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

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

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

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: The Mekedatu dam dispute resurfaced after Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar backed the project and DMK questioned Vijay’s response. The long-running Mekedatu dam dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has returned to the political spotlight after the issue was raised at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar strongly defended the proposed project, while the opposition DMK accused Tamil

Washington, DC: The US is pressing allies and China to support President Donald Trump’s intensified economic campaign aimed at isolating Iran. The United States has stepped up pressure on its allies and China to support President Donald Trump’s new economic campaign against Iran, as Washington prepares additional measures designed to deepen Tehran’s financial isolation. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said countries maintaining economic links wit

Washington, DC: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned Iran of sweeping new sanctions while urging China and other countries to support Washington’s economic pressure campaign. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iran will face what he described as the “toughest sanctions in history” as Washington prepares a new phase of economic pressure against Tehran. Bessent said the United States intends to coordinate with other countries to isolat

Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 12:15 PM Alaska Time Cape Newenham, Alaska: A chartered Cessna 441 crashed near a remote radar site, killing two pilots and six passengers aboard. Eight people were killed after a civilian-contracted charter aircraft crashed near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport in remote western Alaska on Thursday, August 20. The US military confirmed there were no survivors among the six passengers and two pilots aboard the aircraft. The ai

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: Southern state leaders came together for a striking group photograph during the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting. A rare political frame featuring some of South India’s most prominent leaders has grabbed attention following the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting held near Chennai. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Kerala Chief Minist