5 stories you should read today, November 8: From US investigation into H-1B visa ‘abuse’ to Rishabh Pant’s painful day and more | India News

A court in UP has sentenced nine members of the same family – five women and four men – to life imprisonment for the murder of a 55-year-old farmer, Shiv Charan, in 2013. The convicts, all residents of Rajina village and from the same Dalit community as the victim, had attacked him with sharp objects after a dispute between their families. Sharan’s wife and son were also injured when they tried to intervene. The court convicted and detained all nine on Thursday, and sentenced them to life imprisonment on Friday. The defense said it would appeal the ruling. Read more

The US government has launched investigations under “Project Firewall” to curb alleged abuses of the H-1B visa program, which aims to protect American jobs and wages. While personally certifying the investigations, Labor Minister Lori Chavez de Remer said the ministry would hold employers accountable for exploiting the system. Investigations revealed fake job sites, low wages paid to foreign workers, and failure to notify immigration authorities of termination. Some companies have reportedly “placed” H-1B holders without pay between projects. The ministry warned that violators could face fines, refund of back wages, and being banned from future participation in the visa program. Read more

At a leaders’ summit in Belem ahead of the COP30, India urged developed countries to achieve net zero emissions earlier than planned and move towards net negative emissions. India’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, said rich countries must make proportionate contributions, accelerate emissions reductions, and provide predictable support to developing countries. Highlighting India’s progress, he noted that the country has achieved its climate targets ahead of schedule, reduced emissions intensity by 36% between 2005 and 2020, and now generates more than 50% of its energy from non-fossil sources. India also supported the new Forever Tropical Forest Facility in Brazil as an observer. Read more

Scientists at Cornell University have developed a brain implant smaller than a grain of rice that can record and transmit neural activity wirelessly. The device, called a microscopic optical electrode (MOTE), which is about 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 of MRI-compatible materials, MOTE overcomes common problems with irritation and immune response caused by traditional electrodes. This implant has been successfully tested in mice for more than a year, and could also be adapted to other sensitive areas such as the spinal cord, paving the way for advanced neurotechnology. Read more

Rishabh Pant had to come off injured on day three of India A’s match against South Africa A after being hit on his left forearm by a short pass from Tshepo Muriki. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who recently recovered from a broken foot sustained during the England tour, was hit several times during his innings – on the helmet, forearm and stomach – before deciding to walk off in apparent pain. Despite initial treatment, Pant did not return to bat. With India’s two-Test series against South Africa starting in Kolkata on November 14, his fitness remains a major concern for the national selectors and team management. Read more