Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning commuters of possible traffic disruptions across New Delhi and Central Delhi on Tuesday, October 13. Authorities said restrictions and route diversions may be introduced at major junctions and road stretches depending on the prevailing law and order situation. The advisory comes amid tensions surrounding recent protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Traffic arrangements m

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, bringing a season of devotion, family celebrations and colourful festive dressing. The nine-day colour sequence runs through October 19, beginning with orange and ending with peacock green. Devotees can use the daily shades to plan sarees, kurtas, dupattas and accessories for home prayers, community gatherings and Garba evenings.

Bathukamma 2026 will be celebrated from October 10 to October 18 across Telangana. The nine-day flower festival begins with Engili Pula Bathukamma on Mahalaya Amavasya and concludes with Saddula Bathukamma. Women prepare colourful floral arrangements, offer traditional food, and gather to sing and dance in celebration of Goddess Gauri.

India has strongly criticised US Vice President JD Vance’s description of foreign technology workers as “indentured servants”, calling the terminology unwarranted and deeply offensive. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended Indian professionals and emphasised their contribution to American businesses, research and innovation. The response followed Washington’s decision to suspend eight technology companie

The United States’ suspension of a key green-card sponsorship process at eight technology companies has raised concerns over the future of skilled-worker mobility. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has urged India’s IT industry to prepare for the possibility of restrictions extending to hiring and outsourcing, while distinguishing that warning from the immediate scope of the action. Announced on October 8, the suspension affects Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant and Capgemini. It blocks new and pending applications under the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, commonly known as PERM, a route used for employer-sponsored permanent residency. What the Green-Card Freeze Means The immediate concern is uncertainty for employees pursuing permanent residency through the affected employers. Companies may also need to reassess longer-term staffing plans in the United States. However, GTRI said the PERM suspension does not itself prevent H-1B applications under existing rules or cancel workers’ current H-1B status. The report’s warning about wider restrictions is an assessment of potential policy risks, rather than an announcement of a new H-1B hiring ban. This distinction matters for understanding the impact: a disruption to permanent-residency sponsorship does not automatically mean an immediate halt to ongoing IT projects. Why GTRI Sees a Risk for Indian IT GTRI highlighted the industry’s substantial exposure to the American market. According to figures cited in its report, the US accounted for $119.7 billion, or 54.1 per cent, of India’s $221.4 billion in software and IT-enabled services exports during FY2025–26. That dependence makes changes in US immigration and employment policy significant for Indian technology businesses. GTRI urged companies to prepare for possible measures affecting H-1B hiring, movement of skilled professionals and outsourcing. These remain potential risks identified by the think tank, with the present action focused on PERM sponsorship. Delivery From India Could Cushion the Impact The report said India’s delivery model could limit the immediate disruption. Globally, 91.7 per cent of software and IT-enabled services exports were delivered from India, while 8.3 per cent came through professionals working at overseas client locations. Applying those worldwide proportions to US exports, GTRI estimated that approximately $109.8 billion in services was delivered from India and $9.9 billion through on-site work. It clarified that these estimates use global delivery shares rather than US-specific data. The figures suggest that much of the industry’s work can continue without employees being based at American client locations. Nevertheless, uncertainty over residency could complicate workforce planning and employee retention. Diversification, Local Hiring and GCC Opportunities GTRI recommended expanding into additional export markets, strengthening service delivery from India and increasing local hiring in the US where required. It also called for greater investment in artificial intelligence and higher-value technology services. The report identified a possible opportunity for India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Multinational companies could expand engineering work and specialised teams in India if overseas staffing becomes more difficult, potentially supporting employment and technology development. For Indian IT companies, the immediate challenge is to manage residency-related uncertainty while maintaining client delivery. GTRI’s broader message is to build resilience against sudden policy changes through a wider customer base, stronger domestic delivery capabilities and more specialised services.

MAA President Vishnu Manchu has called for an industry-wide system to address AI deepfakes, targeted online abuse and malicious campaigns, following the controversy over a manipulated version of ‘Chuttamalle’ featuring NTR and Janhvi Kapoor. Deepfake Controversy Raises Accountability Concerns Actor and Movie Artistes Association (MAA) President Vishnu Manchu has strongly responded to the AI-manipulated version of the popular ‘Chuttamalle’ song. He said

A military helicopter carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members crashed in southwestern Nigeria, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said on Monday, October 5. According to Reuters, the helicopter came down close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Its wreckage had been located, and search and rescue operations were continuing when the initial report was published. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties. The available information did not

India’s housing market is showing signs of slower momentum as residential sales remain largely unchanged despite a steady flow of new projects. Developers continue to add supply, but inventory is taking longer to clear, creating an uneven picture across cities and price categories. According to Knight Frank India figures cited in the report, 2,58,238 homes were sold across eight major cities between January and Septembe

Jio Platforms Eyes October IPO Launch Jio Platforms is preparing to launch its initial public offering on October 21, with shares likely to begin trading on October 28, Reuters reported, citing two sources. The Reliance Industries-owned digital services business aims to raise approximately $3.8 billion. The proposed timetable

Telangana Woman Killed in Missouri Road Accident A 31-year-old woman from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district died in a road accident in Missouri, United States, leaving her family grieving and seeking assistance to bring her mortal remains back to India. The deceased, identified as Daram Supriya, was a native of Maripeda mandal. According to preliminary information

Supreme Court Seeks Records Before Intervention The Supreme Court on Monday declined to pass an interim order suspending Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of unilateral decision-making within the Election Commission of India. Instead, it sought responses and records to examine how the disputed decisions were approved. The petition challenges

India-US Trade Talks Face a Difficult Phase India’s efforts to secure a trade agreement with the United States face fresh uncertainty after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said negotiations had reached a plateau. Her comments indicate that finding additional room for compromise could become increasingly difficult for both countries. Speaking at the Munic

AP plans 3D printed housing pilot in Burripalem The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to introduce 3D printing technology in rural housing through a pilot project in Burripalem village near Tenali. According to the report, the initiative will come under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) and aims to provide affordable homes whil

Chiranjeevi is reportedly being considered for a Netflix celebrity talk show in a podcast-style format. The proposed series could bring his stories and conversations to a global audience, although its format, guests and launch date have not been officially announced.  A Possible New Chapter on Netflix Reports suggest that Chiranjeevi may lead a multi-episode show for the streaming platform. Instead of a scripted role, the Telugu cinema star would be at the

Actor Allu Sirish has sought Hyderabad City Police intervention over alleged late-night loud music from a Hanuman temple near his residence in Shaikpet. His complaint has triggered a wider social media discussion around noise pollution, religious celebrations and the rights of residents living in nearby communities.  Allu Sirish Raises Late-Night Noise Complaint Allu Sirish took to X on September 27 and tagged Hyderabad City Police, stating that loud music