‘India faces challenges but…’: Former Microsoft professional leaves ‘American dream’ amid visa uncertainty
Swapnil Sagar returns to his family in Bengaluru, India from Houston, USA
“I feel free,” says Swapnil Sagar, a former Microsoft professional who has returned to India, leaving the American dream behind after a decade in the United States, citing visa uncertainty and job instability as key reasons for his decision.Sagar, an Indian tech worker who spent nearly ten years in the US, returned to India after a long period of professional toil and repeated immigration tensions. In an interview with The American Bazaar, he spoke in detail about his journey from India to America and back again, which included study, work, setbacks and ultimately relocation.“My decision seemed illogical to many people. But I wanted to be free from a life of constant visa hassles and job insecurity. Life in India has challenges but I feel more free,” says Swapnil Sagar.Sagar’s journey began in India, where he worked at Accenture before deciding to pursue higher studies in computer science. He moved to the United States to study at the University of Illinois Chicago. “Let me start from the beginning,” Sagar says.He said: “I had a good career in India. I was working with Accenture; I was single and doing well. But I wanted to study and had a special interest in computer science, so I decided to apply for a master’s in the US. I chose UIC in Chicago for its excellent computer science courses.”He managed to work initially under F-1 status and later on STEM OPT, but his long-term plans were disrupted due to repeated visa uncertainty. He says, “The reality of the actual US visa started to set in when my H-1B application was sent in. My H-1B didn’t get taken on the first two attempts, so I used up almost all three years of my STEM OPT.”Even after finally being selected in the H-1B lottery, his situation changed again. “I was happy when for the third time my H-1B was finally picked up, but just as I was getting ready for my actual work shift in the US, my employer fired me during visa processing time. The same employer who applied for my H-1B! And my H-1B got canceled.”Despite the setbacks, he rebuilt his career, working at various companies before getting a job at Microsoft. During this period, he got married and bought a house in Houston, marking a stable phase of his life. However, that stability was short-lived. “In May 2025, Microsoft fired me among 10,000 people,” says Sagar.After the layoffs, Sagar and his wife question their future. His wife, who was on an H-4 dependent visa and unable to work, also influenced his decision. He expressed frustration over the paperwork, visa dependency, and uncertainty in the US system.He said: “I felt that America was no longer the place I had come to study. Most of my productive hours were being wasted filing various forms and documents that did not provide stability.”Eventually, the couple decided to return to India and settle in Bengaluru, where their families live. He said, “I miss our clean air and smooth journey to the destination. Also, the work culture in India can be tough, but despite this, I feel free, because my life is not governed by visas and both my wife and my parents are with us.”Sagar is now again working as a software developer in India. He says he still misses his time spent in the US, but believes the move has brought a sense of control and closeness to family, which he values more than his previous life abroad.
DRDO unveils advanced armored vehicles for combat support and deployment in Ladakh, desert, riverine areas. india news
New Delhi: Taking a step towards indigenous production of future-ready armored vehicles, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)DRDO) on Saturday unveiled advanced armored platforms (tracked and wheeled) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, which will provide a huge boost to the armed forces as these vehicles can be used for infantry transportation, reconnaissance and combat support. Flagged off by DRDO Chairman Sameer V Kamath, the vehicles have been specially designed for deployment in diverse terrains such as Ladakh, desert and riverine areas.Vikram VT21 platform has been designed and developed by DRDO’s Vehicle Research Development Laboratory and manufactured in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Limited (BFL). Many officials of TASL and BFL attended the inauguration ceremony.The platforms are amphibious in nature and have improved water obstacle-crossing capabilities, with hydro jets providing them operational flexibility. They can carry 8 to 10 fully equipped soldiers.A Defense Ministry statement said both the platforms are integrated with indigenously designed and developed 30-mm unmanned turret with advanced features to meet the mobility, firepower and protection requirements.The 30-mm uncrewed turret with the 7.62-mm PKT gun is configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles. The base design has configurable capabilities for multiple roles. Armored vehicles have 65% indigenous content, there are plans to increase this to 90%.
रिजल्ट से 2 घंटे पहले 10वीं की छात्रा ने की आत्महत्या… मौत के बाद जब मार्कशीट आई तो वह फर्स्ट डिवीजन निकली.
बस्ती समाचार: उत्तर प्रदेश के बस्ती जिले से एक बेहद दर्दनाक और चौंकाने वाली घटना सामने आई है। यहां 10वीं क्लास का रिजल्ट जारी होने से ठीक 2 घंटे पहले एक छात्र ने आत्महत्या कर ली. घटना ने पूरे इलाके को हिलाकर रख दिया है। जिस वक्त ये हादसा हुआ उस वक्त छात्रा घर पर अकेली थी. परिवार के लोग बाहर गए हुए थे। सूचना मिलते ही पुलिस मौके पर पहुंची और शव को कब्जे में लेकर पोस्टमार्टम के लिए भेज दिया. फिलहाल आत्महत्या के कारणों का पता नहीं चल पाया है और पुलिस हर एंगल से जांच कर रही है।
घर पर अकेली थी छात्रा, फंदे पर लटका मिला शव
जानकारी के मुताबिक, लालगंज बाजार निवासी हाईस्कूल की छात्रा ज्योति ने गुरुवार की दोपहर करीब तीन बजे घर में आत्महत्या कर ली. घटना के वक्त वह बिल्कुल अकेली थी। उनके पिता छोटेलाल प्रजापति अपनी दुकान पर थे, जबकि मां पुष्पा देवी, जो आशा बहू हैं, अपने बेटे के साथ मीटिंग में गई थीं।
दरवाजा तोड़कर शव को बाहर निकाला गया
जब परिवार के लोग लौटे तो घर का दरवाजा अंदर से बंद मिला। शक होने पर खिड़की से देखा तो ज्योति फंदे से लटकी हुई थी। यह दृश्य देखकर परिवार के लोग घबरा गए। ग्रामीणों की मदद से दरवाजा तोड़ा गया और छात्र को नीचे उतारा गया। उसने अपने दुपट्टे से फांसी लगाकर आत्महत्या कर ली।
पुलिस और एफएसएल टीम ने जांच शुरू की
घटना की जानकारी मिलते ही पुलिस और एफएसएल की टीम मौके पर पहुंची. पंचनामा भरकर शव को पोस्टमार्टम के लिए भेज दिया गया। पुलिस का कहना है कि आत्महत्या के पीछे के कारणों का अभी पता नहीं चल पाया है. हर पहलू से जांच की जा रही है.
2 घंटे बाद रिजल्ट आया, प्रथम श्रेणी से उत्तीर्ण हुई
इस घटना के बाद परिवार और गांव में मातम का माहौल है. सबसे चौंकाने वाली बात तो यह है कि आत्महत्या के करीब 2 घंटे बाद जब यूपी बोर्ड का रिजल्ट आया तो पता चला कि ज्योति प्रथम श्रेणी में पास हुई थी और उसे 63 फीसदी अंक मिले थे.
पुलिस ने क्या कहा?
लालगंज थाना प्रभारी विनय कुमार पाठक ने बताया कि मामले की जांच चल रही है. पोस्टमार्टम रिपोर्ट आने के बाद ही आत्महत्या के सही कारणों का पता चल सकेगा। फिलहाल पुलिस सभी संभावित कारणों पर ध्यान दे रही है.
UP takes steps to keep cows cool as temperatures rise. Lucknow news
Lucknow: With temperatures already crossing 40 degrees Celsius across the state, the Animal Husbandry Department has issued instructions to ensure proper arrangements in all cow shelters.For the safety of animals in the scorching heat, the department has made it mandatory to provide water misting system, coolers, fans, drinking water and shade in cow sheds.Officials have been directed to regularly inspect the cow shelters and monitor the arrangements so that any deficiencies can be rectified immediately. Shady trees are also being planted in cowsheds.The department has also adopted a strategy to overcome the fodder shortage. Mukesh Meshram, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, said, “Instructions have been given to run a special campaign to free the pasture land from encroachment in the state. To ensure long-term availability of green fodder, emphasis has been laid on sowing hybrid Napier grass on the freed land.”Jaunpur district magistrate has distributed ‘Punya FD’ certificates to those who donate straw, Meshram said, adding that DMs of Azamgarh, Baghpat, Saharanpur and Hardoi have made special arrangements for water misting systems, fans, coolers and foggers in cow sheds.He said that 10 districts including Maharajganj, Jaunpur, Ballia, Varanasi, Etah, Saharanpur, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Chitrakoot and Gorakhpur are currently playing a leading role in the campaign of straw donation.
Who is Ella Devi? ‘Socialist’ Sri Lankan-American influencer who supports Zohran Mamdani
18-year-old Ella Devi is a Sri Lankan-American content creator who has gained attention by supporting NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani while showcasing a wardrobe full of luxury vintage items. She first went viral during her promotional campaign for Mamdani, earning her the nickname “Hot Girl for Zoharan”.Her growing online presence includes over 34,600 followers on TikTok, where she regularly shares her political views as well as outfit videos. In a recent post, he described dismantling ICE as a “liberal stance,” while another showed him explaining why one can’t be a Republican and dress like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
Devi has also begun to receive wider recognition, most recently being named to her campus’ 22 Under 22 awards, which highlights students who are “shaping the world on their own terms”. She also drew attention to X after she commented on Sydney Sweeney and her fashion choices on the latest season of Euphoria.Despite her progressive message, much of the discussion around Devi has focused on her lifestyle. She is often seen in vintage designer clothing from brands such as Chanel, Miu Miu, Tom Ford and Valentino, with some items reportedly costing thousands of dollars.His posts recently came under criticism on Reddit, a popular New York influencer discussion forum, where users questioned the disconnect between his politics and personal style. One user wrote: “She’s hating on MAGA Barbie Sidney Sweeney, which I don’t care about, but acting like she’s the best dressed in NYC just because her wardrobe is old is ridiculous.”“Not with that big Chanel bag,” he said.“Socialist socialite lmao,” one user wrote, while another said: “How can someone call themselves a socialist while at the same time being deeply invested in status and exclusivity. The tone of his tweet is very pretentious.”Further comments included: “Don’t care about Sweeney, but this is bullshit,” and “This is the most absurd intro and not tongue-in-cheek at all.”Another user said, “Calling yourself a socialist while wearing a T-shirt with a giant YSL logo is crazy.”However, not all reactions were critical. Some users defended Devi, particularly her political stances.One user said: “I love her other roles, she’s super anti-racist and feminist in an industry that really needs it.”Devi also responded to the criticism on X, saying, “My name is Ella Devi and I approve of this message.”
यूके बोर्ड टॉपर सूची 2026: अक्षत गोपाल ने 10वीं कक्षा में टॉप किया; 12वीं में गीतिका, सुशीला टॉपर; पूरी सूची देखें – यूके बोर्ड टॉपर सूची 2026: उत्तराखंड कक्षा 10वीं और 12वीं टॉपर्स सूची स्ट्रीम वाइज
द्वारा प्रकाशित: आकाश कुमार
अद्यतन शनिवार, 25 अप्रैल 2026 10:08 पूर्वाह्न IST
यूबीएसई यूके बोर्ड 10वीं 12वीं टॉपर लिस्ट 2026: उत्तराखंड बोर्ड 10वीं-12वीं के नतीजे घोषित हो गए हैं। नतीजों के साथ टॉपर्स के नाम भी बताए गए हैं. छात्र अपना रिजल्ट केवल अमर उजाला पर देख सकते हैं।
10वीं के छात्र रिजल्ट चेक करें यहाँ क्लिक करें…
10वीं के छात्र रिजल्ट चेक करें यहाँ क्लिक करें…
यूके बोर्ड टॉपर सूची 2026
– फोटो: अमर उजाला ग्राफिक्स
Parties in Jammu and Kashmir supported granting bail to Engineer Rashid to meet his ailing father. india news
Srinagar: Parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday rallied in support of Engineer Rashid and urged authorities to temporarily release him on humanitarian grounds, a day after a Delhi NIA court rejected the jailed Baramulla MP’s bail plea to meet his critically ill father.People’s Conference president Sajjad Lone said, “I may have a lot of disagreements with Engineer Rashid. We fight each other politically. But he deserves to meet his seriously ill father. It is his right.”Rashid’s son Abrar said his grandfather Khajir Mohammad was on ventilator support in the ICU of SMHS hospital in Srinagar. “Granting short-term bail will not weaken the system. It will show balance and the law is not blind to human suffering.” A man who spent years in Tihar Jail requested to spend only a few moments with his father during his last days. It is sad to see that this too was rejected. I hope that compassion will find a place in this serious situation. Abrar said, some moments once lost can never be brought back.Rashid, lodged in Tihar since 2019, faces charges under UAPA in the 2017 terror funding case investigated by the NIA.National Conference (NC) Governor MP Chaudhry Mohammed Ramzan appealed to the Center to “consider Rashid’s release on humanitarian grounds”.Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) expects “fairness and compassion” from the Delhi High Court, where the MP’s regular bail plea is scheduled to be heard on April 27. AIP expressed deep concern over the denial of interim relief and urged the authorities to take into account Rashid’s position as the sitting MP of Baramulla, which covers 18 assembly constituencies and about 40% of Kashmir’s population.Rashid was granted custodial parole earlier this year to attend the budget session of Parliament. He defeated NC’s Omar Abdullah by over 2 lakh votes in Baramulla in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Omar won the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections and became CM later that year.
IPL 2026: ‘My best is yet to come’- Ishan Kishan warns after match-winning 74 vs RR cricket news
Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan Played a restrained but aggressive role in a thrilling five-wicket win Rajasthan RoyalsAs he reflected on the leadership, batting freedom and chasing the mammoth target of 229. Speaking after being named player of the match for his 31-ball 74, Kishan made it clear that captaincy has not changed his approach. “No, I think as a wicketkeeper you have to do the same thing. So I was keeping it simple because I thought it was a very good wicket to bat on and we tried to restrict them to under 230 and we were able to do that,” he said. On handing over leadership responsibilities back to pat cumminsKishan was full of respect for the Australian captain. “It was fun to lead the team for seven matches and having Pat come in and give us extra bowling power. So when he was coming into the team I was really happy because he is a tremendous captain anyway. So I was thinking more about my batting and wicketkeeping than leadership. Reflecting on SRH’s aggressive batting approach against the Rajasthan attack, Kishan said confidence and clarity were important. “You just have to keep watching the ball and play your shots. You can’t go into a zone where you fear failure. You just have to keep it simple and play your game.” He also talked about the challenge of facing rising scores early in the innings, highlighting the importance of a strong powerplay. “When you are chasing a total like 228, you need a good powerplay. Having Head and Abhishek as openers makes the job easier, even if they bat for four overs. I was just communicating with Abhishek. He knew what was happening with the game and the run rate.” Made an important partnership of 132 runs with Kishan Abhishek SharmaAfter being given a challenging target of 229 runs by SRH, he scored 57 runs in 29 balls. heinrich classen (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (36) ensured that the chase was completed with nine balls to spare, becoming the fourth most successful run chase in IPL history. Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Royals posted a mammoth total of 228 for 6 thanks to a sensational 103 from 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite the onslaught, SRH maintained their composure in the chase, with Kishan and Abhishek setting the stage for a spectacular win. Kishan also showed his mentality at the crease. “Calmness is about the skill set. You have to see the ball and not be preoccupied. It was a big ground, so there were gaps. Just bat and enjoy it.” When asked if this was the best phase of his batting career, he immediately tried to downplay it. “No, I think my best is yet to come.”
शादी से ठीक पहले हिंदू दूल्हा, पिता मुस्लिम, पठानी सूट पहनकर शादी में शामिल हुआ…यह देखकर लड़की के परिवार वाले नाराज हो गए।
बिजनोर समाचार: उत्तर प्रदेश के बिजनौर जिले से एक चौंकाने वाली घटना सामने आई है, जहां एक शादी समारोह अचानक विवाद में बदल गया. फेरों से ठीक पहले नगीना इलाके के एक बैंक्वेट हॉल में दूल्हे के पिता की पोशाक को लेकर हंगामा हो गया. मामला इतना बढ़ गया कि शादी की रस्में बीच में ही रोकनी पड़ी और दोनों पक्षों के बीच तीखी बहस शुरू हो गई. कुछ लोग नाराज होकर मौके से चले भी गये. सूचना मिलने पर पुलिस पहुंची और कई घंटों की बातचीत के बाद मामला शांत हुआ. आख़िरकार अगली सुबह शादी शांतिपूर्वक संपन्न हो गई.
वेशभूषा बनी विवाद की जड़
घटना 24 अप्रैल को दोपहर 3 बजे के आसपास हुई, जब फेरे की रस्म शुरू होने वाली थी। इस दौरान दूल्हे के पिता अनिल चौहान लंबी दाढ़ी, पठानी सूट और पठानी पगड़ी पहनकर मंडप में पहुंचे। उनके इस पहनावे को देखकर दुल्हन पक्ष के लोग असहज हो गए और उन्होंने इसे मुस्लिम पहचान से जोड़ते हुए फेरों की रस्म रोक दी।
दोनों पक्षों के बीच तनाव बढ़ गया
कुछ ही देर में माहौल तनावपूर्ण हो गया। इस पर वर-वधू पक्ष के बीच तीखी नोकझोंक शुरू हो गई। हालात इतने खराब हो गए कि दुल्हन पक्ष के कई लोग नाराज होकर कार्यक्रम स्थल छोड़कर घर लौट गए. स्थिति शादी टूटने जैसी थी.
यह प्रेम विवाह था, पहले तो सब कुछ सामान्य था
दूल्हा अंकुर चौहान नजीबाबाद के महापुर गांव का रहने वाला है, जबकि दुल्हन साक्षी नगीना के पखनपुर की रहने वाली है। दोनों एक-दूसरे को पहले से जानते थे और परिवार की सहमति से ये प्रेम विवाह तय हुआ था. शुरुआत में समारोह सामान्य रूप से चल रहा था.
पिता ने अपनी स्थिति बताई
पूछताछ के दौरान दूल्हे के पिता अनिल चौहान ने बताया कि उन्होंने करीब 25 साल पहले स्वेच्छा से इस्लाम धर्म अपनाया था. वे मुस्लिम रीति-रिवाजों का पालन करते हैं और लंबे समय तक मस्जिद जाते हैं। हालाँकि, परिवार के बाकी लोग अभी भी हिंदू धर्म का पालन करते हैं।
पुलिस ने मामला संभाला
सूचना मिलते ही नगीना पुलिस मौके पर पहुंची और दोनों पक्षों को समझाने का प्रयास किया। कई घंटों की बातचीत के बाद मामला सुलझ गया. शुक्रवार सुबह करीब 10 बजे फेरों की रस्म शांतिपूर्वक पूरी हुई और शादी संपन्न हुई।
दुल्हन की चिंताएँ क्या थीं?
स्थानीय लोगों के मुताबिक, दुल्हन पक्ष को डर था कि भविष्य में पूरा परिवार धर्म परिवर्तन कर सकता है. हालांकि, दूल्हे ने स्पष्ट किया कि उसके पिता के बावजूद परिवार के अन्य सदस्य हिंदू ही रहेंगे। थानाध्यक्ष अवनीत मान ने बताया कि दोनों पक्षों के बीच समझौता हो गया है और कोई लिखित शिकायत नहीं दी गयी है.
IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma-Ishan Kishan’s performance overshadows Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s century in Jaipur run chase. cricket news
Achieved a big target against Sunrisers Hyderabad Rajasthan Royals On Saturday, they were defeated by five wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium after chasing 229 runs with nine balls to spare in IPL 2026.Young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 103 runs for Rajasthan Royals and scored the third fastest century in IPL history, completing his century in just 36 balls. But their innings ended in defeat as SRH’s batting unit came together to complete the fourth-highest run chase in IPL history.This came just hours after Punjab Kings chased a target of 265 against Delhi Capitals in New Delhi, becoming the most successful target chase in IPL history.For SRH, Ishan Kishan Chased the target by scoring 74 runs in 31 balls, while Abhishek Sharma scored 57 runs in 29 balls after getting two lives in the innings.Heinrich Klaasen added 29 runs and Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 36 runs. Klaasen and Nitish added 53 runs for the fourth wicket to take SRH closer before finishing the job comfortably.Rajasthan Royals used eight bowling options, but poor fielding hurt them badly.He dropped Abhishek Sharma twice. Firstly, Shimron Hetmyer moved away to third man when Abhishek took a straight hit at him off the bowling of Nandre Berger. Later, Tushar Deshpande bowled a low fulltoss and Abhishek sent it to Ravindra Jadeja at backward point, but the catch was again missed.RR also missed another chance when Brijesh Sharma had Nitish Reddy caught behind off the bowling of Jofra Archer when they were on 14.Earlier in the innings, Dhruv Jurel had also dropped the catch of Travis Head on the ball of Archer in the first over. Head had scored only 6 runs but Archer had him caught behind the wicket.Archer also tested Ishan Kishan with a short ball with a speed of 145.4 kmph, which took the edge and hit him on the helmet and ran away for four runs. Kishan recovered quickly and hit three fours off Archer’s balls.After this Abhishek and Kishan took control of the game. He added 132 runs in just 55 balls for the second wicket and kept SRH well ahead in the chase.Earlier, Rajasthan Royals scored 228 runs for six wickets thanks to another strong innings from 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi.He scored 103 runs in 37 balls with the help of 12 sixes and five fours. He completed his century by hitting a six off Shakib Hussain on his 36th ball, which became the third fastest century in IPL history after his 35-ball century last year and Chris Gayle’s 30-ball century for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013.Suryavanshi got an early lease of life when he was on 32 when Aniket Verma dropped his catch at deep midwicket off Ishan Malinga.He made SRH pay for that mistake and completed his half-century in just 15 balls with a six in the sixth over.He added 40 runs in 14 balls for the first wicket and then made a partnership of 112 runs for the second wicket with Dhruv Jurel, who scored 51 runs in 35 balls.After reaching his century, Suryavanshi was out immediately as he missed to scoop the ball from Saqib Hussain and was out LBW.Pat Cummins returned for SRH and finished with figures of 4-0-27-1, his only wicket being that of RR skipper Riyan Parag for 7 runs.