The Observation Engine

Today, President Trump signed a sweeping executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee for each new H-1B visa application. This move could significantly alter the landscape of skilled immigration, the Indian IT sector, and global talent flow. Here's an in-depth look at the order, its context, and its far-reaching consequences. What Does the Executive Order Say? Effective September 21, 2025 , U.S. employers must pay $100,000 for every H-1B visa petition. The rule covers new entries and will last for at least 12 months unless extended. H-1B petitions not accompanied by this fee will be denied, locking out thousands of foreign workers unless companies are willing (and able) to pay the surcharge. U.S. agencies are ordered to close loopholes, such as arrivals on business (B-1/B-2) visas with plans to transition to H-1B jobs, making side-stepping the rule nearly impossible. Impact on the Indian IT Industry Short-Term Pain Immediate Cost Spike: Indian IT giants (TCS, In...

As a passionate cricket follower, the India-Pakistan match is always a festival, charged with emotion, history, and sheer anticipation. But this time, something felt different. Personally, I chose to refrain from watching the game. I joined many others in boycotting what felt less like a thrilling contest and more like a calculated business move. It was disappointing, and frankly, it felt like a betrayal not by the players on the field, but by the powers behind the scenes: the government and the BCCI. A Cheating Play? For many of us, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry symbolizes more than just sport; it carries the weight of shared history, complex emotions, and unspoken hopes. It's a rare platform where millions across both countries find common ground, laughter, and competitive spirit. However, the recent decision to go ahead with the match despite heightened political tensions, public discontent, and calls for a boycott made it seem that money won over feelings. It was hard t...

India's GST Council has approved a sweeping overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax structure, which will come into effect from September 22, 2025 . This move is aimed at simplifying taxes, boosting spending, and making everyday essentials cheaper for millions of people. Key Changes in GST Rates Simplified Rate Structure: The previous four GST slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) will now be merged into two main rates: 5% and 18%. Special 40% Slab: A new 40% GST rate is set for specific “sin” and luxury goods, such as tobacco products, pan masala, gutkha, premium vehicles, and high-sugar drinks. These products will move to the new slab after all compensation cess loan obligations are cleared; until then, their current rates continue. Most Essentials Cheaper: Items like roti, plain bread, paneer, chena, ice cream, and hair oil see GST dropped to 5% or even zero (nil rate). Household appliances and consumer electronics, including TVs and air conditioners, are cut from 28% to 18%. ...

  The Indian rupee has slipped to a new record low of 88.33 against the US dollar as of September 2025, reflecting a mix of global and domestic pressures on the economy. What’s Driving the Fall? US Tariff Hike: The US recently increased tariffs on Indian goods by 25%, totaling almost 50% duties on several products. This has worsened India’s export competitiveness, especially in industries like textiles and engineering goods, and spooked foreign investors. Foreign Investment Outflows: In the last three trading days alone, foreign investors withdrew about $2.4 billion from Indian equity markets amid uncertainty, further straining demand for the rupee. Higher Import Costs: A weaker rupee makes crude oil, gold, electronics, and other major imports costlier, which can lead to higher inflation and put more pressure on India’s trade deficit. Market Speculation & Hedging: Importers and traders are holding more dollars to hedge against further falls, pushing the rupee...

India's economy is on a remarkable upswing, with GDP growth surging to 7.8% in the April–June 2025 quarter (Q1 FY26) , the highest in the last five quarters. This achievement outpaces major global economies and reinforces India's position as the world's fastest-growing economy. What’s Driving This Growth? Services Sector Boom: Services grew at a robust 9.3% year-on-year, leading the charge in sectors like IT, finance, transport, and real estate. Manufacturing and Construction: Manufacturing jumped 7.7% (from 4.8% last quarter), and construction maintained a strong 7.6% growth, reflecting heightened investment and infrastructure activity. Domestic Demand: Rising consumer spending and urban incomes are fueling this expansion, pushing retail, housing, and related economic activities. Capital Investment: Private and public investments grew, with fixed capital formation, the measure of new business plant and equipment, up by 9.4%, a two-year high. Resilience ...

Reliance Industries has made waves with the announcement of two major alliances, with Meta and Google, to accelerate India’s AI-powered future. These partnerships mark a bold new chapter for India’s technology sector, promising to democratize access to advanced artificial intelligence across businesses of all sizes. Reliance and Meta: Bringing Enterprise AI to Every Business Joint Venture & Investment: Reliance and Meta are forming an AI-focused joint venture (“Reliance Intelligence”) with an initial investment of ₹855 crore (about $100 million), Reliance holding 70% and Meta 30%. Open Source Power: The JV will leverage Meta’s open-source Llama models, making it possible for Indian organizations, from startups to large corporates, to easily deploy plug-and-play AI tools for sales, IT, customer support, and more. Democratized AI: Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance, says the goal is to “democratize enterprise-grade AI for every Indian organisation,” with Meta CEO Mark Z...

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is set to open its first-ever India office in New Delhi later this year . This move represents a landmark moment—not just for OpenAI’s global expansion, but also for the growth of India’s AI ecosystem and its 1.4 billion residents, who make India OpenAI’s second-largest user market after the US . Why India, and Why Now? User Growth: India’s adoption of ChatGPT is explosive. Weekly active users in India have quadrupled in the past year, and the country boasts the largest population of student users on the OpenAI platform globally. Developer Community: India now ranks among the top five developer markets for OpenAI, with strong enthusiasm from tech professionals, startups, and students. Expanding Access: OpenAI recently launched its most affordable monthly subscription for ChatGPT, priced at ₹385 ($4.60), targeting nearly a billion internet users. IndiaAI Mission: Led by the Indian government, this initiative aims to position India as a ...

India’s cricket team pulled off a stunning, history-making win at The Oval, defeating England by just six runs to level the five-match Test series 2-2—a feat seen as one of the greatest comebacks in Indian cricket history. The sheer drama, emotional highs, and the stakes involved set this match apart as an iconic chapter in the sport . The Oval Miracle: How India Did the Impossible The final Test at The Oval had it all—pressure, nerves, genius bowling, and fight till the end. Needing 374 runs to win, England started Day 5 at 339/6, seemingly in control. What followed was a breathtaking bowling spell led by Mohammed Siraj , who ripped through England’s lower order, taking a five-wicket haul and sealing India’s narrowest-ever Test victory by runs . When Siraj bowled Gus Atkinson with a searing yorker, the Indian team erupted in celebration, sprinting across the field, hugging Siraj, and soaking up the applause from ecstatic fans. The iconic image of Siraj with arms aloft, exhausted an...

On July 31, 2025, US President Donald Trump ignited controversy by labelling India’s economy “dead” and simultaneously announcing a sweeping 25% tariff on all Indian exports to the United States, accompanied by an unspecified penalty for India’s ongoing trade with Russia. In an era dominated by complex geopolitical alliances and economic competition, India’s sharp rebuttal and its stunning economic growth have taken centre stage in global headlines . India’s Remarkable Growth Story Despite Trump’s remarks, major economic institutions unanimously recognize India as the fastest-growing major world economy in 2025. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s growth forecast upwards to 6.4% for both 2025 and 2026, citing robust fundamentals and optimism about its trajectory . The Reserve Bank of India projects similar figures, reinforced by strong domestic demand, rising private investment, and high public spending, factors that have helped India surge past the so-called “...

So it finally happened. Tesla , the poster boy of electric dreams, brainchild of Elon Musk, and ultimate tech-flex for the rich, has opened shop in India . And not just anywhere — in Mumbai’s swanky Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) , where glass buildings shine brighter than the hopes of middle-class millennials. But here’s the kicker: they didn’t come with dhol-nagadas or giant billboards. No launch event. No influencers shouting “OMG, guys!” on reels. Just a silent, sleek showroom — like someone tiptoeing into a house party to see if the vibe is right. Model Y – The First Test Drive for Indian Aspirations With a price tag of ₹59.9 lakh , the Tesla Model Y isn’t exactly your daily commuter. It's not the car you buy for “kitna deti hai,” but the one you buy to say,  “look who I’ve become.” In short, this isn’t just about a car. It’s about class, ambition, and identity. The kind that Instagram bio updates are made of. But let’s not get carried away. Is India ready to plug into thi...

Shubman Gill’s record-breaking leadership, Akash Deep’s dream spell, and England’s unraveling—this was more than a win. It was a statement. India defeated England by 336 runs at Edgbaston, securing their first-ever Test win at the venue. Here’s how Gill’s brilliance, Deep’s fire, and England’s missteps shaped a historic moment. For 58 years, Edgbaston remained unconquered territory for India. Eight attempts, seven losses, one draw—and a lingering sense of unfinished business. But on July 6, 2025, that narrative was shattered. India defeated England by a colossal 336 runs , not only leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 1–1 but also scripting one of the most dominant overseas Test wins in Indian cricket history. 🧠 Shubman Gill: The Architect of a New Era At just 25 years and 301 days, Shubman Gill became the youngest Indian captain to win a Test overseas, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s 49-year-old record. But it wasn’t just the milestone—it was the manner. First innings : 269 (highest b...

With the series at 1–0, all eyes turn to Birmingham as India looks to bounce back, and England aims to tighten its grip. India and England gear up for the 2nd Test at Edgbaston. From team changes and weather forecasts to mind games and momentum, here’s everything you need to know. After a thrilling first Test at Headingley, where England chased down 371 in classic Bazball fashion, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy now moves to Edgbaston, Birmingham, for the second Test starting July 2 . With England leading the five-match series 1–0, India faces a must-win scenario to avoid slipping into a deeper hole. But the build-up to this Test has been anything but quiet. 🧠 Mind Games & Momentum England’s captain Ben Stokes has already stirred the pot by brushing off concerns about Jasprit Bumrah’s availability , saying, “That’s India’s problem.” It’s a classic psychological jab—one that reflects England’s confidence and India’s uncertainty. Meanwhile, India’s new captain,  Shubman Gill, h...

15th August is the day every year when India, the country with 1.2 billion people, celebrates its Independence Day. Along with all these, Google also does a little Doodle for us. This year, it's a "Google" text written on the Red Fort located in New Delhi. Today, our country became Independent. Many Twitter and Facebook users will change their Profile Pictures entirely to the Indian Flag or by adding a ribbon to their pics. This is the day dedicated to our Freedom Fighters and to the Army, Navy, and Air Force who have always kept us secure and have lived and died for us. We cannot repay them, it's not a favor, it's something that can't be done by everyone; only heroes can do it, and those at the borders are the real heroes. A Salute to all the Soldiers, Freedom Fighters, and everyone who has saved our lives directly or indirectly. We owe them Happiness, Support, Love, and our Lives.   Well, I wish everyone reading this entry and everyone you know A Happy Ind...

It was certainly news when SnP downgraded the Rating of the US from AAA to AA+. Something symbolic like the USA losing its A. What is to be observed next is to see the effect of it on the other economies, especially the growing economies. India, among them, is already showing its reaction (-vely) since Friday. Sensex has plunged for 2 consecutive days. There is a selling pressure from the Institutional Investors or the FIIs, which is creating panic. But it's better to hold on to the cliff and let the wind of uncertainty pass. In simpler terms, I am going to HOLD ON to my portfolio and will not give in to the selling pressure. I would advise others to do the same. What I feel personally is that these are just the bubble effect, which is going to subsidize very soon. The Indian economy is strong enough and self-reliant to absorb the shock that is happening around the globe at the moment.