Data protection law unveiled
The Government of India has unveiled the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025, to be implemented in phases over 12-18 months. The rules aim to empower citizens with greater control over their personal data, protect privacy, and prevent misuse, including spam calls and unauthorised access to digital content. Immediate implementation covers certain provisions, while others-such as registration of consent managers, notices from data fiduciaries, and detailed processing norms-will roll out gradually. A Data Protection Board will oversee compliance and levy penalties for breaches, with fines up to Rs 250 per breach and graded penalties to safeguard small businesses. The rules align with the 2017 Supreme Court judgment recognising privacy as a fundamental right, while also requiring citizens to provide accurate, verifiable information and avoid frivolous complaints. Certain exemptions apply, including legal enforcement, overseas data consent, financial default investigations, and selected Government-backed schemes. The framework represents a key step in strengthening digital privacy in India.
New US Bill aims to end H1-B
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced plans to introduce a bill aiming to eliminate the H-1B visa program entirely, including its pathway to US citizenship, requiring holders to return to their home countries upon visa expiration. Greene described the program as “riddled with fraud and abuse” and blamed it for displacing American workers over decades. Her proposed legislation would allow a limited exemption for medical professionals, capping visas at 10,000 per year, which would be phased out over ten years to build a domestic pipeline of doctors and nurses. Greene emphasised restoring the visa’s “temporary” intent, stating foreign workers should eventually return home.
Bumrah stars as SA falters
Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant bowling turned India’s bold four-spinner gamble into a stunning display as South Africa were bowled out for 159 on Day 1 of the first Test in Kolkata. Despite a promising 57-run opening stand, South Africa collapsed to 102 for ten in 45 overs, with Bumrah taking 5/27 and Mohammed Siraj adding crucial strikes. Kuldeep Yadav (2/29) and
Axar Patel (1/21) contributed key wickets, exploiting the pitch’s variable bounce and spin. India ended the day at 37/1, with KL Rahul (13) and Washington Sundar (6)** cautiously reducing the deficit in front of a 36,000-strong crowd.
