Month: January 2025

US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance to support the H-1B visa program, which allows employers in the US to hire nonimmigrant workers for speciality occupations, stating that the country needs “competent” and “great” individuals to come to the US and that this can be achieved through the H-1B visa program.

While addressing the media at The White House on Tuesday (local time), Trump emphasised his belief in the importance of attracting skilled individuals to the country, citing the H-1B visa program as a key tool in facilitating this.

He further argued that allowing “quality people” to come into the US further helps in bolstering the economy by supporting various industries.

The US President also pointed to the diverse range of roles covered by the program, from maitre d’s and wine experts to high-quality waiters, noting that these individuals contribute to the growth of businesses.

“You got to get the best people…We have to have the quality people coming in… By doing that, we’re expanding businesses, and that takes care of everybody… But what I really do feel is that we have to let really competent people, great people, come into our country and we do that through the H-1B,” Trump said.

“I like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping other people that may not have the qualifications they do. But I don’t want to stop. And I’m not just talking about engineers. I’m talking about people at all levels. We want competent people coming into our country. And H-B1, I know the program very well. I use the program. Maitre d’s, wine experts, even waiters, high-quality waiters,” he added.

Trump’s remarks highlight his administration’s focus on attracting top talent from abroad, arguing that such individuals not only fill critical positions but also drive business expansion, which benefits the broader workforce.

Earlier in December, Trump expressed his support for the H-1B visa programme and acknowledged frequently using it for his own properties, calling it a “great programme,” according to a report by the New York Post.

Notably, during Trump’s first term, the administration imposed restrictions on H-1B visas, citing concerns over “abuse” and “economic strain.” In 2016, Trump condemned the program, describing it as a means for companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees.

Restrictions tightened further in 2020 in response to economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. (ANI)

Foggy weather disrupted train and flight services in Delhi on Wednesday.

Several flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed due to fog. Nine trains originating from various stations to Delhi were running late as well.

The trains running late include Brahmaputra Mail (15658), Poorva Express (12303), Purushottam Express (12801), and GCT ANVT SF EXP (22433).

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), fog conditions were detected over parts of North Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and patches over the Northeast.

Delhi recorded a temperature of 10.4 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am today.

Meanwhile, air quality in the national capital was in the ‘poor’ category on Wednesday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index was logged at 262 at 8 a.m. today.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory,’ 101 and 200 ‘moderate,’ 201 and 300 ‘poor,’ 301 and 400 ‘very poor,’ and 401 and 500 ‘severe.’

Homeless people continued to take to night shelters to escape the cold in Delhi. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter to homeless people. Night shelters have been set up in several areas.

Other North Indian regions were also impacted by fog this morning.

A dense layer of fog was seen blanketing Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh this morning. As per IMD, the minimum temperature forecasted in Ayodhya for today is 11°C.

Meanwhile, amid cold weather conditions, thousands of people gathered on the ghats of Sangam to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, a sacred confluence of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

Today marked the 10th day of the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh. Close to 8.81 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in Triveni Sangam so far.

A cold wave continued to grip the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar recorded a temperature of 2.6 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am this morning.

According to the IMD, there is a possibility of rain in Punjab, Haryana, Western UP, Delhi NCR, and North Rajasthan on the 22nd and 23rd of January. (ANI)

A special cabinet meeting of Uttar Pradesh government, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commenced on Wednesday at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

UP Deputy CM Keshav Prashad Maurya has informed that important decisions will be taken in the meeting.

“Many important decisions will be taken in the Cabinet meeting today. All cabinet members along with the CM will also take a holy dip at Sangam today.”

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak who is also attending the meeting, welcomed saints and devotees in Maha Kumbh.

“I welcome all the saints and seers who have come here to attend the Maha Kumbh. There will be a Cabinet meeting here and all members will take a holy dip,” Pathak said.

UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar said, “We will be briefed only after the cabinet meeting. Afterwards, all the ministers will go together to take a dip (in the Ganga).”

All 54 ministers of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet have been invited to this meeting, which is expected to approve several significant proposals and schemes for the state.

Following the meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with the entire cabinet, will take the holy dip in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam.

This isn’t the first time CM Yogi has led his cabinet to the Sangam. In 2019, during the Kumbh Mela, he took a ceremonial dip along with his ministers, Akhada Parishad President Narendra Giri, and other saints.

Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world. The key ‘snan’ dates left are: January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

Uttar Pradesh police deployed over 10,000 personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces for the event’s security. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed a “water ambulance” stationed at Sangam to ensure the safety of devotees.

The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday expressed concerns over the situation of the middle class in Delhi, saying that they are nowhere to be seen between the “notebank” and “votebank” created by other parties.

Listing seven demands before the central government ahead of the budget session in Parliament, he argued that the middle class has become the victim of tax terrorism.

“(Some) parties have created their votebank in the name of religion and caste and they make promises for a few industrialists so that they donate money. Between this notebank (industrialists) and votebank (others), the middle class is nowhere to be seen. The middle class has been crushed between them. The middle class of India has become the ATM of the government. The truth remains that the Indian middle class is the victim of tax terrorism,” Kejriwal said in a video message.

He said that many people are leaving the country because of this. “In 2023 itself (approximately) 2.16 lakh people have left the country,” Kejriwal said, adding, “We have increased the education budget for the middle class, reduced electricity and water bills, after the elections we will implement Sanjeevani Yojana for free treatment of the elderly.”

Promising that AAP will become the voice of the middle class, Kejriwal said that his party will raise the issues concerning the middle class in the upcoming budget session of Parliament, scheduled to be held after two weeks.

Kejriwal raised seven demands from the central government ahead of the budget session, saying that the next budget session should be dedicated to the middle class.

“We demand that the next budget of the country be dedicated to the middle class. Today I make seven demands from the central government. They should increase the education budget from two per cent to 10 per cent. The fees in private schools must be regulated,” the former Delhi CM said, adding that subsidies and scholarships must be provided for higher education.

Kejriwal focused on the need to increase the health budget, demanding that the same should be increased to 10 per cent and tax on health insurance must be removed.

“The income tax exemption limit should be increased from seven lakh rupees to at least 10 lakh rupees,” he said, adding that Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential commodities should be abolished.

Furthermore, Kejriwal demanded that the central government start the 50 per cent concession in Railways that was provided to elderly persons. He also said that retirement plans and pension schemes should be introduced for senior citizens.

“Strong retirement plans and pension schemes should be made for senior citizens and senior citizens should be given free and good treatment in all government and private hospitals across the country,” Kejriwal said. (ANI)

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan on Tuesday was discharged from the Lilavati Hospital, five days after he was attacked at his Bandra residence by an intruder.

Visuals of Saif exiting the hospital and returning home amid heavy police security went viral on social media. He was all smiles as he reached his residence. He even greeted his fans and shutterbugs who were waiting to catch his glimpse.

Surprisingly, actor Ronit Roy was also spotted with him. Many wondered what he was doing there as he was seen coordinating with the police officials and overseeing security arrangements at Saif and Kareena’s residence.

Now, ANI has learned that Saif has employed the services of actor Ronit Roy’s security firm for protection.

Ronit owns the “Ace Security and Protection” agency. He has closely worked with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar in the past.

Saif suffered stab wounds to his thoracic spine when an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered his home with the alleged intent of theft last week.

Saif, attempting to intervene, was attacked, leading to a violent confrontation. The actor was immediately taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital for treatment after sustaining major injuries.

The auto-rickshaw driver, who rushed the actor to the hospital, had shared details of what happened and how he stepped in to help.

Speaking to ANI, the driver said he saw a woman trying to hire an auto-rickshaw at 2 am on Thursday last week.

“I drive my vehicle at night. It was around 2-3 a.m. when I saw a woman trying to hire an auto, but nobody stopped. I also heard calls for a rickshaw from inside the gate. I took a U-turn and stopped my vehicle near the gate. A man covered in blood came out, along with 2-4 others. They put him in the auto and decided to go to Lilavati Hospital. I dropped them there, and later I came to know that he was Saif Ali Khan. I saw him bleeding from his neck and back,” Rana had told ANI.

Police formed teams to probe the crime and a case was registered under various sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

The accused was apprehended at Hiranandani Estate in Thane while attempting to flee to his native village. The police said he hails from the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh.

Hours after the incident, Kareena took to her Instagram to share a statement, revealing that the day has been “incredibly challenging” for the family.

The actress also thanked everyone for their support while also requesting privacy during this “difficult time”.

“It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage,” read the statement shared by the ‘Jab We Met’ actress.

“While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety. I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time,” the statement added. (ANI)

Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson got a hilarious makeover by his daughters Jasmine aka Jazzy and Tiana aka Tia after his two little munchkins decided to spend quality time with their dad.

Taking to his Instagram handle on Sunday, Dwayne shared a video in which his daughters were seen painting pink lipstick on his face and neck followed by an eyeshadow around his eyes and on his nose.

He was even made to wear a tiny earring for effect.

The hilarious makeup session doesn’t end here. The adorable daughters of the actor also peppered tiny round stickers all over his head and small pearls placed next to his eyes. Dwayne sported a formal look as his daughters had fun.

While sharing the video he wrote,

“What started off with my two tornadoes, Jazzy & Tia asking, “Daddy can we just put some eye shadow on you” and me saying — yes but make it quick and make it cool, because I gotta go to the gym. #hellodarknessmyoldfriend #papabearduties, 1-18-25. (Hey I know they won’t always be little or prefer hanging out with daddy when they’re older, but they’ll always be my baby girls so I’ll take this abuse all day long – bring it on.)”

The hilarious makeover of Dwayne was humorously appreciated by many stars including Priyanka Chopra and Pooja Hegde.

“You’re beautiful” commented Priyanka Chopra. Actress Pooja Hegde laughed her heart out after watching the video and wrote, “love it” followed by a heart emoji.

On the work front, Dwayne Johnson was last seen in the film ‘Red One’. It was directed by Jake Kasdan and stars J.K. Simmons as Santa Claus, Bonnie Hunt as Mrs Claus, Kristofer Hivju as Krampus, Kiernan Shipka as Gryla the Christmas Witch and Lucy Liu as Zoe, the head of a secret government agency that protects mythological beings and creatures.

The movie was based on an idea from Hiram Garcia, who is president of production at Johnson’s banner, Seven Bucks Productions. Producers on Red One include Garcia, Johnson, Kasdan, Morgan, Dany Garcia and Melvin Mar, as per The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)

Actor Priyanka Chopra is currently in Hyderabad for a work commitment.

If reports are to be believed, she is all set to start shooting for her Telugu film with SS Rajamouli. However, an official announcement regarding the project is still awaited.

Ahead of the commencement of the shoot, Priyanka on Tuesday visited Chilkur Balaji Temple and offered prayers.

She took to Instagram and shared pictures from her sacred visit.

“With the blessings of Shri Balaji a new chapter begins. May we all find peace in our hearts and prosperity and abundance all around us. Gods grace is infinite.Thank you @upasanakaminenikonidela,” Priyanka wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFFmKKrp6EU/?hl=en&img_index=1

She looked exquisite in a blue-coloured ethnic suit.

Reacting to her post, Upasana Kamineni Konidela commented, “Wishing you immense success on your new film. May Lord Venkateshwar bless you abundantly.”

Priyanka has also joined her husband Nick Jonas and his brothers, Joe and Kevin Jonas, for an upcoming holiday film.

The project, which is expected to premiere on Disney+, brings the Jonas family together for a memorable 2025 holiday season, as per E! News.

Filming for the untitled movie began on January 13 in Toronto. As per E! News, Priyanka was spotted on the set alongside her husband Nick and the Jonas brothers.

The ‘Citadel’ actress was spotted wearing a black hoodie and a long black coat with grey and white stripes, while Nick, donned a dark puffy jacket, with his hood pulled over to shield him from the snow, as per E! News.

The set atmosphere was filled with festive cheer as Priyanka shed her winter coat to reveal a holiday-inspired look, featuring a cream-coloured long-sleeve top paired with a red floor-length skirt. (ANI)

Marking a significant development for India at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, announced that India has secured an investment of USD 250 million from Belgium based AB InBev in India’s beverage sector, which will span over the next two to three years.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of WEF meetings in Davos, the Union Minister stated that the company will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in due time.

The Union Minister informed that states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other South Indian states are attracting investments at WEF.

He said, “Through food processing industries, we did have some further collaboration globally in terms of beverages. In the sector of beverages, we had an announcement of an investment of around 250 million dollars from AB InBev. In the coming two to three years, they’ll be investing around 250 million dollars in our country in various states in the sector of beverages.”

“These are the investments that we are looking forward to from the World Economic Forum. Investments have been happening in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and various parts of South India. In different states, they will be signing their MoU’s in due course of time,” he added.

The Union Minister stated that he had highlighted India’s commitment to fostering global collaboration during his address at the WEF.

Paswan stressed that the WEF serves as an ideal platform for India to present its concerns, suggestions, and solutions, asserting the country’s strong stance on international cooperation.

“India has been very clear in terms of global collaboration and I think our representation at Davos every year asserts our commitment towards global collaboration where, you know, we want the whole world to progress together,” he said.

He also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a dynamic international market.

“We want to present India at an international market where we can help each other with new technologies and new collaborations,” Paswan explained.

He emphasised the country’s openness to partnerships on a global scale.

Highlighting the Food Processing Ministry’s efforts, Paswan pointed to initiatives like World Food India, which offers a platform for countries to exchange ideas, technologies, and innovative solutions.

“At one platform under one roof, you know there are all the possible technologies, possible innovations and startup ideas to be exchanged with each other. So that is the kind of collaboration idea that India has,” the Union Minister stated. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, after a brief hearing, said it would hear on January 22 the plea of AIMIM candidate and Delhi riots accused Tahir Hussain, seeking interim bail for campaigning ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls.

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ahsanuddin Amanullah asked the Delhi Police to come prepared with submissions on Hussain’s plea.

The bench asked why Hussain had been denied bail in a single case related to the Delhi riots when he had been granted bail in nine other similar cases. “In all other 9 cases where he faces the same allegations, he has been granted bail, so why not in this one?” asked the bench, addressing the Delhi Police.

Senior advocate Sidharth Aggarwal, representing Hussain, told the bench that the main assailants in the case had been granted regular bail.

Aggarwal informed that charges were framed against Hussain after three years of custody, and 115 witnesses had been cited by the prosecution, of which 22 had been examined.

The bench asked Aggarwal why Hussain was pressing for interim bail instead of regular bail. “Why are you insisting on interim bail as if elections are the only thing left to be done in life?” the bench remarked.

Counsel said Hussain’s regular bail plea was pending before the Delhi High Court, but the Delhi Police had not even filed a counter-affidavit.

Hussain, a former Aam Aadmi Party councillor, was granted custody parole by the Delhi High Court on January 14 for the purpose of filing his nomination from the Mustafabad constituency.

He has challenged the Delhi High Court’s order that denied him interim bail to campaign in the upcoming Delhi election.

In the High Court, the Delhi Police opposed Hussain’s plea for interim bail because of the gravity of the allegations, claiming he was the main perpetrator in the violence, which resulted in the deaths of several people.

The High Court had noted that about 11 FIRs were registered against Hussain in connection with the riots, and he was in custody in a related money laundering case and UAPA case.

Hussain was booked in the murder case of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. Violence broke out in North-East Delhi on February 24, 2020, leaving 53 dead and several injured. (ANI)