Clocking in by 9:30 AM has prompted some employees to question whether workplaces are stuck with outdated, school-like regulations. A note shared in a team chat made it clear that any employee arriving after 9:30 AM without notifying their manager beforehand would be marked for a half-day, irrespective of the circumstances.

The message specified: “This is a reminder that the official reporting time for all employees is no later than 9:30 AM… Arrivals after 9:30 AM without prior intimation will be marked as a half-day as per company policy.”

A Reddit post expressed criticism of this approach, challenging the necessity of such rigid systems in the modern workplace.

“Honestly, are we in school or are we adults? Emergencies, traffic snarls, and everyday life occur. Why do so many firms in India still uphold this outdated mindset of ‘be on time or face consequences’? Shouldn’t the actual work accomplished hold more value?” the user remarked.

The post also highlighted the repercussions of failing to get leave approved or logging attendance, which could lead to unpaid leave, thereby further penalising employees for administrative issues.

Towards the end of the post, the user raised several questions to the community, probing whether others had encountered similar policies and whether it is time for employers, particularly in tech hubs like Pune, to consider more flexible arrangements.

“Does anyone else believe these policies undermine productivity and morale?” the post inquired.

Indian education has often prepared individuals for this kind of environment; it was quite prevalent in earlier times, yet as society evolves, so should these practices. Similar policies are also seen in government offices, although enforcement is rare,” the user added.

Another respondent offered a more critical perspective on the larger ramifications of such policies: “This system seems crafted to create compliant workers rather than innovators or thinkers. Really, with this mentality, how can India compete with countries like China—let alone the USA? We’re still grappling with basic mobile phone production, let alone sophisticated manufacturing. If this trend continues, India risks being confined to a service-oriented economy.”

Job Market Struggles in India

Job market struggles in India have gained attention recently as an applicant expressed frustrations on social media. The individual shared on Reddit that they’ve been applying for jobs for an extended period without success. Despite going through numerous assessments, they often receive no feedback and are informed that they did not qualify.

The individual highlighted the necessity of having a flawless resume with no job changes. They stated, “This job market provides no flexibility. If anyone has worked their hardest in their first role and is still facing issues due to a poor environment, that speaks volumes.”

Perfect Candidates and Unrealistic Expectations

The user remarked that companies are in search of the ‘ideal candidate,’ yet they still express concern that applicants possess excessive qualifications for the roles. “Job postings desire an ideal candidate but then claim, ‘You’re overqualified.’ How can anyone be deemed overqualified for a position?”

Shared Experiences by Other Users

Other netizens related to the original poster’s frustrations, sharing their own narratives about the job search challenges.

One user mentioned, “I had four interviews in one week and faced rejection every time. It’s demoralising.”

Another user added, “There are countless individuals in the same predicament. I’ve had five companies tell me I’m overqualified and can’t match my previous salary. This entire situation is incredibly frustrating.”

A third individual commented, “I interviewed for a position two weeks ago, and today saw the listing reposted with altered requirements. Initially, only a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience were needed (which I possess), but now they require a master’s degree and five years of experience while maintaining the same salary.”

The Broken System

One participant in the discussion observed, “The system is flawed. They seek the ‘ideal candidate’ without offering appropriate compensation, and if an individual is overqualified, they are viewed as a liability. It seems employers prefer inexpensive, untrained employees and are surprised when problems arise. The whole job search has become a farce.”

Massive Sum Discovered in Kotak Mahindra Bank Account: Investigation Underway

A strange occurrence has come to light regarding a Greater Noida resident who found an enormous sum credited to his deceased mother’s Kotak Mahindra Bank account. The astonishing figure, consisting of 36 digits, has triggered an inquiry by the Income Tax Department.

The account holder discovered a staggering ₹10,01,35,60,00,00,00,00,00,01,00,23,56,00,00,00,00,299 credited to his late mother’s account.

The son, Deepak, noticed the unusual credit on August 3. The account, previously held by Gayatri Devi, who had passed away two months earlier, displayed a transaction that far exceeded typical financial amounts. Upon confirming the account balance, bank officials froze the account and deemed the transaction suspicious.

Sachin Gupta, a journalist on social media, was among the first to publicly share the incident, raising widespread interest.

In Noida, a 36-digit amount has been credited to the Kotak Mahindra Bank account of 20-year-old Deepak. This amount equals 1 billion 13 lakh 56 thousand crore rupees. My maths is a bit shaky. The rest of you can perform the calculations. At present, the Income Tax Department is investigating. The bank account has been frozen.

In Hindi: नोएडा में 20 साल के दीपक के कोटक महिंद्रा बैंक खाते में 36 डिजिट की धनराशि आई है। ये रकम 1 अरब 13 लाख 56 हजार करोड़ रुपए बैठती है। मेरा गणित थोड़ा कमजोर है। बाकी आप लोग गुणा-भाग कर सकते हैं। फिलहाल इनकम टैक्स विभाग जांच कर रहा है। बैंक खाता फ्रीज कर दिया गया है।

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) August 4, 2025

The exceptional transaction has left both the family and authorities perplexed, with Deepak reportedly feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected attention it has generated. Media reports indicate he has since turned off his phone to escape the flood of inquiries.

Additionally, sources suggest that the credit may have arisen from a technical glitch or an accounting error, and the bank is cooperating with officials to rectify the situation.

The startup Superb has not verified the assertions made by the social media user independently, and Kotak Mahindra Bank has yet to issue an official comment.

Interestingly, the Indian numbering system does not have a proper name for such a colossal figure, as it typically only extends to Shankh (10¹⁷).

The transaction has left many online puzzled, with some joking that a keystroke must have gone awry.

Impact of H-1B Visas on US-Indian Relations

In light of the recent policy guidance from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the screening of family-based immigrant visa petitions, there has been a rising demand within the US to completely eliminate H-1B visas. However, many netizens have highlighted that these H-1B visas, particularly for Indian nationals, have significantly benefited the United States.

According to mutual fund distributor D Muthukrishnan, Indians have made substantial contributions to America. He stated that this community does not get involved in disputes or violence and abides by the laws of their host country. The concern arises from their achievements, as Indians are now among the wealthiest groups in the US. With the highest rates of college and higher education, some factions of the MAGA movement believe that Indians have succeeded at the expense of Americans. There is a growing animosity driven by jealousy, causing resentment towards both India and its people.

“Indians have contributed a lot to America. They respect the laws of the land and focus on education,” Muthukrishnan remarked. “Their success has unfortunately bred animosity, as those left behind seek someone to blame.”

Angel investor Rushabh Shah echoed these sentiments, noting that Indians have always stood out in the US, not by creating discord, but by making a positive impact. He highlighted their adherence to rules and their contributions in various fields such as medicine, engineering, teaching, science, and entrepreneurship. “The belief that Indians ‘took jobs’ from Americans is fundamentally flawed—Indians earned their positions,” Shah stated. He emphasized that a prosperous America should not equate to a declining India.

Shah elaborated, saying, “Indian H-1B workers send $30 billion back in remittances. This visa is not a leverage point over India; it is mutually beneficial, with the US reaping significant rewards.”

Sidharth, a US-based Indian tech entrepreneur, also expressed his views, urging his fellow Americans to think critically and not be swayed by foreign-funded narratives or opportunistic individuals who have limited experience in technology. He pointed out India’s economy, valued at $4.3 trillion, and the notable remittances sent back to India by H-1B workers.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene added a political dimension to this discussion, suggesting that President Trump should “further punish India” by replacing H-1B visas with American jobs. Her remarks have intensified the political dialogue surrounding immigration, coinciding with heightened trade tensions between India and the US. According to USCIS data from 2024, 70 per cent of all H-1B visas are issued to Indian nationals.

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Shah Rukh Khan’s achievement at the 70th National Film Awards is creating a buzz across news outlets and social media platforms. Awarded the Best Actor title for his role in Jawan, Khan garnered congratulations from senior Congress figure Shashi Tharoor. However, it was the actor’s playful response that truly captured attention.

Following the announcement of the awards, Tharoor, who is often recognised for his elaborate vocabulary, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express, “A National Treasure wins a National Award! Congratulations iamsrk!”

Khan, known for his sharp humour, replied with his characteristic charm: “Thank you for the straightforward compliment, Mr Tharoor. I would not have comprehended anything more grandiloquent and sesquipedalian… ha ha.”

Thank you for the straightforward compliment, Mr Tharoor… I would not have comprehended anything more grandiloquent and sesquipedalian… ha ha
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 3, 2025

After the announcement, the Jawan star also shared a touching video message with his fans. “Namaskar and Adab,” he greeted warmly. “I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude, pride, and humility. Being awarded the National Award is a moment I will treasure for years to come.”

He expressed gratitude to the jury, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and his fans, indicating, “This award is for you, as every award is. And while I would love to embrace you all and share my affection, I am a bit unavailable at the moment. But don’t worry, ensure the popcorn is ready. I’ll return to theatres and be back on screen shortly. Until then, just with one hand. Ready!”

Khan further shared on Instagram, writing: “Thank you for considering me worthy of the National Award. Grateful to the jury and the I&B ministry… A heartfelt thank you to the Government of India for this honour. Overwhelmed by the affection received from everyone. A half-hug for everyone today.”


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Indian IT Firms Facing Risks from US Market Dependence

Indian IT firms might avoid the 25% tariffs proposed by Donald Trump, yet they are not out of trouble. A more significant and alarming concern looms: their heavy reliance on the U.S. market.

Sandeep Kundu, a technology expert based in Delhi, highlighted this issue in a widely circulated LinkedIn post. He stated that the core problem is not merely the tariffs but rather the risky strategy of depending on a single country for business.

India’s IT services generate over $200 billion in revenue each year, with more than half originating from clients in the U.S. Although services are exempt from tariffs under Trump’s trade agenda, Kundu points to a collection of emerging risks: increasingly stringent visa regulations, escalating costs, and a decline in client demand amidst rising inflation in America.

Kundu observed a significant rise in H-1B visa rejections, from 8% to 22%. He added that delays in onsite deployments are contributing to a 6-8% increase in project costs, while U.S. clients might further restrict technology budgets.

These figures align with broader industry insights. In FY2024, the U.S. represented 57% of the revenue for Indian IT firms. Some companies are even more vulnerable: Mphasis (82%), Persistent Systems (81%), LTIMindtree (75%), and HCL Tech (65%) depend heavily on U.S. clients.

The implications of this dependence are significant. Indian service providers are at risk of any economic, political, or regulatory disruption from Washington.

Kundu asserted that even if tariffs do not directly impact the industry, the mood and spending habits of clients can still be adversely affected. This alone has the potential to decelerate revenue growth and exert pressure on profit margins.

Indian IT corporations are making strides to diversify their markets—but this effort has been uneven. Early adopters have managed to decrease their U.S. reliance by 10 percentage points (from 62% to 52%), with notable revenue increases from Europe (11%) and the Middle East (18%). Nevertheless, the U.S. and Europe collectively account for over 80% of the sector’s exports.

This concentration leaves the industry vulnerable and exposed to unforeseen challenges.

Kundu concluded by stating that the true risk lies not in policy shifts but in concentration itself.

Understanding the Corporate Trap in India’s Tier-I Cities

The hefty salary associated with a Tier-I city job in India may appear appealing, but it often serves as a bait. A recent Reddit post suggests that urban corporate life in India is essentially a grand scheme, where the tax system drains personal income, property developers offer cramped living spaces on lengthy loans, and major e-commerce players push local kirana stores out of business.

It is asserted that the combination of corporate employment and life in Tier-I cities resembles a giant casino, in which the house always prevails. Although the initial experience might appear to involve high salaries and modern amenities, a deeper inspection reveals a sophisticated apparatus that keeps individuals ensnared in cycles of excessive work and consumption.

The Beneficiaries of the System

The first party reaping the rewards is the government, collecting over 30% of salaries in taxes, often without any corresponding benefits to citizen welfare. Following closely are real estate developers, promoting small living spaces at exorbitant prices, with repayment periods stretching across 20 years.

In terms of education and healthcare, the fees charged are increasingly aligned with the average income of the locality rather than quality of service provided. At the same time, e-commerce platforms that initially seem to enhance convenience may lead to the gradual disappearance of local competition, eventually resulting in inflated prices.

The Impact on Workers

As a consequence of this entrapment, professionals often find themselves feeling inadequately compensated despite salary increases. This results in a relentless pursuit of promotions, longer working hours, and neglecting crucial aspects of personal health and relationships. The repercussions include heightened stress levels, escalating medical expenses, and deteriorating family dynamics.

Curiously, companies report enhanced productivity, governments enjoy increasing tax revenues, and private healthcare continues to flourish. Thus, the post posits that even with rising income, it remains a zero-sum scenario for the individual.

A Path to Financial Freedom

However, the Redditor presents a solution beyond mere critique. They advocate for “delayed gratification,” which involves resisting lifestyle inflation, ignoring societal pressures, and constructing a financial safeguard through liquid investments.

Upon achieving financial independence, the strategy becomes clear: location arbitrage. By earning a substantial income in a Tier-I city and subsequently moving to a Tier-II or Tier-III town, individuals can make their money work harder for them, altering the game dynamics to their advantage.

A recent Reddit post from a returnee in the US discussing everyday rudeness in India has gained significant attention, igniting a wave of emotional responses among readers. The post, titled “The general rudeness in India gets on my nerves,” was created by an individual who moved back to India after spending over a decade in the United States.

Having settled in the National Capital Region (NCR) three months ago, the user described their difficulties in readjusting to Indian life, particularly concerning what they referred to as a “deeply ingrained” culture of unprofessionalism and impolite behaviour.

In their account, they referenced experiences at a well-known clinic in Delhi and an Aadhaar enrollment centre, noting that manners were only observed after managerial intervention. Even a request from a neighbour regarding a security camera seemed to be interpreted as “aggressive,” raising what the user identified as a widespread issue concerning tone and attitude.

The user remarked that they grew up in smaller cities across India, where people tended to be more courteous and welcoming. They suggested that perhaps their time in the US had softened them, or that it simply highlighted that basic politeness should not be a luxury.

Despite continuing to practise habits acquired in the US, such as saying “thank you” or “hi,” the user revealed that these gestures often received blank stares, forcing them to adapt and develop a “thicker skin.”

This post resonated with many online, receiving hundreds of replies from both Indians and members of the diaspora.

One commenter expressed a similar realisation, stating, “For all my life, I didn’t grasp what people meant when they said Indians lack civic sense. However, after a year in the US, I noticed the stark contrast — especially during flights back home, where fellow passengers became pushy, skipped lines, and intervened unnecessarily.”

Another contributor attributed the issue to broader socio-economic conditions, explaining, “Life isn’t easy for most Indians — low wages, extended hours, and familial pressures influence how people engage. If we are fortunate enough to enjoy a peaceful life, all we can do is strive to spread that positive energy.”

Others reflected on the behavioural changes necessary to navigate life in India. “During my two-month visit, I discovered that unless one is assertive — or even rude — others take advantage. It’s a harsh truth. I couldn’t manage in a society where I had to fight for basic services daily,” one individual shared.

While the post sheds light on the dissonance many encounter upon returning to India, it also opens up a broader discussion about empathy, civic duties, and the emotional toll of urban living in various metropolitan areas of the country.

Why Indian Nurses Are Leaving Ireland

A moving open letter from an Indian nurse residing in Ireland, initially posted on Reddit, has gained significant attention, prompting a public discussion about the experiences of migrant healthcare professionals in Ireland. The letter, titled “Why We’re Leaving Ireland,” reflects the disappointment experienced by numerous Indian workers who once viewed Ireland as a promising destination, now anxious about their families’ safety.

The unnamed writer, representing himself, his wife, and the larger Indian community, expresses deep concern over the increasing racism and hostility they’re encountering. He states that they came to Ireland to contribute to healthcare, yet now fear for their safety while returning home after shifts. The defining moment for him was observing a group of Irish teenagers harassing an eight-year-old Indian girl “simply because she appeared different.”

Challenges Faced by Indian Healthcare Workers

The nurse, along with many others, arrived in Ireland to support its crucial healthcare system. Numerous professionals contributed tirelessly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, often facing significant stress and personal sacrifices. The writer mentions, “We missed important family events back home to remain here and fulfil our responsibilities. We adhered to all regulations and paid our taxes… We thought this was a nation of compassion.”

However, that perception, he argues, is rapidly diminishing. The nurse indicates that numerous Indian nurses within his network are actively contemplating leaving Ireland, with some exploring opportunities in Australia or planning a return to India. He articulates, “If we leave, it’s not due to a lack of affection for this country. It’s because this country has ceased to show love towards us.”

Recent Incidents Raise Concerns

The letter arrives amid multiple reports of racially charged attacks against Indians and other South Asian immigrants in Ireland. In recent months, local media outlets and community organisations have recorded cases of verbal abuse, physical confrontations, and discriminatory treatment — both in public spaces and institutions.

In June, an Indian student was the victim of an assault in Dublin, characterised by advocacy groups as racially motivated. July saw a disturbing viral clip depicting another Indian man being pursued by a group of young people, while onlookers did not intervene.

Although authorities claim these incidents are not widespread, they are being increasingly highlighted by the Indian diaspora, particularly on platforms like Reddit, where anonymous submissions reveal the anxieties and grievances of immigrant life in Europe.

Demands for Change

This viral post has incited hundreds of reactions from users across Ireland and internationally. Many Irish individuals expressed empathy and denounced the rise in xenophobia, while others urged the Irish government to take action to alleviate the growing unease within migrant communities.

Healthcare unions and civil rights organisations are now advocating for the government to implement more robust measures to ensure the safety and dignity of immigrant workers on the frontlines.

As the anonymous nurse poignantly remarked in his closing thoughts: “We are not here to create divisions. We arrived because we believed Ireland was a nation that valued all individuals. Please help us see that belief realised.”