No more lottery: How new H-1B visa selection system will work — key changes explained

After President Donald Trump proposed a $100,000 entry fee for new H-1B visa applications, the US Department of Homeland Security announced a major overhaul of the H-1B visa selection process. The department said that the long-standing random lottery system will be replaced with a wage-weighted model that prioritises higher-paid and higher-skilled applicants.

Capital chokes: GRAP-4 curbs lifted in Delhi; move comes hours after HC rap

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted GRAP-IV restrictions with immediate effect, even though air quality in several areas remained in the ‘very poor’ category with AQI levels crossing 350. While the strictest curbs were withdrawn, Stage I, II and III measures will continue under the modified GRAP. The move came hours after the Delhi High Court pulled up the Centre

Historic! Isro launches US comsat BlueBird Block-2; heaviest payload launched by LVM3 — why it matters

IND vs NZ: No Williamson! New Zealand announce squads for India series

New Zealand have named ODI and T20I squads for their India tour, using the series to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Mitchell Santner will captain the T20Is, with Michael Bracewell leading the ODIs. Several senior players return, young talents earn call-ups, and some stars are rested to manage workloads.

YouTuber under ED lens flew over 130 guests for Dubai for his cruise wedding

A UP-based YouTube influencer, Anurag Dwivedi, facing ED money-laundering probes for alleged ties to illegal betting, reportedly spent crores on a lavish Dubai destination wedding for over 130 guests. The lavish affair aboard a cruise ship, including flights and luxury stays, has drawn significant official scrutiny. The ED has seized assets worth an estimated Rs 20 crore.

H-1B visa: DHS replaces random lottery selection, priority now to those earning higher wages

Fake suicide video, mentions of Trump: Largest set of Epstein documents released; new revelations

The DOJ released nearly 30,000 pages of Jeffrey Epstein files, including FBI interviews, victim accounts, Ghislaine Maxwell emails, and flight records involving Donald Trump. The documents detail Epstein’s abuse, grooming practices, and victims’ trauma, while alleging Maxwell’s lack of remorse. They also include an alleged fake suicide video and a letter to Larry Nassar referencing Trump. Epstein’s 2008 plea deal and 2019 death are also highlighted in the files.

Two dates, three traps: How to fix your NPS, PAN and ITR before December 31

December brings crucial financial deadlines. Ensure your NPS Scheme A is switched by the 25th to avoid unwanted changes. The 31st marks the final chance for belated or revised tax returns, crucial for carrying forward losses. Also, verify Aadhaar-PAN compliance for specific PAN holders to prevent inoperability. These actions prevent future financial headaches.

Unnao rape case: Delhi HC suspends jail term of Kuldeep Sengar; sets condition for bail

Unnao rape case: Delhi HC suspends jail term of ex-BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar

Electoral might: BJP shows Rs 6,900cr bank balance, BSP an astounding 580cr; Cong Rs 53cr

Post-Delhi assembly election disclosures to the Election Commission show BJP holding over Rs 6,900 crore in bank balances, far ahead of rival parties. Congress has about Rs 53 crore, while the BSP holds Rs 580 crore despite limited presence. Congress had reported Rs 517 crore in large donations in 2024–25.

India-Bangladesh ties sour: US dials Yunus; Dhaka suspends visa services – 10 key points

‘Don’t know how to live anymore’: Kin of lynched Bangladeshi Hindu worker speaks out

A Hindu garment worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally lynched and burned by a mob in Bangladesh over false blasphemy accusations. Despite police arrests and elite forces finding no evidence of wrongdoing, his family remains terrified and without closure. The incident highlights the devastating impact of misinformation and mob violence.

Meta’s most-famous employee to students: Do not study computer; focus on core subjects

AI pioneer Yann LeCun advises computer science students to prioritize foundational subjects like math and physics over trendy technology courses. He argues that a strong grasp of core principles, often found in engineering disciplines, is crucial for long-term adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

FedEx questioned for hiring hundreds of H-1B workers while firing US staff