LABOUR DEPARTMENT
IBM's H-1B move, US tech layoffs: Why is it getting harder for Indians to work and settle in America?
IBM's decision to halt H-1B and green card sponsorship for many US consulting roles raises significant concerns for Indian professionals seeking long-term careers in the US. As scrutiny on foreign worker hiring intensifies, maintaining employment and progressing towards permanent residency becomes a multifaceted challenge for affected workers, who must navigate complex immigration processes and uncertain job security.
US assures India of tariff edge over competitors in trade pact
India and the US are working to finalize an interim trade deal by the end of this financial year. Ongoing negotiations focus on tariff advantages and customs issues as outlined in the agreement. New Delhi will uphold concessions on Scotch whiskey in its trade relationship with London. Concerns have been raised over high import duties on bulk Scotch at Indian ports despite reductions proposed in the trade pact.
1950s America had a bizarre loyalty test: Why owning one singer's record could threaten your job
In the 1950s, Paul Robeson, a renowned singer, faced severe backlash due to his political views and associations. His comments against fighting the Soviet Union resulted in violence at concerts, leading to professional isolation. Record companies refused to support him, drastically reducing his income and opportunities. Robeson’s records became politically controversial, impacting even government employees during loyalty checks.
Central government sets Rs 1.5 lakh laptop price limit for employees; Rs 1.8 lakh for Make-in-India devices
The central government has issued new guidelines allowing officers in Pay Levels 8 and above to buy laptops for their official duties. Eligible officers can invest up to Rs 1,50,000, or Rs 1,80,000 for Make-in-India devices. After four years, these laptops can be kept, provided that all data is erased prior. In case of transfers or retirements, officers can retain laptops by settling the book value.
No longer just non-AC train: Indian Railways' first Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 with AC coaches hits tracks between Delhi and Patna to ease Chhath Puja rush
Indian Railways has introduced its first Amrit Bharat Express 3.0 featuring AC coaches on the New Delhi-Patna route to manage the Chhath Puja rush. The special train, which departed on November 11, has a 22-coach configuration comprising First AC, Second AC, Third AC, Sleeper and General coaches. The upgraded train features push-pull technology, improved suspension, modern toilets and mobile charging points.
He joined a fire department as a volunteer at 15, left Goldman Sachs to build a $225 million used fire truck marketplace targeting a $1 trillion market
Martin Hunt joined a volunteer fire department at 15, worked at Goldman Sachs and then left finance to build Garage, an AI-powered marketplace for used heavy equipment. Now 27, he has raised $41 million for the startup, which is valued at $225 million and aims to tap a $1 trillion market.
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7,000 snack items destroyed, 568 litres of cooking oil dumped, 32 licences suspended: Amid festive rush, FSSAI flags unsafe food practices that could put your health at risk
The Kerala Food Safety Department deployed 56 special squads to inspect food establishments across the state as part of a crackdown on unsafe cooking oil reuse. The 160 inspections resulted in the disposal of 568 litres of used cooking oil and 7,000 snack items. Authorities also suspended 32 licences and issued 23 notices for food safety violations, according to figures shared by FSSAI.
Canva laid her off during maternity leave, but she is not walking away empty-handed: Pune woman reveals benefits included in severance package
A Pune woman who was laid off by Canva while on maternity leave has shared details of the company's severance package. Shraddha Khule, who joined the design platform in 2023, said employees can retain their MacBooks and receive a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription, career coaching, interview preparation and access to an alumni talent directory. She also recalled how Canva supported her during maternity leave.
Waste to wealth: Centre earns over Rs 970 crore from disposal of scrap
Inspired by the vision and direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and under the guidance of Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, the Special Campaign 6 for institutionalising swachhata and minimising pendency in government offices has recorded its highest-ever achievements across key parameters since the commencement of the annual special campaign in 2021, an official statement said.
Canada launches free CRS calculator to help Express Entry candidates check new high-wage points
CanadaVisa has released a free online calculator for Express Entry candidates to determine their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores following the implementation of Canada's high-wage occupation changes, effective November 3, 2026. The updated calculator factors in points for qualifying high-wage Canadian work experience or job offers, alongside other CRS factors such as age, education, language skills and employment history.
US tariffs squeeze Canadian cabinet makers facing doubling of Trump duty
As US tariffs on Canadian kitchen cabinets are set to double to 50%, the industry faces significant challenges. Companies like Cabico are considering relocating production to the US to mitigate costs. Many cabinet manufacturers have experienced reduced shipment volumes and workforce cuts due to tariffs. The Canadian government has proposed a provisional 25% surtax, but manufacturers want stronger measures.
Midterm results may slow US visa curbs, but no quick relief likely for IT
The opposition party’s takeover of both chambers of US Congress is expected to bring greater scrutiny of the administration’s policy decisions, potentially slowing further restrictions, industry experts told ET. However, any improvement in sentiment is unlikely to translate quickly into higher hiring or technology spending.
Make urban legend real: Our cities must become far more business-friendly for India to achieve high per-capita income
India's urban population has grown slowly, with a significant portion living in small rural habitations. The country requires substantial rural-urban migration to boost urbanisation and economic productivity. Urban centres must create favorable business environments to attract new and expanding enterprises. State governments should implement measures to alleviate urban land scarcity and improve labor regulations.
Election Day 2026 results so far: Abdul El-Sayed vs Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race; who is Democrat's wife Sarah Jukaku?
Election Day 2026 results so far: Michigan's closely watched 2026 Senate race pits Democrat Abdul El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers, with both candidates competing for a crucial seat. Most polls predict that Abdul El-Sayed might win. As voters head to the polls, here's what to know about El-Sayed's career, political background and wife, psychiatrist Sarah Jukaku.
Why is the US stock market split as Americans vote in the 2026 midterm elections today? Dow falls as S&P 500 and Nasdaq rise; Apple, Nvidia, and AMD in focus - gold and silver dip
US stock market today: US stocks opened mixed on Tuesday as Americans voted in the midterm elections. Investors are also waiting for AMD’s earnings report after the closing bell. By 9:43 a.m. ET, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 were up, and the Dow was down. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 338.36 points, or 0.65%, to 51,645.62. The S&P 500 rose 20.31 points, or 0.27%, to 7,561.71. The Nasdaq gained 189.93 points, or 0.75%, to 25,354.30.
'Very sad' that 23 states, UTs not yet responded to Centre over discrimination in jails: SC
The Supreme Court has expressed disappointment regarding the lack of responses from 23 states and Union Territories. These regions have not provided the requested information about eliminating jail discrimination. The apex court previously deemed caste-based discrimination unconstitutional in jail regulations. A final opportunity has been given to these states to reply, with a hearing scheduled for January 13. The court has indicated potential consequences if responses are not received.
The business of running a hospital: Balancing profitability, patient trust and scale
A hospital’s financial health depends on more than occupancy and revenue, requiring a careful balance of cost control, cash flow and patient trust.
US Midterm Elections 2026: Could the SMARTER Act change how Indians get US Green Cards?
With the upcoming midterm elections, a new immigration proposal in Congress could reshape the future of green cards and family sponsorship, especially for Indian professionals. The SMARTER Act aims to introduce a points-based system, eliminate country-based visa limits, and restrict family immigration to closer relatives, but its success hinges on the election outcomes.
India-New Zealand FTA: Expanding India’s footprint in Oceania
More than a trade deal, the India-New Zealand FTA is a strategic gateway to new markets, fresh investment and stronger capabilities, positioning India to compete, connect, and grow across the Asia-Pacific.
Telugu movie Irumudi controversy explained: Why has Telangana Labour Department issued a notice to Ravi Teja's film?
The Telugu film Irumudi, starring Ravi Teja, finds itself in the spotlight amid a controversy surrounding child actress Baby Nakshathra. After C Mahesh Babu's complaint, the Telangana Labour Department has launched an investigation into whether appropriate permissions were obtained for her to work. Read on to know what actually happened.
Agencies cite jurisdictional limits after Delhi shoe factory fire kills four
A fire at a shoe factory in Mangolpuri Industrial Area resulted in four fatalities and two injuries. The factory had valid licenses and a NOC from the pollution control committee. Initial investigations suggested negligence by laborers as a potential fire cause, although further inquiries are ongoing. The Delhi Fire Service deployed multiple fire tenders to control the blaze, which lasted several hours.
Delhi govt mandates registration of domestic help agencies; Rs 50,000 fine for violations
The Delhi government has mandated registration for all private placement agencies providing domestic help services. Agencies must register within 15 days and complete police verification for workers. A penalty of Rs 50,000 will be imposed for non-compliance with these regulations. Employers are advised to verify agency registrations and insist on police checks before hiring. The measures aim to prevent exploitation of domestic workers and ensure fair working conditions.
Noida labour bonus claims fake, FIR registered against those spreading misinformation: Additional Labour Commissioner
Amid misleading reports circulating on social media regarding labour bonus payments, Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi on Saturday dismissed the claims as false and fabricated, urging workers and employees not to believe unverified information or resort to protests based on such reports.
US weekly unemployment claims hover near 57-year lows
Initial unemployment claims in the United States have decreased slightly to 194,000 for the week ending October 24. Labour market conditions continue to demonstrate resilience, remaining below 200,000 claims since mid-September. The ongoing conflict between the US and Israel, including Iran, has led to employer hesitancy regarding hiring increases. Additionally, continuing claims have dropped to 1.701 million, reflecting decreased overall unemployment.
EPFO plans to invest in startups, AIFs five years after govt approval
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is working on guidelines for investing in alternative investment funds for better portfolio diversification. The proposed allocation could be up to 3% of fresh annual accretions to these funds. This decision follows recommendations for EPFO's participation in the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. Proposed safeguards will include limits on individual fund exposures and minimum corpus requirements.
Supreme Court to hear plea saying labour code keeps charitable hospital and welfare body workers out of labour courts
The All India Trade Union Congress in Tamil Nadu has filed a petition against the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. They argue the law excludes charitable institutions and welfare organizations from the definition of 'industry'. This exclusion denies workers in these fields access to legal protections against unfair termination and labor disputes. The Supreme Court's previous ruling established the nature of activities as the defining factor for 'industry'.
Karnataka HC grants relief to JioStar, Zee over 2% cess as broadcasters challenge law
The Karnataka High Court has issued a ruling preventing the state government from taking action against broadcasters. This relates to a 2% welfare cess imposed on television operators and other entities. Justice HT Narendra Prasad directed the state government to respond to petitions challenging the cess. The broadcasters argue that they differ fundamentally from cinema theatres in their operations.
DPIIT advances trust-based governance to ease business regulations across India
The government has cut 47,957 compliance requirements across Central ministries and states to ease business operations, including 22,290 digitised, 16,141 simplified, 5,255 decriminalised and 4,271 eliminated, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said.
US moves to change green card sponsorship rules as PERM proposal clears federal review
The US Office of Management and Budget has completed its review of a proposed rule to revise the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme. The Department of Labor plans to change recruitment standards, strengthen rules concerning layoffs of American workers and enhance employer non-discrimination requirements. The proposal will be published in the Federal Register for public comment, and the changes will not take effect until a final regulation is issued.
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