US Military Flight Departs with 205 Indian Migrants Amid Immigration Crackdown

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 tragic suicide of 15-year-old Mihir Ahammed in Kerala has prompted widespread outrage and calls for justice in India. Mihir, who took his life on January 15 after enduring severe bullying at school, was mocked and subjected to inhumane treatment by his peers, according to his uncle Musthafa PC, CEO of ID Fresh Foods. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Musthafa revealed that cruel messages continued to circulate after Mihir's death, with attackers referring to him using derogatory terms. Mihir's mother, Rajna PM, chimed in, accusing the school of negligence and attempting to cover up the bullying. She stated that they had gathered evidence indicating her son faced relentless torment, including physical assaults and humiliating acts such as being forced to lick a toilet seat. Following public outcry, Kerala’s Education Minister V. Sivankutty ordered an inquiry into the incident, with the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights also taking interest. Both family members and advocates are urging systemic changes in schools to prevent future tragedies and ensure a safe environment for students.