, more compact, and energy-efficient electronic devices, including applications in high-density memory, spintronics, and quantum technologies.
Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja led India's bowling attack on Day 3 in Galle.
'The prohibition regime has been accompanied by concerns regarding the expansion of the illicit liquor trade, increased enforcement challenges and corruption, and the growing use of alternative intoxicants, including illicit drugs.'
India's largest retirement fund manager, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), is enhancing its investment governance and fund management practices, following the Reserve Bank of India's recommendations.
