5 stories you must read today, November 8: From US probe into H-1B visa ‘abuses’ to Rishabh Pant’s bruising day out and more

A UP court has sentenced nine members of the same family — five women and four men — to life imprisonment for the 2013 murder of a 55-year-old farmer, Shiv Charan. The convicts, all residents of Rajena village and from the same Dalit community as the victim, had attacked him with blunt objects following a dispute between their families. Charan’s wife and son were also injured when they tried to intervene. The court found all nine guilty and took them into custody on Thursday, delivering the life term on Friday. The defence has said it will appeal the verdict. Read more

The US government launched investigations under “Project Firewall” to curb alleged abuses of the H-1B visa programme, aimed at protecting American jobs and wages. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, while personally certifying the probes, said the department would hold employers accountable for exploiting the system. Investigations revealed fake job locations, underpayment of foreign workers, and failure to notify immigration authorities of terminations. Some firms reportedly “benched” H-1B holders without pay between projects. The department warned that violators could face fines, back wage recovery, and bans from future participation in the visa programme. Read more

At the Leaders’ Summit in Belem ahead of COP30, India urged developed nations to achieve net-zero emissions earlier than planned and move toward net-negative emissions. India’s ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, said wealthy countries must make proportionate contributions, accelerate emission cuts, and provide predictable support to developing nations. Highlighting India’s progress, he noted that the country met its climate targets ahead of schedule, reduced emission intensity by 36% between 2005 and 2020, and now generates over 50% of its power from non-fossil sources. India also backed Brazil’s new “Tropical Forests Forever Facility” as an Observer. Read more

Scientists at Cornell University have developed a brain implant smaller than a grain of rice that can wirelessly record and transmit neural activity. Called a microscale optoelectronic tetherless electrode (MOTE), the device—roughly the width of a human hair—uses infrared light to send brain signals through tissue and bone to a receiver. Powered by light and made from MRI-compatible materials, MOTE overcomes common issues with irritation and immune response caused by traditional electrodes. Successfully tested in mice for over a year, the implant could also be adapted for other sensitive areas like the spinal cord, paving the way for advanced neurotechnology. Read more

Rishabh Pant had to walk off retired hurt on Day 3 of India A’s match against South Africa A after being struck on the left forearm by a short delivery from Tshepo Moreki. The wicketkeeper, who recently recovered from a foot fracture sustained during the England tour, was hit multiple times during his innings—on the helmet, forearm, and abdomen—before deciding to walk off in visible pain. Despite initial treatment, Pant did not return to bat. With India’s two-Test series against South Africa beginning in Kolkata on November 14, his fitness remains a major concern for the national selectors and team management. Read more