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.

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

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

New Delhi: H1N1 infections are rising across Delhi-NCR, with doctors reporting severe respiratory symptoms and falling oxygen levels in some patients. Delhi-NCR is witnessing a noticeable rise in H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, along with other respiratory infections as humid and changing monsoon weather continues across the region. Doctors have reported an increase in patients with fever, cough, body aches and breathing difficulties, while some cases h

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

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy will return from London after the Centre denied political clearance for his planned official US visit. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s planned official visit to the United States has been cancelled after the Ministry of External Affairs denied political clearance for the US leg of his overseas tour. The Chief Minister began a 10-day UK-US programme on August 20, with meetings planned at major universities and institutions.

Reliance Industries has proposed a ₹2.73 lakh crore investment in Andhra Pradesh for an Underground Coal Gasification project. The proposed UCG complex will be developed around the Chintalapudi and Recherla coal blocks in Eluru district. Reliance Plans ₹2.73 lakh crore investment in Andhra Pradesh Reliance Industries Limited has proposed investing around ₹2.73 lakh crore over 30 years to develop what is planned as India’s first integrated U

US Treasury data released on Wednesday, August 19, showed national debt had crossed $40 trillion. As investors focus on rising federal deficits, higher interest costs and pressure in the Treasury bond market. US National Debt crosses historic $40 trillion mark The United States' gross national debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time, marking a new milestone for the world's largest economy and renewing concerns over W