SELECTIVE APPROVALS
New Zealand moves visitor visa applications online, changing the process for Indian tourists and business travellers
New Zealand has moved most visitor visa applications to its enhanced Immigration Online system, ending the use of several older online forms and selected paper applications. The transition, completed between September 24 and October 8, 2026, affects Indian tourists, business travellers and people visiting family. Applicants who started applications in the old system but did not submit them before the deadline must begin again using the new platform.
EkaCare selected as tech partner for National Health Authority's Ambient AI-enabled Voice Scribe solution for doctors
EkaCare was selected through NHA's Expression of Interest process for Open-Source Ambient AI Enabled Voice-to-Text Solutions for Digital Health Record Creation under ABDM
Vande Bharat and Gatimaan Express trains connecting Delhi and Agra set for speed upgrade as Kavach installation is completed; services to return to 160 kmph from current 130 kmph after successful safety trials
Vande Bharat recent news: Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat services are expected to return to their original speeds of 160 kmph. This enhancement follows the successful installation of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection system on the Delhi-Agra route. Currently, eight trains operate at a reduced speed of 130 kmph due to safety regulations. Safety trials are currently being conducted to ensure the system's effectiveness before the speed increase.
Adobe, Canva, Figma tools in Claude: Anthropic lets users edit photos, PDFs and designs without switching apps
Anthropic has upgraded its AI assistant Claude, allowing users to edit photos and work on PDFs directly within applications. Users can now interact with tools like Adobe and Canva without switching between different windows. Claude can make direct changes in applications as users monitor the edits in real-time. Additional integrations with apps such as Figma and Shopify are also under development.
Have incorrect details in your EPF account? 5 easy steps to update name, date of birth, date of joining & more online
EPF members now have the ability to rectify discrepancies in their account records using the newly introduced online joint declaration facility. This tool enables users to update personal information, such as names and dates of birth. Once a correction request is made, it requires verification and approval from the employer before the EPFO office finalizes the process.
Is AI selloff a window to buy? Morgan Stanley sees multiple buying opportunities on Wall Street
Morgan Stanley sees the recent AI stock selloff as an overreaction and recommends selectively buying the dip across hyperscalers, semiconductor and infrastructure companies. The brokerage expects some US data centre projects to shift from 2028 to 2029 following Democratic election victories, potentially extending the AI capital expenditure cycle and reshaping investment opportunities.
Dubai changes visa rules in 2026, expands visa-on-arrival access and relaxes property visa criteria
Dubai has introduced several visa changes in 2026 that could affect Indian travellers, property owners, foreign professionals and long-term residents. The UAE has introduced new specialist visit visa categories and linked Dubai residence visa transactions with outstanding traffic fines. The proposed GCC unified tourist visa is also awaiting implementation.
New Zealand changes residence rules for parents with unlawfully staying children from November 12
New Zealand will tighten its residence rules from November 12, 2026, preventing parents and other secondary applicants from securing residence if their dependent child is unlawfully staying in the country. Under the revised policy, parents will need to address their child's immigration status before their residence applications can be approved.
European tech is coming to Bengaluru's suburban tracks: Rs 1,017 crore ETCS upgrade planned across two corridors
Bengaluru's suburban rail project will adopt the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 for corridors 2 and 4, with the signalling infrastructure estimated to cost Rs 1,017 crore, excluding GST and customs duty. K-Ride has floated a tender for the system, replacing the earlier CBTC proposal. The Mallige and Kanaka lines are expected to have different installation timelines, while ICF will manufacture 51 three-coach trains for the project.
Google acquires Wyoming data center site from AI infrastructure firm Crusoe
Google has acquired Crusoe's data center site in southeast Wyoming, the AI infrastructure developer said on Friday, a day after the Alphabet unit announced a $17-billion investment in the project.
Government clears Rs 7,503 crore investments under ECMS in sixth tranche
The latest group of 12 applicants includes manufacturers of up- stream materials such as anode and cathode materials. Together, these companies plan to produce goods worth 182,243 crore at faci- lities across 10 states and employ more than 9,500 workers.
OpenAI launches GPT-6 Cyber with 'Critical' cybersecurity rating
OpenAI released GPT-6 Cyber, a model built to find and exploit security flaws, to a small group of vetted customers on Thursday, rating it "Critical" in cybersecurity under its safety framework.
Hydrogen-Powered Toy Train: Indian Railways plans big change on iconic Kalka-Shimla route; check what could soon be different for passengers
Indian Railways is planning to introduce a hydrogen-powered toy train on the 96-km Kalka-Shimla heritage route under the Centre's Hydrogen for Heritage initiative. Barog railway station has been identified as a possible site for a hydrogen production plant. The project aims to promote cleaner rail transport in the ecologically sensitive Shivalik hills, subject to technical feasibility and official approvals.
Centre issues advisory to states to boost fodder production, livestock infra under VB-G RAM G
The Centre has issued an advisory to states and Union territories to improve fodder security and livestock infrastructure. This advisory promotes convergence under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025. It identifies 22 permissible works supporting fodder cultivation, livestock shelters, and veterinary health facilities. States are encouraged to increase expenditure on these works while aligning with local development priorities.
Agniveer Scheme revamped: What's the new pathway to permanent Army jobs and why has govt changed Agnipath?
The government's revision of the Agnipath scheme comes ahead of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab, addressing concerns over limited retention in the armed forces. The new framework allows the 25% selected on merit to enter regular service after four years, while the remaining 75% can serve two more years before being considered for enrolment.
Agnipath scheme: All Agniveers to be offered regular enrolment after 2-year extended engagement
The Union Cabinet has approved a revised Agnipath scheme offering all Agniveers a pathway to regular military service. The top 25% will be absorbed after four years based on merit, while the remaining 75% can opt for a two-year extension with higher pay, enhanced Seva Nidhi and seniority benefits before enrolment.
'Until it becomes perfect, many things have to be changed, evaluated': Former Lt Gen DP Pandey hails Cabinet's Agnipath extension
Responding to queries regarding the government's decision to introduce a 'Second Tour of Duty' and expand regular enrolment pathways, Lt Gen Pandey pointed out that iterative reviews are essential for perfecting any newly introduced recruitment model.
Razorpay gets Sebi nod for Rs 5,000-6,000 crore IPO: sources
ET reported on April 20 that Razorpay was preparing a confidential IPO filing to raise Rs 5,500-6,500 crore at an expected valuation of $5 billion (Rs 49,000-50,000 crore), below the $7.5 billion (around Rs 6,000 crore then) it commanded in its last major private funding round in 2021.
Sebi issues rules for depositary receipts on REITs, InvITs units
India's market regulator has unveiled a new framework enabling foreign investors to invest in REITs and InvITs, aiming to boost foreign capital in these sectors. To issue depositary receipts, REITs and InvITs must gain approvals from both local and international exchanges, requiring a minimum of 75% consent from unitholders for any fresh offerings. Currently, established REITs and InvITs in India are already open to foreign investments under certain regulations.
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