The DHS OPT fee proposal would require SEVP-certified U.S. schools to pay $70,000 before an initial F-1 OPT recommendation and $30,000 for later recommendations, potentially reshaping post-study work options for international students.   The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a major new fee structure for Optional Practical Training, or OPT, that would require participating colleges and universities to pay tens of thousands of dollars before

The Tumbler Ridge shooting investigation has widened after US authorities arrested James Cody Bryant, alleging he helped the attacker with advice, money and a livestream plot. The Bryant arrest adds a cross-border criminal case as British Columbia also pursues legal action involving OpenAI. US suspect charged over alleged role in Tumbler Ridge shooting A 30-year-old Washington state resident has been arrested and charged over an alleged

Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin–Madison has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos arriving from some of the most extreme environments in the universe. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognised Halzen for helping transform Antarctic ice into a massive particle detector, opening an entirely new way for scientists to study the cosmos. W

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert has died at 84 at his Illinois home. The longtime Republican congressional leader served as speaker from 1999 to 2007 before a federal banking conviction tied to payments concealing past sexual abuse transformed his legacy. Dennis Hastert, the former U.S. House speaker who became one of Washington’s most powerful Republicans before his legacy was consumed by revelations of sexual abuse and a federal conviction, has died at age 8

The US midterms impact India well beyond American domestic politics. A Democratic House could limit parts of President Donald Trump’s agenda, while India ties, Trump tariffs, Russia oil sanctions and Washington’s China strategy continue to shape New Delhi’s choices. Dem House The November 3 midterm elections could produce a divided Congress at a sensitive time for India-US relations. Decision Desk HQ’s October 4 forecast gives De

The 2026 Senate battle has tightened sharply ahead of the November 3 midterms, with Senate control now hinging on a small group of competitive states. Decision Desk HQ gives Democrats a narrow edge, while toss-ups in Iowa, Ohio, Maine and Texas could decide which party controls the chamber. Senate Control Republicans entered the cycle with a 53-47 Senate majority, so Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take outright control becaus

A Paris court has convicted six men of manslaughter over the deadliest recorded migrant boat disaster in the English Channel, in which 31 people died in November 2021. Seven others were convicted of lesser smuggling offences, while one defendant was acquitted.  Boat sinking The migrants left northern France in an overloaded inflatable dinghy bound for the United Kingdom. Evidence presented during the trial showed the boat was unsuit

The USA Presidents Cup comeback produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic final days as the Americans overturned a three-point deficit to defeat the International Team 17-13 at Medinah Country Club. Jacob Bridgeman delivered the clinching point as the U.S. secured an 11th consecutive Presidents Cup title. Medinah rally The International Team entered Sunday with a 10.5-7.5 advantage and a chance to end a drought stretching back to

The Air India Express student discount offer gives eligible students 10% off domestic fares, while the Air India Express student baggage allowance rises to 25 kg and direct bookings get a Rs 99 date-change option.   Air India Express student fare discount adds more savings Air India Express has introduced a special st

US China trade talks moved into a crucial phase in New York as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng discussed artificial intelligence, tariffs and critical minerals ahead of Donald Trump and Xi Jinping’s September 24 White House meeting. US China trade talks prepare Trump-Xi summit

The US is investigating a possible Iran link to cyberattacks on two Texas-bound energy tankers after Coast Guard and FBI teams found evidence of malicious cyber activity. Officials have not attributed the attacks to Tehran, but the incidents are raising concerns about maritime cyber threats and critical infrastructure. Tanker cyberattack triggers US investigation US Coast Guard personnel and FBI cyber specialists boarded two foreign-flag

India remains on the US list of major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries for fiscal year 2027, but President Donald Trump has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-opium efforts and called for continued cooperation under the US-India Drug Policy Framework. Trump praises Modi’s anti-opium drive US President Donald Trump welcomed India’s efforts to curb illicit opium poppy cultivation while issuing his admini

The Russia sanctions bill has raised fresh concerns for India and other major buyers of Russian energy, with the legislation giving President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% under specified conditions. The move comes as India-Russia ties remain strong in energy and strategic cooperation. Russia sanctions bill clears US House The US House of Representatives has passed the

A new UK breakup independence push has brought Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland into an unusually coordinated constitutional debate, with nationalist leaders arguing that decisions over their political futures should rest with voters in their respective nations. The development places fresh pressure on Westminster while raising difficult questions over how any future referendums would legally proceed. Scotland independence bid gain

President Donald Trump closed the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas with an emphatic appeal for supporters to turn out in the November 2026 elections, telling voters to approach the congressional contests as though his own name were on the ballot. The Trump midterm push placed voter participation at the center of his closing message as Republicans fight to retain control of the House and Senate. Trump repeatedly linked the

President Donald Trump has proposed a $5,000 payment to American adults if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections. The Trump dividend announcement came during the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, putting the proposed payment at the center of the GOP campaign message. Trump dividend proposal announced in Dallas Trump unveiled the propo

The case of a Kanpur engineer detained in Moscow has raised concern after his wife alleged that he may be facing pressure to join the Russian army. Chandan Gupta had travelled to Russia on a work visa, while his wife Sneha Gupta has appealed to PM Modi, Yogi Adityanath and Indian authorities for urgent intervention and his safe return.   Wife Alleges Russian Army Pressure After Moscow Detention A

Uzbekistan has introduced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens following talks between Narendra Modi and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, alongside new tourism cooperation and expanding trade, direct flights and strategic ties between India and Central Asia. Uzbekistan has introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in

The SCO Summit 2026 remains at the centre of global attention as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds high-level meetings in Bishkek. Modi’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on bilateral ties and the need for dialogue to resolve conflicts, while Nepal continues a massive flood rescue operation and Pakistan sees fresh political chatter around Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The Modi Pezeshkian meeting focused on India-Iran ties, the West Asia conflict, maritime security, trade and the need for lasting regional peace. India Iran Ties The two leaders revi