
Ex-ISRO chief Somanath becomes Skyroot Aerospace's honorary Chief Technical Advisor
In his new capacity, Somanath will advise Skyroot as the city-based startup prepares for the launch of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle, India's first privately developed launch vehicle capable of deploying satellites in Earth's orbit, a release from the firm said on Thursday.

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India.com
32 minutes ago
- India.com
Indians Rush For O-1 Visa: Is This The Easiest Ticket To The US?
O-1 Visa: Traveling to the United States is a dream for many people in India. Many students skilled workers and talented people look for different ways to work and live in the US One visa that is getting popular among Indians is the O-1 visa. It is called the extraordinary ability visa and many people do not know much about it. Here is a simple guide to understand what the O-1 visa and how it can help you Meaning of O-1 Visa? The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa. This visa is for people who have special talent or skill in their field. It is mostly for people in arts science sports education business or movies. The visa is given to those who can show that they are at the top in what they do. This visa allows them to live and work in the US for a certain time. Who Can Apply for an O-1 Visa? Many people think this visa is only for film stars or big scientists but that is not true. Many normal people with special skills can also apply. If you are an artist musician researcher chef designer writer or sportsperson, you can try for an O-1 visa. You must have proof that your work is unique and people in your field know your name. Awards media coverage published work or special positions help your case. Why are Indians Choosing the O-1 Visa? In the past, the H1B visa was the top choice for Indians who wanted to work in the US But now the process has become tough and many people do not get it easily So they are looking for new ways. The O-1 visa is a good option because there is no yearly cap like the H-1B. This means more chances to get it if you qualify. Also, an O-1 visa can be processed faster and you can take your family too. Benefits of O-1 Visa The O-1 visa has many good points. First, you can work with top companies in your field. You can also work on projects that match your skills. You can change employers if you want but you must file a new petition. You can bring your spouse and kids under an O-3 visa. They can study in the US but cannot work. You can extend your O-1 visa as long as you continue your work and have support from your employer. How to Apply for an O-1 Visa? You cannot apply for an O-1 visa yourself. You need a US employer or agent who will file the petition for you. They will send Form I-129 and proof that you have extraordinary ability. You must have letters from experts in your field and proof of your work. Once approved, you can attend an interview at the US embassy in India. Final Tips for O-1 Visa Applicants The O-1 visa is a strong option for Indians who have special talent But you must be ready with all documents. You must have a good lawyer or agent to help you collect proof. Many people do not know that good documentation makes the process smooth. Also start early so you have time to prepare well. The O-1 visa can open doors to a bright future in the United States. If you have talent and big dreams this visa can help you live and work in the US without worry. Know your skills prepare well and use this new entry scheme to reach new heights.


India Today
33 minutes ago
- India Today
Filing ITR without a CA? 5 common mistakes that you must avoid
Today, filing your ITR is much simpler than it used to be. With online portals and digital forms, many people now file their returns on their own, without hiring a Chartered Accountant (CA). It saves time and money even with these conveniences, there are some costly errors that taxpayers commonly make. Avoiding these can save time and prevent issues like delayed refunds or notices from the Income Tax look at some common mistakes which taxpayers tend to commit while filing WRONG ITR FORMOne frequent mistake is selecting the wrong ITR form. Each taxpayer's situation dictates which form should be used, based on their specific income sources. For instance, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is suited for individuals with income up to Rs 50 lakh from salary or pension. ITR-2 is meant for those with capital gains, while ITR-3 and ITR-4 apply to freelancers or business the wrong form can result in a rejected return, so it's crucial to consult the form guide on the Income Tax Department's ASSESSMENT YEARMany people mix up the financial year and assessment year. For income earned in 2024-25, the assessment year will be 2025-26. Pick this carefully or your return will not be INTEREST INCOME OR TDSadvertisementMost people show salary income but forget to add interest earned from FDs or savings accounts. The tax department already has this data in your AIS and Form 26AS. So, check both before filing and declare all sources of DEDUCTIONSPeople often claim deductions like Section 80C (for PPF, LIC, ELSS) or 80D (for health insurance) without having proper proof. Remember, under the new tax regime, most deductions do not apply. So, choose the old regime if you want to claim DOING E-VERIFICATIONMany think filing is done once you click submit. But you must e-verify your ITR within 30 days. If you skip this, your return is not valid and you may have to redo it. You can e-verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking or an EVC NEW THIS TIME?This year, the AIS and Form 26AS have become more detailed, providing a comprehensive view of your income. The AIS app is now available, allowing you to access your complete income report on mobile. Also, the new tax regime is the default option, but if the old regime is more beneficial, don't forget to select AIS and 26AS with Form 16 is to avoid put, filing ITR without a CA is not rocket science anymore. But a small mistake can bring a big headache. Be careful, stay updated and file your return on time. It saves you money and helps you understand your own finances better. And who knows? Next year, you might even help someone else file theirs!- EndsTrending Reel


Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
O-1 Visa vs. H-1B Visa: What's the difference between the two
When it comes to working in the United States, both the O-1 and H-1B visas serve as gateways for international talent, but they cater to very different kinds of professionals. Here's all that you need to know. While the O-1 nonimmigrant visa is designed for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in fields like science, education, business, athletics, or the arts, it also includes those with a demonstrated record of exceptional achievement in the motion picture or television industry. To qualify, the applicant must have received national or international recognition for their work. In contrast, the H-1B visa is aimed at skilled workers in specialty occupations, fields that typically require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Common areas include IT, finance, engineering, healthcare, and academia. Here's how the two visas differ in key areas: Purpose and eligibility H1B: Designed for 'specialty occupations,' such as professionals in STEM fields. Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the job's field. O1: Reserved for individuals demonstrating extraordinary ability or achievement in fields like science, arts, education, business, or sports. Requires evidence of national or international acclaim. Duration of Stay H1B: Initially granted for up to 3 years, with a maximum total of 6 years. Extensions beyond 6 years are possible via time spent abroad or through pending green card processes . O1: No maximum duration. Grant is up to 3 years initially, renewable in 1-year increments. Read more: 10 favourite Indian destinations for backpacking under INR 800 a day Home residency requirement (212(e)) H1B: If the individual is subject to the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement, they must fulfill one of the following conditions to qualify for H-1B status. Spend two years residing in their country of lawful permanent residence (as listed on the DS-2019), or Obtain a waiver of the requirement, with a recommendation from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and final approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). O1: Not subject to this requirement. Visa issuance abroad and entry is handled through USCIS and consular processing . ಸಾಂದರ್ಭಿಕ ಚಿತ್ರ Application process H1B: Requires a Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the Department of Labor, followed by USCIS petition approval and consular visa stamp (if applicable). O1: Requires USCIS petition approval and, if applying from outside the US, consular processing. No LCA needed . Filing timeline and extensions H1B: Employers may file a petition up to 180 days before employment begins. Extensions require updated documentation; beneficiaries can stay up to 240 days while extension is pending. O 1: Petitions can be filed up to one year before start date with similar 240day automatic stay during USCIS processing . Read more: 6 pahadi escapes in Uttarakhand for the next peaceful break Changing employers H1B: Allows 'portability,' workers may begin with a new employer upon USCIS receiving the petition. O1: Requires petition approval before starting with a new employer . Dependents' employment H1B: Dependents (H4) can apply for work authorisation if the primary holder has an approved I140 or extended status beyond six years. O1: Dependents (O3) are not eligible for employment authorisation. Patient care roles H1B: Allows full patient contact for US or foreign-med school grads who pass licensure exams. O1: Permits patient care based on state and institutional rules; no fixed regulations . Outside employment Neither H1B nor O1 allows employment outside the petitioning employer without NIH ethics and DIS approval. Return travel guarantee Employers must cover return-travel costs for both H1B and O1 visa holders if employment is terminated before the end date. Which one should you choose? Go for H1B if you have a bachelor's-degree job in a specialty field and want a clear pathway to a green card. Opt for O1 if you've earned significant acclaim in your field and need flexibility—no cap, no six-year limit, and fewer bureaucratic hoops. Understanding these differences will help professionals and employers make informed decisions between the structured route of the H1B and the elite O1 path.