Latest news with #DOS
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Visa interviews for international students set to open, subject to review of social media accounts
AI-generated image (For representative purposes only) Visa interviews for international students (those seeking a F-visa or M-visa) and those aspiring to visit US on an exchange visa (J visa) is set to open, but the news is mixed. The new requirement by the US Department of State (DOS) is that all applicants must make their social media accounts open for government review. In late May, DOS had paused consulate visa interviews for these categories of applicants to enable introduction and implementation of enhanced social media screening and vetting processes. A tersely worded statement, issued late night on Wednesday, by DOS states, 'We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the US, including those who pose a threat to US national security. Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public'. Several federal agencies under the Trump administration are issuing constant reminders that 'A US visa is a privilege, not a right,' – these words and the concern about 'national security' echo throughout this statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo 'The US must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the US do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission,' adds the statement. It may be recalled that in mid-March, Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian PhD student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her US student visa was revoked due to alleged campus activism. The subsequent weeks saw hundreds of F-1 visas and/or SEVIS records being revoked for a multitude of reasons including campus activism, some reasons were as trifling as a traffic violation. Several US district courts have granted temporary injunctions to international students against such revocations. In April, as was duly reported by TOI, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that the agency will 'begin considering aliens' antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity. ' Given that this course of action existed, the pause on the issue of international student visas had taken the student community by surprise. According to immigration attorneys the need to have social media accounts 'public' is the marked difference. Given the past actions of the US authorities, a student from Pune, who was aspiring to study in the US had deleted all her social media accounts. 'My immigration attorney has now told me that even the lack of a social media presence could be held against me – it could indicate that I had things to hide,' she told TOI. Rajiv S Khanna, managing attorney at told TOI, 'All foreign students and scholars applying for F, M and J visas will need to ensure their social media accounts are public for review. Consular officers will screen for 'hostility' toward US citizens, culture, government, or institutions. There is absolutely no guidance on what these 'hostility indicators' mean or to what extent the US government will go to determine hostility. This vague criteria creates uncertainty for applicants and raises questions about consistency and fairness in the visa application review process.' New York based Cyrus Mehta, founder of an immigration law firm added, 'This is so very authoritarian and even creepy, and it is aimed at stifling all forms of critical speech that is integral to a student's education.' According to a recent report released by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), there were 15.8 lakh international students in the US during 2024, with the Indian contingent of nearly 4.2 lakh students being the largest. However, recent trends have shown a decline in interest in studying in the US.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sit back to savour mindfulness on this Sauntering Day
Celebrated annually, World Sauntering Day (June 19) is a reminder for individuals to step away from hectic schedules and embrace a slower, more deliberate pace. With slow living coming to the forefront, we look at how you can begin this practise right from your plate. Mindful eating is the concept of paying full attention to the experience of consuming food, as well as the internal and external processes.'Eating often becomes an automatic, rushed act, disconnected from our physical sensations and emotional states,' says dietician Vidhi Chawla. According to Vidhi, the disconnect with yourself while eating can prevent your brain from properly registering fullness signals. A rushed pace can also impair digestion, causing bloating and reflux. 'Eating fast is associated with stress and distraction, which causes you to miss out on the sensory experience,' she shares. Eateries are also catching, encouraging customers to slow it down. For instance, Delhi-based DOS has unveiled a breakfast menu inspired by slow mornings. 'Our breakfast experience is intended to provide a more leisurely, purposeful morning, enabling visitors to stop and think before the bustle starts,' says chef and co-founder Jatin Mallick. In Mumbai, actor Shilpa Shetty Kudnra's recently-launched cafe Blondie features a slow bar for hand-brewed coffee. Meanwhile, Hinoki Coffee Bar and Thought Explorers Club are celebrating with slow conversations over slow drinks. 'Events like these are necessary to help enjoy life as is,' says Shivangi, a college student who frequents the eatery. The benefits of eating mindfully: Mindful eating prepares your body to process food and regulates appetite to foster a healthier relationship with food. Mindful eating isn't just about your gut—it directly impacts your mental well-being. 'According to yoga and naturopathy, the gut is the second brain. When we eat with awareness, we reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lower the chances of anxiety and depression,' says Dr Narendra K Shetty, chief wellness officer at Kshemavana Naturopathy and Yoga. Slowing down eating activates the parasympathetic system, which is responsible to help you rest and digest. Mindful eating also helps calm your thoughts, regulate hormones and boosts mood. This also prevents guilt and shame associated with emotional or unconscious eating. According to Dr Shetty, in yoga this process is called ahara shuddhi — purity in food and its consumption. What we eat becomes our mind. Eating mindfully isn't just about nutrition but nurturing inner harmony. He suggests beginning small with the following steps: Eat your breakfast in silence without a phone or screen. Chew each bite 20-30 times to aid digestion — your gut will thank you. Take three deep breaths before each meal to reset your nervous system. Place your spoon down between bites to slow down. Eat one meal a day in total silence. Make it sacred. Involve your senses — observe the colour, texture, aroma, and even the sound of food.
WIRED
12-06-2025
- WIRED
Air Traffic Control in the US Still Runs on Windows 95 and Floppy Disks
Benj Edwards, Ars Technica The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking contractors to modernize its decades-old computer systems within four years. Photograph:On Wednesday, acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau told the House Appropriations Committee that the Federal Aviation Administration plans to replace its aging air traffic control systems, which still rely on floppy disks and Windows 95 computers, Tom's Hardware reports. The agency has issued a Request for Information to gather proposals from companies willing to tackle the massive infrastructure overhaul. 'The whole idea is to replace the system. No more floppy disks or paper strips,' Rocheleau said during the committee hearing. US transportation secretary Sean Duffy called the project 'the most important infrastructure project that we've had in this country for decades,' describing it as a bipartisan priority. Most air traffic control towers and facilities across the US currently operate with technology that seems frozen in the 20th century, although that isn't necessarily a bad thing—when it works. Some controllers currently use paper strips to track aircraft movements and transfer data between systems using floppy disks, while their computers run Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system, which launched in 1995. As Tom's Hardware notes, modernization of the system is broadly popular. Sheldon Jacobson, a University of Illinois professor who has studied risks in aviation, says that the system works remarkably well as is but that an upgrade is still critical, according to NPR. The aviation industry coalition Modern Skies has been pushing for ATC modernization and recently released an advertisement highlighting the outdated technology. While the vintage systems may have inadvertently protected air traffic control from widespread outages like the CrowdStrike incident that disrupted modern computer systems globally in 2024, agency officials say 51 of the FAA's 138 systems are unsustainable due to outdated functionality and a lack of spare parts. The FAA isn't alone in clinging to floppy disk technology. San Francisco's train control system still runs on DOS loaded from 5.25-inch floppy disks, with upgrades not expected until 2030 due to budget constraints. Japan has also struggled in recent years to modernize government record systems that use floppy disks. If It Ain't Broke? Modernizing the air traffic control system presents engineering challenges that extend far beyond simply installing newer computers. Unlike typical IT upgrades, ATC systems must maintain continuous 24/7 operation, because shutting down facilities for maintenance could compromise aviation safety. This uptime requirement eliminates the possibility of traditional system replacement approaches where old hardware gets swapped out during scheduled downtime. The replacement systems must also meet security requirements to resist cyberattacks. A successful breach of air traffic control infrastructure could paralyze national aviation networks, resulting in cascading effects that impact transportation, commerce, and emergency services. And yet not everyone is convinced the planned massive overhaul will achieve the desired effects. In an NPR report on the issue, aviation industry analyst Robert W. Mann Jr. expressed skepticism about whether new systems will actually materialize. 'This has been the same mantra for the past 30 years. Give them more money. They'll build the new system. It'll work better, work harder,' Mann told NPR. 'And we've been doing that for well over 30 years now, and we've gotten the same results.' Still, recent failures have confirmed some vulnerabilities in the aging system. A January 2023 outage in the FAA's Notice to Airmen system forced the grounding of every flight nationwide for more than two hours. Experts blamed the failure on aging infrastructure and damaged database files, with sources telling CNN at the time that budget constraints had repeatedly delayed needed tech refreshes. More recently, radar and communication outages led to hundreds of delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport, with a wiring failure being cited as one cause. The US Transportation Department has set a four-year timeline for completing the modernization project, though industry experts question whether this schedule is realistic given the scope and complexity involved. According to the NPR report, Jacobson thinks the administration's announced timeline is 'wildly optimistic,' especially given the absence of a price tag for the sweeping plan. The FAA has announced several 'Industry Days' where companies can present their technologies and proposals to department officials. The White House has not yet disclosed the expected cost of the modernization effort. Despite the financial uncertainty, Duffy emphasized the perceived urgency of the project: 'Everyone agrees—this is nonpartisan. Everyone knows we have to do it.' This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HCAT Q1 Earnings Call: Ignite Platform Drives Client Growth Amid Funding Uncertainty
Healthcare software provider Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:HCAT) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 6.3% year on year to $79.41 million. On the other hand, next quarter's revenue guidance of $80.5 million was less impressive, coming in 3.1% below analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.01 per share was in line with analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy HCAT? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $79.41 million vs analyst estimates of $79.21 million (6.3% year-on-year growth, in line) Adjusted EPS: $0.01 vs analyst estimates of $0 (in line) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $335 million at the midpoint EBITDA guidance for the full year is $41 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $39.59 million Operating Margin: -25.4%, up from -30.5% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $288.1 million Health Catalyst's first quarter results reflected the company's ongoing transition from its legacy DOS platform to the newer Ignite platform, which management cited as a key driver of both technology revenue growth and improved margins. CEO Dan Burton highlighted that 10 net new platform clients were added in the quarter, with approximately two-thirds expanding from existing application relationships—signaling the success of Health Catalyst's cross-sell strategy. The Ignite platform's modularity and lower entry price point were credited with streamlining the sales process and shortening sales cycles, especially in an environment marked by cautious health system spending and funding uncertainties. Burton noted that Ignite's higher gross margin profile and greater mix of technology revenue versus professional services are central to Health Catalyst's strategy, stating, 'Ignite is a more profitable platform than DOS with approximately 70% gross margins compared to approximately 60% for DOS.' Looking ahead, Health Catalyst's full-year outlook is shaped by continued migration to the Ignite platform, expectations for steady net new client additions, and ongoing market headwinds related to Medicaid and research funding. Management reiterated a target of 40 net new platform clients for the year, anticipating that most Ignite migrations will be completed by mid-2026. CFO Jason Alger acknowledged that delays in Health Information Exchange client implementations and funding uncertainties could shift some revenue recognition into the second half of the year, but expressed confidence in the company's robust pipeline and Ignite's resilience. Burton emphasized that Ignite's flexibility and ability to deliver tangible ROI position Health Catalyst to 'meet clients where they are,' even as some organizations delay purchasing decisions. The company also expects operating leverage improvements from recent cost reductions and offshoring initiatives, contributing to its profit margin targets. Management attributed first quarter performance to Ignite's ability to drive incremental technology revenue, expand cross-sell opportunities, and accelerate client wins, even as funding uncertainties persisted in segments like Health Information Exchanges and Life Sciences. Ignite platform momentum: The Ignite platform enabled Health Catalyst to add 10 net new platform clients, with two-thirds coming from existing application clients. Management highlighted that Ignite's lower entry price and modular design have shortened sales cycles and increased conversion rates, especially in a cautious healthcare spending environment. Shift to technology revenue: New Ignite deals are contributing to a more favorable revenue mix, with approximately 80% of new client spend directed toward technology rather than professional services. This mix shift is expected to support higher gross margins and more predictable recurring revenue. Mid-market expansion via Spark: The company made early progress with Ignite Spark, a solution tailored for mid-sized health systems that have traditionally lacked access to enterprise-grade analytics. Management believes this market segment represents a significant growth opportunity unlocked by Ignite's modularity and pricing flexibility. Client migration impacts: The ongoing migration from DOS to Ignite has led to some clients reducing total spend, as Ignite's lower cost structure enables savings. While this creates a near-term headwind for dollar-based retention, management expects it to subside after most migrations are completed by late 2026. Acquisitions and product integration: Recent acquisitions, including patient engagement and cybersecurity solutions, are being integrated into the Ignite platform, broadening Health Catalyst's offerings and supporting cross-sell opportunities. Early wins combining these assets with Ignite were noted as evidence of the portfolio's growing value proposition. Health Catalyst's forward outlook is anchored in Ignite's continued adoption, the pace of client migrations, and the company's ability to navigate ongoing healthcare funding uncertainties while maintaining margin discipline. Ignite migration pace: Management expects to complete about two-thirds of Ignite platform client migrations by year-end and most by mid-2026. The speed of these transitions will impact technology revenue growth and margin expansion, as Ignite offers higher gross margins than DOS. Funding environment risks: Delays in Health Information Exchange and Life Sciences deals, as well as uncertainties around Medicaid and research funding, could impact the timing of new client wins and revenue recognition. Management has factored these risks into guidance, emphasizing Ignite's lower price point and ROI as mitigating factors. Cost efficiency initiatives: The company is pursuing operating leverage through offshoring, particularly in R&D and SG&A, and recently executed a reduction in force. These actions are expected to lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, supporting EBITDA margin improvement over the next several quarters. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) the pace of Ignite platform migrations and net new platform client additions; (2) resolution of funding uncertainties impacting Health Information Exchange and Life Sciences segments; and (3) the impact of cost efficiency measures on operating margins. Progress on cross-selling recently acquired products and successful mid-market expansion will also be key indicators of execution. Health Catalyst currently trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 0.8×. In the wake of earnings, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Sign in to access your portfolio
Pink Villa
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
To Be Hero X Episode 10: Luo To Return As A Villain—Recap, Release Date, Where To Stream And More
In ' Loss and Gain,' Cyan escapes the orphanage with Luo's help, though he is injured and left behind. Without public trust, her luck ability quickly fades. She survives as a street musician until regaining popularity, which revives her powers. DOS then approaches her to become a hero, and she agrees only if they help rescue Luo. Two years later, Cyan is a famous idol called 'Lucky Cyan.' While she thrives, Luo remains imprisoned. After the director tells him something disturbing, the residents of the orphanage are shown as zombies. Expected plot in To Be Hero X Episode 10 To Be Hero X Episode 10 will center on Cyan's return to the orphanage to rescue Luo. However, the director will claim that Luo was already dead, which she'll refuse to accept. During a concert, Cyan's speech leads to public panic, causing a drastic drop in her Trust Value. As her luck turns dangerous, the story will begin exploring the darker consequences tied to her powers. Meanwhile, Luo, who is still alive but consumed by fear particles, will be waiting for Cyan to return. However, his feelings appear to have changed, likely leading to another tragic reunion as this arc concludes. To Be Hero X Episode 10: Release date and where to stream To Be Hero X Episode 10, titled 'The Truth About Luck,' is set to premiere in Japan on June 8, 2025, at 9:30 am JST, as per the official website. However, due to time zone variations, many international viewers may be able to watch it earlier on June 7. In Japan, the episode will air on Fuji TV and other regional networks and will also stream on Amazon Prime, U-NEXT, ABEMA, d Anime Store, Hulu, and more. International audiences can stream To Be Hero X Episode 10 via Crunchyroll and Bilibili Global in select regions. Keep up with Pinkvilla for more updates from the To Be Hero X anime.
