Indian Tech Industry To Enhance Local Skilling, Hiring In US: Nasscom

The Indian IT and tech industry is investing more than $1 billion in local upskilling and hiring within the United States, marking a significant increase in the number of local hires, according to the industry’s apex body, Nasscom.

Over the years, Indian and India-centric companies operating in the US have significantly reduced their reliance on H-1B visas, steadily boosting their local hiring efforts. “Moreover, with the fee being applicable from 2026 onward, companies have time to further enhance skilling programs in the US and increase local hiring,” Nasscom noted.

Data shows that the number of H-1B visas issued to leading Indian and India-centric companies has dropped from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024. Nasscom added, “H-1B workers for the top 10 Indian and India-centric companies constitute less than 1 percent of their entire employee base. Given this trajectory, we anticipate only a marginal impact for the sector.”

The H-1B visa is designed for high-skilled worker mobility and serves as a non-immigrant visa that helps bridge critical skill gaps in the US labor market. Salaries for H-1B workers are on par with local hires, and H-1B workers represent only a very small fraction of the overall US workforce.

“Nasscom has consistently advocated for predictable and stable skilled talent mobility frameworks, which are essential for sustaining national competitiveness and have long fueled US innovation and economic growth,” the industry body said. Skilled talent mobility, it emphasized, is central to enabling businesses to make forward-looking investment decisions, accelerate research, and strengthen nations’ positions in the global innovation economy.

On September 20, the White House issued clarifications regarding the recent proclamation introducing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. The clarification confirmed that this new fee will not affect current visa holders and will be applied as a one-time fee only to fresh petitions. This announcement has helped resolve immediate ambiguities surrounding eligibility and timelines, while also alleviating concerns about business continuity and uncertainty for H-1B holders currently outside the US.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Only the headline has been changed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/indian-tech-industry-to-enhance-local-skilling-hiring-in-us-nasscom

Turning Frozen Tuna Into a New Energy-Saving Business

This initiative is attracting attention for its potential to work in tandem with demand response programs, which are viewed as key to a renewable energy era.

Demand response refers to a system in which electricity users adjust their power usage in response to supply conditions, helping balance the grid when renewable sources such as solar and wind fluctuate.

In this trial, frozen tuna act like an ice pack within the storage facility. Even when the refrigeration system is briefly stopped, the interior temperature remains stable thanks to the thermal mass of the fish.

By lowering consumption during peak times, operators can effectively sell their adjustment power to the market and receive compensation in return. Industry experts say this model could open the door to a new business opportunity in energy conservation.

If implemented on a larger scale, warehouses and food processors storing frozen products could become participants in the power market—not only saving energy but also generating revenue.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146964.php

World’s smallest dolphins perform stunning dances, study reveals

A new study by the University of Auckland has uncovered the astonishing underwater choreography of the world’s smallest marine dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin. However, these impressive behaviors may also increase their risk of becoming tangled in fishing gear.

Published in 2025 in the journal *Conservation Letters*, the study sheds light on the full range of dances these dolphins perform beneath the waves—information that was previously unknown. Researchers revealed a hidden underwater world filled with acrobatic maneuvers, deep dives, and sophisticated feeding strategies.

These stunning behaviors highlight the conservation challenges faced by these endangered dolphins, whose population currently hovers around 15,000 individuals. The study found that Hector’s dolphins regularly use areas beyond the existing protected zones, which were established based on limited or flawed data.

Importantly, Hector’s dolphins can and do dive to depths where fishing gear may be present. As a result, current protections only partially reduce the risk of bycatch, putting these dolphins in continued danger.

With this new data, scientists are better equipped to assess threats accurately and design more effective conservation strategies by understanding the dolphins’ complex underwater behaviors.

*Note: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content without notice at their absolute discretion.*

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/world-s-smallest-dolphins-perform-stunning-dances-study-reveals-23595147

Navratri 2025: From Til Seeds To Bananas, Here’s Day-Wise Bhog List To Offer 9 Forms Of Maa Durga

**Navratri: Celebrating the Divine Feminine Energy**

Navratri, one of India’s most cherished festivals, spans nine nights dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy, Maa Durga, in her nine avatars collectively known as Navadurga. Each form of the Goddess is worshipped on a particular day, with devotees offering a special bhog (sacred food offering) symbolizing unique blessings such as health, prosperity, wisdom, peace, and protection.

Offering bhog is more than a ritual—it reflects devotion and surrender. Presented with faith and sincerity, each offering is believed to attract the Goddess’s divine grace and bring spiritual upliftment.

### Day 1: Maa Shailputri
Navratri begins with the worship of Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains and the embodiment of nature’s strength. Devotees offer pure desi ghee as bhog, which is said to bless them with a disease-free, healthy life.

### Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini
The second day honors Maa Brahmacharini, symbolizing devotion and penance. Offering sugar or sugar-based delicacies to the Goddess represents a sweet, long life filled with peace and harmony. It is believed to protect devotees from untimely death.

### Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta
On the third day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, who carries a crescent moon on her forehead. Milk-based desserts like kheer or payasam are offered as bhog, signifying joy, serenity, and relief from suffering.

### Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda, the creative force of the universe, is worshipped on day four. Devotees prepare malpua, a traditional sweet dish made of flour and milk, seeking Her blessings for intelligence, clarity of thought, and improved decision-making skills.

### Day 5: Maa Skandamata
The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Offering bananas to the Goddess is considered auspicious, bringing good health, family well-being, and prosperity.

### Day 6: Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani, revered as a warrior form of Durga, is worshipped on the sixth day. Honey is offered as bhog, symbolizing harmony and sweet relationships. Devotees seek Her blessings for a happy, peaceful married life.

### Day 7: Maa Kalaratri
Day seven is devoted to Maa Kalaratri, worshipped as the destroyer of darkness and evil. Devotees offer jaggery (gur), believed to protect from negative energies while granting courage and inner strength.

### Day 8: Maa Mahagauri
On the eighth day, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, symbolizing purity and serenity. Coconut is offered as bhog, representing fresh starts and spiritual growth. This day is also marked by Kanya Puja, where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess herself.

### Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri
Navratri concludes with the worship of Maa Siddhidatri, the giver of supernatural powers and accomplishments. Devotees offer sesame seeds (til), praying for the fulfillment of wishes, spiritual wisdom, and divine grace.

### The Significance of Fasting and Bhog Offering
Fasting during Navratri, coupled with offering bhog, is considered an act of purification—both of the body and mind. Each offering holds symbolic meaning: from health (ghee) and long life (sugar) to wisdom (malpua) and strength (jaggery). Collectively, these blessings represent what devotees seek in their personal, family, and spiritual lives.

May this Navratri bring divine blessings of health, prosperity, wisdom, peace, and strength to all. Jai Maa Durga!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/navratri-2025-from-til-seeds-to-bananas-heres-day-wise-bhog-list-to-offer-9-forms-of-maa-durga

Cops find illegal gun stash after arrest over alleged violent attack

Police Seize Illegal Firearms and Charge Two Men Following Assault Investigation

Police have seized a cache of illegal firearms and charged two individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The incident traces back to September 14, when a 45-year-old man was seriously injured after allegedly being assaulted by a man known to him at a residence in Lower Barrington. An official report was made to police on September 17 concerning the assault.

On September 19, law enforcement officers, including specialist units, arrested a 40-year-old man in the Beechford area relating to the assault. He was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and has been detained to appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court.

Following the arrest, police conducted a search of a Beechford residence where several illegal firearms were discovered. The items found included:

– A sawn-off shotgun
– A rifle
– Six homemade pistols
– An antique pistol
– Two imitation firearms (gel blasters)
– Two crossbows, one of which was homemade

A 53-year-old man, who was not involved in the assault, was also charged with several firearms-related offences. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court on October 22.

Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer commented on the discovery, stating, “Every illegal firearm in our community is a concern to Tasmania Police, and poses a risk to public safety. Firearms, particularly homemade ones, are unpredictable and extremely dangerous. They pose a significant threat to the community.”

She added, “Police remain committed to removing illegal weapons from our streets, and we urge anyone with information in relation to illicit firearms to help us by providing information.”

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https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/9071817/illegal-firearms-found-after-arrest-over-lower-barrington-assault/?src=rss

Navratri 2025: From Til Seeds To Bananas, Here’s Day-Wise Bhog List To Offer 9 Forms Of Maa Durga

**Navratri: Celebrating Maa Durga in Her Nine Divine Avatars**

Navratri, one of India’s most cherished festivals, spans nine nights dedicated to honouring the divine feminine energy—Maa Durga in her nine avatars, collectively known as Navadurga. Each form of the Goddess is worshipped on a particular day, with devotees offering a special bhog (sacred food offering) symbolising unique blessings such as health, prosperity, wisdom, peace, and protection.

Offering bhog is not merely a ritual; it reflects deep devotion and surrender. Presented with faith and sincerity, each offering is believed to attract the Goddess’s divine grace and bring spiritual upliftment.

### Day 1: Maa Shailputri
Navratri begins with the worship of Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains and embodiment of nature’s strength. Devotees offer pure desi ghee as bhog, which is said to bless them with a disease-free, healthy life.

### Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini
The second day honours Maa Brahmacharini, symbolizing devotion and penance. Offering sugar or sugar-based delicacies represents a sweet, long life filled with peace and harmony. It is believed to protect devotees from untimely death.

### Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta
Devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta on the third day; she carries a crescent moon on her forehead. Milk-based desserts like kheer or payasam are offered as bhog, signifying joy, serenity, and relief from suffering.

### Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda, the creative force of the universe, is worshipped on day four. Devotees prepare malpua, a traditional sweet dish made from flour and milk, seeking Her blessings for intelligence, clarity of thought, and improved decision-making skills.

### Day 5: Maa Skandamata
The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Offering bananas to the Goddess is considered auspicious as it brings good health, family well-being, and prosperity.

### Day 6: Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani, revered as a warrior form of Durga, is worshipped on the sixth day. Honey is offered as bhog, symbolizing harmony and sweet relationships. Devotees seek Her blessings for a happy, peaceful married life.

### Day 7: Maa Kalaratri
Day seven is devoted to Maa Kalaratri, the destroyer of darkness and evil. Devotees offer jaggery (gur), believed to protect from negative energies while granting courage and inner strength.

### Day 8: Maa Mahagauri
On the eighth day, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, symbol of purity and serenity. Coconut is offered as bhog, representing fresh starts and spiritual growth. This day is also marked by **Kanya Puja**, where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess herself.

### Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri
Navratri concludes with the worship of Maa Siddhidatri, the giver of supernatural powers and accomplishments. Devotees offer sesame seeds (til), praying for the fulfilment of wishes, spiritual wisdom, and divine grace.

Fasting during Navratri, coupled with offering bhog, is considered an act of purification—both of the body and mind. Each offering is symbolic: from health (ghee) and long life (sugar) to wisdom (malpua) and strength (jaggery).

Together, these offerings represent the blessings devotees seek in their personal, family, and spiritual lives—invoking the divine energy of Maa Durga in all her glory.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/navratri-2025-from-til-seeds-to-bananas-heres-day-wise-bhog-list-to-offer-9-forms-of-maa-durga

Full cast revealed for Mamma Mia! tour coming to Mayflower Theatre

The feel-good musical, inspired by ABBA’s timeless songs, is set to open at the Mayflower Theatre on October 24.

Fans of the iconic band can look forward to an uplifting theatrical experience filled with memorable hits and captivating performances.

Mark your calendars and get ready to sing along as this joyous production brings ABBA’s music to life on stage.
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25469050.mamma-mia-uk-tour-full-cast-announced-mayflower-theatre/?ref=rss

“Better To Face A Gunman Than…” JD Vance Says Charlie Kirk Did Not Suffer The “Worst Fate” | 4K

Charlie Kirk’s allies, friends, and family have vowed to continue his work, predicting that the conservative activist’s assassination will propel his movement to new heights. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Arizona to mourn his death, demonstrating the profound impact he had on his supporters.

Addressing the large crowd, Vice President JD Vance praised Kirk’s courage, stating that he did not suffer the worst fate because it is better to face a gunman than to live in fear of speaking the truth.

The outpouring of support highlights the deep respect and admiration many held for Charlie Kirk and their commitment to carrying forward his legacy.
https://www.news18.com/videos/world/better-to-face-a-gunman-than-jd-vance-says-charlie-kirk-did-not-suffer-the-worst-fate-4k-9588008.html

Games Inbox: Why are less kids playing video game consoles?

Games Inbox: GTA 6 Pre-Orders, God of War’s Future, and More

The Monday letters page asks when GTA 6 pre-orders will start, as one reader tries to imagine the long-term future of the God Of War franchise. Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in the discussions, email gamecentral@metro.co.uk.

Pre-Paid Gaming

So we are officially almost seven months away from the release date of Grand Theft Auto 6, and I’ve been pondering a question that’s been on my mind: When will the pre-orders go live?

In case anyone has been living under a rock, 007 First Light and Resident Evil Requiem are available to pre-order on Amazon. They both release in 2026, the same year as GTA 6.

Since Capcom and IO Interactive have taken steps to open pre-orders, it is rather bizarre that Rockstar seems to be maintaining a sense of silence. We are three months away from January and the fact is we’ve seen two trailers, Jason speaking more than one word, and Lucia rocking a yellow dress — but we still don’t know when the Internet will break with GTA 6 pre-orders setting records.

I’d like to think perhaps December will be the month, because the first trailer released in the same month a few years ago, so that would make sense from that perspective. It would be five months from the release date, so that’s my overall estimation, unless it is somehow delayed once more.

You never know with Rockstar, because they love their radio silence.

Shahzaib Sadiq

GC: We’re not sure why it matters. Are you worried they’ll run out of stock?

On the Cost and Audience of Consoles

I’m not sure if PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles or the kinds of games they offer still exist in the way they did a few years ago. I’m certain I would’ve been an old man before I could afford one. That £90 price cut just underlines how stupidly expensive these things are, making it tough for parents to afford them for their kids, let alone for kids to buy them or their games themselves.

Another issue is that Sony and Microsoft don’t really make games aimed at children anymore. They gave up around the Xbox 360 era and, even when Sony occasionally releases kid-friendly titles like Astro Bot and Ratchet & Clank, the audience isn’t what it used to be. If you’re not playing Nintendo games, it’s basically Lego tie-ins or nothing. So it’s no wonder the gaming audience is aging.

Garrick Clamshell 4 Lyfe

Nintendo Retro Consoles and Legacy Gaming

I’m not very interested in a PlayStation 2 mini-console, because they’d probably never be able to license everything needed, and much of it is already easily available. However, what I would be very interested in is a new model of the DS/3DS.

Even if these games were put on the Virtual Console, as they have been in the past, they just don’t play right without two screens and a touchscreen. Even the Switch would have to fudge it — and that’s only in portable mode. There’s basically no way to play these games well on a TV.

A console that looked like a 3DS and could play all DS and 3DS games would be great. Throw in Game Boy support, and you’d have the ultimate Nintendo portable retro console. I’d buy it.

Taylor Moon

Resident Evil Character Focus

I’m not sure why everyone is so keen to have Leon in Resident Evil Requiem, considering he’s had two good outings recently. Chris was in the last two games too (even though I find Chris boring and don’t care), and Claire featured in Resident Evil 2.

In my opinion, the only major character that hasn’t had a quality outing recently is Jill. Resident Evil 3 was easily the worst of the remakes, and Jill was the best thing in it. I think she’s definitely the one who should get the next starring or co-starring role.

There’s so much talk of Leon that I imagine he’s probably the lead in the new game, but personally, I think it would be a bit of a shame.

Karl

Paper Mario and Nintendo’s RPG Roots

While most people think Animal Crossing is going to be Nintendo’s next big game — and they probably aren’t wrong — I wonder how long it’ll take them to get round to Paper Mario.

Between the remakes of Super Mario RPG and The Thousand-Year Door, it seems like Nintendo has been wanting to emphasize the series’ role-playing roots lately — something fans have been hoping for years.

Surely they wouldn’t do both those remakes and then not follow up with a new game? I know it’s Nintendo we’re talking about, but one thing they don’t do is waste money.

My personal hope is that they make a combination of the two games — with something that plays like Super Mario RPG but looks like Paper Mario. Really make it a proper role-player where you need to grind. But, most importantly, make it funny. The Origami King was a step in the right direction, but it was still less funny than games 20 years older.

Gency

New IPs and Existing Franchises

The Readers Feature on Sunday was wrong to say Sony has been terrible for new IP. Since 2013, when PlayStation 4 launched, they’ve put out:

  • Knack
  • Driveclub
  • Bloodborne
  • Tearaway
  • The Order: 1886
  • Helldivers
  • Horizon Zero Dawn
  • Astro Bot
  • Days Gone
  • Concrete Genie
  • Dreams
  • Blood And Truth
  • Ghosts Of Tsushima
  • Destruction All-Stars
  • Returnal
  • Upcoming titles: Wolverine, Saros, and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

They also greenlit a bold and fresh take on one of their biggest IPs with God of War (2018), demonstrating, like Zelda: Breath of the Wild a year earlier, that fresh ideas can easily come from existing IP.

Simundo

Free Trial Options for EA Sports FC 26

In response to the question of whether EA Sports FC 26 is a day one purchase, here’s what I do every year: I get a one-month subscription to EA Play for £5.99, which gives me access to a 10-hour game trial. I think new subscribers might even get the first month free.

The 10-hour demo lets you get a good feel for whether the latest FC is worth buying.

NLPN2k

The Future of God of War

I love how we still don’t know where the next God Of War will be set because some YouTuber can’t be bothered to spend 30 seconds googling what Egyptian swords look like.

It really annoys me that such people have all the inside gossip. It doesn’t matter much, though, since most assume Egypt will be the next setting because it has the most well-known and interesting set of gods that hasn’t been explored yet.

But what happens after that? As a reader mentioned previously, after Egypt you start getting into more obscure religions, which might become repetitive.

I’m fine with Egypt as the setting, but I think the next one after that has to be modern day. Although, given how long these games take to make, they’re just kicking the problem down the road.

If Egypt gets at least two games like the Norse arc, you’re talking about 15 years before the next major setting is released. By then, most senior staff involved with the current games will likely have moved on, making it “someone else’s problem.”

It’s a weird new reality, especially realizing that it took only five years to release the original three games — and that included the jump from PlayStation 2 to 3. Things were simpler back then.

A lot has improved, but the rate at which games are made now is so slow that it can’t be healthy.

Gamma

Technical Tidbits

Do you really have to copy and paste every time you write “Yotei”? I don’t think I’ve ever seen that letter on my English keyboard.

NatorDom

GC: No, we added it to our word processor dictionary, along with “Okami.” Although, if anyone knows how to get Japanese accents using an English keyboard, we’d be interested to hear about it.

On PlayStation 5 Discounts

I’m not going to lie, £90 is a lot to take off the price of a PlayStation 5. But why only for two weeks? If they can afford to cut the cost now, why not wait until I can actually afford it?

Camel


Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content. You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

https://metro.co.uk/2025/09/22/games-inbox-less-kids-playing-video-game-consoles-24226358/

North Korea can talk to US if it stops insisting on denuclearisation, Kim says

North Korea Open to Talks with US if Denuclearization Demand is Dropped, Says Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated that his country could resume talks with the United States if Washington abandons its insistence on denuclearization. Reflecting on past interactions, Kim recalled fond memories of former President Donald Trump.

In a statement released during a meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang, Kim emphasized the potential for renewed dialogue under the right conditions.

The comments were published on September 22, 2025, by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency, signaling a possible shift in Pyongyang’s approach to diplomatic engagement with the US.

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868317