Month: September 2025

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) issued a proclamation imposing a USD 100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications.

The action aims to curb the overuse of the program, allowing companies to bring in only “highly skilled” workers from other countries. The Trump administration believes that this move will create and protect jobs for US workers.

White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf emphasised that the proclamation will ensure that companies bring very high-skilled workers who are not replaceable by American workers.

“One of the most abused visa systems is the H1-B non-immigrant visa programme. This is supposed to allow highly skilled labourers who work in fields that Americans don’t work in to come into the United States of America. What this proclamation will do is raise the fee that companies pay to sponsor H-1B applicants to $100,000. This will ensure that the people they’re bringing in are actually very highly skilled and that they’re not replaceable by American workers,” he said.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa which allows US-based companies to hire and employ foreign workers for speciality jobs like science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and IT (High skills and at least a bachelor’s degree).

United States Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, said, “The whole idea is that no more will these big tech companies or other big companies train foreign workers. They have to pay the government $100,000, then they have to pay the employee. So it’s just not economic. If you’re going to train somebody, you’re going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land, train Americans, stop bringing in people to take our jobs. That’s the policy here. All of the big companies are on board.”

The move marks the latest in a series of efforts from the administration to crack down on immigration and could significantly impact industries that depend heavily on H-1B workers.

People born in India are the largest beneficiaries, accounting for more than 70% of all approved H-1B petitions annually since 2015.

Earlier, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis slammed the H-1B visa program, calling it a “total scam” and arguing that it allows companies to replace American workers with foreign labour.

During an interview on Fox News on Wednesday (local time), he claimed that companies often train American workers alongside H-1B visa holders, only to lay off the Americans and hire the foreign workers. DeSantis added that this practice is unacceptable and hurts American workers.

United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick also criticised the current H1B visa system, calling it a scam.

In a post on X, he said, “The current H1B visa system is a scam that lets foreign workers fill American job opportunities. Hiring American workers should be the priority of all great American businesses. Now is the time to hire American.” (ANI)

Nepal has started clearing charred vehicles from the streets and parking, with the government building getting a fresh paint following the violent protest of last week.

Inside Singhadurbar, the administrative capital of the Himalayan Nation, cranes have been deployed to tow off the charred vehicles and are being dumped in the federal parliament premises for the time being. Authorities have been marking the vehicles with their registration numbers to ease the insurance claims, as well as to assess the damage inflicted following the violence of September 9.

In the preliminary survey conducted earlier this week, about seven hundred vehicles were torched and permanently damaged. As per the survey by a government staff organisation, more than 250 four-wheelers and more than 450 two-wheelers have been damaged beyond use after being set on fire.

At least 47 four-wheelers and 74 two-wheelers have been torched in the premises of the Prime Minister’s Office only. Amongst the ministries inside Singhadurbar, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Home Ministry, and the Federal Parliament Secretariat have inflicted more vehicular damage during the protest.

The newly appointed Prime Minister of the interim government, Sushila Karki, also had to take charge of office in another building, which was being prepared for the Home Ministry, as the main building housing the Prime Minister’s Office was torched by protestors.

With election dates announced and life falling back to normalcy, the Prime Minister’s Office is getting a new coat of white paint on its exterior. The Rana regime building, which has stood firm for centuries, was set on fire on September 9 following a killing spree by the then KP Sharma Oli-led government, which left nearly two dozen dead in a single day.

In the aftermath of the GenZ protests, insurance claims have also continued to rise, with preliminary claims standing at staggering numbers. 20.70 Billion, which reflects the scale of destruction unleashed during the September 8 and 9 agitations.

According to records with the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), a total of 1,984 claims have been filed till Thursday, almost all linked to private businesses and properties. With public structures uninsured, companies are spared from additional exposure except for government vehicles under third-party liability coverage.

Some insurers are facing unprecedented pressure. The oriental Insurance, a private insurance company, alone has received claims worth NRs 5.147 billion. Another private insurance company, Siddhartha Premier Insurance, follows with 258 claims totalling NRs 4.93 billion, while Shikhar Insurance faces 366 claims amounting to NRs 2.39 billion.

The losses have rippled into the government-owned Nepal Reinsurance Company (NRIC), which now carries liabilities of NRs 11.77 billion from 14 non-life insurers. Among its biggest burdens are reinsurance provisions linked to some of the country’s most prominent institutions and businesses.

These include Bhat-bhateni Superstore, Kantipur Media Group, Ullens School, CG Impex, United Distributors, the looting of 18 kg of gold from Rastriya Banijya Bank’s New Baneshwor branch, as well as claims from Pokhara-based Bagaicha Hotel and Hotel Sarobar. (ANI)

Israeli security forces uncovered a Palestinian rocket-production site in the Ramallah area overnight, seizing dozens of rockets, including some ready to be launched, the Israel Defence Forces said on Friday.

Explosives, charges, and a specialised lathe for manufacturing the rockets were also confiscated and destroyed, the IDF added.

Three suspects were arrested.

The raid comes on the heels of the army’s discovery of a makeshift rocket during a counterterror raid in the nearby Palestinian village of Kafr Ni’ma. That rocket was inoperable, lacking both a warhead and the means to be launched.

In response, the Yesha Council, an umbrella organisation representing the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria, called on the government to take stronger measures against terror and to apply sovereignty to their areas.

“When the Israeli government continues to stutter, terror raises its head again and grows stronger. Whoever does not apply sovereignty gives hope to terror and invites the rockets and the next massacre in the centre of the country,” the council said.

“It is either sovereignty-or Palestine,” the council added. (ANI/TPS)

BRS Working President KT Rama Rao came down heavily on the Congress-led Karnataka government for deciding to raise the Almatti Dam height, calling it a “death warrant” for Telangana farmers.

He slammed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for “luxuriating in Delhi” while a dangerous conspiracy was being hatched against Telangana’s farmers.

KTR pointed out that the Karnataka cabinet, three days ago, decided to raise Almatti’s height from 519 feet to 524 feet. He alleged that this was not merely for an additional 100 TMC of water, but part of a conspiracy to deprive Telangana of its rightful share of Krishna waters and turn erstwhile Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, and Ranga Reddy districts into deserts.

“Congress is in power here and there too. Do you have neither the courage to speak nor the guts to resist when Telangana farmers’ lives are at stake?” he asked, demanding that both Revanth Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi answer the Telangana people.

KTR declared that national parties must have a national policy. “Will you sacrifice Telangana farmers for Karnataka’s interests?” he thundered, warning that if the conspiracy was not thwarted immediately, BRS would launch a mass movement with farmers.

He expressed anguish that the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme–90% completed under KCR’s tenure–would be rendered useless if Almatti is raised. “Revanth, who calls himself a son of Palamuru, is silently watching this disaster,” he criticised. Even Joorala would not fill without Krishna inflows, KTR added, noting that Revanth’s own Narayanpet-Kodangal LIS too would collapse.

KTR rebutted Congress’ corruption allegations on Kaleshwaram by citing Almatti costs. Karnataka itself admitted that Rs 70,000 crore was needed just for land acquisition to raise Almatti by 5 feet and acquire 1.3 lakh acres. “If that is the cost for 5 feet, what is wrong with spending 93,000 crore for Kaleshwaram – with 3 barrages, 15 reservoirs, 19 substations, 21 pumping stations, 203 km of tunnels, 1,700 km of canals – to irrigate 40 lakh acres?” he asked.

He called Kaleshwaram the lifeline, kalpavriksha and kamadhenu of Telangana that corrected six decades of injustice. The Congress’ allegations of Rs 1 lakh crore corruption, he said, were cheap, malicious propaganda.

KTR reminded that the Almatti issue is pending before the Supreme Court. In 2013, undivided AP had filed an SLP against the KWDT-II permission, securing a stay citing riparian rights. After Telangana’s formation, KCR continued the fight, ensuring the stay remained. “When the case is sub judice, why is the Karnataka Congress government taking such a brazen decision, and why is Telangana Congress not questioning it?” KTR asked.

He pointed out that even Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacted immediately, promising to approach the Supreme Court, while Revanth remained asleep. He contrasted Revanth with KCR, who had personally spoken to neighbouring CMs, cleared objections, and completed Kaleshwaram. “Revanth has no sincerity to protect Telangana’s interests – that is the misfortune of our people,” he lamented.

KTR accused the Congress of sacrificing Kaleshwaram waters to Andhra Pradesh and now trying to hand Krishna waters to Karnataka, thereby undermining Telangana’s rights on both its lifelines. He declared that BRS would fight this unjust water robbery both legally and through a people’s movement with farmers. (ANI)

Indian boxer Nupur Sheoran, who clinched a silver medal at the World Boxing Championship 2025, stressed the importance of parental support for women in sports.

“Women are doing better in sports than men comparatively. Parents should support their daughters …that you should not only move forward in studies but also in sports,” Sheoran said.

Reflecting on her campaign, the silver medalist described the tournament as a valuable experience and promised to return stronger.

“It was a great experience… Feels nice to bring more medals,” she added.

A total of three Indian boxers made it to the finals, with Nupur Sheoran losing her final by a 3-2 split against Poland’s Agata Kaczmarska in the 80+ kg category.

India’s boxing contingent concluded their campaign at the World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool with a total of four medals, including two golds, with Jaismine Lamboria and Minakshi Hooda crowned as the world champions. Nupur Sheoran clinched silver, while Pooja Rani bagged a bronze.

Olympian Pooja Rani went 4-1 down to Englishwoman Emily Asquith in the semifinals, settling for a bronze.

A total of 20 boxers from India took part in the championships, including Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen, who made their return to the ring after the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Borgohain bowed out in the second round of the 75 kg category, while Zareen made it to the quarterfinals of the women’s 51 kg, losing to Turkey’s two-time Olympic silver medallist Buse Naz Cakiroglu. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has declined to give approval for USD 400 million of military aid to Taiwan because he is seeking to negotiate a trade deal with China, The Washington Post reported citing sources.

Trump is also striving for a summit deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, as per an exclusive report of the US newspaper on Thursday.

The Trump administration is generally seeking to soften relations with Beijing, the Post noted.

The US media report comes just ahead of Trump’s call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later today.

A White House representative said that the aid package decision is not final and may be reviewed.

According to local US media outlets, Trump and Xi are expected to speak today to discuss a deal to confirm the framework of a deal that would separate the TikTok app from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to avoid a ban in the United States.

“We have a deal on TikTok. I’ve reached a deal with China. I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up,” Trump told mediapersons outside the White House on Tuesday according to the New York Post.

Last year, former US President Joe Biden enacted a law mandating that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, based in China, sell off the app or face a ban in the US due to national security concerns.

A US federal law was scheduled to take effect in January this year, requiring the company to find a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the United States. Trump later extended the deadline.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a press conference in Madrid on September 14 announced that the United States had a “framework” for a deal to keep TikTok operational in the US.

Chinese and US officials had trade teams held a new round of talks in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday and Monday, following discussions earlier in Switzerland, Britain and Sweden, Xinhua reported.

Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative and vice minister of commerce was cited by the Chinese news outlet as saying that the the two sides held candid discussions on TikTok and related concerns, reaching a basic framework consensus on resolving the issue through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting economic and trade ties.

China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to unify with Taiwan, using force if necessary. (ANI)

In a magical convergence of music and spirituality, singer Harshdeep Kaur performed a soulful rendition of the ‘Mool Mantra’ for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi shared a clip of Kaur’s performance on X and wrote, “At the meeting with the Sikh Sangat, noted singer Harshdeep Kaur sang a beautiful rendition of the Mool Mantra.”

Harshdeep Kaur, who was a part of the committee of members from the Sikh community, met PM Modi on Friday. She also shared a string of pictures from the meeting and added, “So honored to have met with the Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji on the Eve of his 75th Birthday at his residence. What made this meeting even more special for me was the moment he requested me to sing “Ik Onkar” sung by me from Gurbani.”

Prior to this, the members submitted recommendations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the safekeeping and dignified public display of the revered Sikh relic, ‘Jore Sahib,’ a pair of footwear attributed to Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur.

The sacred artefacts, believed to be over 300 years old, had been preserved and safeguarded by the Puri family for generations. The relic comprises two distinct footwear items, one belonging to Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj (right foot, measuring 11 inches by 3.5 inches), and the other to Mata Sahib Kaur Ji (left foot, 9 inches by 3 inches).

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also expressed the family’s deep spiritual connection to the relics and their longstanding custodianship. He said that the Puri family has served the holy relic for over 300 years after Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, allowed them to keep the ‘Jore Sahib’. (ANI)

India’s Olympic medalist javelin thrower superstar Neeraj Chopra has expressed disappointment following his eighth-place finish and failure to defend his title at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Chopra also expressed his intention to perform well for India despite facing difficulties, and expressed good wishes for Sachin Yadav, his compatriot, who finished fourth in the competition.

“It’s not how I had hoped to end the season, at the World Championships in Tokyo. I wanted to step out there and give my best for India despite all the challenges, but it wasn’t my night,” Neeraj Chopra said in a post on X.

“I’m really happy for Sachin, who threw a personal best and almost brought home a medal. Congratulations to @keshorn_walcott, @peters_oly and @Curt_Thompson_on their well-deserved podium places. Grateful for all your support, this only makes me determined to come back stronger,” he added.

The world javelin title went to Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott, who managed the best throw of 88.16 m, marking his first World Championship gold 13 years after his Olympic triumph in London.

At the second spot was Anderson Peters, the 2024 Olympics bronze medallist with a best throw of 87.38 m, followed by America’s Curtis Thompson with a throw of 86.67 m.

Fans could not get the best of the India-Pakistan rivalry between Neeraj and Arshad Nadeem, as Neeraj finished eighth with a best throw of 84.03 m, while the Olympic champion Nadeem ended at tenth with an 82.73 m throw as his best.

In the first round, Julian Weber started the proceedings with a throw of 83.63. Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, started his defence with a throw of 83.65 m, while his arch-rival and Pakistan’s Olympic champion, Arshad Nadeem, began with a throw of 82.73 m.

However, Curtis Thompson took a lead with 86.67 m. For India, a young Sachin Yadav showed off with a fine throw of 86.27 m, outdoing Neeraj.

At the end, Keshorn, Peters and Thompson held the top three spots. In the fifth round, Neeraj was finally out, as he could not improve on his best finish, finishing at the eighth spot.

India’s hopes of medals rested on Sachin, who had managed 85.96 m on his fifth attempt and stayed in the hunt at fourth spot. In the final round, Sachin managed a throw of 80.95, finishing in fourth place. (ANI)

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India is “examining the implications” of the United States’ decision to revoke the sanctions waiver that applied to the Chabahar Port project in Iran.

Responding to a question on whether India would consider shutting down its operations, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen the press statement which was issued by the US side yesterday on the revocation of the sanctions waiver that applies to Chabahar Port. We are presently examining the implications that this revocation has for India.”

Earlier in the day, the Trump administration, in yet another hard move against India, announced the revocation of its waiver of sanctions over the Iranian port of Chabahar in almost ten days, terminating a special waiver granted to India in 2018.

According to a statement issued by the US Department of State on Tuesday, the operators of the Chabahar Port in Iran will face US sanctions starting September 29.

“Additionally, consistent with President Trump’s maximum pressure policy to isolate the Iranian regime, the Secretary of State has revoked the sanctions exception issued in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) for Afghanistan reconstruction assistance and economic development, effective September 29, 2025. Once the revocation is effective, persons who operate the Chabahar Port or engage in other activities described in IFCA may expose themselves to sanctions under IFCA,” State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott said in the statement.

The move was announced to target Iran’s financial network for its military and to put “maximum pressure” on the Islamic State.

“Today, the United States is countering Iran’s destabilising activities by designating an international illicit financial network, along with several individuals and entities based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. These networks have facilitated the sale of Iranian oil, with proceeds benefiting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). These funds are used to support regional terrorist proxies and advance weapons systems that pose a direct threat to U.S. forces and our allies,” the statement read.

This was made to isolate the Iranian regime and could significantly impact India’s strategic investments in the port.

Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran near the China-controlled Gwadar Port, stands out due to its strategic and logistical advantages. It includes two main terminals, Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, each equipped with five berths, facilitating significant cargo handling capabilities.

In 2024, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran for the operation of the Chabahar Port. This long-term deal, signed between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Iran’s Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO), grants India operational control over the Shahid Beheshti terminal, a key component of Chabahar’s port infrastructure. (ANI)

Under the theme “Every Life Matters”, Vantara, one of the world’s leading wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation organisations, founded by Anant Ambani, announced the return of the Vantara Rescue Rangers, an interactive programme designed to bring children closer to the world of wildlife conservation.

The 2025 edition kicked off in Mumbai today and will till October 5 at the Jio World Drive. It will be open daily from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm.

The everyday spaces will be transformed into vibrant learning arenas, inviting children to step into the role of Rescue Rangers through play and immersive experiences.

After Mumbai, the programme will travel to other cities across the country, bringing wildlife adventures and learning opportunities to children nationwide.

The programme aims to educate and inspire children through hands-on, interactive rescue play, nurture empathy and awareness by letting them step into the role of a Rescue Ranger, and reward their curiosity and compassion, with top performers receiving the unique opportunity to visit Vantara.

This year’s programme features many engaging elements, including mission-based rescues and play-based learning activities, allowing children to experience wildlife challenges such as saving animals, protecting habitats, and addressing threats like climate change and pollution.

Alongside these, interactive experiences aim to nurture empathy, problem-solving, and creativity, while immersive storytelling zones and photo opportunities inspire children to see themselves as conservation heroes.

Completing all activities earns each child the prestigious Vantara Rescue Ranger Certificate.

Reflecting on the programme, Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, said: “Rescue Rangers is more than just play. It is a journey of discovery that teaches children the true meaning of ‘Every Life Matters’. Each activity is designed not only to entertain but to ignite empathy, compassion, and responsibility. We hope the memories created here become seeds of awareness that grow into a lifelong commitment to protecting wildlife, reminding us that every action, no matter how small, counts in conservation,” as quoted in a press note by Vantara.

Last year, Vantara celebrated the winners of the Rescue Rangers Contest with an unforgettable visit to Jamnagar, where children met rescued animals, engaged with caregivers, and witnessed conservation in action.

Building on that momentum, this year’s programme brings the experience to children across the country, making conservation awareness accessible, engaging, and meaningful. (ANI)