Nasscom flags concerns over new US rules for H-1B visas
New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) The recent changes about the wage-weighted selection mechanism for H-1B visas proposed by the USA’s Department of Homeland Security represent a significant departure from the long-standing, neutral lottery system and raise important legal, economic, and operational concerns, according to a Nasscom statement issued on Wednesday. The apex trade body for […]
Visa delays leave H-1B families stranded abroad amid tougher US vetting
Washington, Dec 24 (IANS) Indian H-1B visa holders are facing months-long uncertainty after US consulates in India delayed appointments due to new screening requirements, a development that has triggered concern on Capitol Hill, while the Trump Administration has strongly defended its tougher vetting, arguing that this is a national security necessity. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, a […]
US, Venezuela face off defiantly at UNSC as tensions escalate
United Nations, Dec 24 (IANS) The US and Venezuela defiantly faced off each other at an emergency session of the Security Council as tensions continued to rise with Washington capturing two ships carrying oil from the Latin American nation and trying over the weekend to intercept another tanker headed there. “The United States will impose […]
US announces sweeping changes to H-1B selection process
Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) The Trump Administration on Tuesday announced sweeping changes to the H-1B work visa selection process, replacing the long-standing random lottery with a weighted system that prioritises higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The move, Department of Homeland Security said, is aimed at better protecting the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities of […]
US seeks humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan
Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is pressing for a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan, warning that the situation there is “horrifying.” “Our immediate goal we have is a cessation of hostilities, a humanitarian truce going into the new year that allows humanitarian organizations to be able to […]
Rubio says US balancing China ties, Indo-Pacific alliances
Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is pursuing a dual strategy of managing tensions with China while strengthening alliances across the Indo-Pacific. “Look, there will be tensions, there’s no doubt about it,” Rubio said, adding that China “is and will continue to be a rich and […]
US, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt to hold Gaza talks in Miami
WASHINGTON(RAHNUMA): US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will hold talks with senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye in Miami on Friday on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, a White House official told AFP on Thursday. Under the second stage, Israel is supposed to withdraw from its positions in […]
India’s seafood exports up 14 pc in April-Oct, shrimp exports to US robust in 5 years
New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) India’s seafood exports rose 13.93 per cent in value terms in April-October 2025 to $4,793.08 million from $4,207.08 million a year earlier, the government said on Friday, adding that total volume and value of shrimp exports from India to the US remained robust during the last five years. However, the […]
Baloch human rights activist urges Trump to cancel $686 million US military aid to Pakistan
Quetta, Dec 12 (IANS) Leading Baloch human rights defender, Mir Yar Baloch, wrote to US President Donald Trump raising alarm over the recently approved $686 million US military aid to Pakistan, warning that the funds would enable further repression and terror against Baloch civilians. The human rights activist highlighted that the Baloch people have endured […]
US wages ‘psychological warfare’ against Venezuela: FM Yvan Gil
Caracas, Dec 10 (IANS) The US government is waging “psychological warfare” against Venezuela following the failure of its economic sanctions, Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil said. “They are now resorting to psychological warfare, to military psychological warfare,” Gil said on Tuesday (local time) during the opening of the People’s Assembly for Peace and Sovereignty […]
