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

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

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

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

Chennai and Kovalam, Tamil Nadu, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay are participating in key Centre-state discussions. Amit Shah meets CM Vijay in Chennai Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Chennai ahead of the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting, marking their first meeting since Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister in May 2026. Shah shared photographs of the interac

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged India’s public sector banks to transform their image among young customers, asking them to become more appealing to Gen Z without compromising responsible banking standards. Speaking at the concluding session of PSB Confluence 2026, Sitharaman said state-run banks should focus on customers aged 16 and above with simple, personalised and accessible services. Banking for Youth was also one of the key themes discussed at the two-day gove

India’s southwest monsoon is facing another difficult phase as dry northwesterly winds flowing across Pakistan and northwest India begin suppressing rainfall over large parts of the country. The changing atmospheric pattern could deepen the seasonal rain deficit and limit the chances of a broad monsoon recovery. India’s cumulative rainfall since the monsoon began remains around 13% below normal, reflecting the highly uneven distribution of rain this season. While eastern and som

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is preparing an important filing change for international students, exchange visitors and other nonimmigrants, with revised editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 becoming mandatory from September 15, 2026. USCIS says it will publish the 09/15/26 editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, on that date. Older editions filed on or after September 15 will be

A complaint filed with Delhi Police has sought an FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over their alleged conduct during the rendition of Vande Mataram at Independence Day celebrations held at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi. The complaint, filed by advocates Kunal Vinayak and Shubh Sharma, asks police to examine video footage, determine the intention behind the alleged actions and establish which legal provisions, if any, apply. Delhi Police has acknowledge

Indian Railways is accelerating its Vande Bharat expansion as rising passenger numbers and stronger financial performance in premium AC categories create a compelling case for modern, higher-value rail services. Nearly 3.98 crore passengers travelled on Vande Bharat trains during FY2025-26, representing a 34% increase over the previous financial year. The growth suggests passengers are increasingly willing to pay more for faster journeys, improved comfort and modern amenities. With

Hundreds of devotees gathered at Kerala’s Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple on Monday as the shrine opened for darshan on the first day of Chingam, marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. Pilgrims had started reaching the hill shrine in large numbers from Sunday evening ahead of the important monthly rituals. The temple opened for devotees at 5:00 AM on August 17. The Chingam month ceremonies will continue through August 21, after which the shrine will close at 10:00 PM. It

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says international students whose study visas expire without permanent residency should return home, amid protests over PGWP and immigration rules. Canada Student Visa Warning From Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said international students who enter Canada on temporary study permits should leave the country when

Former Gorkha soldiers and supporters protested in Pokhara, seeking the restart of Nepali recruitment into the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. Gorkha Veterans Demand Restart Of Indian Army Recruitment Former Gorkha soldiers and their supporters have staged a protest in Nepal's Pokhara demanding that recruitment of Nepali youth into the Indian Army be resumed under the Agnipath scheme. The demonstration was organised by the Indian Ex