TOI correspondent from Washington: For a country currently engaged in a vigorous debate over whether immigrants are stealing jobs, taking away opportunities, overrunning the system and generally causing the decline of Western civilization, the United States has produced a strange statistic.According to a new policy from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), immigrants have founded or co-founded 455 of America’s 775 unicorns – the term for a private startup company valued at more than $1 billion – accounting for 59% of all US billion dollar start-ups. While about two-thirds of America’s unicorns were founded by immigrants or children of immigrants, about 80% have either an immigrant founder or an immigrant in a key leadership role. Notably, at a time of intense xenophobia directed at Indians by MAGA extremists, the report states that people of Indian origin (PIOs) own $96 billion worth of startups, more than any other immigrant group. This is far ahead of second place Israel (60), Britain (47) and China (41). In terms of startups, Indians are not only leading the league tables, they are batting on a different pitch, an achievement reflected in their median household income that is now above $150,000 – meaning Indian families in the US bring home about 80% more than the typical American family ($83,730) – a fact that runs contrary to the MAGA narrative that Indians are low-paid hard workers breaking out of the system. The timing of the report is excellent, coming amid one of the most intense outbreaks of anti-immigrant sentiment in recent American memory, much of it focused on Indians because of the never-ending political battle over H-1B visas. In recent months, especially since the return of President Trump for a second term, Indians in technology have been accused of taking over jobs, suppressing wages, monopolizing engineering departments and apparently committing the unpardonable crime of being good at science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).While immigration advocates acknowledge that there are indeed many wrinkles in the immigration system and sporadic examples of scams in the job market, the NFAP study presents a remarkably positive picture of immigrant enterprise and contribution. The report found that immigrant-founded unicorns employ an average of 833 employees per company and that 455 immigrant-founded billion-dollar companies are collectively valued at $5 trillion. Add in the immigrant-founded unicorns that have gone public since 2016 and the figure exceeds $5.8 trillion. The NFAP report reads like an inventory of modern American innovation. Immigrant-founded unicorns dominate artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, healthcare, defense technology and enterprise software. Among the most valuable are OpenAI, Anthropic, Databricks, Stripe and SpaceX. One of the most interesting stories comes from Munjal Shah, co-founder and CEO of Hippocratic AI. According to NFAP, Shah’s father arrived in the United States with just $16 in his pocket to attend graduate school at Berkeley. Decades later, Shah’s company is valued at $3.5 billion and employs about 200 people.Another disconcerting NFAP finding for MAGA relates to international students. About 24% of American unicorn founders are those who first came to the US as an international student. An example cited in the report is Ashutosh Garg, who immigrated from India in 1998, earned a doctorate at the University of Illinois and went on to co-found both Bloomreach and Eightfold AI, with the two companies having a combined value of more than $4 billion and employing about 1,700 people. He also holds over 50 patents and thousands of research citations.While founding a company worth $1 billion is a remarkable achievement in itself, the NFAP has also identified at least 15 immigrants who have founded companies worth two or more billion dollars. Six of the 15 were born in India before immigrating to the US: Mohit Aaron, Jyoti Bansal, Arvind Jain, Ashutosh Garg, Ajit Singh and Sachin Nayyar. Others on the list include Noubar Affian (born in Lebanon), Al Goldstein (Uzbekistan), Michael Grönager (Denmark), Ignacio Martínez (Spain), Elon Musk (South Africa), Christopher Wray (France), Ion Stoica (Romania), Ilya Sutskever (Canada) and Vlad Tenev (Bulgaria). Of course, immigrants aren’t just sending resumes. They’re building entire human resources departments. For decades, American universities have served as the world’s largest talent magnet. The formula was simple: attract talented students from around the world, educate them, allow many of them to stay, and then watch them build companies. That model, which has served America well in every way, is now being challenged by MAGA radicals who believe that immigrants, including foreign students and guest workers, are stealing “American jobs.” Coincidentally, the same people who complain about foreign workers are many of them deeply invested in companies created by immigrants through their stock market portfolios and retirement accounts. “The collective value of immigrant-founded unicorn companies is set to grow by $168 billion to $5.0 trillion between 2016 and 2026, an increase of 2876% in just a decade. This does not include the more than $837 billion in combined market capitalization for unicorn companies with at least one immigrant founder that have gone public since 2016. These and other publicly traded companies benefits the pocketbooks of retirees and other Americans, including individual stock investments and mutual fund holdings,” the NFAP study notes.

Hyderabad: Former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao criticized the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy On his remarks on Krishna water usage, he alleged that the Chief Minister lacked even basic awareness about his government’s performance in security. TelanganaWater rights.Harish Rao said it was unfortunate not only for Palamuru but for the entire state that the CM was unaware of the actual utilization of Krishna water during his tenure.“A chief minister who lacks such basic understanding is a serious threat to the water rights of Telangana,” he said.Harish Rao, who wrote a letter to CM Revanth Reddy on Krishna water, questioned the Irrigation Minister. Uttam Kumar Reddy Also, were both the leaders unaware of the contents of the official communication issued by their respective governments?Harish Rao informed that on May 2, 2026, Telangana Engineer-in-Chief (General) had officially written to the Krishna River Management Board. According to the letter, Andhra Pradesh 74.23 per cent of the available Krishna water was utilized, while Telangana utilized only 25.77 per cent.He alleged that despite portraying himself as the son of Palamuru, Revanth Reddy has done virtually nothing for the undivided Mahabubnagar district during the last two and a half years.“The CM is only spreading lies and half-truths to divert attention from the failures of his government,” the former irrigation minister said.He accused the Congress government of betraying Palamuru by failing to complete the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, which is designed to irrigate 12.30 lakh acres and provide drinking water to 1,226 villages.Harish Rao reminded that Revanth Reddy and the Congress party had opposed the project from the beginning and had filed cases which had delayed its progress.Despite these obstacles, he said, the BRS government successfully defended the project and expedited its execution. He said despite repeated attempts to create hurdles and instigate farmers against the project, the BRS government had acquired 27,191 acres of land for the Palamuru-Rangareddy project.He challenged the Congress government to tell how much land it had acquired for the project in the last two and a half years.“Wasting 30 months and then waking up after the government is halfway through its tenure to talk about land acquisition proposals is nothing short of shameful,” he said.End/

Fuel savings, rising costs: Is public transport economical enough?

As fuel prices remain sensitive to global events and governments continue to urge citizens to use public transport, a practical question arises: how affordable is public transport in India today?While buses, metros and local trains are generally much cheaper than private vehicles, commuters often face additional costs such as last-mile connectivity, multiple transfers and longer travel times.An examination of fares in major Indian cities shows that public transport is the most affordable option on paper, but affordability varies greatly depending on where people live and how they travel.

Public transport is still the cheapest option

At a purely fare-based level, public transport remains the most affordable mode of urban mobility in India. A commuter traveling 10 to 15 kilometers per day in most major cities typically spends a fraction of what a private vehicle owner would spend on fuel alone.For example, a simple baseline look at a 10km trip reveals a clear difference in the different modes:This gap becomes even wider when vehicle ownership costs such as maintenance, insurance, parking, depreciation and financing are included.The challenge is not whether public transport is cheap or not. This happens almost always.

The hidden cost of last-mile connectivity

In many cities the fare for a metro ride can range from just Rs 20 to Rs 50. Still, reaching the metro station may add another Rs 20 to Rs 100 to the total journey. This “first mile and last mile problem” is one of the biggest barriers to public transport adoption.Consider a commuter whose home is three kilometers away from the nearest metro station. If an auto-rickshaw ride costs Rs 40 to Rs 80 each way, a passenger may spend more on reaching the metro than on a metro ride.In cities where feeder buses, e-rickshaws, bicycle-sharing systems or pedestrian infrastructure are weak, public transport affordability deteriorates rapidly. Transportation economists often argue that affordability should not be measured by ticket price but by total door-to-door cost. Using that metric, some travelers found that the savings on private vehicles paled in comparison to headline fare comparisons.

Buses remain the backbone of India’s strength

Despite the rapid expansion of metro rail systems, city buses continue to carry the largest share of urban public transport users. Buses remain the most affordable option for low-income and lower-middle-income families.Many state governments continue to subsidize bus operations, keeping fares below market rates. However, with the onset of new challenges, schemes like Delhi Pink Ticket, which made travel in buses absolutely free for women across Delhi, have been cancelled.And while subsidies have strengthened affordability, they have also increased the financial burden on state transport undertakings, many of which are already facing rising losses.

Metro: speed but not always lowest cost

Metro systems have transformed commuting in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai. They are generally faster, more reliable and less affected by road congestion than buses. However, metro travel is not always the cheapest option. Bus fares are often low for short distances.For middle-class travelers, there is often a compromise between time and money.A bus journey costing Rs 15 may take 70 minutes, while a metro journey costing Rs 40 may take only 30 minutes.The value of time therefore becomes a major factor in determining whether passengers consider public transport economical or not.

Airport trips highlight the biggest drawbacks

The clearest example of urban transport affordability can be seen in airport connectivity. The difference between public transport and private transport costs is often dramatic.In many cities, airport cabs can cost five to ten times more than public transportation options.Yet many passengers continue to choose cabs due to luggage concerns, limited operating hours, or inadequate last-mile connectivity after reaching the metro or bus station.

travel share of income

Affordability isn’t just about rent. It’s about how much of a person’s income is spent on transportation. Globally, transportation planners often assess affordability by calculating transportation expenditures as a share of household income.Using that approach, the picture becomes more nuanced. For an employee earning Rs 20,000 per month, a monthly commuting bill of Rs 2,000 represents 10 per cent of income. For a person earning Rs 60,000, the same commute bill comes to only 3.3 per cent.A city-wise macro comparison shows how these costs measure up against estimated middle-to-lower-middle class income metrics:This metric often shows that public transportation may be relatively affordable for higher-income commuters while it may remain a significant expense for lower-income workers.

How do private vehicles compare?

The government’s appeal to save fuel inevitably raises a broader question: how much does private transport really cost? At current fuel prices, where petrol ranges between Rs 95 to Rs 105 per liter and CNG around Rs 77 to Rs 83 per kg in metros, a two-wheeler remains relatively affordable compared to a car, but it is generally more expensive than buses and suburban rail.Cars are quite expensive. A typical car traveler has to face the following expenses:

Once these costs are combined, public transportation often becomes dramatically cheaper. This is especially true in metropolitan areas where indirect costs increase significantly due to parking fees and congestion.

Why do many people still not switch?

If public transportation is cheap, why do many commuters continue to use private vehicles? The answer lies in other factors beyond fares. Commuters often cite convenience, reliability and time savings as the main reasons for continuing to use private vehicles.Common concerns listed by these travelers include:

The persistence of private vehicle use suggests that many travelers are willing to pay a premium for greater reliability, comfort and shorter travel times. As a result, affordability alone does not determine transportation choices.

How affordable is public transportation?

India’s public transport system is significantly cheaper than private transport for most urban journeys. On paper, the government’s appeal to use public transport instead of fuel-guzzling private vehicles makes economic sense.Yet affordability is more complex than bus tickets or metro fares. For millions of commuters, the real costs include the auto-rickshaw ride to the station, the time spent waiting for a connection, the reliability of services and the percentage of monthly income devoted to travel.Evidence suggests that public transport in India is generally affordable, but not equally affordable everywhere. In cities with strong networks and efficient last-mile connectivity, the savings can be substantial. In places where passengers have to pay heavily to access the main mass transport system, the economic benefits are significantly reduced.As governments encourage citizens to leave their vehicles at home amid global energy uncertainty, the success of that message may depend less on appeals to save fuel and more on whether public transportation can truly provide affordable, seamless door-to-door options.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t need to prove his fitness or batting ability according to his childhood coach Dinesh Lad, who believes the experienced opener is vital to India’s hopes of winning the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rohit has come under scrutiny after poor performance In his last ODI series against New Zealand, where he could only score 61 runs in three innings. However, Lad dismissed concerns over the 39-year-old’s form and fitness and insisted the criticism is unfair given Rohit’s stature and achievements in the format.

“Being a coach, I don’t think he needs to prove anything to anyone. He wants to win the ODI World Cup. I have spoken to him and he is very clear on what he wants in his career. I don’t think he needs to prove his fitness. Despite his age, he is still very fit,” Lad told PTI in a video on Friday.

The veteran coach said India would benefit greatly from Rohit’s experience in the next World Cup and backed him to overcome his recent struggles.

“Critics keep talking. That’s their job. If we want to reach the final, India need Rohit’s experience. There is no problem in terms of technique. Also, in 50-over cricket you need to be a bit methodical. Rohit has the technique which allows you to be methodical and then launch yourself,” Lad said.

He also pointed to Rohit’s IPL performance, where the opening batsman mixed aggression with smart strike rotation.

“Even in the IPL, he showed his technique. He was not only playing big shots but also taking singles and doubles. I don’t understand the critics’ point of view. My view is that he should be in the team.”

Lad also responded to former national selector Saba Karim’s recent comment that the next six months will be crucial for Rohit to cement his place in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.

He said, “Why are the next six months important only for Rohit? It is important for all the players. Everyone has to play well to keep their place in the team. I have 100 per cent guarantee that Rohit will definitely play the 50-over World Cup in 2027.”

“He will perform well during these six months and also in the subsequent months. If you give him a chance, he will perform well.”

After retiring from Test cricket and T20 International, Rohit is now completely focused on the ODI format. Lad believes the opener’s desire to lift the World Cup trophy is driving his preparations.

“He knows there has to be a reason if he has to play. The reason is to win the ODI World Cup. He wants to win it for India at any cost. I am sure he will retire only after this,” Lad said.

The coach revealed that despite being away from the two international formats, Rohit has been working hard behind the scenes.

“Rohit is not playing any other format, it does not mean that he has free time and is enjoying life. He is practicing every day and continuously working on his fitness. Don’t worry, he is preparing himself hard for the World Cup.”

Lad also reminded critics of Rohit’s remarkable ODI records, which include three double centuries and a record five hundreds in the 2019 World Cup.

“He has retired not from ODIs but from Tests and T20s. His ODI records are impeccable. I don’t think there is any pressure on him,” Lad said.

Giving final advice to his former disciple, Lad urged Rohit to rely on the formula that has brought him success in the past.

“Rohit should stay on the wicket and once he settles down, he becomes a dangerous player. I would like to remind him of how he played in the 2019 World Cup. He should play like that again.”

“He should play domestic 50-over matches. There will be criticism, but Rohit should ignore it. He should enjoy playing.”

– ends

Henry Novak (left) was killed by Vikram Singh Digwa (right)

The murder of 18-year-old Henry Novak by Sikh man Vikram Singh Digwa sparked national outrage after police bodycam footage showed the Southampton student being handcuffed after he was stabbed. The incident sparked protests across the UK and led to reactions from prominent figures ranging from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to billionaire Elon Musk.Novak, a first-year University of Southampton student, was stabbed by 23-year-old Vikram Singh Digwa on December 3, 2025, while walking home after a night out with friends.Moments after the attack, DeGwa reportedly claimed she was racially abused and attacked. When officers arrived, they handcuffed Novak, despite him repeatedly stating that he had been stabbed and could not breathe.The release of police bodycam footage, Degua’s subsequent murder conviction and nationwide protests turned the case into a national confrontation over policing, race and public trust.

Timeline of events in the Henry Novak case

3 December 2025

4 December 2025

8 December 2025

early 2026

May 2026

28 May 2026

1 June 2026

2 June 2026

June 2026

after punishment

How did the opposition emerge?

Public anger intensified after details of the case and bodycam footage came to light. In the footage, the teen can be seen lying on the ground as officers handcuff him and try to make him sit. He repeatedly tells police that he has been stabbed and is having trouble breathing.“You’ve been stabbed? Where?” an officer can be heard asking. The other replies: “Don’t think you have to, friend.”Hundreds of people gathered at “Justice for Henry Novak” rallies in Southampton demanding accountability and greater investigation of the police response.The matter soon entered the political arena. Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe repeatedly raised concerns about the handling of the incident, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Novak’s family members and pledged that lessons would be learned.Tech billionaire Elon Musk also commented on the matter on social media, helping draw international attention to the controversy.As the protests intensified, the Novak family urged supporters to seek justice through legitimate means and not let Henry’s death become a source of division.

Naga Chaitanya is set to revisit one of his most successful digital projects as the actor has officially announced the next chapter of the supernatural thriller series ‘Dhootha’. Along with confirming the sequel, Chaitanya also revealed a major professional milestone, which is his debut as a producer. The actor shared an update on social media expressing his excitement about returning to the mysterious world of the series while taking on a new responsibility behind the camera.

A new chapter as producer for Naga Chaitanya

While Chaitanya has spent years building his career as an actor, ‘Dhootha 2’ will see him expand his horizons by entering content production for the first time. Sharing the announcement he wrote, “Auspicious beginning as I enter the second chapter of Dhuta and my first step as a producer. Onward and upward. Here’s to the magic that comes.” The project will also feature the actor in a dual role, adding another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated sequel. Many of the key cast members from the first season are returning for the follow-up. Priya Bhavani Shankar will reprise her role as journalist Priya Avudhuri Parvathy Thiruvothu DCP Kranti Shenoy’s return is certain. Filmmaker Vikram Kumar, who directed the acclaimed first season, will once again direct the series. Although production has officially begun, the makers are keeping further details about the story and additional cast under wraps.

Review of the world of ‘Dhootha’

Released in 2023, ‘Dhootha’ marked the OTT debut of Naga Chaitanya and received praise from both audiences and critics for its unique blend of supernatural mystery and investigative drama.The series followed journalist Sagar, whose life takes a terrifying turn when mysterious newspaper clippings begin to predict tragic events involving him. As the prophecies begin to become reality, he finds himself entangled in a web of murders and supernatural mysteries while trying to prove his innocence.The first season had an ensemble cast that included Prachi Desai, Dnyaneshwari Kandregula, Tharun Bhaskar, Anish Kuruvilla, Rohini, Tanikella Bharani and Pasupathi.

The long wait for the sequel is over

Prime Video had renewed ‘Dhootha’ for a second season some time ago, but the development of the project took longer than expected. With filming now beginning, fans can finally look forward to returning to the dark and unsettling universe created by Vikram Kumar. The success of the first season naturally raised expectations for the sequel, especially given the show’s reputation for combining psychological tension, supernatural themes, and crime investigation elements.

More than just a sequel

For Naga Chaitanya, ‘Dhootha 2’ represents more than the return of a popular character. The project marks a significant evolution in his career as he balances acting with producing for the first time. As the cameras start rolling on the second season, the actor is not only revisiting one of his most acclaimed digital ventures but is also taking his first steps towards shaping stories from behind the scenes, opening up an exciting new phase in his professional journey.