Trump's H1B visa overhaul: What it means for Indian applicants

In this news bulletin, author and Mumbaikar Meghna Pant discusses the challenges of voting in Mumbai as turnout figures hover around 57%. Pant argues that low participation is not due to voter apathy but rather a 'broken' and 'inefficient' administrative system. She states, 'Low voter turnout in Mumbai is not apathy, it is administrative,' highlighting the exhaustion caused by long queues and manual voter roll searches. Pant calls for the urgent digitisation of the process, suggesting QR code scans and digital tokens to respect the time of working professionals and caregivers. The discussion also touches upon the need for better voter education regarding local governance, such as the BMC, to engage the youth and Gen Z. Host Sonal and Pant further explore the idea of a candidate-tracking app to provide voters with historical data and performance ratings, aiming for a more accountable and informed voter base in India's financial capital.

This report examines the controversy surrounding the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the first in eight years. The opposition, including the Thackeray brothers and the Congress, has alleged electoral manipulation, claiming that 'marker pens are being used instead of the permanent inked ones to manipulate the polls'. Viral videos purportedly show voters removing the ink using acetone, leading to accusations against the State Election Commission and the BMC. The ruling Mahayuti alliance has strongly denied these charges. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conducted a live demonstration to prove the ink is indelible, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dismissed the allegations as excuses from parties facing defeat. Although the State Election Commission clarified that erasing the ink does not permit a second vote, the opposition remains skeptical. The programme explores the political friction and the integrity of the polling process in Mumbai's high-stakes civic battle.

On this Special Report, India Today covers a historic and unusual development in space flight as NASA's Crew-11 begins an early return to Earth. NASA Administrator Gerard Isaacman confirmed the decision, stating, 'It's in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew 11 ahead of their planned departure' following a medical issue involving a single crew member. This marks the first planned medical evacuation in the International Space Station's 25-year history. While the affected astronaut is reported to be stable, the agency prioritised Earth-based medical care over microgravity limitations. The report also addresses viral internet speculation regarding the nature of the medical concern, which NASA has not confirmed, citing privacy. The transition of command from NASA's Mike Fink to Russian cosmonaut Sergei Kuznetsov ensured continued station operations. This rare return provides critical data for future long-duration missions, including the Artemis program and upcoming lunar explorations.

This report covers the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, held after an eight-year gap in India's financial capital. Despite the high stakes and participation from prominent figures in Bollywood and politics, the voter turnout remained low, standing at just 41% by 3:30 PM. The speaker emphasizes the importance of civic participation, stating, 'If you want to become a real hero of Mumbai, then don't waste time talking. Come and vote.' The bulletin highlights that while citizens are quick to voice grievances regarding infrastructure issues like water, electricity, and roads, the willingness to participate in the electoral process remains poor. The programme notes that the BMC made extensive arrangements for voters, yet the city lived up to its reputation of low voter engagement despite a public holiday. The report concludes with a call for Mumbaikars to exercise their franchise before the polls close to ensure they choose the right representatives for the city's future.