US Cyclospora Outbreak Hits Taco Bell Sales as Customers Avoid Lettuce

Taco Bell has seen a decline in U.S. sales amid customer concerns over a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce, with Yum Brands reporting that the chain’s same-store sales fell 2% so far in the July-September period. The update comes after the outbreak was connected to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in several U.S. states.

Nirmal Purja Among 10 Climbers Feared Missing After Avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak

Nirmal Purja, the Nepal-born former Royal Marine and renowned mountaineer, is among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche struck Pakistan’s Broad Peak on Thursday. Pakistani mountaineering officials said the avalanche hit the 8,047-metre (26,400 ft) mountain in the Karakoram range around midday, after which there was no further communication with the international climbing team.

US May Impose $100,000 OPT Fee on International Students Seeking Jobs After Graduation: Report

The Donald Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international students who want to work in the United States after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, according to The Wall Street Journal. The proposal has not been finalised, but if implemented, it could significantly increase the cost of staying in the US for employment after completing a degree.

215 Academicians Back IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti After Priyanka Gandhi’s Remarks

More than 215 vice chancellors, former vice chancellors and academicians have expressed support for IIT Madras Director Professor V Kamakoti after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reportedly referred to him as a “cow urine expert” during a Lok Sabha debate. In an open letter, the academics described the reported remark as deeply disappointing and argued that personal labels should not replace substantive debate on academic or scientific claims.