Hastings, who has been involved with H-1B policy discussions for over three decades, described the move as “a great solution.”
He shared his thoughts in a post on the social media platform X, highlighting the positive impact of the decision.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/netflix-co-founder-praises-donald-trumps-usd-100000-h1b-visa-fee-calls-it-great-solution-23595386
**SP’s Azam Khan Released from Sitapur Jail After 2 Years**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 01:45 pm*
Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan was released from Sitapur jail after nearly two years of incarceration. His release followed bail being granted in all cases against him, as reported by news agency ANI.
### Legal Developments
On September 18, the Allahabad High Court granted Azam Khan bail in the Quality Bar land encroachment case in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district. The bail was granted by a bench headed by Justice Samir Jain after hearing arguments from all parties involved.
The Quality Bar land encroachment case dates back to 2019 and was originally filed against Khan’s wife, Tazeen Fatma, son Abdullah Azam, and Syed Jafar Ali Jafri. Khan himself was named an accused during the course of a reinvestigation.
In another significant legal development, Khan was acquitted last week by a special MP-MLA court in a 17-year-old case related to road blockade and damage to public property.
### Anticipated Gathering and Security Measures
Ahead of Khan’s release, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent any potential violence. The police utilized drone surveillance to monitor the situation due to anticipated large gatherings in support of Khan.
Despite these security measures, a large number of supporters gathered near the jail, leading to traffic congestion in the area.
### Political Reactions
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav welcomed the court’s decision and Khan’s release. He stated, “I would like to thank the court for this. We, the Samajwadis, believed that the court would do justice. We hope that in the time to come, no false cases will be filed and no injustice will be done by the BJP.”
SP MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav also expressed his support for the court’s decision and dismissed speculations regarding Khan joining the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
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Azam Khan’s release marks a significant moment for the Samajwadi Party, with supporters hopeful for a fresh start and fairer political proceedings in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/sp-s-azam-khan-released-from-sitapur-jail-after-2-years/story
**India’s Most Peaceful Desert Retreats: A List**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 23, 2025, 02:16 PM*
India’s deserts are not just vast expanses of sand; they are also home to some of the most tranquil retreats. These peaceful getaways provide an opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature. From the serene dunes of Rajasthan to the quiet stretches of Kutch, these retreats offer a unique blend of peace and adventure.
Here’s a look at some of India’s most peaceful desert retreats.
### Thar Retreat: Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Oasis
Rajasthan’s Thar Desert is dotted with several peaceful retreats that offer a unique experience with calm surroundings and traditional hospitality. Visitors can enjoy camel safaris, star-gazing sessions, and cultural performances by local artists.
Many retreat centers feature mud cottages that blend perfectly with the environment, giving you a comfortable stay while you soak in the desert’s natural beauty.
### Kutch Stay: A Unique Desert Experience
Kutch in Gujarat is famous for its white salt flats and vibrant culture. The region also houses peaceful retreats where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
These retreats offer guided tours of the salt flats, bird watching activities, and workshops on local crafts. Guests stay in simple yet comfortable accommodations and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
### Desert Camps: A Night Under the Stars
Desert camps are a popular choice for those looking to experience the tranquility of India’s deserts up close. These camps typically feature tents equipped with basic amenities, allowing guests to enjoy the simplicity of desert life without compromising comfort.
Activities such as bonfires, folk music sessions, and guided nature walks are common, making for an authentic and memorable desert experience.
### Eco Retreats: Sustainable Relaxation
For the environmentally conscious traveler, eco-friendly desert retreats provide sustainable options across India’s arid regions. These places focus on minimizing environmental impact by using renewable energy sources, implementing water conservation techniques, and supporting local communities through employment in tourism services.
Guests can participate in eco-tours that educate them about conservation efforts while enjoying a peaceful stay amidst stunning landscapes.
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Whether you seek cultural immersion, adventure, or simply a quiet retreat, India’s deserts offer an array of peaceful options to rejuvenate your mind and soul.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/where-to-find-the-most-peaceful-desert-retreats-in-india/story
**Singer Zubeen Garg Laid to Rest with Full State Honours in Assam**
Renowned singer Zubeen Garg was laid to rest with full state honours in Assam on Tuesday, September 23. Thousands of fans gathered at the crematorium in Kamarkuchi Village, Sonapur, to pay their last respects to the beloved artist.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attended Garg’s funeral on behalf of the central government, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid his respects at the cremation ground.
Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, leaving fans and the nation in shock. He breathed his last while scuba diving during a visit to attend the Northeast India Festival.
His mortal remains were flown to Delhi and subsequently transported to Assam on a commercial flight, arriving in Guwahati on Sunday morning. A sea of fans gathered to bid farewell, with several heart-wrenching visuals circulating on social media that captured the collective grief of a nation mourning the loss of one of its most cherished voices.
### Details Surrounding Zubeen Garg’s Death
According to the festival organizers, Zubeen Garg experienced breathing difficulties while scuba diving, which led to his untimely demise.
Amid circulating allegations of foul play, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a fresh post-mortem examination will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
The autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning at Guwahati Medical College and will be supervised by a team from AIIMS Guwahati. The Chief Minister confirmed that the singer’s family has given their consent for this procedure.
“This step is being taken in response to public demand and to ensure complete transparency in the investigation,” CM Sarma stated.
Zubeen Garg’s sudden and tragic passing has left a void in the music fraternity and among fans across the nation. The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and closure.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/zubeen-garg-funeral-singer-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-as-thousands-pay-emotional-tribute-in-assam
New Delhi: The impact of the H-1B visa application fee hike to $100,000 is expected to be limited on Indian IT services firms, given their reduced reliance on H-1B visas over the past decade through increased localisation and offshoring, a report said on Tuesday. However, the medium-term implications could be more pronounced.
The elevated cost of delivery in the US may lead to a structurally higher cost base, prompting firms to reassess their operating models and explore mitigation strategies, said a Franklin Templeton report. The extent of impact could vary depending on a company’s US exposure, onsite workforce mix, and reliance on non-local talent.
Historically, visa-related challenges have stemmed more from executive actions than legislative changes, with cost pressures already rising in earlier phases of visa tightening. Importantly, supply-side disruptions tend to be more damaging in high-growth environments—conditions that are not currently in play.
“As H-1B lotteries and petitions typically occur in Q4–Q1, the earliest material impact is likely to be reflected in FY27 petition cycles. In response, providers are expected to accelerate offshoring, expand nearshore operations in Canada and Mexico, pursue acquisitions in Europe and APAC to diversify geographically, and invest in automation and AI to enhance productivity,” the report mentioned.
These shifts are likely to make Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India increasingly attractive to talent, especially as onsite opportunities decline and clients demand better rate realisation and efficiency gains.
India’s equity markets may experience some near-term volatility, but overall valuations remain broadly elevated versus historical averages. However, valuations for the IT sector have corrected in the last 6–12 months due to a weak demand outlook.
The outlook for overall corporate earnings in Indian markets is improving, supported by a recovery in domestic consumption and a gradual pickup in private sector capital expenditure.
“While global risks—such as US tariffs—pose short-term challenges for export-driven sectors, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals continue to be resilient,” said the report.
Looking ahead, the potential conclusion of a trade agreement with the US in the second half of 2025, combined with strengthening domestic demand and improving earnings visibility, could act as positive catalysts for the market over the coming quarters, it added.
*Disclaimer: This story is from the syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/indian-it-firms-shielded-from-100000-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-localisation-offshoring-strategies-boost-independence
World championship leader Oscar Piastri’s horror Azerbaijan Grand Prix was even worse than anybody thought. The Australian started Sunday’s race in ninth place after a disastrous display in qualifying on Saturday, and his fortunes failed to improve.
Piastri endured a nightmare start to the race when the lights went out. He jumped the start, slowed down, and then eventually got away again. That turn of events led to Piastri—who started the day 31 points clear at the top of the drivers’ standings—dropping all the way back to last place.
As he approached the fifth corner of the tight street circuit in Baku, the McLaren driver locked up and shunted straight into the barriers, bringing his race to a premature end. The crash also ended his remarkable 34-race streak of finishing Grand Prix events and handed his teammate Lando Norris a huge opportunity to make up some ground in the title race.
Photos have now emerged showing a stony-faced Piastri being forced to walk back to the pits alone after the crash. One F1 fan posted, “The hardest walk of his career.” Another commented, “Poor Oscar, that really is a walk of shame.” A third quipped, “Could have called an Uber.”
Piastri appeared frustrated when talking to the press following the event, blaming “silly mistakes.”
“It certainly was not my finest moment,” he told Sky Sports F1. “I just anticipated the start too much, and it was a silly, simple error with that. Then, the crash—I just didn’t anticipate the dirty air in the way I should have. I clearly went into the corner way too hot, and that was that.”
He didn’t mince his words when assessing his performance over the course of the weekend.
“Just more silly mistakes,” he added. “It was certainly a messy weekend for sure, but I would be more concerned if I was slow and trying to make up for it that way and having these errors because of that. But the fact that they’re just simple lapses in judgement… It’s not a position I want to be in or to put the mechanics in, because it has been a rough weekend for them. If I’m trying to find a silver lining, at least I have that.”
With his first world title looming on the horizon, Piastri wasn’t too worried about the gap between himself and Norris reducing to just 25 points.
“I’m not too concerned about that,” he said. “I’m solely focused on myself and what I can do to improve. There’s still a long way to go, and if you have good or bad weekends, the championship is far from over.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-15124559/Is-Oscar-Images-reveal-depth-humiliation-Aussie-subjected-Azerbijian-disaster.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
NEW YORK, United States – Gains by tech giants Nvidia, Apple, and Oracle helped propel US equity indices to fresh records on Monday, overcoming early weakness and concerns the market could be overvalued.
For the third straight session, all three major indices powered to new all-time peaks, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index, which finished strong.
https://business.inquirer.net/548531/tech-giants-help-lift-us-stocks-to-fresh-records
**Tragic Incident in Noida: 10-Year-Old Student Dies After Choking During School Lunch**
A heart-wrenching incident occurred on September 4 in Noida involving Tanishka Sharma, a 10-year-old student of Class 6 at Presidium School, Sector 31. Reports indicate that Tanishka tragically passed away after choking on food eaten during her lunch break.
Tanishka had left her home that morning to attend school and participate in the Teacher’s Day celebrations but never returned home. According to The Times of India, after finishing her lunch, she went to the washroom. On her way out, near the stairs, she reportedly fell.
The school management then took her to Kailash Hospital, located approximately two kilometers away. Unfortunately, upon arrival, doctors pronounced her dead.
### Concerns Over School’s Response
Tanishka’s mother, Tripta Sharma, has expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction with the school’s handling of the situation. She alleges that the school’s response was marked by delays and conflicting information. Initially, staff informed the family that Tanishka had fainted while eating; later versions claimed she had fallen down the stairs.
According to the family, instead of rushing her to the hospital promptly, the school infirmary attempted to treat Tanishka on-site, causing a critical loss of time.
### Emotional Plea by the Mother
Tripta Sharma, an IT professional, shared an emotional video on social media addressing the tragedy. In the video, she said:
_”Hello everyone, my name is Tripta Sharma. I am the mother of the late Tanishka Sharma. She was my flower-like daughter. She studied in Class 6B at Presidium, Sector 31, Noida. On the 4th of September, I myself dropped her off at school for the Teacher’s Day celebration.”_
_”Around 11:30 am, I received a call from the teachers saying that my daughter had fainted. They told me to come immediately as they were taking her to Kailash Hospital. When we reached Kailash, doctors informed us that my daughter was brought in the worst state.”_
_”With my own hands, I performed her last rites. The pain and sorrow I am feeling cannot be expressed in words. It has been fifteen days since she passed away, and I still only want to know the truth about my daughter’s last moments.”_
_”I know my daughter will never come back, but she deserves the truth of what happened in those last few minutes. I just need justice and the truth,”_ she concluded.
### Police Report and Ongoing Investigation
According to police reports, the post-mortem examination revealed no external injuries, and the exact cause of death remains unclear. The school administration informed The Times of India that food particles were found stuck in Tanishka’s food pipe (oesophagus), consistent with choking.
The family has accused the school administration and staff of negligence. On September 8, they filed a police complaint demanding the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the school. They have also called for a formal inquiry, transparency regarding emergency records, and access to medical reports.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The family’s demand for justice highlights the need for accountability and improved safety measures within educational institutions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/justice-for-tanishka-single-mother-demands-truth-behind-daughters-mysterious-death-in-presidium-noida-school-video-goes-viral
**NGT Dismisses Appeal Against Renovation of Shah Rukh Khan’s Bandra Residence, Mannat**
*Mumbai:* The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed an appeal challenging the renovation of actor Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic sea-facing residence, Mannat, located in Bandra.
**About the Appeal**
The appeal was filed by activist Santosh Daundkar, who alleged that the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had erred in granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the renovation on January 3. However, the tribunal rejected the plea at the admission stage, stating that the appeal had “no force.”
**Tribunal’s Observations**
The NGT bench, presided over by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr. Vijay Kulkarni, noted that the proposed construction at Mannat falls within a CRZ-II area — specifically on the landward side of the existing road and fixed structures. This classification makes the renovation permissible under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. Consequently, the clearance was issued subject to conditions specified in the order.
The tribunal further observed that Mannat, situated at CTS 859, 860, 861, and 862 of Bandra H-West ward, was an existing structure prior to the grant of CRZ permission. The proposed renovation involves only the addition of two floors — the 7th and 8th upper residential floors — comprising one duplex flat with an internal staircase above the existing 6th floor.
Post-renovation, the building will include two basement levels, a ground floor, and eight upper residential floors, reaching a total height of 37.54 metres.
**Additional Details**
As per the Development Plan (DP 2034), the plot falls within a residential zone and is not reserved for any public purpose. The project proponent (PP) had also obtained plan approval from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on November 7, 2024.
When the tribunal asked Daundkar’s counsel to specify procedural errors in the clearance process, the counsel reiterated earlier grounds without substantive evidence and failed to produce the CRZ No Objection Certificate (NOC) dated June 23, 2008. The tribunal questioned why this 2008 NOC was not challenged earlier.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/mumbai-ngt-rejects-plea-against-shah-rukh-khans-mannat-renovation
University of Santo Tomas (UST) emerged as the overall champion in the 2025 Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. (PTTF) Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenge. The event was held at Home Court, Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.
UST dominated the competition, bagging an impressive seven gold medals. Leading the charge was Eljey Dan Tormis, who secured the college men’s singles title after outlasting his teammate in a thrilling match.
With this remarkable performance, UST solidified its position as a powerhouse in collegiate table tennis, showcasing the skill and dedication of its athletes.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641240/ust-dominates-table-tennis-tilt
