News for 'US Homeland'

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

New H-1B visa fee not for existing holders, clarifies US

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Donald Trump administration has clarified that the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas does not apply to current visa holders and is a one-time payment only for new petitions.

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Trump administration is considering requiring all foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media vetting, according to a report in Politico. In preparation for such required vetting, the administration is ordering US embassies and consular sections to pause scheduling new interviews for such student visa applicants. The report noted that if the administration goes ahead with the plan, it could severely slow down the processing of student visas and hurt many universities who rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers. This move comes days after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) certification, a move that meant Harvard could no longer enroll foreign students.

US tariff jolts UP's export hubs; industry seeks govt bailout

US tariff jolts UP's export hubs; industry seeks govt bailout

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Uttar Pradesh's leading export hubs are reeling under the impact of a steep 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Indian imports, with exporters warning of job losses, stalled orders and shrinking market access. Industry leaders from Noida, Kanpur and Varanasi said the tariff has put years of painstaking market-building at risk, even as protests and demonstrations erupted in several districts last week.

H1B Crisis: 'Trump Wants to Scare Indians'

H1B Crisis: 'Trump Wants to Scare Indians'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'If I have to go back, I would rather go back now because I don't want to face that situation when I'm in my 40s.' A young couple's journey through immigration uncertainty reveals not just the human cost of policy announcements, but a surprising rekindling of love for the homeland left behind.

US tariff shock to hit Bengal's labour-intensive industries

US tariff shock to hit Bengal's labour-intensive industries

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on India is set to deliver a major blow to West Bengal's export-driven economy, with the state's labour-intensive leather, engineering and marine sectors expecting losses ahead of the festive season, stakeholders said. The increased levies on Indian products for the country's purchases of Russian oil came into effect on Wednesday, bringing the total amount of tariff imposed on New Delhi to 50 per cent.

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has announced a massive increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge that will fundamentally alter how American companies hire skilled foreign workers, particularly impacting Indian IT professionals who comprise the largest group of beneficiaries.

Shubhanshu Shukla, 2nd Indian in space, returns home

Shubhanshu Shukla, 2nd Indian in space, returns home

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returns to India after his mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He was welcomed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. Shukla is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in National Space Day celebrations.

Cold handshake, hot words: Townsend, Ostapenko clash at US Open

Cold handshake, hot words: Townsend, Ostapenko clash at US Open

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'She told me I had no class, I have no education and to see what happens when we get outside the US.'

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Harvard is not Harvard...: Varsity sues Trump admin over foreign student ban

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the university's certification to enroll foreign students. The lawsuit claims that the government's action is unlawful and unwarranted and that Harvard is not Harvard without its international students. The university argues that the government's decision will have a devastating effect on Harvard and its thousands of international students. The lawsuit comes a day after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

Girl's skeleton with toys found in Jaffna mass grave

Girl's skeleton with toys found in Jaffna mass grave

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

Skeletal remains of a young girl have been identified among human remains exhumed from a mass grave in Sri Lanka's Jaffna district, a site linked to the LTTE conflict in the mid-1990s. The discovery has renewed calls for investigation into alleged war crimes.

German Olympic biathlon champion dies in Pakistan

German Olympic biathlon champion dies in Pakistan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

German double Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died after a mountaineering accident in Pakistan, her management and local authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

Foreign visitors may need to pay $15,000 bond to enter US

Foreign visitors may need to pay $15,000 bond to enter US

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Trump administration is implementing a pilot program requiring visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates to pay a bond of up to USD 15,000.

Army deploys AI-driven tech, robotic mules, smart fences for LoC security

Army deploys AI-driven tech, robotic mules, smart fences for LoC security

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The Indian Army has enhanced security along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district by deploying state-of-the-art equipment, including smart fence systems, robotic mules, and all-terrain vehicles. These upgrades aim to counter infiltration and ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations.

From Kashmir to Cortina: Arif Khan chases Olympic dream

From Kashmir to Cortina: Arif Khan chases Olympic dream

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Out in the cold, lone Indian qualifier crowdfunds 2026 Olympic bid

Mamata slams Delhi Police over 'Bangladeshi language' letter

Mamata slams Delhi Police over 'Bangladeshi language' letter

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticizes Delhi Police for referring to Bengali as 'Bangladeshi national language,' sparking political controversy.

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Harvard's 788 Indian Students: What Next?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's eligibility to enrol foreign students, raising concerns over the legal status of thousands of students, including nearly 800 from India, currently enrolled at the varsity.

Shuks Picks This SRK Song For Launch

Shuks Picks This SRK Song For Launch

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Unveiling his launch day playlist, the Indian pilot revealed that he loves to listen to Shah Rukh Khan's Swades song Yuh Hi Chala Chal.

Won't be able to enrol foreigners if...: US govt threatens Harvard

Won't be able to enrol foreigners if...: US govt threatens Harvard

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The United States Department of Homeland Security has threatened to revoke Harvard University's ability to enrol foreign students if it failed to provide by April 30 records on its international student visa holders' 'illegal and violent' activities.

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, a citizen and national of India, entered the United States on a F-1 student visa as a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Friday. It added that Srinivasan was "involved in activities supporting" Hamas, a terrorist organisation.

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

In his media statement following talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic, Modi said both leaders agree that "terrorism is an enemy of humanity" and is inimical to forces that believe in democracy.

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

MEA urges Indian students to follow US law amid detentions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian students in the US to comply with American laws following the detention of a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University and the self-deportation of another student to Canada. The MEA spokesperson said that the two Indians did not reach out to Indian missions in the US for assistance. Badar Khan Suri, the postdoctoral fellow, was detained on charges of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda." Ranjani Srinivasan, a student at Columbia University, self-deported to Canada after her visa was revoked for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and involvement in activities supporting Hamas. The MEA spokesperson also said that India is keen to bolster educational ties with the US.

Pak a phenomenal partner in counter-terrorism: US general

Pak a phenomenal partner in counter-terrorism: US general

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Pakistan is "in an active counterterrorism fight right now and they have been a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world", the general said.

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

US judge blocks Indian student's deportation over Hamas ties

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

In his petition, Suri's lawyer said that he is being punished as his wife, who is a US citizen, is of Palestinian heritage and because the government suspects that he and his wife are against the US foreign policy towards Israel.

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

UP plans high-tech defence shield against nuke, chemical attacks

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Drawing lessons from security protocols of Parliament, the state is working closely with agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd to design a multi-layered safety mechanism.

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

Pakistan offers to join probe into Pahalgam attack

Pakistan offers to join probe into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Pakistan has offered to join any neutral and transparent probe into the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also warned India against any attempt to stop, reduce or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan, saying any such action would be responded to with full force and might. Sharif said Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and has endured immense loss of over 90,000 casualties and economic losses exceeding USD 600 billion. He also reiterated Pakistan's support for the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Indian student in US arrested by masked agents from near home

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, is facing deportation after US authorities accused him of "spreading Hamas propaganda" and having "close connections to a suspected terrorist." The Department of Homeland Security claims Suri has been actively promoting antisemitism on social media and is connected to a senior Hamas advisor. Suri's lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argues that his client is being targeted due to his wife's Palestinian heritage and their opposition to US foreign policy towards Israel. The incident follows the self-deportation of another Indian student from Columbia University who was also accused of supporting Hamas.

Messi pays tribute to Pope Francis

Messi pays tribute to Pope Francis

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday aged 88.

Indian Students Caught In US Visa Turmoil

Indian Students Caught In US Visa Turmoil

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Uncertainty clouds US fall intake as Trump's visa ban on Harvard raises fears of wider policy shifts, pushing Indian students to explore alternative destinations.

Air India crash: Indian diaspora in UK helps in fundraisers

Air India crash: Indian diaspora in UK helps in fundraisers

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The Indian diaspora in London has been rallying around to coordinate fundraisers to support the UK-based family members of the Ahmedabad plane crash victims, including urgent assistance for two orphaned children.

Azerbaijan denies entry to Indian tourist who escaped Tehran

Azerbaijan denies entry to Indian tourist who escaped Tehran

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

After a perilous 500-km road journey out of conflict-torn Tehran, stranded Indian tourist Falguni Dey reached Iran's Astara border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday evening, but his ordeal is far from over.

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

US Visa Cancellations: Indians Hit Hardest

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

'If you follow the law, America offers opportunities. But those who violate the law will face the consequences.'

US approves $22 million missile sale to Turkiye

US approves $22 million missile sale to Turkiye

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The United States State Department has authorised a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case for Turkiye to purchase AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $22 million.

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Law enforcement officials from the US Department of Homeland Security have started visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey to check for the presence of illegal immigrants, drawing a sharp reaction from some Sikh organisations which see such actions as a threat to the sanctity of their faith. The Trump administration has rescinded the Biden administration's guidelines that protected places of worship from immigration enforcement actions, leading to concerns that gurdwaras are being targeted. Sikh organisations argue that gurdwaras are not just places of worship but also vital community centres and that surveillance and raids by armed law enforcement would burden religious exercise and limit the ability of Sikhs to gather and associate with one another.

Pak govt to rebuild banned JuD's Muridke HQ destroyed in Indian strike

Pak govt to rebuild banned JuD's Muridke HQ destroyed in Indian strike

Rediff.com17 May 2025

Pakistan claims it was a mosque and an educational complex that were hit in the strikes at Muridke, located at about 40 km from Lahore.

Trump, Xi hold talks, agree to resume trade negotiations

Trump, Xi hold talks, agree to resume trade negotiations

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries.

Rakul Is Still 'Weekending In Her Head'

Rakul Is Still 'Weekending In Her Head'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Film folk are mixing work with pleasure, and teasing us with pictures of their travels.

Russian-born Kasatkina switches allegiance to Australia

Russian-born Kasatkina switches allegiance to Australia

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Russian-born world number 12 Daria Kasatkina on Friday announced that she will now represent Australia after her application for permanent residency was accepted by the government.

How a Trump order shook Harvard's international students

How a Trump order shook Harvard's international students

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The department of homeland security withdrew Harvard certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme, effectively barring the university from admitting new foreign students and threatened the legal status of current international enrollees.

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

'Free Palestine': 2 Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in US

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'Horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning. AG Pam Bondi called to let me know and was at the scene. 2 dead in shooting targeting Israeli embassy staffers outside Jewish Museum in Washington DC'