Foxconn has rapidly scaled up its newest iPhone manufacturing facility near Bengaluru, hiring close to 30,000 workers within eight to nine months, marking the fastest workforce expansion by any factory in India to date. The swift ramp-up at the Devanahalli plant underscores Apple’s push to diversify its supply chain beyond China, according to people familiar with the development, ET reported. Spread across 300 acres, the facility is notable for its predominantly female workforce. Around 80% of the employees are women, most of them aged between 19 and 24 and entering the workforce for the first time, the people said. “The factory started testing production in April-May this year with iPhone 16 and now makes the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models,” said a person privy to the details. More than 80% of the output from the plant is exported, the person told ET. As production scales up, employment is expected to rise further. A second person said the unit has the capacity to engage up to 50,000 workers once it reaches peak production next year. “There are six large dorms, several of which are currently functional to house the women staff, and construction for the rest are also in full swing,” the person told ET.

What’s next…a mini township?

With its planned expansion, the Devanahalli facility is expected to house more women workers at a single location than any government or private entity in the country. Women migrants from neighbouring states have already found employment at the plant, which is envisioned to eventually function as a mini township. Plans for the site include residential facilities, medical services, schools and entertainment spaces within the premises. Industry estimates suggest that, along with free accommodation and subsidised food, workers earn an average monthly salary of about Rs 18,000, placing it among the better-paying blue-collar jobs for women. Foxconn, Apple’s largest contract manufacturer, is investing Rs 20,000 crore in the project. Once fully completed, it is expected to become India’s largest factory in terms of both production capacity and employment. “With a production floor space of nearly 250,000 sq ft, it’s massive by any standards but certainly amongst the largest in the country,” said the first person. The new plant is set to surpass Foxconn’s first iPhone manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu, which currently employs around 41,000 workers. People tracking the Bengaluru project said the facility is likely to house up to a dozen iPhone assembly lines in the future, compared with about four at present.Apple has beensteadily shifting iPhone production to India, aided by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme introduced in 2021. “Apple’s operations in India are a shining example of government-industry partnership,” said a government official. “This size and speed of expansion was unimaginable just four years ago. Apple’s plant has broken multiple records setting a new benchmark for what is possible in manufacturing and exports from India.”According to ET, all iphone models are made in India from the start and then exported globally. The rapid scale-up has been supported by the expansion of Apple’s supplier network in India to nearly 45 companies, including local component manufacturers and sub-assembly firms.

Kolkata’s new East-West Metro, the Green Line, has revolutionized city travel with its groundbreaking underwater tunnel beneath the Hooghly River

KOLKATA: Imagine slipping beneath a great river in the comfort of an air-conditioned metro cutting hours of travel into minutes and reshaping the daily rhythm of a city. This is now part of everyday life in Kolkata thanks to the East–West Metro, the city’s second metro line, also known as the Green Line. The city’s first metro, the North–South corridor (Blue Line), opened in October 1984, making Kolkata the first Indian city to have a metro, a title it held until Delhi Metro launched its first line in 2002.

A new passage under a historic river

The East–West Metro runs 17 km from Sector V in Salt Lake on the east to Howrah Maidan on the west bank of the Hooghly River. A key feature of this line is its underwater tunnel: a 520-metre stretch beneath the river, India’s first transport tunnel of its kind.

Trains run about 16 metres below the riverbed, while the Howrah station on this route is now India’s deepest, built around 30 metres underground.The metro has transformed commuting for lakhs of residents between Salt Lake and Howrah, as well as hundreds of thousands from the suburbs who access the service via Howrah and Sealdah railway stations two of the busiest in India, serving nearly 20 lakh passengers daily.

Engineering against the odds

Construction of the Green Line stretched over more than a decade. River tunnelling was completed in a record 67 days in 2017. Engineers had to dig through soft, unpredictable alluvial soil and build waterproof tunnel linings designed to last over 120 years.Central Kolkata, particularly Bowbazar, posed significant challenges. Ground subsidence and water ingress disrupted tunnelling, delaying parts of the project for years before the river crossing could be completed. The twin tunnels were excavated using earth pressure balancing tunnel boring machines, cutting through predominantly stiff clayey silt beneath the riverbed.

Interestingly, the underwater tunnel is not a new idea. Sir Harley Dalrymple-Hay, a Birbhum-born British engineer, drafted plans for an underwater railway in Kolkata as far back as 1921.From trials to daily routine

After years of construction and testing, the East–West Metro opened for commercial service in March 2024. Thousands of commuters boarded the first trains with excitement as the Green Line began stitching the city together in a new way.Within the first 15 days, around 53,570 passengers used the Esplanade–Howrah Maidan stretch daily — equivalent to removing hundreds of bus trips from city roads. Many commuters switched from cabs and cars to the metro for speed, comfort, and reliability. On the very first public day, over 70,000 passengers rode the under-river section.

The underwater journey itself takes just 45 seconds. Where the bus ride across Howrah Bridge used to take 3-4 minutes on a lucky day against 15-20 minutes in heat and congestion during rush hours and sometimes up to an hour or more during political rallies and protests, commuters now travel in air-conditioned comfort. The journey from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade takes barely eight minutes by the metro. This would take a minimum of 30-40 minutes by bus. Metro that changes daily life

For thousands in Kolkata and Howrah, the Green Line has become part of everyday life.Shorter commutes: Travelling between Kolkata and Howrah now takes minutes instead of hours.Comfort and reliability: Unlike road transport, the metro provides air-conditioned comfort and predictable travel times, easing stress during peak hours.

Beyond convenience, the East–West Metro addresses broader urban challenges. It reduces traffic congestion, lowers air pollution, and offers a more sustainable commute. “Howrah and Kolkata have always been twin cities, but crossing the Hooghly was a pain. The East–West Metro has changed that — Howrah now truly feels like a twin city,” said Ruby Saha, a Howrah resident.

Suburban commuters also benefit. Local train passengers arriving at Howrah Station can now interchange directly to the Green Line, avoiding crowded bus stands and congested roads.Crowding concerns on older lines

The success of the East–West Metro has increased pressure on the North–South Blue Line, operational since 1984. Daily trains now carry more passengers, especially during evening peaks, sometimes causing overcrowding. Commuters report longer waits to board, particularly after the Green Line section opened.

While the Esplanade–Howrah Maidan stretch is fully operational, work continues to complete the 16.6-kilometre corridor from Sector V to Howrah. About 65% of the line runs through underground twin tunnels, including the 520-metre river crossing, with the rest mostly on elevated viaducts. This under-river tunnel is India’s first transportation tunnel beneath a river.A system built for interchange

The Green Line intersects the Blue Line at Esplanade, allowing passengers to travel north to Dakshineswar or south to New Garia. Blue lights along the tunnel mark the under-river stretch, making the journey visually interesting for commuters between Howrah and Mahakaran stations.Transforming the city’s geography

The East–West Metro has reshaped Kolkata’s daily map. By connecting previously separated neighbourhoods beneath the Hooghly, it links residential areas with IT hubs, business districts, and railway stations. Dependence on surface transport has reduced, carbon emissions have dropped, and travel is more predictable. For many, commuting has become faster, more comfortable, and less stressful.Today, the underwater metro is not just transport — it is a living part of Kolkata’s rhythm, redefining how hundreds of thousands begin and end their daily journeys.

Indian H-1B visa holders who traveled to India this month to renew their US work permits are now stranded after American consulates abruptly canceled their appointments and rescheduled them months later, according to immigration lawyers. The disruptions follow the rollout of the Trump administration’s expanded social media vetting policy, leaving hundreds—possibly thousands—of high-skilled workers stuck abroad with expired visas and uncertain timelines for returning to their jobs in the United States.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of high-skilled workers had appointments cancelled between December 15 and 26, a period many H-1B holders target since it coincides with the US holiday season. In emails viewed by The Washington Post, the State Department said interviews were being delayed after the implementation of the Trump administration’s new social media vetting policy “to ensure that no applicants … pose a threat to US national security or public safety.”The H-1B immigration programme, which allowed hundreds of thousands of foreign workers with specialised skills to live and work in the United States for up to six years, had become controversial during President Trump’s second term. Some far-right backers urged its elimination, arguing it took jobs from US citizens. Tech executives in Silicon Valley, however, defended H-1B workers as vital to the industry.The sudden cancellations upended lives, the lawyers said, leaving workers on expired visas fearful of losing their jobs.

How long Indians have to wait?

It is still not sure, exactly, how long will it take for Indian to clear the H-1B visas.The mass cancellation of scheduled interviews for H-1B visa applicants is expected to cause significant delays in their return to the US, according to a PTI report.The move, prompted by enhanced vetting measures, affects all interviews previously scheduled from December 15 onwards. PTI reported that the rescheduling applies to every applicant whose interview was set from December 15 onwards. The cancellations, introduced by US authorities as part of tighter scrutiny, will push back interview dates and delay visa approvals, extending applicants’ timelines for re-entry.

‘I’m literally stuck in India now’

Emily Neumann, a partner at the Houston-based immigration firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC, said she had at least 100 clients stranded in India. Veena Vijay Ananth, an immigration attorney in India, and Charles Kuck, who practises immigration law in Atlanta, said they each had more than a dozen similar cases. “This is the biggest mess we have seen,” Ananth said. “I’m not sure there is a plan.”Asked for comment, the White House and the US Embassy in India referred The Post to the State Department. A spokesperson said that “while in the past the emphasis may have been on processing cases quickly and reducing wait times, our embassies and consulates around the world, including in India, are now prioritising thoroughly vetting each visa case above all else.”An Indian engineer living in the Detroit suburbs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had appointments set for Dec. 17 and 23 but received an email on December 8 cancelling them and rescheduling for July 2 – more than six months away. “I was like ‘OK, What do I do?’” he recalled. He secured an expedited appointment after his company submitted documentation showing key projects were ramping up next year, but he remained apprehensive. “I’m hoping they honour it and don’t just bump it out further,” he said. Lawyers said such exemptions were rare.Unable to predict when employees would return, US tech executives were scrambling to find accommodations and work-arounds, said a person familiar with the issue. “They don’t know how to deal with this,” the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “How long are companies going to be willing to wait for these people?” Neumann asked.People stranded in India had turned to online platforms for advice. On Blind, an anonymous workplace community, one user posted that they were “one of those unlucky souls” whose December appointment was delayed for three months. “I’m literally stuck in India now,” the user wrote. “I’m on unpaid leave, been living off savings for weeks and now I gotta stretch it till march somehow.”On a Facebook group devoted to H-1B issues, a person identifying as a physician posted that their appointment had been pushed to March and asked if it was worth appealing to US senators. “I have dozens of patients scheduled already,” they wrote. “Is there anyone in the same situation as me?”Kuck said the delays might be justified operationally but were driven by partisan politics. “Social media is the excuse,” he said. “But the reason is the extraordinary rise in attacks on the H-1B programme, and Indian nationals in particular.”

The cricketing world stood still on December 22, 2025, when Jacob Duffy officially entered the pantheon of New Zealand greats by breaking a record that many believed was untouchable.

NZ vs WI: Jacob Duffy surpasses the legacy of New Zealand great Sir Richard Hadlee

By dismissing the final West Indian batter at Mount Maunganui during the 3rd and final Test, Duffy took his tally to a staggering 81 wickets in a single calendar year, eclipsing the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee’s 1985 record of 79 wickets. This feat is even more remarkable considering it came in a year where Duffy acted as the ultimate “marathon man” for the Black Caps, bowling over 154 overs in the Test series against the West Indies alone. Hadlee’s record had stood as a benchmark of excellence for four decades, representing the peak of Kiwi fast-bowling longevity and skill, yet Duffy managed to find a higher gear through sheer volume and effectiveness.

In the final Test of the year, he snared a match-winning five-wicket haul, taking 9 wickets in the match and securing the Player of the Series award with 23 wickets at a ridiculous average of 15.4. Throughout the season, Duffy thrived in the absence of senior bowlers like Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, taking on the responsibility of the new ball and the old with equal ferocity. His ability to maintain pace and swing across 36 international matches this year proved that he is no longer just a supporting act but the leading man of the attack. As he stood at the Bay Oval, having rewritten the history books, the applause from the crowd acknowledged a new king of the statistical mountain in New Zealand cricket.

Also READ: Top 5 highest opening partnerships for New Zealand in Tests ft. Devon Conway & Tom Latham

The 2025 renaissance for Duffy: Global dominance and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru call-up

Beyond the record-breaking numbers, 2025 served as the definitive breakthrough year for Duffy, as he became the highest wicket-taker in world cricket across all formats. His ascent began in March when he briefly touched the World No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I Bowling Rankings following a devastating series against Pakistan, where he repeatedly dismantled their top order with his signature outswing. He proved to be a versatile weapon, picking up 35 wickets in 21 T20Is and 21 wickets in 11 ODIs, showing that his craft was effective regardless of the color of the ball or the nature of the pitch.

Duffy’s red-ball transition was equally seamless; after making a long-awaited Test debut in August against Zimbabwe, he finished the year with 25 Test wickets in just four matches. This incredible cross-format consistency did not go unnoticed by the scouts of the Indian Premier League, leading to a life-changing moment at the IPL 2026 Auction.

In Abu Dhabi, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), secured Duffy for a ‘bargain’ price of INR 2 crore to bolster their pace battery alongside the likes of Josh Hazlewood. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, hailed the signing as a masterstroke, noting that Duffy’s ability to swing the ball at the Chinnaswamy Stadium would be a vital asset for their title defense.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Devon Conway, Tom Latham power New Zealand to series-sealing third Test triumph over West Indies

‘Dhurandhar’ that released on December 5 has been a solely reigning at the box office ever since the film released. While on day 1, the film may have opened to mixed reviews, it proved to be this juggernaut of a film that went on to break records. It became a talking point on the internet with scenes from the movie going viral along with the songs. Not to mention, it also started breaking records at the box office one by one. ‘Dhurandhar’ became the biggest second weekend grossing movie of all time.Dhurandhar Movie ReviewIt collected Rs 253 crore in the second week, which is more than the first week collection. This happens so rarely. It had made Rs 207.25 crore in week one. After completing week 2, the film has begun on a slow note on third Friday and now may gradually begin to see a dip. On day 15, which is Friday, it made Rs 22.5 crore. On third Saturday, it saw growth of around 52 percent and made Rs 34.25 crore. And now it has started day 17, Sunday also on a decent note. It may end up making the same number as Saturday if not more. The film’s collection on Sunday as per early estimates is Rs 38.50 crore. This is a great number for a third Sunday. The film has begun the third Monday on a slow note which is also expected.

On Monday, day 18, till afternoon, the collection is Rs 2.26 corre. The film’s total collection so far in India is Rs 558.01 crore.

Day wise collection of ‘Dhurandhar’

Day 1 [1st Friday] ₹ 28 Cr –Day 2 [1st Saturday] ₹ 32 CrDay 3 [1st Sunday] ₹ 43 CrDay 4 [1st Monday] ₹ 23.25 CrDay 5 [1st Tuesday] ₹ 27 CrDay 6 [1st Wednesday] ₹ 27 CrDay 7 [1st Thursday] ₹ 27 CrWeek 1 Collection ₹ 207.25 Cr –Day 8 [2nd Friday] ₹ 32.5 CrDay 9 [2nd Saturday] ₹ 53 CrDay 10 [2nd Sunday] ₹ 58 CrDay 11 [2nd Monday] ₹ 30.5 CrDay 12 [2nd Tuesday] ₹ 30.5 CrDay 13 [2nd Wednesday] ₹ 25.5 CrDay 14 [2nd Thursday] ₹ 23.25 CrWeek 2 Collection ₹ 253.25 CrDay 15 [3rd Friday] ₹ 22.5 CrDay 16 [3rd Saturday] ₹ 34.25 CrDay 17 [3rd Sunday] ₹ 38.5 CrDay 18 [3rd Monday] ₹ 2.26 CrTotal ₹ 558.01 Cr

Former cricketer and television commentator Stuart Broad (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has made it clear that he has no regrets about calling the current Australian side the “worst since 2010”, even after Australia sealed the Ashes 2025–26 series in just 11 days.Speaking on his For The Love of Cricket podcast after Australia took an unassailable 3–0 lead, Broad said, “Do I regret saying that? No.”

Broad explained that his assessment before the series was based on how the contest could swing. “I did say Australia would have to play very badly [to lose the Ashes] and England would have to play very well,” he said.That, according to Broad, never happened. “Australia haven’t played very badly and England haven’t played very well,” he added. While admitting Australia were always favourites at home, Broad said the margin of dominance surprised him. “I had Australia down as favourites, but I didn’t have them down as 3–0 favourites.”Broad also pointed to the fact that England had chances going into the series, especially with Australia missing key players. “There are a lot of things that have gone England’s way,” he said, referring to Pat Cummins missing the first two Tests, Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the series so far through injury, and Steve Smith missing the Adelaide Test.Despite that, Broad felt England simply fell short. “England haven’t been good enough ultimately,” he said, while praising Australia’s approach. “Australia have been relentless in what they’ve done. They’ve showed age is just a number.”Addressing comparisons with past Australian teams, Broad stood by his view that this side does not match the standards of earlier eras. “Do I think the side of 2013–14 man for man was a better side? Yes, probably still,” he said, referring to the Michael Clarke-led team that dismantled England with Mitchell Johnson’s fearsome spells.Broad went further, adding, “I don’t think individually they are better than any other team since 2010–11, but they’ve been relentless in the pressure they’ve managed to put on England, as have every Australian team since 2010.”He also dismissed suggestions that England’s position was unprecedented. “England losing 3–0 by the third Test is not something new,” Broad said. “I don’t disagree with my comment. England have been at 20 per cent of their ability.”After the Adelaide defeat, even England captain Ben Stokes admitted Australia handled key moments better, conceding that managing pressure was the main reason the hosts raced to a 3–0 lead in the five-match series.

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