Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has addressed growing speculation surrounding her limited public appearances and persistent rumors about her marriage to former President Barack Obama. In a candid conversation on the Work In Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle revealed that her reduced public presence is a conscious decision aimed at reclaiming her time and focusing on personal well-being. Since leaving the White House eight years ago, Michelle Obama has con

The annual H-1B visa lottery has always been a high-stakes moment for both international employees and employers in the United States. With the 2025 H-1B lottery now complete, many human resource managers are facing a challenging yet crucial task: supporting valued employees who were not selected. The disappointment of not being chosen can bring significant uncertainty for these workers, but HR professionals can play a vital role in guiding them through their next steps and exploring alternative

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all Texas state employees to return to the office full-time, marking a significant shift away from the remote work arrangements many have relied on since the pandemic. While Abbott has not set a strict statewide deadline, individual agencies are implementing their own return-to-office timelines, with some requiring employees to be back at their desks by March 31, 2025. This move has sparked mixed reactions among state employ

Canada has tightened its immigration and visa policies, affecting thousands of Indian students, workers, and temporary residents. Since the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations came into effect on January 31, 2025, reports indicate a rise in study permit revocations, visa scrutiny, and stricter departure enforcement.The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has projected that 7,000 study permits could be revoked this year, impacting more than 4.27 lakh Indian stud

On Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu introduced a significant initiative under the state's Information Technology (IT) and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) Policy 4.0, with plans to implement work from home (WFH) options on a large scale. This announcement coincided with the ongoing discussions about the 90-hour workweek and aims to offer more flexibility to professionals, especially women, in the workforce.   Sharing his vision on social med

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan's remarks about employees needing to work 90 hours a week to stay competitive have sparked outrage on Reddit. In a video from an internal interaction, Subrahmanyan expressed his belief that working on Sundays would help employees achieve success, citing China's 90-hour work week as a model to follow. The comments were met with significant backlash, with many questioning the toll such work expectations take on employee well-being

The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit issued by the U.S. to foreign nationals with specialized skills in fields like technology, engineering, medicine, and finance. Initially granted for three years, the visa can be extended up to six years, with the possibility of indefinite renewals for those pursuing permanent residency through a Green Card. The visa provides a vital bridge for skilled workers to join U.S. companies facing talent shortages. The application process for the H-1B

In a recent conversation with IANS, Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, shared his thoughts on the ongoing work-life balance debate, emphasizing the importance of personal happiness and choice. He argued that work-life balance is subjective, highlighting that what works for one person may not work for another. For some, spending time with family for a few hours may bring joy, while others might find fulfillment in longer hours. Adani stressed that the essence of work-life

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, under the leadership of BR Naidu, has brought in notable improvements to the operations and management of the Tirumala temple. From cleaner pathways and better quality of services to addressing long-standing concerns like non-Hindu workers in Tirumala, the board has been making strides in maintaining the temple's sanctity. However, one major issue remains unresolved: the rise of Instagram reels and dance videos filmed in front of t

A recent survey by global real estate services firm JLL reveals that Indian organisations require more office attendance compared to the global average. According to the Future of Work Survey 2024 – India Insights, 90% of Indian employers mandate at least three days of office presence per week, which is higher than the global average of 85%. Moreover, over half (54%) of Indian organisations anticipate an increase in the number of office days by 2030, surpassing the global expec

As we approach International Coffee Day on October 1, 2024, coffee enthusiasts are eager to indulge in the rich flavors and aromas that distinct global destinations have to offer. A recent survey by Booking.com reveals that 85% of Indian travelers are keen to explore indigenous foods and flavors this year, and what better way to experience local culture than through its coffee? Here are six must-visit destinations for coffee lovers, each known for its unique brews and vibrant coffee culture.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent remarks regarding the death of 26-year-old chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, allegedly due to work pressure, have sparked significant controversy. Speaking at a medical college event in Chennai, the minister suggested that individuals require "inner strength" to cope with pressure, which she attributed to divine influence. Her comments, particularly in light of Anna's tragic passing, have been deemed insensitive by many

The recent death of Ernst & Young (EY) employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, allegedly due to severe overwork, has reignited discussions around toxic work cultures, particularly after a video of BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover went viral. In the clip, Grover recounted his own experience of quitting EY on his very first day, despite being offered a lucrative ₹1 crore package. Grover humorously described his exit, saying, “I walked into the office, looked around and pretende

Globalization has had a profound impact on cultural identities, traditions, and practices, leading to a complex interplay of cultural exchange, hybridity, and challenges such as cultural homogenization, cultural appropriation, and the resilience of local cultures. One of the effects of globalization on cultural identities is the blurring of boundaries and t

The Cold War, a period of ideological rivalry and geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, had a significant impact on cultural diplomacy, propaganda, and the arts. This ideological struggle played out through various cultural exchanges, propaganda efforts, and artistic expressions, shaping global perceptions and influencing public opinion during the Cold War era. One of the key aspects of cultural diplomacy during the Cold War was the use of cultural exc

Decolonization was a historic process that unfolded in the 20th century, leading to the independence of many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean from colonial rule. This movement marked a significant shift in global power dynamics, reshaping national identities, politics, and cultural resurgence in formerly colonized regions. The history of decolon

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was a pivotal struggle for equality, justice, and civil rights that profoundly impacted not only American society but also inspired global movements for social change and human rights. Spanning the mid-20th century, the Civil Rights Movement sought to dismantle institutionalized racism, segregation, and discrimination ag

World War I had a profound impact on global culture, sparking significant cultural shifts, artistic expressions, and societal changes in its aftermath. The war's unprecedented scale, brutality, and human cost reshaped the way people perceived the world, leading to the emergence of modernism in art, literature, and social thought. One of the key cultural

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked a profound shift in human history, bringing about significant social, economic, and cultural changes. This period of rapid industrialization and technological advancement had far-reaching impacts on society, transforming the way people lived, worked, and intera

The Age of Exploration, spanning from the 15th to the 17th century, marked a significant period of European expansion, exploration, and colonization across the globe. Motivated by various factors such as economic interests, religious zeal, and the quest for glory, European explorers ventured into uncharted territories, leading to profound discoveries, cultural exchanges, and far-reaching consequences. One of the primary motivations behind the Age of Exploration was the pursuit of ne