A Sudden Blow to Global Talent In a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves through the technology and business worlds, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an annual $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. Effective September 21, the policy will remain in place for at least 12 months, but may be extended further. Long regarded…
Growing Role of AI and the Need for Guardrails Artificial Intelligence is fast becoming a transformative force across industries, governance, and everyday life. Yet with its potential comes a parallel risk— misuse, misinformation, and unintended harm. Recognizing this duality, the Indian government is set to release a dedicated AI safety framework by September 28, aimed at…
Rising Calls to Curb Baloch Militancy The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), one of Pakistan’s most prominent separatist groups, has long been accused of orchestrating deadly attacks against Pakistani forces and Chinese interests tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Alongside its suicide unit, the Majeed Brigade, the BLA has carried out high-profile assaults, including suicide…
A City Under Fire Gaza City, once the bustling heart of Palestine’s coastal enclave, is today engulfed in devastation. On September 16, Israel launched a full-scale ground offensive backed by airstrikes, drone surveillance, artillery, and naval firepower. The Israeli defense minister starkly described the situation as “Gaza is burning,” framing the offensive as an attempt…
Political Transition Amid Uncertainty Japan stands at a political crossroads following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation after a series of electoral setbacks. His exit has triggered a leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a party that has dominated Japan’s post-war politics but recently struggled to maintain its majority in parliament. Against this backdrop,…
Odisha’s Growing Innovation Landscape In recent years, Odisha has quietly emerged as a promising hub for entrepreneurship, with state-led initiatives, investor interest, and policy support attracting a steady flow of capital into technology and infrastructure projects. From IT services to renewable energy, startups in the state are gaining traction in both domestic and global markets. The government…
Antifa and a Political Flashpoint The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10 has reignited fierce debate in the United States over the radical leftist movement known as Antifa. In response, President Donald Trump announced that his administration will formally classify Antifa as a “major terrorist organization.” The move,…
A Strategic Realignment in the Gulf Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have sealed a fresh mutual defence agreement, pledging that an attack on either nation will be treated as aggression against both. The deal, signed in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores a renewed push for military cooperation amid…
Terrazyme: A Sustainable Road-Building Alternative As infrastructure needs expand, balancing growth with environmental responsibility has become a pressing challenge. Odisha is now exploring Terrazyme technology, a bio-enzyme derived from natural plant extracts, to create more sustainable, cost-effective, and durable roads. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on stone, cement, and asphalt, this solution stabilizes soil at the…
A Global Conglomerate with Expanding Footprints The Adani Group, one of India’s largest multinational conglomerates, has steadily expanded its presence across sectors ranging from ports and logistics to energy and infrastructure. Its ventures abroad—particularly in strategic regions like the Indian Ocean—have elevated its role not only as a business powerhouse but also as a stakeholder in…
