US bars tech firm Cloudera from Green Card program for two years, orders $2 million settlement

Posted on October 21, 2026 by Sridhar P

The US government has barred California-based technology company Cloudera from participating in the employment-based Green Card sponsorship process for two years and secured a $2 million settlement over allegations that it discriminated against American workers during recruitment.

The agreement, announced by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Labor (DOL), resolves a federal lawsuit alleging that Cloudera violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by disadvantaging qualified US workers while recruiting for seven positions under the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme. The company will establish a $1.4 million fund for eligible American workers who were not given fair consideration and pay an additional $600,000 in civil penalties to the government.

The two-year debarment is significant for the technology sector because PERM is generally the first major stage in an employer-sponsored employment-based Green Card application. The action also comes amid a wider US crackdown on employers’ use of immigration sponsorship programmes, with Indian technology companies and Indian professionals closely watching changes to the process.

Why the US government imposed the two-year ban

The Justice Department filed its lawsuit against Cloudera in April 2026, alleging that the company discriminated against US workers in favour of employees holding temporary work visas during recruitment for seven positions.

Under the PERM system, employers generally must demonstrate that there are insufficient qualified, willing, able and available US workers for a particular position and that employing a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed US workers.

Federal authorities alleged that Cloudera’s recruitment practices denied qualified American applicants a fair opportunity to compete for the positions. The settlement resolves those allegations without requiring the company to continue litigating the case.

The DOL had previously suspended Cloudera’s PERM processing before the two-year debarment was announced. Under the final resolution, the company must also comply with enhanced monitoring, revised compliance procedures and additional reporting requirements intended to prevent future violations.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said the settlement demonstrated the administration’s commitment to enforcing protections for American workers.

“There are no exceptions: the Justice Department will hold accountable employers who discriminate against U.S. workers,” Dhillon said in the department’s announcement.

Cloudera has disputed the suggestion that it intentionally discriminates. According to Bloomberg Law, a company spokesperson said an email address used in the recruitment process had inadvertently been restricted to internal employees and that the company had taken corrective action after learning of the problem. The spokesperson said the company remained committed to fair and lawful recruitment.

The settlement comprises two separate payments. The $1.4 million fund is intended to compensate qualified US workers who sought to apply for the positions but did not receive fair consideration. The remaining $600,000 constitutes civil penalties payable to the government.

What the action means for Indian H-1B workers

The Cloudera case is particularly relevant to Indian professionals because many technology workers enter the United States on H-1B visas before seeking permanent residency through employer sponsorship.

However, the two programmes serve different purposes. An H-1B visa permits eligible foreign professionals to work temporarily in the United States, while PERM is a labour-certification process generally required before an employer can file an employment-based immigrant petition in categories such as EB-2 and EB-3.

The two-year restriction therefore prevents Cloudera from participating in PERM sponsorship during the debarment period. It does not, by itself, cancel existing H-1B visas or automatically revoke Green Cards already granted to the company’s employees.

For Indian workers employed by Cloudera who have not completed the labour-certification stage, the restriction could complicate or delay the employer-sponsored route to permanent residency. The consequences for individual employees will depend on their immigration stage, existing approvals, eligibility for alternative routes and whether another employer is willing and able to sponsor them.

Employees whose PERM applications are pending should seek advice from qualified US immigration counsel about the status of their cases and the implications of the debarment. They should not assume that a pending application will proceed normally or that changing employers will automatically preserve their existing immigration timeline.

The enforcement action also signals the administration’s willingness to impose substantial financial penalties and programme restrictions when employers are found to have violated recruitment requirements. The DOJ said the Cloudera settlement was the fourteenth settlement since it relaunched its Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative in 2025.

The broader context is a series of restrictions and enforcement actions affecting technology companies’ access to the PERM programme. Earlier in October, reports identified several major technology firms, including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe, as affected by suspensions of PERM processing. The circumstances and duration of restrictions may differ by company, so the Cloudera settlement should not be treated as proof that every affected employer faces the same penalty.

For Indian professionals planning long-term careers in the United States, the distinction between temporary work authorisation and permanent residency is becoming increasingly important. An employer’s ability to sponsor a worker for a Green Card can be affected by labour-certification restrictions even when the worker’s separate temporary immigration status remains valid.

The Cloudera settlement ultimately puts employers’ recruitment practices under renewed scrutiny. For foreign professionals, the immediate priority is to understand which immigration stage their case has reached, whether their employer remains eligible to sponsor them and what lawful alternatives may be available if the process is interrupted.

FAQs

Why has the US banned Cloudera from the Green Card programme?

The US government reached a settlement with Cloudera over allegations that the company discriminated against qualified American workers during recruitment for seven positions under the PERM labour-certification process.

How much must Cloudera pay?

The settlement totals $2 million, comprising a $1.4 million compensation fund for eligible US workers and $600,000 in civil penalties.

Will the ban cancel Cloudera employees’ H-1B visas?

No. The PERM restriction does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas. H-1B status and employment-based Green Card sponsorship are separate immigration processes.

Can Indian employees still get Green Cards through Cloudera?

The two-year debarment restricts Cloudera’s participation in PERM during that period. The impact on an individual employee depends on the stage of the case and any applicable alternative immigration options.

What should Indian H-1B workers do if their Green Card process is affected?

They should establish whether their PERM application has been filed, is pending or has been approved, and consult a qualified US immigration attorney about the effect of the restriction and any lawful alternatives.

Indian-origin California man charged in US voter fraud case; Says: ‘Didn’t now I was ineligible’

Posted on October 21, 2026 by Srinivas Chakravarty

A 67-year-old Indian-origin retired dentist in California has been charged in a US election fraud case after allegedly registering to vote and participating in the 2024 presidential election despite being a permanent resident rather than a US citizen.

Kamlesh Navnitlal Shah has said he did not know he was legally barred from voting and believed officials had allowed him to register. His case is among a wider federal crackdown on alleged noncitizen voting in California, where authorities have charged 28 people under an initiative called Operation Protect the Vote, according to reports.

Shah, who reportedly suffered a serious accident five to six years ago and spent six months in a coma, said he was confused about the registration process. He told reporters that he had accompanied his blind roommate to a community centre to vote and presented his identification and Social Security card when asked.

“I showed them the ID and my Social Security card. They did something…I don’t remember…it was a long time ago,” Shah said, according to The Times of India.

“I thought I was registering to vote. I didn’t know about my pending citizenship. I thought I must be a citizen. I had no idea I wasn’t,” he added, claiming nobody had told him that permanent residents were not eligible to vote in federal elections.

Shah’s account has not been established as a legal defence, and the allegations against him remain subject to the criminal justice process. His claim that he did not understand the rules does not, by itself, determine whether he committed an offence.

Federal crackdown targets alleged noncitizen voting

The US Justice Department has described Operation Protect the Vote as a coordinated effort involving all four US Attorney’s offices based in California to investigate and prosecute alleged election fraud.

According to the reported federal allegations, 28 people have been charged, including 11 foreign nationals identified in connection with the investigation. Federal agents arrested 11 people, according to U.S. Assistant Attorney Bill Essayli.

“Elections belong to American citizens,” Essayli said. “Even if one noncitizen votes in an election, that is a violation of the constitutional rights of every voter in California who has a legal right to have their vote be counted equally and not diluted by noncitizens.”

Another Indian national named in the reported case is Amandeep Kaur, 30, a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes. According to the allegations, Kaur registered to vote in December 2022 and voted in the November 2024 election while seeking US citizenship.

The charges reportedly include making false statements in naturalisation applications and fraudulent voter registration. Federal prosecutors say the offences carry a maximum prison sentence of five years, although the precise potential penalty depends on the specific charge, applicable law and outcome of the case.

The distinction between an allegation and a conviction is important. Being named in the investigation or charged with an offence does not establish guilt, and each defendant is entitled to contest the allegations in court.

California ballot dispute adds political dimension

The cases have also become part of a wider dispute between the federal government and California over voter eligibility and election administration.

According to the reported federal account, the government supplied California officials with a list of individuals whose citizenship status it questioned and sought to have their mail-in ballots set aside pending verification. California declined to assist with the proposed action, prompting the federal government to file a lawsuit seeking judicial intervention.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter defended the federal initiative, arguing that voting by ineligible individuals undermines the electoral rights of citizens.

“Every illegal vote cancels out the vote of a lawful American citizen,” McCotter said, according to the reported statement.

The administration also said the 28 defendants appeared on a list of more than 20,000 people it described as likely noncitizen registrants. That figure represents the government’s stated concern, not a judicial finding that all the individuals voted illegally or committed fraud.

The dispute highlights the tension between federal efforts to enforce election laws and state authority over voter registration and election administration. Establishing whether an individual is a citizen, whether that person registered or voted, and whether the conduct violated criminal law requires case-specific evidence.

For Indian permanent residents in the United States, Shah’s case underscores a basic legal distinction: lawful permanent residence, commonly known as holding a Green Card, does not confer the right to vote in federal elections. That right generally belongs to US citizens, subject to applicable registration and voting requirements.

The case also raises questions about the safeguards used during voter registration and the responsibility of applicants to understand eligibility rules. Shah’s claim that he misunderstood the process will need to be assessed against the evidence and the charges brought against him.

The broader investigation is likely to remain politically contentious as federal and California authorities contest how suspected noncitizen registrations should be identified and handled. The outcome of the individual prosecutions and the related lawsuit will be important in determining the legal consequences of the allegations and the scope of the federal government’s demands.

FAQs

Can Green Card holders vote in US presidential elections?

No. US federal elections are generally restricted to US citizens who meet the applicable voting requirements. Lawful permanent residents cannot vote in federal elections.

Who is Kamlesh Navnitlal Shah?

He is a 67-year-old Indian-origin retired dentist in California who has been charged in connection with alleged voter fraud involving the 2024 US election. He says he did not know he was ineligible to vote.

What is Operation Protect the Vote?

It is the US Justice Department initiative described as a coordinated effort by California-based federal prosecutors to investigate and prosecute alleged election fraud.

Has Kamlesh Shah been convicted?

The information provided identifies him as charged, not convicted. The allegations must be established through the legal process.

Rubio’s Jamnagar visit puts Ambani refinery at centre of US oil strategy

Posted on October 21, 2026 by Sridhar P

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat on Wednesday, October 21, as Washington seeks to expand markets for Venezuelan crude, ease pressure on global fuel supplies and strengthen energy cooperation with India.

The visit places Mukesh Ambani’s refining complex at the centre of a broader American strategy to redirect oil flows amid escalating energy-market risks, pressure over India’s purchases of Russian crude and concerns about rising fuel prices in the United States. Rubio is expected to discuss whether Reliance can process additional Venezuelan oil and potentially resume involvement in oil production in Venezuela.

The discussions also come as New Delhi and Washington work towards concluding a bilateral trade agreement after months of negotiations over tariffs, energy purchases and market access. Rubio said in Mumbai on Tuesday that the possibility of processing more Venezuelan crude would be discussed with Reliance, which has handled Venezuelan oil in the past.

“We will talk about (refining more Venezuelan crude) tomorrow with Reliance…They have done so in the past, and I think as more and more of Venezuelan oil comes online, that is something they can do,” Rubio told reporters.

Why Washington needs Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery

Reliance’s Jamnagar complex has a combined crude-processing capacity of approximately 1.4 million barrels per day, making it the world’s largest single-site refining complex. Its ability to process heavy, high-sulphur crude makes it particularly relevant to Washington’s efforts to expand the market for Venezuelan oil.

Venezuela possesses substantial oil reserves, but increasing production and bringing additional supplies to international markets require investment, functioning infrastructure and reliable buyers. Large refiners capable of processing its heavy crude could help turn additional production into commercially usable fuels.

Reliance is already a significant buyer of Venezuelan crude. Washington is seeking to build on that relationship as it looks for additional sources of petroleum products and ways to improve the resilience of global supply chains. Rubio has also indicated that the possibility of Reliance participating in Venezuelan oil production could be explored, although no new agreement has been established.

The refinery’s significance extends beyond crude processing. Reliance produces and exports diesel, petrol, aviation fuel and other petroleum products, giving its operations an international reach. The availability of additional Venezuelan crude could support refinery operations and global fuel supplies, depending on pricing, shipping arrangements and commercial terms.

The urgency is heightened by disruptions associated with the conflict involving Iran and threats to shipping through strategically important waterways. Such disruptions can increase freight and insurance costs, delay deliveries and tighten supplies of crude oil and refined products.

For India, which relies heavily on imported crude, diversifying suppliers remains an important energy-security priority. Greater access to Venezuelan oil could offer refiners another source of supply, but its attractiveness would depend on the delivered price, payment arrangements, sanctions compliance and the availability of competing grades.

Rubio’s visit therefore highlights a convergence of commercial and geopolitical interests: Washington wants more outlets for Venezuelan oil, while India’s refiners need reliable and competitively priced feedstock.

Russian crude and trade negotiations complicate energy diplomacy

The Jamnagar discussions are taking place against the backdrop of continuing US pressure on countries buying Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

India increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude after the war began, making Russia a major supplier to Indian refiners. Washington has used tariffs and the threat of additional economic measures to press countries to reconsider energy trade with Moscow.

However, the Trump administration has also had to balance its pressure on Russia with the potential consequences for international oil supplies and domestic fuel prices. President Donald Trump recently waived potential sanctions measures that could have affected countries importing Russian oil, including India, according to Reuters.

Rubio acknowledged the wider economic implications of sanctions while discussing the administration’s approach to Russia.

“People don’t realize that sanctions come at a consequence, because sanctions aren’t just on Russia – they are on anyone who does business with Russia. So there’s a balancing act there. There always is,” he told CNN-News18.

The comments underline the limits of using sanctions to reshape global energy trade. Restricting one supplier does not automatically guarantee that alternative crude will be available at comparable prices or in sufficient volumes. Refinery configurations, shipping costs and commercial contracts all influence purchasing decisions.

Reliance’s position is particularly significant because the conglomerate also backs a proposed refinery project in Brownsville, Texas. The planned investment offers another potential area of cooperation between the company and the Trump administration, which has made expanding American energy production and attracting investment central economic priorities.

Rubio’s India visit is also intended to advance negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement. The discussions cover a broader relationship encompassing energy, technology, defence and other commercial sectors. Progress on the trade deal could help both governments manage differences over tariffs and energy sourcing, although the outcome remains subject to negotiations.

The Jamnagar visit brings these competing priorities into focus. Washington is looking for additional buyers for Venezuelan oil and greater cooperation with Indian industry, while New Delhi must balance its strategic relationship with the United States against its need to secure affordable energy from multiple suppliers.

Whether the discussions produce additional Venezuelan crude purchases, renewed investment in Venezuelan oil production or wider commercial commitments will depend on the terms negotiated by the parties. The immediate significance of the visit is that one of the world’s largest refining complexes has become an important point of engagement in Washington’s effort to influence global energy flows.

FAQs

Why is Marco Rubio visiting Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery?

Rubio is visiting to discuss whether Reliance can process more Venezuelan crude and explore wider energy cooperation between India and the United States.

How much oil can the Jamnagar refinery process?

The complex has a combined crude-processing capacity of approximately 1.4 million barrels per day.

Could Reliance resume oil production in Venezuela?

The possibility may be discussed, but the visit does not establish that Reliance will resume production or enter into a new agreement.

How does the visit affect India-US trade negotiations?

The visit provides an opportunity to advance energy and commercial cooperation as both governments work towards a bilateral trade agreement. Energy sourcing, tariffs and market access remain important areas of negotiation.

Bhagwant Mann’s airport detention claim revives Centre-state row over France visit

Posted on October 21, 2026 by Sridhar P

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Centre of targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after alleging that he was made to wait for nearly three hours at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport following his return from Paris and subsequently issued a ₹50,000 challan.

The allegation, made by AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu on October 20, has triggered a fresh political confrontation over Mann’s official visit to France, which had already become contentious after the Union government denied political clearance for the trip. AAP has alleged that the airport episode was intended to humiliate the chief minister, although the specific grounds for the challan have not been established in the available reports.

The controversy follows a significant legal setback for the Centre, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court setting aside the refusal to grant political clearance for Mann’s visit and questioning the government’s failure to explain the “political angle” it had cited.

Airport allegation raises questions over challan

According to AAP, Mann was kept waiting at the Delhi airport while officials repeatedly cited the arrival and checking of his luggage. He alleged that officials approached the chief minister again as he was preparing to leave, claiming they were under “tremendous pressure from above”, before issuing the challan.

AAP has not publicly specified the precise grounds on which the ₹50,000 penalty was imposed. The party’s account of the alleged detention, the explanation attributed to officials and its claim of pressure from above have not been independently established.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia offered a different account, claiming that Mann and his wife, Gurpreet Kaur, were questioned by Customs officials over suspected excess luggage or money beyond permitted limits. Majithia also alleged that the baggage of staff accompanying the chief minister’s office was to be checked. These claims, too, require confirmation from the authorities concerned.

The competing accounts leave key questions unanswered: which agency issued the challan, what rule was allegedly violated, what material prompted the action and whether the reported delay was connected to a routine Customs examination or any other official process.

AAP has framed the incident as part of a wider pattern of obstacles to Mann’s overseas engagements. The party has linked the airport allegation to previous denials of political clearance for his foreign visits and accused the BJP-led government of obstructing Punjab’s efforts to attract investment.

High Court had questioned Centre’s refusal

The airport controversy has its roots in the dispute over Mann’s proposed visit to Paris from October 17 to 21 to promote Punjab’s products and participate in SIAL Paris 2026, an international food and beverage trade exhibition.

The Punjab government had applied for political clearance through the Ministry of External Affairs’ online system on September 9. The Centre denied clearance on October 12, prompting the state government to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

In its ruling, the High Court questioned the government’s reliance on an unspecified “political angle” to justify the refusal. Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya observed that the ministry had not explained what that political consideration was or how it justified denying the application.

The court also rejected the stated objections concerning the invitation and Mann’s functional role in the proposed visit. It noted that the exhibition organiser, SIAL, had communicated with the French Embassy and welcomed Mann’s participation, describing the visit as an opportunity to establish professional contacts and negotiate contracts.

The court further held that reasons subsequently supplied in an affidavit could not be used to justify the original decision if those reasons had not formed part of the decision itself. The Union government, meanwhile, had cited considerations including bilateral relations, the diplomatic climate, security and the political situation in the host country.

The state government maintained that the refusal was arbitrary and had been communicated at the last minute. The court allowed the delegation’s visit and directed that due protocol be followed.

The latest airport allegations have therefore reopened a broader question about the relationship between political clearance for official foreign travel and the treatment of an elected state chief minister by central authorities. Establishing the facts surrounding the challan will be essential to determining whether the episode involved a routine enforcement action or supports the political allegations being made by AAP.

An official explanation from the authorities responsible for the airport action, including the legal basis for the penalty, would help resolve the central factual dispute. Until then, the alleged detention and its political interpretation remain claims that must be distinguished from the High Court’s documented findings on the separate clearance dispute.

FAQs

Why did AAP allege that Bhagwant Mann was detained at Delhi airport?

AAP claimed that Mann was made to wait for nearly three hours after returning from Paris and was subsequently issued a ₹50,000 challan. The party alleged political pressure but did not specify the formal grounds for the penalty.

Why did the Punjab and Haryana High Court allow Mann’s France visit?

The court questioned the Centre’s failure to explain the “political angle” cited in refusing clearance and rejected key reasons subsequently advanced to defend the decision.

What was the purpose of Mann’s Paris visit?

Mann led a Punjab delegation to promote the state’s products and support the participation of the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (Markfed) in SIAL Paris 2026, held from October 17 to 21.

US work-permit denials jump to 35,767 or 44%: What Indian green-card applicants need to check

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

USCIS denied 35,767 employment authorisation applications in April-June 2026, while 671,362 cases remained pending, raising concerns for foreign professionals relying on work permits while awaiting permanent residency decisions.

The sharp increase in denials of US work-permit applications linked to green-card processing is an important warning for Indian professionals navigating the country’s lengthy immigration system. Data reported from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that the denial share for employment authorisation applications filed under the adjustment-of-status category rose to about 44% in the April-June quarter of fiscal 2026, compared with approximately 25% in the preceding two quarters.

USCIS recorded 35,767 denials and 46,405 approvals among applications decided in the quarter. The agency had 671,362 applications pending in this category, with a reported median processing time of 6.4 months, according to figures published by Financial Express on October 13.

For Indian nationals waiting for employment-based green cards, the figures underline the importance of understanding the separate stages of the immigration process. However, the published data does not identify how many applicants were Indian nationals, and the increase should not be interpreted as a 44% denial rate for green-card applications themselves.

Work permits and green cards are separate decisions

Eligible foreign nationals who apply to adjust their immigration status to permanent residence can file Form I-765 to request an Employment Authorization Document, commonly known as an EAD. The document allows them to work in the United States when approved and while the authorisation remains valid.

The underlying green-card application is generally filed through Form I-485. USCIS processes the two applications separately, even when they are connected to the same immigration case.

Consequently, denial of an EAD application does not automatically mean that the applicant’s green-card application has been rejected. Equally, having a pending green-card application does not, by itself, authorise a person to work.

The distinction is particularly important for Indian professionals who have spent years waiting for employment-based permanent residency because of visa backlogs. An applicant may have a pending Form I-485 but still need valid work authorisation to remain employed under the applicable immigration rules.

The reported figures also require careful interpretation. The 44% figure represents the share of decisions that were denials in the specified category during the quarter. It does not establish that 44% of all applications filed during that period were rejected, because some cases remain undecided and the applications decided may have been filed earlier.

USCIS data also showed a different outcome for employment-based green-card applications. Form I-485 in that category recorded 3,160 denials and 42,076 approvals in April-June 2026, with the denial share remaining around 7%, according to the figures reported by Financial Express.

This difference reinforces why work-authorisation denials and green-card denials must not be treated as interchangeable measures.

What Indian applicants and employers should check

Indian professionals with pending green-card applications should review the status and expiry date of their current work authorisation, any pending renewal application and the immigration category under which they are authorised to work.

They should not assume that a pending EAD renewal automatically extends employment authorisation. Any extension depends on the applicable rules and the applicant’s eligibility. Applicants should confirm their individual circumstances with a qualified US immigration attorney before making employment decisions.

Those who hold another valid basis for employment may have different options from applicants who rely exclusively on an adjustment-of-status EAD. The consequences of an EAD denial therefore depend on the individual’s immigration status, existing authorisation and the reason for the decision.

Employers also need to verify work authorisation in accordance with US employment-verification requirements. A pending green-card application alone is not proof of permission to work, and employers should not assume that every EAD denial automatically ends an employee’s ability to work if another valid authorisation applies.

Applicants receiving a denial should carefully review the USCIS notice, including the stated reason and any available options or deadlines for responding. Whether a decision can be challenged, corrected or followed by a new application depends on the specific facts and applicable rules.

The available quarterly figures do not establish why EAD denials increased, whether the change reflects a particular policy shift or how many affected applicants subsequently obtained authorisation through another route. Those questions require further examination of USCIS data and policy guidance.

For Indian nationals facing long waits for permanent residency, the immediate lesson is to monitor work authorisation separately from the green-card case. A pending permanent-residency application and permission to remain employed are related but distinct parts of the US immigration process.

FAQs

1. Did the US deny 44% of green-card applications?

No. The reported 44% figure refers to denials among decisions on Form I-765 employment authorisation applications filed under the adjustment-of-status category. It is not the denial rate for green-card applications.

2. How many work-permit applications were denied in April-June 2026?

USCIS recorded 35,767 denials in the adjustment-of-status EAD category during the quarter.

3. How many applications remained pending?

The category had 671,362 pending applications, with a reported median processing time of 6.4 months.

4. Does an EAD denial mean a green-card application has been rejected?

No. Form I-765 and Form I-485 are separate applications. An EAD denial does not automatically mean that the underlying green-card application has been denied.

5. Are Indian applicants facing a 44% denial rate?

The reported figures cover the relevant applicant category overall and do not establish a separate denial rate for Indian nationals.

6. Can an Indian professional continue working after an EAD denial?

That depends on whether the individual has another valid basis for employment authorisation. The person should review the denial notice and seek qualified immigration advice before continuing work.

7. Does a pending EAD renewal automatically extend work authorisation?

Not in every case. Any automatic extension depends on the applicable rules and the applicant’s eligibility.

8. What should green-card applicants check first?

They should verify their current work authorisation, expiry date, renewal status and any alternative employment-authorisation basis that may apply to their circumstances.

Flock Safety plans to cut 270 jobs as backlash over AI surveillance grows

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

Flock Safety, the US surveillance technology company whose AI-powered cameras and automated licence-plate readers have come under growing scrutiny, plans to cut approximately 270 jobs, or about 18% of its workforce, as opposition to its technology intensifies among communities and lawmakers.

The planned reduction follows a voluntary buyout programme and is expected to affect employees at a company that has expanded rapidly as police departments and other organisations adopt automated licence-plate recognition systems. Reuters reported on October 9 that the affected employees were expected to leave by the end of October, citing people with direct knowledge of the plans. The sources requested anonymity because the company had not publicly announced the plan. Flock declined to comment.

The reported restructuring comes at a difficult moment for the Atlanta-based company. Its technology has become central to a national debate over whether automated surveillance can improve public safety without giving law enforcement excessive power to monitor the movements of ordinary people.

Stored Information for scrutiny

Flock’s cameras capture vehicle images, read licence plates and record associated details such as the time and location of a sighting. Participating law enforcement agencies can search stored information to help investigate crimes, locate vehicles and connect sightings across different locations. Critics argue that this network can also enable the reconstruction of people’s movements without sufficient suspicion of wrongdoing or independent oversight.

The scale of the network has amplified the controversy. Reuters reported that Flock operated approximately 120,000 cameras across 49 US states, illustrating how quickly the technology has spread.

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about alleged unauthorised searches by police officers, including searches used to track former partners or other individuals for personal reasons. Other critics question how long records should be retained, which agencies can access them and whether searches should require warrants or specific investigative justifications.

These concerns have prompted some local governments to reconsider their contracts, while lawmakers have proposed restrictions on the technology. The debate has shifted from whether cameras can help solve crimes to whether the benefits justify the risks of building a searchable record of vehicle movements.

However, the workforce announcement does not establish that privacy-related opposition alone caused the planned cuts. Reuters reported the reduction amid growing backlash, but did not establish that the controversy was the sole reason for the restructuring. Flock’s refusal to comment also leaves unanswered questions about the company’s financial position, future staffing plans and business strategy.

The central question is whether the company can maintain its expansion while addressing demands for stronger safeguards and greater accountability. Its future may depend not only on its technology’s ability to assist police investigations but also on whether communities continue to accept the conditions under which that technology is deployed.

Google Cloud Outage Disrupts UK Banks, Public Services, EMEA Region Worst Hit

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

A rare disruption at Google Cloud’s London data-centre region affected banking apps, financial services and public-sector systems in the UK on Tuesday, October 20, after a power-related incident triggered network failures across multiple cloud services.

The outage affected Google’s europe-west2 region, which primarily serves customers in the UK and Ireland. Revolut, Halifax and ING Germany reported service problems, while users also experienced issues with some services operated by Lloyds Bank and HSBC. Britain’s court video-hearing system was also disrupted.

Google said the power event had been mitigated and that services were beginning to recover. However, the company warned that some customers might still be unable to create new workloads while recovery continued.

The incident highlighted the dependence of banking, government and commercial services on cloud infrastructure operated by a small number of technology companies.

Revolut, Halifax and Other Services Report Problems

Revolut experienced disruption affecting several services, including card payments and ATM withdrawals, according to Reuters. The digital bank reassured customers that their funds and personal data remained safe.

“We can confirm that all our customers’ money and data are safe,” Revolut said in a statement posted on X.

ING Germany reported problems with online banking logins and its mobile application. Halifax, part of Lloyds Banking Group, also acknowledged difficulties affecting some customers.

Lloyds said its application remained operational and customers could log in normally, although some online services were experiencing problems. Downdetector, which aggregates user-submitted outage reports, recorded complaints involving HSBC, Bank of Scotland, property website Rightmove, delivery company DPD, NHS England and Royal Mail.

The extent of the disruption varied across services. Reports on outage-tracking platforms indicate user experiences but do not, by themselves, establish that every reported problem was caused by the same incident.

The disruption also affected Britain’s Cloud Video Platform, used for remote court hearings across England and Wales. The Press Association reported that the system was unavailable during the morning, leaving some hearings delayed or unable to proceed as scheduled.

Google’s regional status information identified elevated errors and intermittent network failures across multiple services in europe-west2. The company did not immediately provide a detailed explanation of the underlying technical failure beyond identifying a power event.

Google Says Power Event Has Been Mitigated

Google said the power event had been contained and that its teams were prioritising the restoration of existing workloads. Its service update indicated that recovery was under way, although some functions could remain unavailable during the process.

The company also advised affected customers to consider moving workloads to another available zone or region where feasible. Such a workaround depends on whether customers have the infrastructure and technical arrangements needed to shift operations.

The outage has renewed concerns about the concentration of essential digital services on a small number of cloud providers. Banks, public agencies and businesses increasingly rely on external infrastructure for applications, data storage, authentication and payment processing.

A failure in one cloud region can affect services beyond the immediate location when businesses depend on the same infrastructure or connected systems. The resulting disruption can extend to organisations that do not operate their own data centres.

The UK designated Google Cloud EMEA Limited and three other technology companies as critical third-party suppliers to the financial sector in July, bringing them under direct regulatory oversight. EU regulators have also identified major technology providers on which the financial industry depends.

The latest incident underscores the importance of backup systems, alternative cloud regions and tested recovery plans for organisations providing essential services. Google’s statement that the power event had been mitigated marked a step towards restoration, but full recovery depended on the affected services and customer workloads returning to normal.

How Japanese Philosophy Offers a New Perspective on Education and Human Suffering

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Shelton Rozario

Modern education often prioritises measurable results, efficiency, predictable outcomes and rational approaches to solving problems. However, experiences such as bereavement, illness, natural disasters and personal loss do not always have straightforward solutions. A new study by a researcher at Doshisha University in Japan proposes a different approach, arguing that education should also help people understand suffering and navigate the uncertainties of human life.

The study, conducted by Professor Fumio Ono of Doshisha University’s Faculty of Global and Regional Studies, was published online in the journal Educational Philosophy and Theory on September 1, 2026. It examines how Japanese philosophical traditions, shaped by interactions between Eastern and Western thought, could contribute to an educational philosophy better equipped to respond to personal suffering and global catastrophes.

The research questions the limitations of what is known as “technological rationality”, an approach that emphasises efficiency, prediction, measurable achievement and the use of rational intervention to address problems.

While these principles remain valuable for organising educational systems, Ono argues that they may not adequately address experiences that cannot be controlled or anticipated.

Japan’s disaster experience inspires a different educational philosophy

Ono’s research was influenced by the devastating events of March 2011, when the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster exposed the difficulties of responding to unexpected and catastrophic events.

“The devastating events of March 2011, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, made me realize that it was necessary to develop a form of thought capable of responding to such unexpected and catastrophic events,” Ono said.

To develop his argument, the professor brings together two philosophical approaches. The first is Augustin Berque’s mesology, or fūdo-gaku, which examines the relationship between people and their environments. The second is Tokuryu Yamauchi’s “logic of lemma”, a non-Aristotelian approach rooted in Nāgārjuna’s Madhyamaka philosophy.

The latter offers a way of moving beyond conventional binary distinctions through a “middle” path. By combining these perspectives, Ono develops the concept of “knowledge of pathos”, which recognises the role of passivity, suffering, vulnerability, fragility and the uncontrollable dimensions of human existence.

This approach challenges the tendency to classify experiences through opposing categories such as success and failure, strong and weak, normal and abnormal, or victim and perpetrator. Instead, it makes room for the contradictions and complexities that shape human experiences.

The study proposes that suffering should not always be treated as a problem that must be eliminated. It can also be an important part of understanding how people relate to themselves, others and the world around them.

Education could move beyond measurable achievement

The proposed philosophy of pathos could have implications for schools, universities, counselling services, healthcare and welfare. Rather than concentrating exclusively on identifying problems and finding solutions, professionals could pay greater attention to what individuals are experiencing and how they make sense of difficult circumstances.

Disasters, wars, bereavement, illness and social crises can disrupt people’s existing beliefs and understanding of the world. According to the study, education can contribute not only to restoring knowledge and skills after such events but also to helping individuals rebuild their understanding of themselves and their surroundings.

“Through the proposed philosophy of pathos, education can be understood not only as a way of developing people’s abilities, but also as a way to help people make sense of suffering and reconfigure their relationship with the world,” Ono noted.

The researcher suggests that this perspective could influence educational practices over the next five to ten years. Educators could place greater emphasis on responding thoughtfully to suffering and remaining engaged with situations where immediate answers are unavailable, rather than focusing solely on resolving problems quickly.

Such a shift could also encourage institutions to recognise suffering associated with failure, illness, loss and disaster as experiences shaped by social relationships, rather than treating them exclusively as individual difficulties.

Railways urges passengers to stay Alert and vigilant while travelling; What you need to do

Applied Microbiology International Announces 2026 Horizon Awards Winners

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Shelton Rozario

Applied Microbiology International (AMI) has announced the winners of its 2026 Horizon Awards, recognising six individuals whose work is advancing applied microbiology across scientific research, public health, environmental conservation and social inclusion.

The awards celebrate researchers and professionals whose contributions address global challenges through the practical application of microbiology. According to AMI, the prizes recognise excellence across several domains, highlighting the role of the field in responding to issues ranging from climate change and food security to infectious diseases and biodiversity conservation.

This year’s recipients include scientists working in Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside an equality, diversity and inclusion leader whose work focuses on improving representation and opportunities in higher education and research.

Climate research, food security and environmental conservation

Professor Chris Greening, a Professor of Microbiology at Monash University in Australia, has received the WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize. The award recognises contributions that address global challenges through applied microbiology.

Greening leads the CLIMB: Climate and Microbiology Research Unit and serves as Director of the Global Change Program. His research examines how microorganisms can help society respond to climate change and other global challenges. His work spans atomic to ecosystem scales, investigating how microbes regulate greenhouse gases, sustain terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and influence One Health.

Through partnerships with industry and research programmes, his findings have contributed to agricultural methane reduction initiatives, pathogen surveillance systems, Antarctic stewardship and microbial conservation. Greening has published more than 180 peer-reviewed articles and received the 2023 Australian Prime Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year. He has also been elected to three microbiology academies and recognised as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.

The Basil Jarvis Food Security and Innovation Award has gone to Professor Marciane Magnani of the Federal University of Paraíba in Brazil. A food microbiology researcher, Magnani focuses on food safety, predictive microbiology, fermented and functional foods, and microbiome-related approaches.

Her research combines microbial ecology, fermentation and One Health perspectives, with particular attention to native biodiversity and sustainable food systems. She has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and holds editorial positions at several scientific journals, including Food Research International and Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. She is also Deputy Editor-in-Chief of AMI’s Letters in Applied Microbiology.

Magnani coordinates Food Science at CAPES, part of Brazil’s Ministry of Education, and is a research productivity fellow at CNPq under the Ministry of Science and Technology. She also serves as an expert on the FAO/WHO roster for Microbiological Risk Assessment and participates in international expert meetings on omics-based technologies.

Professor Jack Gilbert of the University of California, San Diego, has received the Rachel Carson Environmental Conservation Award. A microbiologist and Associate Vice Chancellor for Marine Science, Gilbert is known for his contributions to microbial ecology. He co-founded the Earth Microbiome Project and the American Gut Project, established the journal mSystems, and has authored more than 450 peer-reviewed publications, including the popular science book Dirt Is Good.

He is also the principal investigator at UC San Diego for the US National Institutes of Health’s $175 million Nutrition for Precision Medicine programme and co-chair of the IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group.

Public health, infectious diseases and diversity initiatives

Professor James Ebdon of the University of Brighton in the UK has won the John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize for his work on water, sanitation and water-related diseases.

His international research uses bacteriophages, or viruses that infect bacteria, and other microbial indicators to investigate water contamination and public health risks. Projects in India, Malawi, Nepal and Bangladesh have examined possible typhoid transmission routes in densely populated communities, sources of human faecal pollution in surface waters, problems with shallow-well construction and the effectiveness of emergency sanitation interventions.

Ebdon’s work on bacteriophages also contributed to a UK government inquiry into their antimicrobial potential, launched in November 2022. He currently co-directs research at the University of Brighton’s Centre for Environment and Society.

The Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award has been presented to Professor Stephen Obaro, Professor of Pediatrics and Senior Scientist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the United States. Obaro founded the International Foundation Against Infectious Diseases in Nigeria (IFAIN), which supports infectious disease research and healthcare capacity-building.

For more than two decades, his research has addressed pneumonia, typhoid fever, antimicrobial resistance, sickle cell disease and emerging infectious threats affecting children, particularly in Africa. Evidence from his studies in West Africa has helped inform vaccine development, disease surveillance strategies and clinical guidelines.

Through IFAIN, Obaro has helped establish a multidisciplinary research platform covering laboratory development, surveillance and graduate training. Its laboratory network has supported collaborative research in Nigeria, Liberia and Ghana, including through the Joint West Africa Research Group.

The Dorothy Jones Diversity & Inclusion Achievement Award has been awarded to Afua Acheampong, an equality, diversity and inclusion strategist with more than eight years of experience advancing racial equity in higher education and research.

As Head of the Black Internship Programme at Health Data Research UK, Acheampong led efforts to improve access and career development for Black students and graduates in health data science. She also created Nottingham Trent University’s Black Leadership Programme in 2019, which has supported and graduated more than 800 Black students.

Previously, she led race equality initiatives at Queen Mary University of London, securing the institution’s first Race Equality Charter award. She is Deputy Chair of the Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group, a Medical Research Council board overseeing investment in racial equity in biomedical research, and serves as Finance Chair of the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum.

Study Abroad in 2027: Visa and Post-Study Work Rules Indian Students Must Check

Four in Five Parents Say Having a Baby Is Too Expensive

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Shelton Rozario

Having a baby brings significant changes to family life, but the financial burden of raising young children is becoming increasingly difficult for many American households. Four in five parents say having a baby costs too much, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

The poll found that families with children aged three and younger face particular financial difficulties. Two in five parents in this group described their household finances as “struggling” or “just getting by.” Expenses related to childcare, diapers, safe car seats and nutritious food were among the major concerns.

Although nearly all parents surveyed recognised the importance of early childhood development for long-term health, many said they had to stretch their budgets to meet their children’s needs. Some worked additional hours, reduced spending on non-essential items or relied on secondhand baby clothes and equipment.

“Parents understand how important the first years of life are for a child’s health and development, but knowing what a child needs and being able to afford it are two different things,” said Mott Poll Co-Director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.

“These findings point to a difficult balancing act for families during a critical period of child development, when parents feel they’re choosing between meeting their child’s basic needs and covering the rest of their household expenses.”

Parents support policies to reduce the cost of raising babies

The poll surveyed a national sample of parents with children aged zero to 18 in July to examine the financial demands of raising young children and attitudes towards support programmes.

Paid leave during pregnancy or the newborn period received the strongest backing, with nearly three in four parents saying they would strongly support such a programme in their state. Six in 10 strongly supported programmes providing infant formula or healthy food, while more than half favoured free or reduced-cost childcare, free car seats and diaper assistance.

Parents of children aged three and younger were more likely than those with older children to strongly support these initiatives. They were also more likely to favour making assistance available to all families rather than restricting it to households that demonstrate financial need.

Clark said navigating support spread across multiple organisations and programmes could make it difficult for parents to identify and access the help they require.

“Families’ needs can look very different from one household to the next, and it’s difficult for parents when assistance is spread across many programs or organizations,” Clark said. “Programs that provide direct financial support – such as paid leave – give parents the flexibility to focus on their newborn and make decisions about what their family needs most.”

Financial pressures remain particularly severe for families already struggling to meet household expenses. More than one-third of parents who described their finances as “struggling” or “just getting by” said they worried about money constantly.

These households were more likely than financially comfortable families to cut back on additional purchases, work longer hours or set aside savings in advance. Parents from different financial backgrounds also reported purchasing secondhand baby clothes and equipment to manage costs.

“Parents are using different strategies to deal with the costs of having a baby, but these are not simply optional purchases or extras in a family budget,” Clark said. “Diapers, safe car seats, nutritious food and quality childcare all play a role in a child’s health, safety and development.”

Many parents are unaware of available support programmes

The survey also examined how parents of older children viewed assistance for families raising young children. Half of these respondents said they did not know which programmes provided the help young families needed most.

Community support was already taking place in several forms. Nearly two in five parents of older children reported donating to a local organisation or faith-based programme that assists families with young children during the previous two years. Another one in five said they had helped friends or relatives raising young children.

However, around two in five respondents said they had neither donated to such organisations nor provided this type of assistance.

The findings also revealed differences in attitudes towards public funding. Parents who had not donated were less supportive of using taxpayer money to help families with young children than those who had contributed. Some respondents preferred helping families they knew personally rather than providing assistance to strangers.

Clark said greater awareness of available resources could help communities translate their concern for young children into practical assistance.

“Parents may agree that young children need a strong start in life without knowing which programs can make that possible,” Clark said. “Making resources easier to understand and access, while giving families the flexibility to choose what works best for them, can help turn that shared goal into meaningful support for children.”

Reversing age by reprogramming gene expression networks

Cannabis Use Linked to 46% Higher Heart Attack Risk Around Surgery

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Shelton Rozario

Cannabis use may increase the risk of a heart attack during or shortly after surgery, even as researchers have identified a lower incidence of venous blood clots among users. The findings, presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2026 annual meeting in San Diego, highlight the need for patients to disclose cannabis consumption to their surgical teams before undergoing a procedure.

The study reviewed five studies involving 44,312 surgical patients and found that cannabis users had a 46% higher risk of myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, compared with non-users. Researchers, however, found no significant association between cannabis use and stroke, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury or death.

The findings come at a time when marijuana use is becoming more common and legal in most US states. Researchers said the results underline the importance of understanding how cannabis affects the cardiovascular system, particularly when the body is under the physiological stress associated with surgery and anaesthesia.

Cannabis use may increase cardiovascular risks during surgery

According to the researchers, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, can raise heart rate and blood pressure while increasing the heart’s demand for oxygen. It may also trigger spasms in the arteries supplying blood to the heart. These effects could increase the likelihood of a heart attack, particularly during anaesthesia and surgery.

Nader D. Nader, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, lead author of the study and professor of anesthesiology and surgery at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, New York, stressed that patients should inform their anaesthesiologists about cannabis use, regardless of whether it is for medical or recreational purposes.

“Our findings show that it is vitally important to tell your anesthesiologist before your procedure if you use marijuana, whether for medical or recreational purposes,” Nader said.

He added that the disclosure was not about judging patients but about ensuring their safety. Cannabis can influence the heart, blood vessels and the body’s response to anaesthesia, making it important for medical teams to understand a patient’s consumption habits before treatment.

Researchers also cautioned against assuming that cannabis is harmless simply because it is plant-derived or legal in a particular jurisdiction. They noted that its effects during surgery could pose risks that require additional precautions.

Rose Berkun, M.D., FASA, an associate professor of anesthesiology at the same institution and co-author of the study, pointed to the increasing potency of cannabis products.

“Today’s cannabis products are far more potent than they were decades ago, and higher THC levels can have serious cardiovascular effects,” Berkun said.

She emphasised that educating patients about these risks and encouraging them to disclose cannabis use to their surgeons and anaesthesiologists are important steps towards safer care.

Lower blood clot risk requires further investigation

Alongside the increased heart attack risk, researchers found that cannabis use was associated with a 22% lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition involving blood clots in the veins. Although this was an unexpected finding, the authors warned against interpreting it as evidence that cannabis protects against clot formation.

Cannabis interacts with receptors in the body that may influence inflammation and blood clotting through different mechanisms. However, the researchers said further investigation is necessary to establish how these processes relate to heart attacks and venous blood clots in surgical patients.

The study also did not identify significant associations between cannabis use and stroke, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury or death. These findings do not establish that cannabis has no effect on these outcomes, but indicate that the reviewed evidence did not demonstrate statistically significant links.

For patients preparing for surgery, the researchers recommend informing the anaesthesiologist and surgical team about how frequently cannabis is used, the form in which it is consumed and the time of the last use. Such information can help medical professionals assess cardiovascular risks, determine appropriate monitoring and make decisions about the anaesthetic plan and blood-thinning medications. Depending on the circumstances, the team may also consider delaying an elective procedure.

The Hidden Force Linking Cancer Growth and Immune Cell Fitness

New AI Model Can Detect Hidden Health Risks in Routine CT Scans

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Shelton Rozario

A new artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by researchers at Penn Medicine can identify hidden signs of disease and potential future health risks in CT scans, even when the scans were originally performed to investigate unrelated medical conditions. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal NPJ Digital Medicine, suggest that routine medical imaging could provide doctors with a broader understanding of a patient’s health.

The model, named Percival, examines patterns in medical images that may be difficult for clinicians to identify through conventional analysis. Unlike AI systems designed to detect specific conditions, Percival can analyse imaging data more broadly, identifying possible health concerns without being directed to search for a particular disease.

Researchers believe the technology could improve early disease detection and support more personalised healthcare by extracting additional clinical information from scans that patients have already undergone.

“Our teams have developed something that learns broadly from imaging data and uncovers connections between scans, lab values, people’s physiology, and clinical outcomes to potentially give more accurate assessments of health, or even ring alarm bells early,” said senior author Walter Witschey, PhD, an associate professor of Radiology and the associate vice chair of Research IT.

“This is work that points toward a future in which medical imaging becomes a foundation for more personalized and proactive healthcare.”

Percival trained using nearly 400,000 CT scans

Percival was developed through collaboration between several research teams at Penn Medicine using information from the Penn Medicine BioBank, a large repository of patient health data collected across the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

The BioBank contains information from more than 350,000 individuals gathered over approximately two decades. Researchers used roughly 400,000 CT scans from around 50,000 patients to train and refine Percival, which remains in the preclinical testing stage.

The model’s name references Percival, one of the knights of King Arthur’s Round Table, while also honouring the late Eugene Percival Pendergrass, a prominent radiologist and educator at the University of Pennsylvania.

According to the researchers, access to extensive and diverse medical datasets is important for developing AI systems that can perform reliably across different patient populations.

“Research in AI has shown that training on larger, more diverse datasets can improve performance, and this can provide a stronger foundation for adapting a model to a hospital or patient population almost anywhere,” said lead author Cameron Beeche, a PhD candidate in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania.

The researchers are particularly interested in expanding the use of opportunistic screening, a process in which medical professionals identify additional health concerns while examining scans performed for another purpose.

For example, a CT scan ordered to investigate pneumonia could also contain early indications of cancer or other underlying conditions that might otherwise remain undetected.

“We’re hoping to elevate ‘opportunistic screening,’ where results are found beyond the original purpose of a scan, such as finding the early traces of cancer on a scan that was maybe assessing pneumonia,” Witschey said.

“We believe the totality of what’s in a CT scan can be made much more useful with help from a model like this.”

AI model identifies chronic diseases and predicts complications

During performance evaluations, Percival demonstrated the ability to identify imaging patterns associated with several chronic health conditions, including atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, and chronic kidney disease.

Researchers also compared Percival with TotalSegmentator, another AI model used in medical imaging. The findings showed that Percival could identify conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cirrhosis and bacterial pneumonia more reliably than the comparison model.

Beyond identifying existing diseases, the researchers found that Percival could help predict disease progression and assess the likelihood of major cardiovascular and liver complications.

“Percival can help identify unrecognized disease, predict future progression, and anticipate major cardiovascular and liver complications,” said co-author Charles Kahn, MD, a professor of Radiology.

“Because many patients already have substantial heart or metabolic disease when they enter specialty care, routine imaging may provide an opportunity for earlier recognition and intervention.”

Despite these findings, Percival has not yet been introduced into routine clinical practice. The research team plans to begin further testing in early 2027, with the longer-term objective of making the technology available for regular clinical use.

The developers expect their experience with AInSights, another AI-based radiology system developed at Penn Medicine, to support Percival’s transition towards clinical applications.

Meanwhile, researchers are exploring whether larger datasets and information collected from multiple medical institutions could improve the model’s reliability and predictive capabilities.

Percival’s code and training model specifications have also been made publicly available through an open-source repository, allowing other researchers to examine and potentially build upon the technology.

“Percival benefited enormously from researchers who shared their code, methods, and insights into these types of models,” Witschey said. “We believe strongly in contributing to that same spirit of open science.”

The development adds to Penn Medicine’s growing portfolio of AI-based medical imaging technologies. Alongside Percival and AInSights, its researchers have developed a separate model designed to analyse cardiac MRI scans and identify medical conditions, with testing reporting near-perfect diagnostic accuracy.

While further evaluation is necessary before Percival can be used routinely in hospitals, the study suggests that AI could help doctors obtain more clinical information from existing medical scans. Such advances may eventually support earlier diagnosis, improved risk assessment and more informed treatment decisions without requiring additional imaging solely to investigate previously unrecognised conditions.

Meta taps Indian-origin tech executive CJ Desai to lead enterprise AI push

India-New Zealand FTA puts farm losses and cold chains in focus as agricultural imports expand

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

India’s free trade agreement with New Zealand has opened a new phase in agricultural trade, combining preferential access for selected New Zealand products with a cooperation programme intended to improve Indian farmers’ productivity, crop quality and post-harvest management.

The central test is whether the agreement can help India reduce avoidable losses between harvest and sale while strengthening farmers’ ability to compete in domestic and export markets. The agreement provides for agricultural action plans covering apples, kiwifruit and honey, with cooperation on planting material, orchard management, grower training, storage, supply chains and food safety.

At the same time, India has introduced tariff-rate quotas for selected New Zealand products, including apples, kiwifruit and Mānuka honey. These concessions are subject to product-specific conditions, including quantity limits and minimum import prices, rather than providing unrestricted access to the Indian market.

The agreement, which entered into force on October 20, 2026, therefore presents two connected questions: whether Indian farmers can gain access to better production and post-harvest technology, and whether the domestic supply chain can become more efficient as imported products enter under preferential conditions.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement combines agricultural opportunities with safeguards for domestic producers.

“The Agricultural Productivity Partnership, with action plans for apples, kiwifruit and honey, establishment of Centres of Excellence, promote better orchard management, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve agricultural productivity, supporting stronger farm incomes across the country,” Goyal said in a Commerce Ministry statement on October 19. <Cite refs={[“turn919301search0”]}/>

Agricultural cooperation must deliver measurable results

The India-New Zealand Agricultural Productivity Partnership is intended to move cooperation beyond tariff reductions by bringing technical knowledge and agricultural practices to Indian growers.

The action plans cover three sectors: apples, kiwifruit and honey. The proposed interventions include improved planting material, capacity building, collaborative research, technical assistance for orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply-chain performance and food safety.

The government has identified Phase I sites for kiwifruit Centres of Excellence at Pfutsero in Nagaland and Magra in Uttarakhand. Apple and honey initiatives are also envisaged under the wider programme, although their proposed or planned status should not be confused with fully operational facilities.

The challenge is to establish how these interventions will reach farmers and what results they are expected to produce.

For apple growers, better orchard management, grading, storage and handling could improve the proportion of harvested fruit that reaches markets in saleable condition. For kiwifruit producers, access to suitable planting material and technical support could help improve cultivation and quality. In honey production, better practices and quality controls could help producers meet market requirements.

But establishing a training centre or distributing improved planting material is an intermediate step, not proof of higher farm incomes. The impact must be assessed through changes in yields, quality grades, rejection rates, post-harvest losses and prices received by farmers.

India’s horticultural supply chain includes growers, aggregators, commission agents, transporters, cold-storage operators, wholesalers and retailers. Losses or inefficiencies can occur at several points, from harvesting and packaging to transportation, storage and marketing. Better farm practices alone cannot address problems caused by inadequate storage, poor handling or weak access to buyers.

The programme’s effectiveness will therefore depend on coordination between agricultural research institutions, state horticulture departments, private businesses and farmer organisations.

A key question is whether smaller growers will be able to access the technology and infrastructure being promoted. Farmers with limited capital may struggle to invest in improved packaging, storage or modern cultivation methods without affordable finance, technical support and reliable market links.

The government should establish clear baselines and publish periodic results on the number of farmers reached, the area covered, improvements in productivity and the reduction in losses. Without comparable data before and after implementation, the impact of the partnership will be difficult to measure.

Import concessions raise the stakes for India’s food supply chain

The productivity initiative is taking place alongside changes in India’s agricultural import regime.

Under the FTA’s tariff schedule, eligible New Zealand apples can enter India at a concessional customs duty of 25% within a specified annual quota, compared with the prevailing 50% duty. The arrangement includes a minimum cost, insurance and freight value of US$1.25 per kg and a seasonal import window from April 1 to August 31. Imports outside the quota remain subject to the applicable most-favoured-nation duty.

The agreement’s tariff schedule provides for the apple quota to rise from 32,500 tonnes in the first year to 35,000 tonnes in the second year, followed by 37,500 tonnes in the third year and 40,000 tonnes in the fourth year. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s October 17 implementation notice, however, specifies no quota for the remainder of 2026 and 35,000 tonnes for the following year. The operational schedule should therefore be read alongside the agreement’s commencement date and the applicable notification.

India imported approximately 519,652 tonnes of apples from all countries, valued at US$424.6 million, in the reference period cited by the Commerce Ministry. New Zealand accounted for approximately 31,393 tonnes, valued at US$32.4 million.

These figures establish that New Zealand is an existing supplier, but they do not show how much additional fruit will enter India under the new concession or what effect it will have on domestic prices.

Lower import duties can reduce the landed cost of eligible shipments, but the final retail price also depends on freight, currency movements, storage, distribution costs and margins. Nor does the tariff concession guarantee that the entire quota will be used.

For Indian apple growers, the implications will depend on the volume and timing of imports, domestic harvest conditions, product quality and the prices paid by wholesalers. The effect could vary between regions and seasons.

The government has retained protections for sensitive agricultural sectors, while the selected fruit and honey concessions are managed through quotas, minimum-price requirements and seasonal conditions. It has also linked the selected products’ market access to agricultural productivity action plans and oversight through a Joint Agriculture Productivity Council.

This creates an implementation challenge for both governments: market access and agricultural cooperation must be tracked separately, even as their effects interact. The quota system can regulate the quantity entering under preferential terms, but it cannot by itself improve Indian storage capacity, reduce transport losses or raise farm-gate prices.

The FTA’s food-supply-chain test will ultimately be whether the agricultural partnership delivers practical improvements that farmers can use and whether those gains are reflected in measurable outcomes.

The relevant indicators are straightforward: operational Centres of Excellence, growers trained, adoption of improved practices, post-harvest loss rates, crop quality, farm-gate prices and access to markets. Import data and domestic price movements will also be needed to assess the effect of the concessions.

The agreement creates a framework for agricultural cooperation, but its success will depend on implementation rather than announcements. If the technology and supply-chain measures produce measurable results, Indian farmers could gain from improved productivity and quality. If implementation remains limited to plans and training programmes without measurable changes on farms, the promised gains will remain unproven.

ALSO READ:
India-New Zealand FTA’s $20 billion investment promise faces test of delivery
India-NZ FTA: New Zealand apples get 25% import duty under 35,000-tonne quota in 2027
India-New Zealand FTA opens zero-duty market, but can MSMEs convert access into orders?
India-New Zealand FTA: Indian Students Get No-Cap Entry, Longer Post-Study Work Rights
India-New Zealand FTA Takes Effect on Dussehra, Opens Export Opportunities

India-New Zealand FTA’s $20 billion investment promise faces test of delivery

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

NEW DELHI, October 20: The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has entered into force with New Zealand committing to facilitate US$20 billion in investment into India over 15 years, setting up a long-term test of whether the trade pact can translate its headline ambition into identifiable projects, capital inflows and jobs.

The agreement, signed on April 27, 2026, is intended to deepen economic ties between the two countries and expand opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, start-ups and innovation. However, the investment commitment is a target for facilitating investment, not evidence that US$20 billion has already been committed to specific projects or transferred into India.

The government has said the investment is expected to support entrepreneurship, employment generation and the Make in India initiative. The next challenge will be to identify the projects, investors and timelines through which the commitment can be delivered.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay announced the agreement’s entry into force on October 19, a day before it became operational.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the agreement could help India deepen its economic engagement with New Zealand and attract greater investment.

“The job is now to translate this opportunity into actual benefits for our people,” Agrawal said, according to a Commerce Ministry statement.

His remarks underline the central question facing the agreement: how quickly can the investment ambition be converted into commercial activity that can be measured?

Investment target needs project-level milestones

The US$20 billion commitment forms part of a broader effort to expand trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The investment is expected to benefit sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and start-ups.

The agreement also supports an aspirational target of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion, equivalent to approximately ₹35,000 crore, by 2030.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade lists annual two-way trade between the countries at NZ$3.95 billion. The trade target and the investment commitment are separate measures: one concerns trade flows, while the other concerns the facilitation of investment over a longer period.

The distinction matters because an investment target cannot be assessed solely through announcements of interest, memoranda of understanding or proposed projects. Actual capital deployment, project completion and additional productive capacity provide stronger evidence of delivery.

The government has not, in its October 19 announcement, provided a consolidated list of projects that would account for the full US$20 billion, with investment amounts, locations, implementation schedules and employment estimates.

Such information will be important for assessing whether the agreement produces new investment or primarily supports projects that would have proceeded independently.

The investment pipeline will also need to be examined by sector. Manufacturing projects may require land, infrastructure, skilled workers and domestic supplier networks. Agricultural investments could involve food processing, cold chains, technology and supply-chain improvements. Start-ups and technology businesses may depend on funding availability, market access and regulatory conditions.

The agreement’s Investment Desk is intended to assist investors through the investment process. Its effectiveness will depend on how it coordinates approvals, addresses operational difficulties and helps companies move from initial enquiries to projects.

Jobs, regional distribution and accountability will determine success

The investment commitment also raises questions about the geographical distribution of projects and their employment impact.

Large investments concentrated in a few industrial centres could increase output without spreading the benefits widely. Projects involving local suppliers, smaller businesses, technology transfer and workforce training could create broader economic benefits.

The government has emphasised opportunities for MSMEs and entrepreneurs under the FTA. But the investment announcement does not yet establish how much capital will reach smaller enterprises, how many jobs will be created or which states will receive the largest share of investment.

The agreement’s implementation should therefore be assessed against measurable indicators, including actual capital inflows, the number and value of projects reaching financial closure, projects under construction, operational facilities, employment generated and procurement from Indian suppliers.

It will also be necessary to distinguish new investment from reinvested earnings, acquisitions of existing businesses and previously announced projects. These categories can have different implications for additional productive capacity and employment.

New Zealand has presented the agreement as an opportunity to expand the presence of its businesses in India. The pact also gives Indian exporters zero-duty access across all tariff lines in the New Zealand market, potentially strengthening the commercial case for investment in export-oriented production.

The two countries now face the implementation phase. The US$20 billion commitment provides a substantial headline objective, but its economic significance will depend on the projects that emerge, the capital actually deployed and the benefits that reach businesses and workers.

The first meaningful test will be the publication of a transparent investment pipeline, with sector-wise allocations, project milestones and a regular mechanism for reporting progress. Without those details, the commitment will remain an ambition rather than a measurable account of economic delivery.

India-NZ FTA: New Zealand apples get 25% import duty under 35,000-tonne quota in 2027

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

NEW DELHI, October 20: India will allow 35,000 tonnes of apples from New Zealand to enter the domestic market at a concessional customs duty of 25% in 2027 under the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), compared with the prevailing 50% duty, under a tariff-rate quota notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The concession does not mean that all New Zealand apples will face the lower duty or that retail prices will automatically fall. The benefit is restricted by an annual quantity limit, a minimum import price and a seasonal import window. Imports outside the quota remain subject to the applicable most-favoured-nation duty.

The DGFT’s Public Notice No. 33/2026-27, dated October 17, sets out the tariff-rate quota arrangements for apples, kiwifruit, Manuka honey and albumins under the agreement, which came into force on October 20.

The notification sets the first-year apple quota at zero for the remainder of 2026. The 35,000-tonne quota becomes available in 2027.

Apple quota expands gradually, with price and seasonal conditions

Under the notified schedule, New Zealand apples will qualify for the 25% concessional duty in 2027 only when their cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value is at least $1.25 per kg.

The quota is scheduled to increase progressively: 37,500 tonnes in 2028, 40,000 tonnes in 2029 and 42,500 tonnes in 2030. From 2031, the annual quota will reach 45,000 tonnes.

Imports under the concession will be permitted between April 1 and August 31 each year. Shipments that do not meet the minimum CIF value requirement will not qualify for the quota-based duty concession.

India imported approximately 519,652 tonnes of apples from all countries, valued at $424.6 million, according to figures in the Commerce Ministry’s FTA fact sheet. New Zealand accounted for about 31,393 tonnes, worth $32.4 million, in the reference period cited in the document.

The quota therefore provides New Zealand suppliers with a defined route to expand their presence in India, but the quantity is limited relative to India’s total apple imports.

The reduction in customs duty could lower the landed cost of eligible shipments. The eventual impact on retail prices will depend on procurement prices, freight, exchange rates, storage, distribution margins and competition among importers.

The quota does not guarantee that the entire permitted quantity will be imported, nor does it require retailers to pass on the full duty reduction to consumers.

Farmers face competition as government retains safeguards

The concessions are likely to draw attention from domestic apple-producing regions, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, where growers depend on the domestic market and face challenges involving transport, storage, weather and post-harvest losses.

A lower tariff for eligible imports could improve the competitiveness of New Zealand apples during the permitted import period. The extent of any impact on Indian growers will depend on import volumes, domestic harvest conditions, quality differences and wholesale and retail pricing.

The government has defended the agreement’s agricultural provisions as a calibrated opening of the market rather than unrestricted access.

The Commerce Ministry has said that sensitive sectors, including dairy, sugar, edible oils and key agricultural commodities, remain excluded from tariff concessions. Access for apples, kiwifruit and Manuka honey is governed by tariff-rate quotas, minimum import prices and seasonal windows.

The agreement also establishes an Agricultural Productivity Partnership, with action plans for apples, kiwifruit and honey. These are intended to support improvements in orchard management, productivity, quality, supply chains and post-harvest practices.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement combines new opportunities with safeguards for Indian farmers. He said the agricultural partnership would promote better orchard management, reduce post-harvest losses and improve productivity.

The agreement’s provisions link tariff-rate quotas for apples, kiwifruit and Manuka honey to the implementation of agricultural action plans, monitored by a Joint Agriculture Productivity Council.

The immediate commercial question is whether the concessional quota will lead to greater supplies at competitive prices without placing disproportionate pressure on Indian growers.

For consumers, the lower duty creates the possibility of a price benefit, not a guarantee. For farmers, the actual impact will depend on how much of the quota is used, when imports arrive and how domestic supply and prices respond.

FAQs

1. What does the India-New Zealand FTA mean for apple imports into India?

The agreement allows eligible New Zealand apples to enter India at a concessional customs duty under a tariff-rate quota, subject to quantity limits, a minimum import price and seasonal restrictions.

2. What is the import quota for New Zealand apples in 2027?

India has set a quota of 35,000 tonnes for New Zealand apples in 2027 under the concessional tariff arrangement.

3. What is the import duty on New Zealand apples under the FTA?

Eligible imports within the quota will attract a concessional customs duty of 25%, compared with the prevailing 50% duty, subject to the agreement’s conditions.

4. Is there a minimum price for apples imported under the agreement?

Yes. Eligible New Zealand apples must have a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of at least $1.25 per kg to qualify for the concessional duty.

5. During which months can New Zealand apples enter India under the concessional quota?

The concessional import window runs from April 1 to August 31 each year.

6. Will New Zealand apples become cheaper in India?

The lower duty could reduce the landed cost of eligible imports. However, retail prices will also depend on freight, exchange rates, storage costs, distribution margins and competition. A price reduction for consumers is not guaranteed.

7. How could the FTA affect Indian apple growers?

Greater access for New Zealand apples could increase competition for growers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The actual impact will depend on import volumes, domestic production, seasonal supply and market prices.

8. Will all New Zealand apple imports receive the 25% duty?

No. The concessional duty applies only to qualifying imports within the annual quota and subject to the minimum price and seasonal conditions. Imports outside the quota remain subject to the applicable regular customs duty.

9. Will the apple import quota increase in subsequent years?

Yes. The scheduled quota rises to 37,500 tonnes in 2028, 40,000 tonnes in 2029 and 42,500 tonnes in 2030, before reaching 45,000 tonnes annually from 2031.

10. Which Indian government agency notified the apple import quota?

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notified the tariff-rate quota arrangements under Public Notice No. 33/2026-27, dated October 17, 2026.

India-New Zealand FTA opens zero-duty market, but can MSMEs convert access into orders?

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

NEW DELHI, October 20: The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into force on Tuesday, giving Indian exporters zero-duty access across 100% of New Zealand’s tariff lines and removing customs duties of up to 10% on products ranging from textiles and footwear to engineering goods and pharmaceuticals.

The agreement offers Indian manufacturers a new avenue to expand exports, diversify overseas markets and compete with suppliers from countries that already enjoy preferential trade arrangements with New Zealand. However, the commercial gains will depend on whether Indian businesses can secure orders, meet product standards, establish distribution networks and compete on price and delivery.

The agreement was signed on April 27, 2026, and follows negotiations launched on March 16, 2025, that concluded on December 22, 2025. Both countries completed the necessary domestic procedures before the pact entered into force.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement would create opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, farmers and women entrepreneurs.

“Ours is a winning partnership, both on and off the field,” Goyal said in a statement issued by the Commerce Ministry on Monday. He added that the agreement’s success would be measured by “the opportunities it creates and the difference it makes to the lives of the people of New Zealand and India.”

Textiles, leather, engineering and pharmaceuticals among beneficiaries

The immediate benefit is the removal of New Zealand’s customs duties on all tariff lines covering Indian exports. The Commerce Ministry has identified textiles and apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, automobiles and auto components, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and processed foods among the sectors expected to gain.

Indian manufacturers will also receive duty-free access to inputs such as wooden logs, coking coal and metal waste and scrap, which could reduce input costs for businesses using these materials.

Pharmaceutical and medical-device exporters are expected to benefit from streamlined regulatory procedures. New Zealand will accept inspection approvals from recognised regulators, including the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and Health Canada, according to the Commerce Ministry.

The agreement also provides access for Indian service providers across approximately 118 sectors and sub-sectors, with most-favoured-nation commitments covering about 139 sub-sectors. These provisions extend the agreement beyond merchandise trade.

The government highlighted the first-ever export of a JCB machine from India to New Zealand during Monday’s announcement of the agreement’s commencement. Product shipments from sectors including agriculture, gems and jewellery, engineering, sporting goods, footwear and leather were also planned around the launch.

New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the agreement would allow Indian goods to enter New Zealand duty-free, placing Indian exporters on a level playing field with suppliers from New Zealand’s other free trade agreement partners.

“The success of this agreement will ultimately be measured by the opportunities it creates and the extent to which our businesses use it,” McClay said.

Trade target raises the stakes for implementation

India and New Zealand have set an aspirational target of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion, equivalent to approximately ₹35,000 crore, by 2030.

India’s goods exports to New Zealand were reported at $566.5 million in 2025-26, while bilateral merchandise trade stood at approximately $1.1 billion during the financial year, according to government figures. The broader trade target includes services and therefore should not be compared directly with merchandise trade alone.

New Zealand has also committed to facilitate $20 billion in investment into India over 15 years. The investment is expected to support agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and start-ups.

Department of Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the next task was to turn the agreement into measurable economic gains.

“The job is now to translate this opportunity into actual benefits for our people,” Agrawal said, adding that the government was working with industry and trade associations to take the message to districts across the country.

For MSMEs, zero-duty access removes one barrier but does not guarantee export growth. Smaller businesses will still need to identify buyers, meet technical and packaging requirements, manage shipping costs and establish reliable payment and distribution arrangements.

The agreement also contains rules of origin, a bilateral safeguard mechanism and anti-circumvention provisions to ensure that preferential access is available to qualifying goods.

The test over the coming months will be whether the tariff advantage generates additional orders, higher export volumes and new employment rather than merely reducing duties on existing shipments.

India-New Zealand FTA: Indian Students Get No-Cap Entry, Longer Post-Study Work Rights

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

India’s free trade agreement with New Zealand, which came into force on October 20, 2026, introduces new protections for Indian students seeking overseas education, including a commitment against numerical limits on student admissions, a minimum of 20 hours of work a week during study and expanded post-study employment opportunities.

The agreement establishes a dedicated student mobility and post-study work framework between the two countries. While it does not guarantee admission to a university or automatic approval of a visa, it commits both governments to providing pathways for eligible students who meet institutional and immigration requirements.

New Zealand’s Immigration Minister’s department confirmed on October 20 that the agreement had taken effect, bringing its visa commitments into force. The provisions are particularly relevant to Indian students considering New Zealand for higher education, as they address both the ability to work while studying and the opportunity to gain professional experience after graduation.

No Numerical Caps on Indian Students, Minimum 20-Hour Work Commitment

Under the agreement, neither country can impose numerical limits on students from the other country seeking admission to recognised educational institutions, provided they satisfy the applicable eligibility conditions. Students are also entitled to multiple-entry visas valid for the duration of their studies, subject to immigration requirements.

The FTA commits both countries to allowing eligible students to work for at least 20 hours a week while studying, in line with their respective national policies on student visa work rights.

New Zealand currently permits eligible international students, including Indians, to work up to 25 hours a week during study. Immigration New Zealand has clarified that the FTA’s 20-hour provision is a minimum commitment intended to protect Indian students if the country’s policy settings change in the future. It does not reduce the existing 25-hour allowance.

The distinction matters because the agreement establishes a guaranteed minimum rather than a fixed ceiling on student employment. Students must continue to comply with the conditions attached to their visas.

The framework also does not remove academic admission requirements, tuition fees, financial requirements or other immigration checks. Applicants must secure admission to a recognised institution and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

The Indian government described the student provisions as a first in New Zealand’s trade agreements. In its April 27 announcement following the signing of the pact, the Press Information Bureau said the agreement would create a dedicated pathway for student mobility and post-study work visas.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement placed student mobility, skills, investment and services at the centre of a broader economic partnership.

Post-Study Work Rights Extend Up to Four Years

The FTA sets out post-study employment opportunities for Indian students completing recognised qualifications in New Zealand. Under the agreement, eligible graduates can obtain temporary work opportunities for up to two years after completing a bachelor’s degree, up to three years after a master’s degree and up to four years after a doctoral degree.

An additional provision extends the potential post-study stay for Indian students who graduate with first-class honours in STEM subjects, including information and communications technology, from two years to three years.

These provisions are intended to help graduates gain international work experience and apply their qualifications in professional settings. They may be particularly relevant to students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and research.

However, the maximum periods are not automatic entitlements for every graduate. Applicants must complete the qualifying programme and satisfy the applicable immigration conditions.

Immigration New Zealand confirmed on October 20 that expanded post-study work rights for Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs would take effect from November 16, 2026. Eligible Indian doctoral graduates will then be able to obtain post-study work visas of up to four years, compared with the previous maximum of three years.

The later implementation date is important for students planning their graduation and employment timelines. The FTA’s entry into force on October 20 does not mean that every associated immigration change becomes available on the same day.

The agreement also provides for a working-holiday scheme for Indian citizens aged 18 to 30. The programme will be introduced within two years of the FTA taking effect, with up to 1,000 multiple-entry visas available annually for stays of up to 12 months. This is a separate youth-mobility route and should not be confused with student or post-study work visas.

For Indian students, the agreement offers greater certainty over work rights and post-study opportunities, but the practical benefits will depend on eligibility, the qualifications pursued and the ability to secure suitable employment. The pact creates a more structured pathway from education to work experience without guaranteeing jobs, permanent residence or automatic visa approval.

FAQs

1. What benefits does the India-New Zealand FTA offer Indian students?

The agreement provides for student mobility without numerical caps, a minimum commitment of 20 hours of work per week during study and post-study employment pathways for eligible graduates.

2. Can Indian students work while studying in New Zealand?

Yes. Eligible Indian students can work subject to their visa conditions. New Zealand currently allows eligible international students to work up to 25 hours a week during study. The FTA establishes a minimum commitment of 20 hours a week.

3. How long can Indian students stay in New Zealand after graduation?

Eligible Indian graduates can access post-study work opportunities of up to two years after a bachelor’s degree, three years after a master’s degree and four years after a doctoral degree, subject to the applicable qualification and immigration requirements.

4. Will Indian PhD graduates get four-year post-study work visas?

Eligible Indian doctoral graduates will be able to access post-study work visas of up to four years from November 16, 2026, according to Immigration New Zealand. The benefit is subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

5. Does the FTA guarantee admission to New Zealand universities?

No. The agreement’s student mobility provisions do not guarantee admission. Students must meet university entry requirements, secure admission to an eligible institution and satisfy the relevant visa conditions.

6. How many Indian students can obtain working-holiday visas under the agreement?

The agreement provides for up to 1,000 working-holiday visas annually for eligible Indian citizens aged 18 to 30. The scheme is scheduled to be introduced within two years of the FTA taking effect, with stays of up to 12 months.

7. Does the India-New Zealand FTA guarantee jobs or permanent residency?

No. The agreement creates pathways for student mobility and post-study employment but does not guarantee a job, permanent residency or automatic visa approval.

8. When did the India-New Zealand FTA come into force?

The agreement came into force on October 20, 2026. Some associated immigration changes have separate implementation dates, including the expanded post-study work provision for eligible Indian doctoral graduates from November 16, 2026.

Dussehra greetings: Festival celebrates victory of good over evil, inspires hope and renewal

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, is being celebrated on Tuesday with prayers, traditional rituals and cultural festivities, as people across India mark the triumph of good over evil and reaffirm their faith in truth, courage and righteousness.

The festival carries a message of hope, unity and renewal, drawing its significance from two major Hindu mythological traditions: Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana in the Ramayana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The celebrations mark the culmination of Navratri in many parts of the country and conclude the major Durga Puja festivities in eastern India.

On the occasion, Dussehra greetings are being shared among families, friends and communities, with the festival offering an opportunity to reflect on the values of integrity, compassion and the triumph of justice over wrongdoing.

“May Dussehra bring happiness, peace, prosperity and good health to every home. May the festival inspire us to overcome our challenges, uphold truth and righteousness, and spread kindness and goodwill. Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Dussehra.”

The legends behind Dussehra

According to the Ramayana, Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the king of Lanka, who abducted Rama’s wife, Sita. With the help of his brother Lakshmana, the devoted Hanuman and an allied army, Rama fought Ravana to rescue Sita and restore righteousness.

The burning of effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath and his brother Kumbhakarna is a prominent feature of Dussehra celebrations in several parts of northern India. The ritual, often accompanied by Ramlila performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana, symbolises the destruction of evil and the consequences of arrogance and misuse of power.

Another important tradition links Vijayadashami to Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess fought the powerful demon to protect the world from his tyranny. Her victory is celebrated during Durga Puja, particularly in eastern India, where Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of the festivities and the immersion of Durga idols.

The two legends give the festival a shared message across regional traditions: evil and injustice can be overcome through courage, righteousness and perseverance.

Celebrations across India

Dussehra is observed in different ways across the country, reflecting India’s cultural and religious diversity.

In northern India, Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana effigies draw large gatherings. In Mysuru, Karnataka, Dasara is renowned for its royal heritage, decorated processions and cultural programmes. In West Bengal, Vijayadashami concludes Durga Puja with rituals and idol immersion, while communities in other regions observe the day through prayers, temple visits and family gatherings.

The occasion is also considered auspicious for new beginnings. In several communities, people worship books, tools, vehicles and instruments associated with their work, seeking blessings for success and prosperity.

As families and communities come together to celebrate, Dussehra serves as a reminder that its enduring significance lies not merely in the victory depicted in ancient epics but also in the everyday choices people make to uphold truth, fairness and compassion.

Dussehra greetings

1. Victory of good over evil: May this Dussehra inspire us to conquer negativity, uphold truth and follow the path of righteousness. Wishing everyone happiness, peace and prosperity.

2. Blessings of Lord Rama: May Lord Rama bless you and your family with courage, wisdom, good health and success. May truth always guide your actions. Happy Dussehra!

3. A message of hope: May the sacred festival of Vijayadashami bring new beginnings, renewed hope and countless opportunities into your life. Wishing you a joyful Dussehra.

4. Peace and prosperity: May this Dussehra remove every obstacle from your path and fill your home with happiness, harmony and prosperity. Warm wishes to you and your family.

5. The triumph of righteousness: Just as Lord Rama defeated Ravana, may righteousness triumph over injustice in our lives and society. May truth and compassion always prevail. Happy Dussehra!

6. Blessings of Goddess Durga: May Goddess Durga bless you with strength to overcome challenges, courage to face adversity and wisdom to choose the right path. Shubho Bijoya and Happy Dussehra!

7. A festival of new beginnings: May Vijayadashami mark the beginning of a brighter chapter in your life, bringing success, confidence and fulfilment to every endeavour. Happy Dussehra!

8. Unity and harmony: May the spirit of Dussehra strengthen the bonds of love, respect and unity among families and communities. Let us celebrate our shared values and cultural diversity.

9. A message for the younger generation: May the timeless lessons of the Ramayana and the victory of Goddess Durga inspire the next generation to stand for truth, justice, courage and kindness. Happy Dussehra!

10. A universal message of goodness: May the light of goodness dispel the darkness of hatred, ignorance and fear. Let this Dussehra inspire a world filled with peace, compassion and hope.

India-New Zealand FTA Takes Effect on Dussehra, Opens Export Opportunities

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Sridhar P

India’s free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand came into force on Tuesday, October 20, coinciding with Vijayadashami, marking a new phase in economic ties between the two countries. The agreement gives 100% of Indian exports duty-free access to the New Zealand market, opening opportunities for exporters across manufacturing, agriculture, textiles and other labour-intensive industries.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced the implementation of the agreement following the completion of the required domestic procedures in both countries. The pact was signed on April 27, 2026, after negotiations that began in March 2025 and concluded in December that year.

The timing of the agreement’s implementation coincides with Dussehra, a festival associated with the victory of good over evil and the beginning of new endeavours.

Goyal said the agreement would strengthen trade, technology and investment ties between the two countries. He expressed confidence that the pact would help overcome barriers to economic cooperation and create greater prosperity for people on both sides.

Textiles, Footwear and Engineering Goods to Benefit

New Zealand has eliminated customs duties on all tariff lines covering Indian exports, removing peak tariffs of up to 10%. The immediate beneficiaries are expected to include exporters of textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, automobiles and auto components, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and processed food.

The agreement is expected to improve the competitiveness of Indian businesses by reducing the cost of accessing the New Zealand market. Duty-free access to inputs such as wooden logs, coking coal and metal scrap could also benefit manufacturers and strengthen supply chains, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The pact also aims to expand opportunities for farmers, artisans, women-led businesses and start-ups. Provisions on trade facilitation and cooperation between the two countries are intended to help smaller enterprises identify overseas buyers and participate in international supply chains.

New Zealand has committed to facilitate $20 billion in investment into India over 15 years. The proposed investment is expected to support sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and start-ups.

Services, Student Mobility and Trade Targets

The agreement extends beyond merchandise trade. Indian service providers are expected to gain market access across around 118 sectors, including information technology, professional services, construction, tourism and audio-visual services. The pact also provides most-favoured-nation commitments across about 139 sub-sectors.

Mobility provisions include a dedicated quota of 5,000 temporary employment entry visas for skilled Indian professionals and 1,000 working-holiday visas annually for young Indians. Eligible students will have access to post-study work opportunities of up to three years for STEM graduates and four years for doctoral scholars.

Indian pharmaceutical and medical-device exporters are also expected to benefit from streamlined regulatory procedures, including the acceptance of inspection approvals from recognised overseas regulators.

The agreement supports the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, which sets an aspirational target of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion, equivalent to about ₹35,000 crore, by the end of the decade.

Bilateral merchandise trade stood at around $1.1 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, according to India’s Commerce Ministry.

The implementation of the FTA comes as both countries seek to broaden economic partnerships amid uncertainty in global trade. For Indian exporters, the immediate challenge will be to convert lower tariffs into sustained orders, greater market share and higher production.

While the agreement provides wider access to New Zealand, the scale of the gains will depend on how effectively businesses use the new provisions, meet market requirements and build lasting commercial relationships.

FAQs: India-New Zealand FTA 2026

1. When did the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement come into force?

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into force on October 20, 2026, coinciding with Vijayadashami and Dussehra.

2. What are the main benefits of the India-New Zealand FTA?

The agreement provides duty-free access to the New Zealand market for 100% of Indian merchandise exports. It also expands opportunities for services, investment and professional mobility.

3. Which Indian industries will benefit from the trade agreement?

Textiles, garments, leather, footwear, carpets, ceramics, engineering goods, automobiles and auto components are among the sectors expected to benefit from lower tariffs.

4. Will the FTA benefit Indian farmers and MSMEs?

Yes. The agreement is expected to create export opportunities for farmers, artisans, women entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Actual gains will depend on market demand, competitiveness and compliance with export requirements.

5. How much investment has New Zealand committed to facilitate in India?

New Zealand has committed to facilitate $20 billion in investment into India over 15 years under the agreement. This is an investment facilitation commitment, not a guarantee that the entire amount will be invested.

6. What is the India-New Zealand bilateral trade target for 2030?

India and New Zealand aim to double bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion, equivalent to approximately ₹35,000 crore, by 2030.

7. Does the agreement create new opportunities for Indian students and professionals?

Yes. The FTA introduces new visa pathways for eligible skilled Indian professionals, expands post-study work opportunities for certain graduates and provides for a working-holiday scheme. Applicants must meet the applicable immigration requirements.

8. Will all New Zealand products enter India duty-free?

No. Tariff concessions vary by product, and sensitive Indian sectors remain protected. New Zealand exports receive reduced or zero tariffs according to India’s agreed tariff schedule.

Who is Niv Agaram: Indian-origin voter makes JD Vance concede his rhetoric against H-1B

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Srinivas Chakravarty

An Indian-origin American who voted for Donald Trump and JD Vance has challenged the US Vice President over his rhetoric on skilled foreign workers, accusing the administration of scapegoating immigrants for problems it should be addressing itself.

Nivriti Agaram, a graduate of George Washington University, confronted Vance during a CBS News town hall, questioning his description of H-1B visa holders as “indentured servants” and raising concerns about the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Agaram told Vance that her first vote after becoming a US citizen went to the Trump-Vance ticket. She said her support was driven by concerns about border security, drugs and human trafficking, rather than a belief that immigrants were taking jobs away from American workers.

“After seeing ICE behave like military police and then you recently called H-1B visa workers foreign indentured servants — I think Americans are anything but safe,” she told Vance, asking why immigrants were being made scapegoats for problems the government should solve.

The exchange placed two contentious issues facing the administration in the same conversation: the treatment of immigrants by federal enforcement agencies and the role of foreign professionals in the American labour market.

Vance says criticism targeted companies, not H-1B workers

Vance acknowledged that his earlier rhetoric about H-1B workers had not been ideal, while arguing that his criticism was directed at employers who exploit the visa system rather than at foreign professionals themselves.

He described a practice in which companies recruit overseas workers while claiming that suitably qualified Americans are unavailable, then place those workers in employment arrangements that make it difficult for them to leave.

Vance said his use of the term “indentured servants” was intended to criticise companies that create such conditions, not to disparage every H-1B visa holder.

The distinction matters for Indian professionals because the H-1B programme is a major route through which US employers recruit skilled workers in technology, engineering, research and other specialised fields. India has historically accounted for a substantial share of H-1B beneficiaries, making changes in US immigration policy particularly consequential for Indian workers and their families.

However, employer dependence on immigration status, the threat of losing a job and uncertainty over the time required to secure permanent residency can create vulnerabilities for some foreign workers. The extent of those risks varies according to individual employment arrangements, immigration status and the protections available under US law.

Vance also invoked his family’s Indian connections, referring to the Indian origin of his in-laws, while rejecting the suggestion that his position amounted to vilification of immigrants as a whole.

He argued that the administration’s objective was to preserve social cohesion and manage the pace and scale of immigration.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for an American citizen to want to share their community with people they have something in common with,” Vance said, adding that the immigration system should reflect that preference.

His comments highlighted the tension within the administration’s position: distinguishing between opposition to immigration abuses and a broader argument that high levels of immigration can change American communities.

For H-1B workers, the practical question is whether proposed restrictions and enforcement measures will target demonstrable labour-market abuses or make it more difficult for employers to recruit foreign professionals generally.

Who is Nivriti Agaram?

Agaram is an Indian-origin US citizen who graduated from George Washington University. Her family moved to the United States around two decades ago, and she became a US citizen approximately five years ago. She said she voted for Trump and Vance in her first election as a citizen, citing border security and concerns about drugs and human trafficking. Her challenge to Vance reflects a distinction between supporting stricter border controls and endorsing every immigration enforcement practice or statement by the administration.

Niv Agaram

Agaram has also spoken publicly against ICE’s enforcement tactics. According to The Times of India, she travelled from Washington, DC, to Minneapolis to participate in protests against ICE. She told The Free Press at the time: “This is not the America I voted for.”

Her intervention at the town hall was notable because she questioned Vance from the standpoint of a former supporter rather than an opponent who had rejected the administration’s immigration agenda from the outset.

That distinction does not establish how widely her views are shared among Indian-American voters. It does, however, illustrate how immigration debates can divide voters who support border enforcement but object to what they see as excessive enforcement or sweeping rhetoric against immigrants.

For Indian professionals, the H-1B debate is not simply about whether foreign workers compete with American employees. It also concerns recruitment practices, job mobility, wage protections and the dependence of workers on employers for maintaining legal status.

Vance’s response sought to separate those concerns from hostility towards individual immigrants. Whether future policy measures follow that distinction will be more consequential than the wording of a single town-hall exchange.

For now, Agaram’s challenge has brought renewed attention to the competing claims at the centre of the debate: the administration’s promise to protect American workers, the vulnerabilities of some foreign employees and the role skilled immigration plays in the US economy.

FAQs

1. Who is Nivriti Agaram?

Nivriti Agaram is an Indian-origin US citizen and George Washington University graduate who challenged Vice President JD Vance over his comments on H-1B workers and immigration enforcement.

2. What did Agaram ask JD Vance?

She questioned his description of H-1B workers as “indentured servants” and asked why immigrants were being scapegoated for problems the government should address.

3. What did JD Vance say about H-1B visa holders?

Vance said his criticism was aimed at companies that exploit foreign workers and the visa system, rather than at all H-1B visa holders.

4. Did Agaram vote for Trump and Vance?

Yes. According to her remarks at the town hall, she voted for the Trump-Vance ticket in her first election after becoming a US citizen.

5. Why is the H-1B debate important to Indians?

Indian professionals represent a significant share of H-1B beneficiaries. Changes to the programme can affect recruitment, employment mobility and long-term immigration plans for Indian workers in the United States.