US temples can provide priests with housing, room and board, stipends and other support. For R-1 workers, USCIS requires the compensation arrangement to be documented, while IRS rules determine whether housing and other benefits are excluded from income or taxable. Hindu temples in the United States may provide priests with accommodation, food, stipends and other living support instead of—or in addition to—a conventional salary. For priests

Are dakshina and Hindu priest payments taxable in the US? IRS rules generally treat compensation for religious services as taxable income. Temple salary, direct ceremony payments, self-employment tax and qualifying housing allowances can follow different rules. Payments made to Hindu priests in the United States can be taxable even when described as dakshina, honorarium or offerings. For federal tax purpo

A temple volunteer is not automatically an employee under U.S. law. Genuine unpaid religious service is generally permitted at nonprofits, but regular duties, expected compensation or replacing paid workers can change the analysis. Visa holders also face separate immigration rules. Indian temples across the United States often depend on volunteers for festivals, kitchens, religious programs, administration and community events. But when does un

Unauthorized employment in the USA can include working without permission, working beyond an approved period or taking employment outside the limits of a visa category. H-1B, F-1, R-1, visitor and dependent visa holders can face very different rules. Taking a side job, freelancing or accepting paid work in the United States can create immigration problems when a visa holder does not have the required empl

An R-1 Hindu priest can potentially work for two temples in the United States, but approval from one temple does not automatically authorize employment with another. Federal rules require each additional qualifying religious employer to obtain authorization for the worker. A Hindu priest in R-1 religious worker status can potentially work for two temples in the United States. However, approval to work for

Can an R-1 Hindu priest perform private pujas for money in the USA? A home ceremony is not automatically prohibited, but R-1 workers cannot freely take independent paid work. The sponsoring employer, approved duties, work locations and payment arrangement can determine whether the work is authorized. Hindu priests in the United States are often invited to homes for weddings, housewarmings, Satyanarayana p

The R-1 visa allows qualifying Hindu priests and other religious workers to work temporarily for eligible U.S. religious organizations. Key requirements include two years of denominational membership, an approved employer petition and at least 20 hours of religious work weekly. The R-1 visa for Hindu priests allows qualifying religious workers to serve temporarily at eligible religious or

Can a Hindu priest work a second job in the USA? Citizens and green card holders generally have broad employment rights, but priests in R-1 religious worker status face specific restrictions on employers, job duties and outside secular work. A Hindu priest working in the United States may or may not be able to take a second job. The key factor is not the person's religious role itself, but their U.S. immigration and employment status

F-35 Parts in Hong Kong Trigger Pentagon Security Probe Sensitive F-35 parts in Hong Kong have triggered a US security investigation after components traveling from Australia to the United States for repair were unexpectedly diverted. The Pentagon probe involves an F-35 canopy and raises questions about the supply chain, spare parts security and aircraft readiness. F-35 canopy raises sec

US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law that gives Washington new authority to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, placing India under renewed trade scrutiny. The White House confirmed that Trump signed H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, on September 18. The administration said the law expands statutory sanctions, tariffs a

WASHINGTON – Trump global views are under renewed scrutiny as international polling, US policy debates, Trump poll findings, midterms and the coming UN debate put Washington’s international standing in focus. Global opinion President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States commands greater respect abroad under his leadership. However, Pew Research Center’s 2026 internati

US President Donald Trump announced that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be barred from the White House, escalating his long-running dispute with major news organizations and placing renewed attention on media access and press freedom. The Trump White House ban was announced Friday in a post on Truth Social. Trump accused the three organizations of repeatedly publishing what he described as “fake news” and said the restrictions would ta

The iPhone 18 Pro price in India starts at ₹1,64,900 for the 256GB model, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900. Apple’s latest Pro models are now available in India with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options, alongside No Cost EMI, eligible card cashback and trade-in benefits.

The Delhi teen murder case came to light on September 13, 2026, when the decomposed body of a 17-year-old girl was found near a field in Swaroop Nagar, Northwest Delhi. Delhi Police later apprehended four people, including three juveniles, after tracing a suspected tempo through CCTV footage. Investigators are examining forensic and technical evidence as the probe continues.   The Delhi teen murder case came to light on September 13, 2026, whe

Ukraine plans record defence and security spending of 4.885 trillion hryvnias, about $110 billion, in its draft 2027 budget. The allocation equals 43.8% of projected GDP, while Kyiv says it will need $52.6 billion in international support to keep its wartime finances stable. Ukraine defence budget reaches wartime record Ukraine’s government has proposed 4.885 trillion hryvnias for defence and security in 2027, an increase of 517.9 bill

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

West Town Chicago has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. The West Side district was recognized for its restaurants, nightlife, cultural spaces, independent businesses and community character, joining Los Angeles and New York on the list. West Town ranks No. 18 worldwide Chicago’s West Town has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of th

Columbus City Schools has joined federal social media addiction litigation involving major technology platforms, alleging problematic use among students has contributed to counseling, mental-health, behavioral and staff-training costs across the Ohio district. Columbus City Schools has joined federal litigation against major social media companies, alleging that platform features encouraging excessive use among young peopl

An Alameda warehouse fire broke out at a vacant multistory building on Rainbow Court at the former Alameda Naval Air Station site. Firefighters brought the blaze under control, no injuries were reported, and officials had not determined the cause. Firefighters responded to a large blaze at a vacant multistory warehouse in Alameda, California, after flames broke out early Thursday, according to the Alameda Fire Department.

Rare footage of a humpback whale with a stillborn calf off Australia’s Gold Coast documents prolonged maternal contact after the calf’s death. Researchers say the July 17, 2025 encounter may reflect grief-like behavior, while cautioning that the whale’s emotional state cannot be confirmed. Researchers have documented rare underwater footage of a female humpback whale remaining close to and repeatedly interacting with