US tightens visa rules: Interview waivers end from Oct 1; here’s what students should know

Starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. ends broad visa interview waivers for international students and professionals. Only select categories, like certain diplomatic or B-1/B-2/H-2A renewals, qualify. Students and workers may face longer consulate waits and required in-person interviews. Planning ahead, checking embassy guidance, and preparing documentation is essential as visa scrutiny increases.

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Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are set to inaugurate Kajol and Twinkle Khanna’s new chat show, ‘Two Much’, premiering on September 25. Salman candidly discusses past relationships, admitting his role in their outcomes and expressing his desire for children. Aamir reflects on strengthening his bond with Salman during his divorce and admits to being judgmental early in their friendship.

Salman Khan on wanting kids: Blames himself for failed romances; ‘Nahi jama toh’

Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are set to inaugurate Kajol and Twinkle Khanna’s new chat show, ‘Two Much’, premiering on September 25. Salman candidly discusses past relationships, admitting his role in their outcomes and expressing his desire for children. Aamir reflects on strengthening his bond with Salman during his divorce and admits to being judgmental early in their friendship.

Joe Rogan has cast doubt on the official narrative surrounding the Charlie Kirk shooting, where the conservative activist tragically died. Rogan highlighted unusual details, such as a decoy suspect and the alleged use of a World War I rifle by the shooter, Tyler Robinson. Robinson, now in custody, faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

Charlie Kirk death: Joe Rogan questions official theory; hints cover-up

Joe Rogan has cast doubt on the official narrative surrounding the Charlie Kirk shooting, where the conservative activist tragically died. Rogan highlighted unusual details, such as a decoy suspect and the alleged use of a World War I rifle by the shooter, Tyler Robinson. Robinson, now in custody, faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to expand medical education and healthcare infrastructure. The initiative will create 5,000 PG seats and 5,023 MBBS seats, introduce new specialties, and strengthen access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved regions, while generating employment and improving the overall medical workforce in India.

Phase-III medical expansion: 10k new MBBS, PG seats; healthcare capacity up

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to expand medical education and healthcare infrastructure. The initiative will create 5,000 PG seats and 5,023 MBBS seats, introduce new specialties, and strengthen access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved regions, while generating employment and improving the overall medical workforce in India.

Ladakh violence: Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike; statehood stir ends after 15 days

India and the US are engaged in ongoing trade discussions, with Minister Piyush Goyal currently in the US alongside key officials. These talks follow recent meetings in New Delhi regarding a proposed bilateral trade agreement, aiming for a swift and advantageous conclusion.

India-US trade deal: Goyal in America; ‘talks happening at different levels’

India and the US are engaged in ongoing trade discussions, with Minister Piyush Goyal currently in the US alongside key officials. These talks follow recent meetings in New Delhi regarding a proposed bilateral trade agreement, aiming for a swift and advantageous conclusion.

Kannada novelist SL Bhyrappa passed away in Bengaluru due to cardiac arrest. He was 94. Bhyrappa was admitted to Rashtrotthana Hospital. Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa was a renowned philosopher and screenwriter. He was born in Hassan, Karnataka. Bheemakaya was his first novel. He authored around 25 novels. Bhyrappa also served as a professor at NCERT, Delhi.

SL Bhyrappa dies at 94: Padma awardee Kannada novelist; PM Modi mourns loss

Kannada novelist SL Bhyrappa passed away in Bengaluru due to cardiac arrest. He was 94. Bhyrappa was admitted to Rashtrotthana Hospital. Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa was a renowned philosopher and screenwriter. He was born in Hassan, Karnataka. Bheemakaya was his first novel. He authored around 25 novels. Bhyrappa also served as a professor at NCERT, Delhi.

A Harvard Medical School study reveals increased patient death rates in US hospitals acquired by private equity firms due to staffing and salary cuts, particularly in emergency departments and ICUs. Similar studies highlight concerns about quality of care, adverse events, and financial motivations behind these acquisitions, suggesting that healthier hospitals are targeted for cost-cutting measures.

Health risk: Harvard study links deaths to private equity hospital takeovers; cautions India

A Harvard Medical School study reveals increased patient death rates in US hospitals acquired by private equity firms due to staffing and salary cuts, particularly in emergency departments and ICUs. Similar studies highlight concerns about quality of care, adverse events, and financial motivations behind these acquisitions, suggesting that healthier hospitals are targeted for cost-cutting measures.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has requested a judicial probe into the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, alleging a compromised investigation. In a letter to the Civil Aviation Minister, FIP accused the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of bias and leaking protected cockpit voice recordings, leading to the character assassination of the pilot.

Air India crash: Pilots’ body writes to MoCA seeking judicial probe

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has requested a judicial probe into the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, alleging a compromised investigation. In a letter to the Civil Aviation Minister, FIP accused the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of bias and leaking protected cockpit voice recordings, leading to the character assassination of the pilot.

Chinmayanad Saraswati, manager of an engineering institute in Delhi, is accused of sexually harassing multiple female students. Authorities estimate around 12 to 15 students may have been harassed. Police investigations revealed abusive language, obscene messages, and unwanted physical contact. Saraswati is absconding, and the Sri Sharada Peetham has severed ties with him.

Tracing Swami Chaitanyananda: Who is director accused of molesting 15 Delhi students

Chinmayanad Saraswati, manager of an engineering institute in Delhi, is accused of sexually harassing multiple female students. Authorities estimate around 12 to 15 students may have been harassed. Police investigations revealed abusive language, obscene messages, and unwanted physical contact. Saraswati is absconding, and the Sri Sharada Peetham has severed ties with him.

In Madurai, three minor boys were booked for ragging a 15-year-old ITI student inside a government hostel. The victim was stripped, humiliated, and beaten, with the assault recorded and circulated online, sparking outrage. Police have arrested the accused, and the hostel warden has been suspended.

Ragging horror in Tamil Nadu: ITI student stripped, hit with slipper

In Madurai, three minor boys were booked for ragging a 15-year-old ITI student inside a government hostel. The victim was stripped, humiliated, and beaten, with the assault recorded and circulated online, sparking outrage. Police have arrested the accused, and the hostel warden has been suspended.

A fire erupted in a Kandivali East chawl due to a suspected LPG leak, severely injuring seven residents, some with extensive burns. The blaze, which occurred opposite ESIC Hospital, was quickly extinguished. Separately, a smaller fire broke out in Kurla West, affecting several hutments, but no injuries were reported in that incident.

Mumbai: Blaze guts Kandivali chawl, 7 critical; Kurla fire damages hutments

A fire erupted in a Kandivali East chawl due to a suspected LPG leak, severely injuring seven residents, some with extensive burns. The blaze, which occurred opposite ESIC Hospital, was quickly extinguished. Separately, a smaller fire broke out in Kurla West, affecting several hutments, but no injuries were reported in that incident.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved reforms worth Rs 69,725 crore for the shipbuilding and maritime sector. These reforms encompass financial assistance, a maritime development fund, and a shipbuilding development scheme.

‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’: Cabinet approves Rs 69,725 cr for shipbuilding & maritime sector

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved reforms worth Rs 69,725 crore for the shipbuilding and maritime sector. These reforms encompass financial assistance, a maritime development fund, and a shipbuilding development scheme.

Super Typhoon Ragasa: Storms hits China with powerful winds, raging water - watch

A recent hike in H-1B visa fees, reaching $100,000 for new applicants, may paradoxically benefit laid-off tech workers. This increase could incentivize companies to hire H-1B holders already in the U.S., offering a cost-effective alternative to sponsoring new visas.

$100,000 visa fee: Blessing in disguise for laid off H-1B tech workers?

A recent hike in H-1B visa fees, reaching $100,000 for new applicants, may paradoxically benefit laid-off tech workers. This increase could incentivize companies to hire H-1B holders already in the U.S., offering a cost-effective alternative to sponsoring new visas.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive Asia Cup run could earn him a ODI call-up, as early as the Australia tour starting October 19. With 173 runs at a staggering strike rate of 208.43, the 25-year-old’s rise puts pressure on India’s established order.

Abhishek Sharma in contention for ODIs, likely to get a call-up for Australia

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive Asia Cup run could earn him a ODI call-up, as early as the Australia tour starting October 19. With 173 runs at a staggering strike rate of 208.43, the 25-year-old’s rise puts pressure on India’s established order.