The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed an additional $103,265 fee for each H-1B cap-subject petition. If finalised, the charge would be paid in addition to existing filing and statutory fees, significantly increasing employer sponsorship costs. The proposal does not target any one nationality. However, Indian professionals could be disproportionately affected because they form a major share of H-1B beneficiaries, particularly in technology and other specialised occupati

Raksha Bandhan 2026 will be observed on Friday, August 28. The festival celebrates the enduring bond between siblings through the tying of a rakhi, prayers for well-being and a shared promise of love and support. The occasion falls on Shravan Purnima, the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan. Families across India mark the day through rituals, sweets, gifts, home gatherings and regional traditions. Raksha Bandhan 2026 Date And Muhurat Details

Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad or Mawlid, is listed for observance in India on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The occasion commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is marked by prayers, religious talks, charity and community gatherings. The date appears in the Central Government holiday calendar and the Reserve Bank of India calendar. However, observance may differ by a day in some places depending on local

Andhra Pradesh has marked a new step in agricultural value addition with the launch of a non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru in Eluru district. The initiative aims to connect local maize farmers with food processing, research and market-led opportunities. The seed launch took place at the Gourmet Popcornica factory in the presence of Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is giving renewed attention to drinking-water infrastructure in Pulivendula and nearby parts of YSR Kadapa district, with the long-pending mega water grid project emerging as a key focus. The initiative is being pursued under the Jal Jeevan Mission-Amravaani Watershed programme, with the stated aim of accelerating works meant to offer a lasting solution to water-supply concerns in the region. Pawan Kalyan Pulivendul

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has strongly criticised the Modi-led central government after his planned US visit was cut short following the reported denial of political clearance for that leg of his overseas tour. The Chief Minister, who returned to India after completing his UK visit, addressed the issue at a press conference in Hyderabad. He alleged that the Centre had unfairly intervened in his proposed US programme, which was intended to promote Telangana and its in

Amravati Hospital, Maharashtra — Three newborns died after a fire reportedly followed a ventilator explosion at the District Women’s Hospital’s Special Newborn Care Unit. Amravati Hospital Fire Kills Three Newborns Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out at Amravati District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra in the early hours of Monday. The blaze reportedly began around 3:30 AM on the hospital’s third floor, where the Spe

Hyderabad, Telangana — IMD has forecast thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall in several Telangana districts, with a yellow alert issued for parts of the state. Telangana Heavy Rain Alert: IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Telangana is likely to see a wet spell, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rainfall in several districts. A yellow alert

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly expected to visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit, but the itinerary is not yet official. PM Modi May Visit Uzbekistan And Kyrgyzstan For SCO Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan later this month, with a possible visit to Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, according to repo

Hyderabad, Telangana — An ICMR-NIN laboratory study found that lead and amyloid-beta together caused greater stress and damage in human nerve cells. Lead Exposure Worsens Nerve Cell Damage, NIN Study Finds Exposure to lead may make it more difficult for nerve cells to clear damaged material when it occurs alongside amyloid-beta peptides, according to a laboratory study by researchers at the ICMR-Na

Jaipur, Rajasthan — Kaziah Lix Mejo was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 after a grand finale featuring 52 finalists. Miss Universe India 2026 Crowns Kaziah Lix Mejo In Jaipur Kaziah Lix Mejo has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026 at the pageant’s grand finale in Jaipur. The victory gives her the opportunity to represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition, which is scheduled to be hel

Tehran, Iran — Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised US sanctions threats as Iranian officials vowed to counter new economic pressure. Ghalibaf Mocks US Sanctions Threat With Frozen Economy Jibe Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has ridiculed the United States after President Donald Trump signalled a renewed economic pressure campaign against Tehran. In a post on

Washington, DC - President Donald Trump criticised Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs following stalled trade negotiations. Trump Hits Back At Canada After Tariff Announcement US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs in response to new American duties on Canadian goods. The exchange signal

The Enforcement Directorate arrested former Andhra Pradesh minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao in its ongoing liquor transportation tender investigation. AP Liquor Scam: ED Arrests Ex-Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao The Enforcement Directorate has arrested former YSR Congress Party minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao in connection with its investigation into the alleged Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. Karumuri w

The proposed auto drivers strike has been withdrawn after talks between the Telangana government and Auto Workers JAC leaders. Hyderabad Auto Strike Called Off After Government Talks Hyderabad commuters received major relief on Sunday night after the Telangana auto drivers’ strike, which was set to begin from midnight, was called off at the last minute. The decision came after the state government