The Trump administration's proposed H-1B wage structure aims to increase pay for skilled overseas workers in the US by an average of $14,000, with Level I wages potentially rising to $97,746. This move, coupled with a weighted selection process favouring higher-skilled workers, is intended to curb abuse of visa programmes and ensure parity with American workers, but has already led to a sharp decline in H-1B applications, particularly from Indian IT companies.
Rory McIlroy takes a commanding lead at the Masters, setting the stage for an exciting weekend as he aims to become the fourth player to win back-to-back titles.
Aditi Ashok of India experienced a setback in the third round of the Aramco Championship, carding a four-over 76, which resulted in her falling to T-20. Other Indian golfers, Pranavi Urs and Avani Prashanth, also faced challenges during the round.
A US Air Force officer was rescued from deep inside Iran after his jet was shot down, following a two-day mission involving US Special Operations forces. The officer evaded Iranian forces for over 24 hours, hiding in a mountain crevice and hiking to high altitudes before being rescued.
Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is uncertain as the government awaits FIFA's response regarding their request to relocate matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns.
Pakistan has deployed a military contingent, including soldiers and fighter jets, to Saudi Arabia as part of a joint strategic defence agreement aimed at enhancing military coordination and regional security.
Iran has formally turned down a proposal from the United States for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera, citing reports from the semi-official Fars news agency.
Aditi Ashok is the top Indian golfer after the first round of the Aramco Championships, while other Indian players face challenges to make the cut. Miyu Yamashita, Nasa Hataoka, and Lauren Coughlin lead the tournament.
The logic of war plus the gathering storms in US politics as the midterms loom large leave him with no real alternative but to negotiate, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
America's population and its media and its democratic structures seem fine with this, which is why Trump continues as he does, asserts Aakar Patel.
US President Donald Trump's signature will soon appear on US paper currency, coinciding with the 250th anniversary celebrations of American Independence.
Daniil Medvedev suffered a shocking 6-0 6-0 defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters, leading to a racket-smashing outburst.
Iranian news agencies have denied reports of Iranian officials travelling to Pakistan for negotiations with the United States, even as Pakistan prepares for potential talks and faces criticism from Israel.
An air strike conducted by US and Israeli forces on the Black Mountain has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iranian state media.
Sachin Baisoya secured his first IGPL Tour victory at the IGPL Invitational 2026 Mauritius, overcoming overnight leader Veer Ganapathy with a strong performance.
Trump announced that India and the US agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will charge a reduced reciprocal tariff on Delhi, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to clear the Strait of Hormuz to secure the vital oil corridor, citing risks to global energy supplies and criticising other nations' inaction.
Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan has significantly increased his lead in the Candidates chess tournament after defeating India's R Praggnanandhaa. In the women's section, R Vaishali leads after drawing with Anna Muzychuk.
A crew of four astronauts boarded their spacecraft for the landmark flight, which represents a major milestone in lunar exploration.
Sha'Carri Richardson wins the Stawell Gift from scratch, storming from the back to claim victory in Australia's iconic 120m handicap sprint.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering proposals to encourage businesses to bring call centre jobs back to the US and require call-takers to be proficient in American Standard English.
'In such a scenario, Iran could proclaim itself victor, rebuild, re-enforce its diminished regional proxies to further destabilise neighbouring nations and take control of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.'
US forces have launched search and rescue efforts for a US fighter jet, which several news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and CNN, said had been shot down over Iran.
The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.
By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.
Under-fire Liverpool boss Arne Slot said he feels "complete support" from the club and the fans on Friday, even as his team endures a torrid run of form and supporters plan protests over rising ticket prices.
'Technology doesn't decide its destiny-humans do. We choose whether it becomes a weapon or a tool for progress.' 'Every breakthrough looks like a miracle at first, a disappointment later -- and finally, just another useful tool.'
Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.
'What we have yet to see on either the US or the Iranian side is willingness to compromise on their ultimate demands and the flexibility to reach an agreement to end the war.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa began his campaign at the Candidates Tournament with a win against Anish Giri, sharing the lead with Fabiano Caruana and Javokhir Sindarov. In the women's section, Indian Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh drew her game.
The White House has released a framework for artificial intelligence, focusing on empowering parents to manage their children's digital environment and advocating for federal leadership to promote innovation and address policy challenges.
For that to happen America does not have to lose. It only has to do the right thing, asserts Aakar Patel.
Each time a deadline almost runs out, President Trump hands out a new one.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and land grabbing, promising action if the Congress party wins the upcoming elections in Assam. Gandhi also criticised the BJP's governance and economic policies.
The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.
Hans Niemann reignites his feud with Magnus Carlsen in a Netflix documentary, vowing to become world No.1 as the chess cheating controversy resurfaces.
Aryna Sabalenka is looking to complete the coveted 'Sunshine Double' after her triumph in the Indian Wells final over Elena Rybakina.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa faced a setback at the Candidates chess tournament, while Javokhir Sindarov increased his lead.
Sudarshan Yellamaraju finished T-14 at the Valero Texas Open, while JJ Spaun secured victory after a strong performance.
In the women's section, World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh turned the tables on overnight leader Anna Muzychuk to jump into joint lead with four others.
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