COVID HEARING
US President Donald Trump open to extend July 8 trade talks deadline, US to send deal letters
President Trump indicated a willingness to extend the July 8 deadline for trade talks, contingent on countries negotiating in good faith. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment, suggesting flexibility for ongoing negotiations with nations like South Korea, Japan, and the EU. Trump also mentioned plans to send out final deal offers, signaling a take-it-or-leave-it approach for some countries.
UK hubs for exploited migrant carers are of little help
A UK government initiative to help displaced migrant care workers find new jobs has assisted fewer than 4% of those affected, raising serious concerns about its effectiveness. Between May 2024 and April 2025, over 28,000 migrant care workers were referred to government “hubs” after their employers lost sponsorship licenses due to exploitation. Yet only 941 workers (3.4%) reported finding new employment, according to a Freedom of Information request by the Work Rights Centre.
Can injections be needle-free, painless? This Pune-based firm has the answer
IntegriMedical has introduced a needle-free injection system (N-FIS) that eliminates the need for any prick or piercing, potentially alleviating anxieties and fears associated mostly with child vaccinations while opening a huge market opportunity for this Serum Institute of India-backed company.
Delays across categories: Wait for US visa now extends to over a year
US visa seekers, including tourists and business travelers, are encountering significant obstacles with appointment wait times exceeding a year in some regions. Rescheduling has become more difficult, and interviews are more detailed. Applicants who miss appointments face a 120-day booking ban, and rescheduling is limited to once from January 2025, leading some to seek appointments in other countries.
This Indian consulate has the shortest wait time for a US visa right now. It's not Delhi or Mumbai
Visitor visa appointment wait times at the US consulate in Kolkata have eased to six months, the shortest in India. In contrast, delays persist at other consulates—Delhi (8 months), Mumbai (9.5), Hyderabad (7), and Chennai (14 months). The B1/B2 visa, meant for business and tourism, remains in high demand post-pandemic, with wait times exceeding a year in many cities.
Delhi High Court urges Centre for update on Covid-19 sample collection policies
The Delhi High Court has instructed the Centre to submit a status report regarding Covid-19 sample collection policies, centres, and transport protocols, emphasizing the continued presence of the virus in the community. This directive follows a contempt plea alleging non-compliance with a previous court order, prompting the formation of expert sub-committees to draft standard operating procedures.
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'Next Covid pandemic far from over': Delhi HC seeks details on sample collection
The Delhi High Court, addressing a contempt plea, expressed concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 situation and sought details from the central government regarding preparedness for sample collection, centers, and transport policies. The court emphasized the urgency of establishing standard operating procedures, noting reports of active COVID-19 cases in the community.
MP professor convicted for killing husband challenges autopsy report in HC; court hears plea with ‘open mind’, reserves verdict
Mamta Pathak, a chemistry professor convicted of her husband's murder, is challenging her 20-year sentence in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Representing herself, she argues the autopsy failed to conclusively prove electrocution, citing her scientific expertise.
Students or spies? How China infiltrated US universities
The United States will revoke visas of Chinese students linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying sensitive subjects. This action follows concerns about intellectual property theft and espionage. Earlier, the Trump administration had also cited Harvard University's ties to China. Many Chinese students and researchers were found stealing technology for China.
'Just kill the woman': Govt doctor heard in viral audio clip instructing colleague to 'kill' COVID-19 patient
A criminal case has been filed against Dr. Shashikant Deshpande in Latur after an audio clip went viral, allegedly capturing him instructing a colleague to "kill" a COVID-19 patient in 2021. The complainant, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin, alleges he overheard the conversation and that Dr. Deshpande also made a caste-based slur.
Emergency alert: Why millions of New Zealanders’ phones will buzz loudly this Sunday, even if on silent!
New Zealand will test its Emergency Mobile Alert system on May 25. The National Emergency Management Agency conducts this annual test. It ensures the system works during emergencies. People will receive a test alert on their phones. The alert overrides silent settings. Officials advise reading the message carefully. The system has been used in past emergencies like Covid-19 and storms.
MAHA report highlights glyphosate dangers and ultra processed food impact on children's health
A new federal report warns of growing threats to children’s health from glyphosate exposure and ultra processed food. The MAHA Commission’s findings urge caution in pesticide regulation and highlight the urgent need to reduce UPFs in children's diets, linking them to chronic disease, developmental risks, and long-term health outcomes
Trump administration seeks to end protections for immigrant children in federal custody
The Trump administration's effort to end the Flores Settlement Agreement, which protects child migrants in federal custody, faces legal challenges. Government attorneys argue the agreement is outdated and contributes to increased migration, while advocates contend it safeguards children from mistreatment. Despite the agreement, instances of inadequate conditions for detained children have been reported, highlighting ongoing concerns about their well-being.
When will Trump's 'Big, beautiful Bill' be passed?
President Trump urged House Republicans to unite behind his tax and immigration bill, despite concerns over its $3.8 trillion deficit impact. The bill extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts, introduces new tax breaks, and proposes cuts to safety net programs and green energy incentives. It also allocates significant funding for defense and border security, including resuming border wall construction.
Financials still in play, but rotation towards quality largecaps underway: Jigar Mistry
Jigar Mistry of Buoyant Capital favors healthcare, materials, chemicals, and banking sectors, preferring large-cap private banks over PSU banks. He remains positive on both generic and CDMO pharma segments, dismissing tariff concerns. Mistry believes valuations are elevated, especially for narrative-driven stocks lacking earnings, advocating for a focus on fundamentals over market flows.
Markets look directionally positive despite global noise: Sandip Sabharwal
Many of the real estate stocks have corrected also. But I would still think that they are not really cheap relative to the growth prospects in the near term. So, we need to wait to see corrective moves, better opportunities, etc. So, if people need to invest, DLF seems to be better placed vis-à-vis the other companies on a valuation as well as risk-return perspective. But overall, my view is that real estate after the sharp run-up needs to consolidate for some more time.
Battered Wall Street short brigade is refusing to admit defeat
After a period of panic fueled by trade war fears, Wall Street has rebounded, driven by optimism surrounding potential tariff progress. Risky assets have rallied, yet skepticism persists due to lingering concerns about policy shocks and economic strains. Investors remain cautious, with some anticipating further market volatility despite the recent gains.
Tariff truce spurs Pacific trade rush, boosting global shippers
A temporary trade truce between the US and China is expected to trigger a surge in transpacific shipping, benefiting major carriers like Maersk and Cosco. Reduced tariffs are driving increased bookings and freight rates, potentially causing port congestion.
Who are the White House officials with ties to antisemitic extremists? Here are the big names
The Trump administration faces criticism. Three White House staffers have links to antisemitic figures. These connections raise concerns about the administration's stance. They have ties to individuals with antisemitic views. Critics call for accountability and transparency. The administration has not addressed the report publicly.
Can Americans trust US health secretary RFK Jr for medical advice on vaccines? He says 'don't take...'
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. came under fire from lawmakers regarding his controversial vaccine views and proposed budget cuts by the Trump administration. He demurred on questions about vaccine stance and defends Republican plans to cut healthcare. When asked if he would vaccinate his children today for measles, he said Americans should not be taking medical advice from him.
Tulsi Gabbard fires two top intelligence officials while Donald Trump is away in the Middle East; here's what they did wrong
Tulsi Gabbard removed two senior intelligence officers who had many years of experience. Her office says they were against Trump. Some people worry politics is affecting intelligence work.
Will Donald Trump's Medicaid Bill leave 74 million Americans without health care? Here's what Democrats claim
Democrats are expected to rally opposition around the anticipated health care fallout. For them, the message is clear: Trump’s Medicaid bill, if enacted, risks leaving millions without the medical safety net they now depend on.
Undercounting of Covid deaths: New birth & death records strengthen parents' legal case
New government data reveals a significant undercounting of deaths during the pandemic in India, offering hope to parents who believe their children died from Covid vaccine side effects. The data from the Civil Registration System shows 2.1 million more deaths in 2021 compared to 2020.
Lester Holt explains reason behind quitting NBC Nightly News, and what to expect from him next
Lester Holt announced in February that he will be in the anchor chair for Nightly News one last time on May 30. He has now opened up about his decision to leave the show for Dateline. He began his journey with the NBC show in 2015.
Should the market focus on tariff war and not India-Pakistan conflict? Samir Arora explains
Helios Capital's Samir Arora advises against panicking over geopolitical tensions, emphasizing India's de-escalatory stance. He suggests focusing on the tariff war's positive impact on India, including a potential shift in global investment flows away from the U.S. Arora believes short-term market reactions to events are often unreasonable, advocating for a long-term investment perspective and rational decision-making.
Will you be able to fly from today if you don't have a REAL ID? Here's what U.S Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem said
REAL ID travel rule is now in effect, and if you’re planning to fly within the U.S., this update could impact your airport experience. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that while travelers without a REAL ID won’t be turned away, they should expect extra screening and possible delays. As of this week, TSA won’t accept non-compliant state IDs at checkpoints. With the final enforcement deadline set for May 7, 2025, it’s important to understand what’s changing and how to avoid hassles.
Mumbai has property selling for Rs 2 lakh a sq feet but Bangalore, Delhi NCR slowing down: Gulam Zia
Pan-India real estate presents a mixed bag, with Mumbai and Pune outperforming while NCR and Bengaluru show signs of fatigue. High-end projects in Mumbai, particularly Worli Sea Face, are seeing transactions exceeding ₹200,000 per square foot. Experts anticipate that softening interest rates and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 will revitalize the affordable housing segment.
Tariff uncertainty and rising localization costs could further squeeze IT margins: Sandip Agarwal
So, if it is a mild, soft landing kind of recession, then the revenues will be secured, you may degrow at most 2-3% and you can grow at most 2-3%, I think that is the situation today.
SC asks man to file suit for damages after he claims disability post Covid-19 first dose
The Supreme Court advised a petitioner, who developed 100% lower limb disability after a Covid-19 vaccine, to file a civil suit for damages instead of pursuing his plea for guidelines on vaccine side-effects. The court said a writ petition could take years.
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