Kerala Teen's Suicide Sparks Outrage Over School Bullying

India is currently experiencing an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, primarily in Pune, with approximately 160 reported cases since January. This uptick has led to five suspected deaths and overwhelmed local healthcare, with 48 patients in intensive care, 21 on ventilators, and others discharged, as stated by the Pune Municipal Corporation. According to experts, the outbreak is linked to a strain of the pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, known to cause foodborne infections. Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences suggest that prior infections play a significant role in GBS, with Campylobacter identified in about one-third of tested patients in previous studies. Professor Hugh Willison from the University of Glasgow highlighted that certain strains of Campylobacter can induce GBS by mistakenly attacking nerve cells. Health authorities are responding by conducting extensive surveillance, advising communities on food safety practices, and setting up dedicated hospital wards for GBS patients. The World Health Organization is collaborating with local health officials to monitor the situation amid rising public concerns.

As US immigration policies tighten, Indian professionals are increasingly turning to Hindu temples for divine intervention in securing US visas. The phenomenon has been particularly notable at the Chamatkari Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad, where applicants place their passports before Lord Hanuman and recite hymns, hoping for favorable outcomes. Temple priest Vijay Bhatt claimed that many devotees experienced expedited visa approvals after performing rituals, stating, “If you believe, it will happen.” The situation stems from executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump, which intensified scrutiny of visa applications. This has led to concerns about the future of the H-1B visa program, crucial for skilled workers, with a significant majority of recipients hailing from India. At Hyderabad's Chilkur Balaji temple, devotees perform extensive rituals including 108 circumambulations, demonstrating their dedication. One engineer shared that despite being the only one among eleven applicants to receive approval, she continues to visit the temple regularly. Temple priests report that many go to great lengths—such as dietary restrictions over extended periods—expressing their earnest hopes for visa success.

The Bengaluru Transport Department has seized 30 luxury vehicles, including high-end brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin, for failing to pay required taxes. The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner of Transport C Mallikarjun, took place over the weekend and involved a team of 41 officers who issued tax notices totaling approximately ₹30 million (around $360,000). As part of ongoing efforts to ensure tax compliance among luxury car owners in the city, officials stated that under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, vehicles registered in one state must obtain new registration if they are kept in another state for more than a year. The crackdown reflects the Transport Department's commitment to enforcing tax regulations in Bengaluru, ensuring that all vehicle owners adhere to local laws. The action aligns with broader efforts to enhance tax compliance across various sectors within Karnataka.