New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Thursday that he will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to address what he calls the most pressing issue facing the city: affordability. Speaking at City Hall Park, Mamdani outlined his intentions ahead of the meeting and emphasized that New Yorkers expect their leaders to confront the rising cost of living that affects millions across the five boroughs. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, has drawn considerable attention
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Thursday that he will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to address what he calls the most pressing issue facing the city: affordability. Speaking at City Hall Park, Mamdani outlined his intentions ahead of the meeting and emphasized that New Yorkers expect their leaders to confront the rising cost of living that affects millions across the five boroughs. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, has drawn considerable attention
Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th
Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th
Illinois residents can now use digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards on their iPhones, marking a significant technological shift in how individuals verify their identity at airports, bars, restaurants, and select venues across the state. The program officially began Tuesday morning following the implementation of a new state law that authorizes digital IDs and enables their integration into mobile devices. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch
Illinois residents can now use digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards on their iPhones, marking a significant technological shift in how individuals verify their identity at airports, bars, restaurants, and select venues across the state. The program officially began Tuesday morning following the implementation of a new state law that authorizes digital IDs and enables their integration into mobile devices. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch
A significant privacy issue in WhatsApp has come to light after researchers revealed that a long-standing flaw exposed the phone numbers and profile photos of nearly 3.5 billion users worldwide. The discovery was made by a team from the University of Vienna, who found that WhatsApp’s contact-discovery system lacked proper rate limiting, allowing automated tools to check millions of phone numbers per hour. Through this gap, researchers were able to confirm whether a number was registered on
A significant privacy issue in WhatsApp has come to light after researchers revealed that a long-standing flaw exposed the phone numbers and profile photos of nearly 3.5 billion users worldwide. The discovery was made by a team from the University of Vienna, who found that WhatsApp’s contact-discovery system lacked proper rate limiting, allowing automated tools to check millions of phone numbers per hour. Through this gap, researchers were able to confirm whether a number was registered on
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning that the country cannot rule out the possibility of an all-out war with India, stating that Islamabad remains on full alert as tensions rise across the region. Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said his analysis suggested India could adopt hostile strategies, including border incursions or coordinated attacks, and stressed the need for complete preparedness.
His remarks follow Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning that the country cannot rule out the possibility of an all-out war with India, stating that Islamabad remains on full alert as tensions rise across the region. Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said his analysis suggested India could adopt hostile strategies, including border incursions or coordinated attacks, and stressed the need for complete preparedness.
His remarks follow Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’
India has begun rolling out its next generation of e-passports equipped with advanced digital and physical security layers designed to strengthen identity verification and eliminate fraud. The upgraded system is part of Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which introduces new standards in passport security, digital integration, and citizen services. All new passports issued henceforth will be e-passports, while existing non-electronic passports will continue to remain valid until their expiry, with
India has begun rolling out its next generation of e-passports equipped with advanced digital and physical security layers designed to strengthen identity verification and eliminate fraud. The upgraded system is part of Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which introduces new standards in passport security, digital integration, and citizen services. All new passports issued henceforth will be e-passports, while existing non-electronic passports will continue to remain valid until their expiry, with
A major breakthrough in Andhra Pradesh’s anti-Naxal operations unfolded on Tuesday as police arrested 31 Maoists hiding in Vijayawada, Kakinada and other parts of Krishna district. The arrests created a stir across the region, especially as several of those detained were senior Maoist leaders from Chhattisgarh who had quietly entered the state to escape intensified combing operations.
In a major strike, 27 Maoists were arrested from a four-storey building in New Autonagar, K
A major breakthrough in Andhra Pradesh’s anti-Naxal operations unfolded on Tuesday as police arrested 31 Maoists hiding in Vijayawada, Kakinada and other parts of Krishna district. The arrests created a stir across the region, especially as several of those detained were senior Maoist leaders from Chhattisgarh who had quietly entered the state to escape intensified combing operations.
In a major strike, 27 Maoists were arrested from a four-storey building in New Autonagar, K
The investigation into the Red Fort blast has taken a darker turn as the NIA uncovered evidence showing the accused had initially planned large-scale rocket bomb strikes across Delhi before turning to a car bomb. According to sources, the group was actively attempting to develop a Hamas-style drone system capable of launching rocket-based explosives into crowded and high-security zones. Investigators revealed that the module was modifying commercially available drones to carry and launch leth
The investigation into the Red Fort blast has taken a darker turn as the NIA uncovered evidence showing the accused had initially planned large-scale rocket bomb strikes across Delhi before turning to a car bomb. According to sources, the group was actively attempting to develop a Hamas-style drone system capable of launching rocket-based explosives into crowded and high-security zones. Investigators revealed that the module was modifying commercially available drones to carry and launch leth
More than six months after the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, satellite imagery suggests that Pakistan is still struggling to repair critical military installations damaged during India’s Operation Sindoor. OSINT specialist Damien Symon, known for uncovering India’s strike on Pakistan’s Kirana Hills nuclear depot, has released new imagery showing reconstruction activity at key sites, raising doubts about Islamabad’s earlier claims of victory.
Symon posted that
More than six months after the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, satellite imagery suggests that Pakistan is still struggling to repair critical military installations damaged during India’s Operation Sindoor. OSINT specialist Damien Symon, known for uncovering India’s strike on Pakistan’s Kirana Hills nuclear depot, has released new imagery showing reconstruction activity at key sites, raising doubts about Islamabad’s earlier claims of victory.
Symon posted that
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will move forward with selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in defence cooperation just as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares for his first Washington visit in more than seven years. Trump described Saudi Arabia as a strong ally and confirmed that the kingdom’s request for the world-class stealth aircraft will be fulfilled. The crown prince is expected to arrive with clear priorities, includi
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will move forward with selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in defence cooperation just as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares for his first Washington visit in more than seven years. Trump described Saudi Arabia as a strong ally and confirmed that the kingdom’s request for the world-class stealth aircraft will be fulfilled. The crown prince is expected to arrive with clear priorities, includi
India has signed its first structured, long-term contract to import liquefied petroleum gas from the United States, marking what government officials describe as a major turning point in the country’s energy sourcing strategy. The announcement comes at a time when global energy markets remain highly volatile and nations are increasingly seeking diversified, stable supply lines. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the agreement will help safeguard India’s fuel supply du
India has signed its first structured, long-term contract to import liquefied petroleum gas from the United States, marking what government officials describe as a major turning point in the country’s energy sourcing strategy. The announcement comes at a time when global energy markets remain highly volatile and nations are increasingly seeking diversified, stable supply lines. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the agreement will help safeguard India’s fuel supply du
Government contracting is one of the most rewarding and stable career paths for Indian professionals living in the United States. From IT and cybersecurity to engineering and project management, thousands of Indians work for US federal contractors every year. These jobs offer competitive salaries, long-term projects, job security, and exposure to high-impact federal programs.
Even though many government jobs require US citizenship, government contracting
Government contracting is one of the most rewarding and stable career paths for Indian professionals living in the United States. From IT and cybersecurity to engineering and project management, thousands of Indians work for US federal contractors every year. These jobs offer competitive salaries, long-term projects, job security, and exposure to high-impact federal programs.
Even though many government jobs require US citizenship, government contracting
The United States is developing a proposal that would divide Gaza into separate security and reconstruction areas as part of a broader plan connected to an upcoming vote at the United Nations Security Council. The plan, described in military documents referenced by officials familiar with the discussions, outlines a division of the territory into a green zone that would fall under Israeli and international military oversight and a red zone that would remain heavily damaged following months of
The United States is developing a proposal that would divide Gaza into separate security and reconstruction areas as part of a broader plan connected to an upcoming vote at the United Nations Security Council. The plan, described in military documents referenced by officials familiar with the discussions, outlines a division of the territory into a green zone that would fall under Israeli and international military oversight and a red zone that would remain heavily damaged following months of
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order removing import tariffs on a broad selection of food products in an effort to curb rising grocery costs and ease pressure on consumers. The decision marks one of the most significant adjustments to his trade policy since tariffs were introduced as a central feature of his economic agenda. The order comes at a moment when Americans have voiced growing frustration over inflation, particularly food prices, following last we
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order removing import tariffs on a broad selection of food products in an effort to curb rising grocery costs and ease pressure on consumers. The decision marks one of the most significant adjustments to his trade policy since tariffs were introduced as a central feature of his economic agenda. The order comes at a moment when Americans have voiced growing frustration over inflation, particularly food prices, following last we
Tensions between China and Japan escalated sharply this week after Beijing delivered a series of unusually forceful warnings against any potential Japanese involvement in the Taiwan Strait. China’s defence ministry declared that Japan would face what it called a crushing defeat at the hands of the People’s Liberation Army if Tokyo attempted to intervene militarily in a Taiwan conflict. The warning, issued on Friday, followed a similar statement from China’s foreign ministry a day earlie
Tensions between China and Japan escalated sharply this week after Beijing delivered a series of unusually forceful warnings against any potential Japanese involvement in the Taiwan Strait. China’s defence ministry declared that Japan would face what it called a crushing defeat at the hands of the People’s Liberation Army if Tokyo attempted to intervene militarily in a Taiwan conflict. The warning, issued on Friday, followed a similar statement from China’s foreign ministry a day earlie
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is preparing for a high-stakes visit to Washington this week, marking his first trip to the United States in seven years. The visit comes at a moment of deep regional unease, with Saudi Arabia seeking firmer American security guarantees as tensions rise across the Middle East. While US President Donald Trump is expected to press the crown prince to move toward normalising relations with Israel, officials and analysts suggest that Riyadh remains reluctant
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is preparing for a high-stakes visit to Washington this week, marking his first trip to the United States in seven years. The visit comes at a moment of deep regional unease, with Saudi Arabia seeking firmer American security guarantees as tensions rise across the Middle East. While US President Donald Trump is expected to press the crown prince to move toward normalising relations with Israel, officials and analysts suggest that Riyadh remains reluctant
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has outlined the administration’s new approach to the H-1B visa programme, describing it as a targeted effort to bring in temporary foreign specialists who will train American workers rather than replace them. His remarks came during a televised interview in which he emphasised that the policy is intended to support the rebuilding of domestic manufacturing, shipbuilding capability, and semiconductor production after years of industrial decline.
Bessent said the redesigned system is centred on the idea of “knowledge transfer,” where overseas experts are invited to the United States for a limited period to help restore technical capacity in critical sectors. According to him, the administration views this model as essential to equipping American workers with advanced skills that have diminished as supply chains and production moved abroad. He explained that the visa structure is meant to ensure that expertise flows into the country long enough for domestic workers to learn the required competencies before the foreign specialists return home.
Addressing recurring concerns that increased reliance on foreign talent could displace American employees, Bessent maintained that the policy does not threaten domestic job opportunities. Instead, he argued that the United States currently lacks specialized talent in areas that have not been active on American soil for many years. He noted that industries such as shipbuilding and semiconductor fabrication require highly technical knowledge, which is more readily available in countries that have continued to develop those sectors. In his view, bringing in experts to train Americans is necessary for rebuilding industrial strength, not a means of outsourcing jobs.
The comments followed President Donald Trump’s recent statements explaining that the country needs temporary foreign experts to accelerate the transfer of technical skills. The president said the United States does not currently have enough workers with the precision training required for advanced manufacturing, adding that it would be unrealistic to expect individuals without experience to instantly take on tasks such as missile production or microchip engineering. Both Trump and Bessent described the policy as a practical step toward reducing long-term dependence on imports by cultivating a stronger domestic workforce.
Bessent also discussed broader elements of the administration’s economic agenda, including ongoing talks about a potential USD 2,000 tariff rebate for families earning less than USD 100,000 annually. He said the proposal is part of an effort to ensure that households directly benefit from trade policies designed to strengthen national competitiveness. The rebate, he added, is one component of the administration’s push to align the interests of Wall Street and Main Street, a vision he referred to as “Parallel Prosperity.”
Looking ahead, the Treasury secretary predicted that 2026 could become a milestone year for the United States economy if the administration’s policy framework succeeds in restoring industrial capacity and stabilizing financial markets. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a deep and liquid Treasury market, suggesting that economic growth will depend on strong foundations that support both investment and employment. Throughout the interview, Bessent portrayed the H-1B reform as a crucial part of that broader plan, arguing that rebuilding the nation’s industrial base requires a temporary infusion of global expertise to ensure Americans can take full ownership of high-skilled jobs in the future.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has outlined the administration’s new approach to the H-1B visa programme, describing it as a targeted effort to bring in temporary foreign specialists who will train American workers rather than replace them. His remarks came during a televised interview in which he emphasised that the policy is intended to support the rebuilding of domestic manufacturing, shipbuilding capability, and semiconductor production after years of industrial decline.
Bessent said the redesigned system is centred on the idea of “knowledge transfer,” where overseas experts are invited to the United States for a limited period to help restore technical capacity in critical sectors. According to him, the administration views this model as essential to equipping American workers with advanced skills that have diminished as supply chains and production moved abroad. He explained that the visa structure is meant to ensure that expertise flows into the country long enough for domestic workers to learn the required competencies before the foreign specialists return home.
Addressing recurring concerns that increased reliance on foreign talent could displace American employees, Bessent maintained that the policy does not threaten domestic job opportunities. Instead, he argued that the United States currently lacks specialized talent in areas that have not been active on American soil for many years. He noted that industries such as shipbuilding and semiconductor fabrication require highly technical knowledge, which is more readily available in countries that have continued to develop those sectors. In his view, bringing in experts to train Americans is necessary for rebuilding industrial strength, not a means of outsourcing jobs.
The comments followed President Donald Trump’s recent statements explaining that the country needs temporary foreign experts to accelerate the transfer of technical skills. The president said the United States does not currently have enough workers with the precision training required for advanced manufacturing, adding that it would be unrealistic to expect individuals without experience to instantly take on tasks such as missile production or microchip engineering. Both Trump and Bessent described the policy as a practical step toward reducing long-term dependence on imports by cultivating a stronger domestic workforce.
Bessent also discussed broader elements of the administration’s economic agenda, including ongoing talks about a potential USD 2,000 tariff rebate for families earning less than USD 100,000 annually. He said the proposal is part of an effort to ensure that households directly benefit from trade policies designed to strengthen national competitiveness. The rebate, he added, is one component of the administration’s push to align the interests of Wall Street and Main Street, a vision he referred to as “Parallel Prosperity.”
Looking ahead, the Treasury secretary predicted that 2026 could become a milestone year for the United States economy if the administration’s policy framework succeeds in restoring industrial capacity and stabilizing financial markets. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a deep and liquid Treasury market, suggesting that economic growth will depend on strong foundations that support both investment and employment. Throughout the interview, Bessent portrayed the H-1B reform as a crucial part of that broader plan, arguing that rebuilding the nation’s industrial base requires a temporary infusion of global expertise to ensure Americans can take full ownership of high-skilled jobs in the future.
The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and drone development programs. The move underscores Washington’s ongoing effort to curtail Tehran’s military capabilities and disrupt its network of global suppliers.
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department confirmed that 32 individuals and companies operating across eight countries—including Iran, the
The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and drone development programs. The move underscores Washington’s ongoing effort to curtail Tehran’s military capabilities and disrupt its network of global suppliers.
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department confirmed that 32 individuals and companies operating across eight countries—including Iran, the
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday officially termed the November 10 car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort a “heinous terror attack,” confirming it as an act of terrorism. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and observed a two-minute silence for the victims. A resolution was passed to ensure that every perpetrator and collaborator involved in the explosion is brought to justice swiftly and decisively.
Union Minister Ashwi
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday officially termed the November 10 car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort a “heinous terror attack,” confirming it as an act of terrorism. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and observed a two-minute silence for the victims. A resolution was passed to ensure that every perpetrator and collaborator involved in the explosion is brought to justice swiftly and decisively.
Union Minister Ashwi
If you’ve filed your income tax return and are still waiting for your refund, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers in India experience refund delays even months after filing. The good news is that under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the government must pay interest on delayed refunds provided the delay isn’t caused by the taxpayer. The interest rate is fixed at 0.5% per month or 6% per annum, calculated as simple interest on the refundable amount.
Interest begins from
If you’ve filed your income tax return and are still waiting for your refund, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers in India experience refund delays even months after filing. The good news is that under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the government must pay interest on delayed refunds provided the delay isn’t caused by the taxpayer. The interest rate is fixed at 0.5% per month or 6% per annum, calculated as simple interest on the refundable amount.
Interest begins from
