Avtar Singh was reported missing on February 17 around 8:52 pm in Tracy, California. According to officials, surveillance cameras later showed a white SUV and three persons wearing dark clothes with Singh at about 2:30 pm the same day. Police believe he was forced to get into the vehicle.

On February 20 at around 3:20 pm, a body matching Singh’s description was discovered near Lake Berryessa by the Napa County Sheriff’s Office. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that the body was that of Avtar Singh.

Investigators are continuing to examine the case and are trying to identify the people responsible. Officials have said that, based on current information, the incident appears to be isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told local news outlet KCRA that Singh was not the person the kidnappers had planned to target. According to him, the suspects were after someone else for a specific reason, but that detail has not yet been made public. He added that investigators cannot share more information about the suspects or their possible motive at this stage.

Singh was a volunteer at a local gurdwara, where he also lived with his wife and three young triplets. Members of the community described him as sincere and hardworking. For over two decades, he served as the head cook at the gurdwara and was known for helping with many other tasks as well.

Addressing a gathering of the Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, Trump said he had threatened to impose 200 per cent tariffs on both nations unless they stepped back from what he described as a rapidly intensifying conflict. According to him, the warning helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Trump reiterated his broader assertion that he had played a role in resolving multiple global conflicts during the first year of his second term in office. Referring to the India-Pakistan situation, he described it as “a big one” and invited Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was present at the event, to stand as he mentioned the episode. Trump also said he had spoken to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised both leaders.

Speaking about the episode, Trump said he personally contacted the leadership of both countries after learning that aerial exchanges had intensified. He claimed that several fighter jets had been shot down and that the situation was spiralling. The US President said he made it clear that trade negotiations would be halted if hostilities did not cease, adding that the prospect of losing access to US trade pushed both sides toward restraint.

Trump further stated that he had warned of 200 per cent tariffs, which, in his words, would have effectively shut both countries out of business with the United States. He claimed that within days of the warning, signs of de-escalation became visible and the situation stabilised.

While praising Sharif and Pakistan’s military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, Trump also described Modi as a strong leader and said he was “very proud” of the role he believes he played in calming tensions.

However, India has consistently rejected suggestions of third-party mediation. New Delhi has maintained that the understanding on cessation of hostilities was reached through direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries.

The tensions followed India’s launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 civilians were killed.

Trump has repeated his claim of having stopped the India-Pakistan conflict on numerous occasions since May 10 last year, when he announced on social media that both countries had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after US-mediated talks. India, however, continues to maintain that no external mediation was involved in the de-escalation process.

In an official statement shared on social media, the Consulate said local authorities had confirmed the recovery of Saketh’s body. Expressing deep sorrow, the mission conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of full support during this difficult period.

“The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” the statement read.

The Consulate further stated that it is coordinating closely with local officials and is prepared to assist the family with necessary procedures, including the repatriation of the mortal remains to India at the earliest possible time. Officials are in direct contact with the family to help complete required formalities.

Saketh had been missing since February 9. According to local media reports, he was last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley Hills area. His backpack, which reportedly contained his passport and laptop, was later discovered at a nearby residence, prompting concern and a search effort.

Originally from Karnataka, Saketh had an impressive academic background. He completed his BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 2025 before enrolling at UC Berkeley to pursue a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. The investigation is ongoing.

In his message, Trump congratulated the Indian government and its citizens, describing the relationship between India and the US as a “historic bond” shared by the world’s oldest and largest democracies. He noted that the two countries are united by democratic values and a commitment to freedom.

“On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of India as you celebrate your 77th Republic Day. The United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies.” - President… pic.twitter.com/oC9x3Qs9y3

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) January 26, 2026

India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, a milestone that laid the foundation of the country as the world’s largest democracy.

Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also conveyed Republic Day wishes and said he was honoured to attend the Republic Day Parade for the first time. Highlighting the growing strategic ties between the two nations, Gor described the sight of US-made aircraft flying during the parade as a strong symbol of the deepening US-India defence partnership.

Taking to social media platform X, the US envoy said the celebrations reflected India’s constitutional values and democratic spirit, while also showcasing the strength of cooperation between the two countries.

However, India-US relations have witnessed some strain in recent months, largely due to trade-related disagreements. Tensions escalated after the US imposed tariffs on certain Indian imports, followed by warnings of higher duties linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

India has strongly opposed the tariff measures, calling them unjustified and unreasonable. In its response to the duties announced in August last year, New Delhi maintained that it would take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and economic security, while continuing to engage with the US through diplomatic channels.

The accused has been identified as 51-year-old Vijay Kumar, who was arrested after a manhunt early Friday morning in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Authorities said the incident came to light around 2.30 am when the police received an emergency call reporting gunfire at a residence on Brook Ivy Court.

When officers reached the location, they found four adults inside the house, all suffering from fatal gunshot wounds, according to local media reports. Kumar’s car was still parked in the driveway, prompting  the police to deploy K-9 units to search the surrounding area. A police dog later tracked him to a nearby wooded stretch, where he was arrested.

The Gwinnett County Police Department identified the victims as Kumar’s wife Meemu Dogra (43), a resident of Atlanta, and three relatives, Gourav Cumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37) and Harish Chander (38), all from Lawrenceville.

Investigators revealed that three children were inside the house at the time of the shooting, including Kumar’s 12-year-old child, who reportedly hid in a closet with two other minors and escaped unharmed. The police said it was Kumar and Dogra’s child who dialled 911 and provided critical information, enabling officers to reach the scene within minutes.

According to preliminary findings, an argument broke out between Kumar and his wife at their Atlanta home. The couple then travelled with their child to the Brook Ivy Court residence, where the three other victims lived along with two children aged seven and 10. The shooting reportedly occurred shortly after.

All children present during the incident were unharmed and have since been placed in the care of a family member, the police confirmed.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Indian Consulate in Atlanta expressed grief and said assistance is being provided to the affected family.

“We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family,” the mission said in a statement posted on X.

Vijay Kumar now faces multiple serious charges, including four counts each of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault, along with charges related to cruelty to children. Investigations are ongoing.

The tanker, currently sailing under the name Marinera, is believed to be involved in transporting Venezuelan oil in violation of US sanctions. American authorities say the mission is being carried out jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US military and is taking place near Iceland, an area where Russian naval activity, including a submarine and a warship, has reportedly been detected.

Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the ship repeatedly ignored requests from the US Coast Guard to allow an inspection. The tanker had earlier managed to evade what US officials described as a maritime enforcement net targeting vessels connected to sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports.

Earlier operating under the name Bella-1, the tanker was first stopped by the Coast Guard last month. After refusing boarding, it was later re-registered under the Russian flag and renamed Marinera, according to US authorities.

Russia’s state-run broadcaster RT claimed US forces attempted to board the vessel via helicopter and published an image that allegedly shows an aircraft hovering near the ship. RT also reported that a Coast Guard vessel has been shadowing the tanker and that an earlier seizure attempt was called off due to severe weather conditions.

US officials confirmed that the reported presence of Russian military assets nearby has added a layer of sensitivity to the operation, although they declined to clarify how close those vessels are to the tanker. If the seizure proceeds, it would be among the rare recent cases of US forces attempting to take control of a Russian-flagged commercial ship.

The operation forms part of US President Donald Trump’s stepped-up campaign against Venezuela, which includes tougher enforcement against oil shipments tied to Caracas. US authorities have also intercepted another tanker linked to Venezuelan oil trade in Latin American waters in recent weeks.

The tanker episode follows a separate, highly controversial pre-dawn US special forces operation in Caracas that reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He was later transferred to US custody to face charges related to alleged drug trafficking.

Senior Venezuelan officials have condemned both actions, describing them as unlawful and accusing Washington of attempting to seize control of Venezuela’s oil wealth, which represents the largest proven reserves globally.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the oil would be stored on ships and transported directly to unloading ports in the United States. He added that the proceeds from the transaction would be overseen by him as president and used for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people.

The announcement came amid rising tensions after officials in Caracas confirmed that at least 24 Venezuelan security personnel were killed during a late-night US raid aimed at detaining Maduro and transferring him to the United States, where he faces longstanding drug trafficking charges.

According to people familiar with the matter, the White House is also planning a high-level Oval Office meeting on Friday with top oil executives to discuss Venezuela. Representatives from major US energy companies, including Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips, are expected to attend.

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, strongly condemned Washington’s actions, accusing the US of interference and issuing a defiant response to Trump’s warnings that she could face consequences worse than Maduro’s if she failed to realign Venezuela with US interests. Addressing government officials on Tuesday, Rodríguez said her future was “determined by God, not by threats.”

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab said several people, including civilians and security forces, were killed in the operation and described the strike as a potential “war crime,” adding that prosecutors would investigate the deaths. He did not clarify whether the casualty figures referred exclusively to Venezuelan nationals.

Cuba also confirmed that 32 of its military and police personnel stationed in Venezuela were killed during the raid. Meanwhile, the US Pentagon said seven American service members were injured, with five already returning to duty and two still recovering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds.

In Caracas, streets that had remained largely empty since Maduro’s capture briefly saw crowds gathering for a state-organised show of support, with people waving national flags and playing patriotic music.

Trump, meanwhile, dismissed criticism from Democrats, arguing that even the previous Biden administration had pursued Maduro on drug charges. With global oil prices hovering around USD 56 per barrel, analysts estimate the proposed oil transfer could be valued at up to USD 2.8 billion, roughly equivalent to just over two days of total US oil consumption.

The incident took place late at night at Vance’s home in East Walnut Hills on William Howard Taft Drive. Secret Service personnel reportedly alerted Cincinnati police around 12:15 am after noticing a person running near the area. Officers responded immediately, and one suspect was taken into custody.

Officials have not shared details about the detained individual or the possible motive. Authorities confirmed that the vice president’s family was not present at the residence during the incident and said there was no indication that the person entered the house.

Photographs from the location showed broken windows, though it is still unclear how the damage occurred. Police said there is no ongoing threat and that an investigation is continuing.

The latest disclosure comprises nearly 11,000 documents, amounting to around 29,000 pages, along with several video recordings, some of which were reportedly shot inside a prison facility. Epstein, who faced multiple charges related to sex trafficking, died in custody in a New York jail in 2019.

Among the newly released material is an internal email that claims Trump travelled aboard Epstein’s jet more frequently than previously known. The email, dated January 7, 2020, appears in a thread titled “RE: Epstein flight records.” While the identities of both the sender and recipient remain redacted, the correspondence references an assistant US attorney from the Southern District of New York.

According to the email, Trump’s name appears as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996. Four of these trips allegedly included Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate who was later convicted in a related case. The document also notes that Trump travelled on some occasions with his then-wife Marla Maples, daughter Tiffany, and son Eric.

The email further claims that one flight in 1993 listed only Epstein and Trump as passengers, while another reportedly included Epstein, Trump, and a 20-year-old individual whose identity has been withheld. It also mentions two additional flights involving women who may have been considered potential witnesses in the Maxwell prosecution.

Despite these references, officials have underlined that the appearance of Trump’s name in the flight records does not imply criminal conduct or charges against him.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on the social platform X that she has directed the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to pause the programme. She stated, “This heinous individual should never have been allowed in our country,” referring to the suspected gunman.

The suspect, Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national, is believed to have carried out the shootings at Brown University, which left two students dead and nine others injured, and also killed an MIT professor. Neves Valente was found dead later on Thursday evening from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities noted that Neves Valente had obtained legal permanent residency in 2017. The Diversity Visa Lottery, established by Congress, allows individuals from underrepresented countries, including many in Africa, to apply for US green cards via a lottery system. Nearly 20 million people applied for the 2025 lottery, with over 131,000 selected when including spouses. Portuguese applicants secured only 38 slots in the lottery.

Winners of the lottery must complete the standard vetting process, including interviews at US consulates, before receiving permanent residence.

Trump has consistently criticised the diversity visa programme, and officials note that the suspension comes shortly after the deadly shootings, similar to previous instances where tragic incidents were cited to introduce stricter immigration measures.

Babblejit Kaur, who has lived in the United States since 1994, was detained on December 1 while attending a biometric scan appointment linked to her pending green card application. According to her daughter, Joti, the incident took place at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, where several federal agents entered the building shortly after she arrived.

Joti said her mother was called into a room where the agents were present and was informed she was being arrested. Although Kaur was permitted to speak briefly with her attorney over the phone, she was not released and remained in federal custody.

For several hours, the family was unaware of her whereabouts. They later learned that Kaur had been transferred overnight to Adelanto, a former federal prison in California that now operates as an ICE detention facility, where she continues to be held.

Kaur reportedly has an approved green card petition filed by her elder daughter, who is a US citizen. Her husband is also a lawful permanent resident. Despite this, she was detained as her application process was nearing completion, her family said.

After migrating to the US, Kaur and her family initially lived in Laguna Beach before settling in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore area. She and her husband raised three children, Joti, 34, who has legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, and two other children who are US citizens.

For over 20 years, Kaur and her husband ran a popular Indian and Nepalese restaurant, Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal, which became a well-known fixture in the Belmont Shore neighbourhood. She also worked for nearly 25 years at a Rite Aid store in the same area, until the pharmacy chain shut down its remaining outlets earlier this year. More recently, she had been preparing to resume work in the restaurant industry.

Family members say Kaur is being held in a large dormitory-style unit at the Adelanto facility, sharing space with several other detainees. They allege that lights remain on throughout the night and constant noise makes rest difficult.

While she has been allowed limited visits with family members, the process is reportedly exhausting, often requiring hours of waiting for only a brief meeting.

Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents Long Beach, has stepped in and called for Kaur’s release. His office confirmed that he is in touch with federal authorities as the family prepares further legal filings that could make her eligible for release on bond while her case is reviewed.

Trump first unveiled the Gold Card visa concept in February this year, originally pricing it at USD 5 million. The fee was later revised in September and reduced to USD 1 million to broaden accessibility for wealthy foreign investors and highly skilled professionals.

Speaking at the launch, Trump said the initiative aligns with his America First agenda, designed to retain top global talent, especially highly educated students from countries like India and China, and attract multinational companies to base their operations in the United States. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that the programme would “draw the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.”

Trump also confirmed that a Platinum Card, expected to cost around USD 5 million, will soon be introduced as part of the expanded visa framework.

Unlimited residency, not citizenship

The Trump Gold Card offers unlimited residency in the US, granting nearly all rights similar to a US citizen, except voting rights and a US passport. The system functions similarly to the current green card process.

According to Trump, the programme is specifically designed for wealthy foreigners who can pay the required fee to live and work in the US. He emphasised that the new system will prioritise “talented individuals” over those who “take away American jobs.” Trump further stated that revenue collected from the programme will be used to lower taxes and reduce federal debt.

Three new visa categories

Alongside the Gold Card, Trump introduced three new visa card types:

Trump Gold Card – Offers permanent, unlimited residency.

Trump Platinum Card – Expected to launch soon; allows stays of up to 270 days per year without a travel visa.

Trump Corporate Gold Card – Issued to companies for their employees under specific terms.

United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick confirmed that the Gold Card is expected to replace existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, potentially phasing out these traditional green card pathways.

Corporate gold card: Rules & fees

The Corporate Gold Card allows companies to sponsor employees.

A non-refundable DHS fee of USD 15,000 is required per employee.

After background vetting, the company must pay USD 2 million per employee.

If a company wants to transfer sponsorship to a different employee, the original fee is not charged again.

A 1% annual maintenance fee and 5% transfer fee (including a new DHS background check) apply.

Benefits for applicants

Gold Card applicants receive Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card equivalent) status through EB-1 or EB-2 categories. The programme also supports family inclusion:

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be added to the application.

Each dependent requires a separate USD 15,000 DHS fee plus USD 1 million.

Application process

Applications must be filed online through trumpcard.gov, along with the initial USD 15,000 processing fee. After DHS completes the vetting stage, applicants are instructed to pay the remaining amount.

USCIS then sends official directions via email for creating a myUSCIS.gov account and uploading required documents.

Trump Platinum Card: Key features (coming soon)

Allows up to 270 days of stay per year without a travel visa.

Holders do not pay US taxes on foreign-earned income.

However, US citizens and existing green card holders are not eligible for this programme.

In a directive issued on Wednesday, the US State Department announced that, starting December 15, consular officers will conduct detailed reviews of the online presence of all individuals applying for H-1B and H-4 visas. Until now, such checks were routinely applied to student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) categories.

“To support enhanced vetting, all applicants for H-1B, H-4, and F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas must adjust privacy settings on all social media profiles to ‘public’,” the department said in its guidance.

Reiterating that obtaining a US visa is a privilege and not an entitlement, the State Department stressed that it uses every available source of information to determine whether an applicant poses a security risk or fails to meet admissibility requirements.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” it stated.

The department added that the US must remain “vigilant” in ensuring applicants have no intent to harm Americans and can credibly establish both eligibility and compliance with visa terms.

This directive expands a series of immigration-tightening measures rolled out by the Trump administration, which has been pushing for more rigorous checks and stricter rules around temporary work visas. The H-1B programme, heavily used by the American tech industry, has been a key focus, with Indian professionals making up a significant share of visa holders.

In September, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”, introducing a one-time USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B work visas, a move expected to directly impact thousands of Indian workers.

In a separate development, Washington has halted the processing of Green Cards, citizenship applications and other immigration benefits for individuals from 19 ‘countries of concern’. The decision follows the fatal shooting of National Guard soldiers by an Afghan national earlier this month.

A policy memo issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ordered an immediate hold on all asylum applications, regardless of nationality, pending a detailed internal review. It has also frozen all immigration files belonging to applicants from countries earlier listed under the federal travel ban, including Afghanistan, Burma, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, and others.

The suspension comes after the attack that killed US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left US Air Force Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, critically injured. The accused, 29-year-old Lakanwal, had entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome, a relocation initiative for Afghan nationals implemented following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.

Donald Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, criticising earlier immigration policies for undermining the nation’s progress. He wrote that despite America’s technological and economic advances, immigration rules under the Biden administration had “eroded those gains and living conditions for many.”

He further stated: “I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions, including those approved by Sleepy Joe Biden’s Autopen, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States or incapable of loving our Country.”

Trump added that federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens would end, and migrants who “undermine domestic tranquility” could face denaturalisation. He also promised deportation for any foreign national considered a public charge, security risk or “non-compatible with Western Civilization.”

Calling for what he termed “reverse migration”, Trump said these actions would significantly reduce “illegal and disruptive populations,” including those admitted through what he claimed was an “unauthorised and illegal Autopen approval process.”

He concluded the post with a sharp remark: “Other than that, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL—except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for. You won't be here for long!”

Trump’s announcement followed a tragic shooting near the White House, where two National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were attacked at close range. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan man who moved to the US after the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been taken into custody.

Beckstrom, from West Virginia, succumbed to her injuries. “She was highly respected, young, a magnificent person… She’s just passed away,” Trump said earlier. Wolfe remains in critical condition. Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack.

Just before unveiling his migration policy, Trump posted a photo from the 2021 US airlift from Afghanistan. He blamed the Biden administration for allowing “hundreds of thousands” of unvetted individuals into the country, calling the operation “horrendous” and vowing that his administration would “fix it.”on

Speaking to mediapersons on Sunday, Donald Trump signalled his approval for congressional efforts to introduce tougher penalties on Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. “I hear they're working on it, and that’s fine with me,” Trump said when asked if it was time for Congress to escalate pressure on Russia.

“They’re advancing legislation… Republicans are bringing very tough sanction proposals targeting any country doing business with Russia. Iran may also be included — I suggested that,” he added.

Reiterating his administration’s stance, Trump said any nation engaged in trade with Russia would face severe consequences. He also noted that Iran could be added to the sanctions framework.

India is among the countries affected, with the Trump administration already imposing tariffs of up to 50 percent, some of the highest globally, including a 25 percent duty on its imports of Russian energy.

A new Bill introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham proposes a massive 500 percent tariff on secondary purchases or resale of Russian oil. The measure has gained near-unanimous support within the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Graham, along with Senator Richard Blumenthal, has also introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, aimed at levying secondary sanctions and tariffs on countries that “continue to bankroll Putin’s war in Ukraine” through energy purchases. The legislation currently has 85 Senate cosponsors, highlighting overwhelming bipartisan backing.

In a joint statement issued in July, Graham and Blumenthal said: “President Trump and his administration have taken a bold step by implementing a new strategy to stop the carnage in Ukraine. But the decisive tool needed to end this war is a sweeping tariff regime against countries, such as China, India, and Brazil, that sustain Putin's war effort by buying discounted Russian oil and gas.”

Greene accused American companies, especially Big Tech, AI firms, hospitals and other industries, of misusing the H-1B programme to replace American workers. In a post on X on Thursday, she said the programme had been “abused” and harmed US citizens.

According to Greene, her proposed Bill aims to completely eliminate the H-1B programme and prioritise American workers in fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering and manufacturing. She stressed that Americans should come first and that the country must invest in its own workforce.

Greene said her Bill includes one temporary exemption: 10,000 visas per year for doctors and nurses. However, even this exemption will be phased out over the next 10 years to allow time for the US to train more medical professionals domestically. The Bill also removes the pathway to citizenship for H-1B holders, requiring them to leave the US once their visas expire.

The H-1B programme is widely used by American companies, especially in the tech sector, to bring in skilled foreign workers for roles that require specialised knowledge.

Trump’s stand on H-1B visas

This development comes shortly after Donald Trump publicly supported the need for H-1B visas during a Fox News interview. Trump argued that the US does not have enough skilled workers for certain jobs in technology and defence. When asked whether the programme could reduce wages for Americans, Trump said while the concern was understandable, certain specialised roles could not be filled by local workers without proper training.

He explained that some jobs, such as those involving advanced manufacturing and defence technology, require skills that cannot be learned quickly.

The Republican Party holds a narrow majority in the House, with 219 seats compared to the Democrats’ 213. President Donald Trump’s backing of the funding Bill is expected to unite Republicans, despite strong opposition from House Democrats.

The Bill, already passed by the Senate, would keep the government running until January 30. It would also add roughly $1.8 trillion per year to the country’s existing $38 trillion national debt.

House Speaker Mike Johnson urged all members, including Democrats, to support the measure. “Think carefully, pray, and do the right thing,” Johnson said.

Democrats, however, remain angry that the Senate deal did not secure an extension of federal health insurance subsidies, something they had hoped to achieve after winning recent state elections in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised Republicans, saying they were ignoring the nation’s affordability crisis.

If the House approves the Bill, it will go to President Trump for his signature. He has already called the Senate’s approval “a very big victory.”

In addition to reopening the government, the House may also vote soon on releasing all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. Newly elected Democrat Adelita Grijalva is expected to provide the final signature needed to force a vote on this issue.

The funding Bill also includes full-year budgets for military construction, agriculture programmes (including food aid), and legislative operations. It further allows eight Republican senators to sue the Justice Department for $500,000 each over alleged privacy violations during the January 6 Capitol riot investigation.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray criticised that provision, calling it a “corrupt cash bonus” for Republican senators, while noting there was “not a cent for healthcare.”

The House vote is expected late Wednesday. While a few Republicans, such as Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Victoria Spartz of Indiana, may oppose it, the hardline Freedom Caucus is not expected to block the Bill, according to its chairman, Andy Harris.

Her body was discovered by her roommates, who said she had been unwell for a few days with a severe cough and chest pain. The incident reportedly occurred on November 7. A GoFundMe campaign launched by her cousin, Chaitanya Yvk, confirmed her passing and shared that Raji had gone to the US in 2023 with dreams of supporting her family in Karanchedu village, Bapatla district.

Chaitanya described Raji as a “bright and hopeful soul” who aspired to help her parents, who depend on a small piece of farmland for their livelihood. “Their crops and cattle are their lifeline, and Raji’s dream was to build a better tomorrow for them,” he wrote in the appeal.

The GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to assist with her funeral arrangements, educational loan payments and the repatriation of her body to India. “As the family faces this heartbreaking loss, we seek help from friends and well-wishers to meet the financial challenges ahead,” Chaitanya added.

A medical investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of her death.

According to reports, at least 11 Indian and Indian-origin students died in the US last year under various circumstances.

In an interview with CBS News, Donald Trump said many nations, including Russia, China, North Korea  and Pakistan, are conducting nuclear tests. He argued that it would be “appropriate” for the US to do the same.

“Russia’s testing and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it. We’re an open society. We have to talk about it because our media reports everything. They don’t have reporters like we do,” Trump said.

He further added, “We’re going to test because they test and others test. Certainly, North Korea and Pakistan have been testing too.”

Donald Trump claimed that the US does not always know where these “powerful” countries conduct their nuclear tests because they are done deep underground. “You feel a little vibration, but people don’t know exactly what’s happening,” he said. “They test, and we don’t. We have to test,” he added.

When asked about his decision to restart nuclear testing after decades, Trump said it was important for the US to keep up with other nations. “Russia announced that they were going to test. North Korea is testing constantly. Other countries are testing. We’re the only country that doesn’t test — and I don’t want to be that country,” he stated.

Trump also claimed that the United States has “more nuclear weapons than any other country,” saying he had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping about denuclearisation. “We have enough nuclear weapons to blow up the world 150 times,” Trump said. “Russia has a lot, and China has quite a few too.”

Clarification from Trump administration

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright later clarified that the proposed testing will not include actual nuclear explosions. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “The tests we’re talking about right now are system tests, not nuclear explosions. These are non-critical tests.”

Wright explained that the goal of these tests is to check all the other parts of a nuclear weapon, such as delivery systems and internal design, to ensure they work correctly. He added that the testing will help develop better and safer nuclear weapons in the future.

Prominent figures, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, joined the celebration marking the "Festival of Lights." In his address, Trump highlighted Diwali’s message of hope, positivity, and triumph of knowledge over ignorance.

Before the event, the US President told mediapersons that he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, discussing trade and regional peace. “We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He’s very interested in that,” Trump said, adding that he also advised both India and Pakistan to avoid conflict.

Trump described Modi as “a great person” and “a great friend,” emphasising their long-standing relationship. However, India has once again refuted Trump’s claims of a recent conversation between the two leaders. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that no phone call had taken place.

This is not the first time Trump has claimed to have spoken with PM Modi about India’s oil imports from Russia. A week earlier, he asserted that Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil purchases, a statement India promptly denied. “There was no phone call between the two leaders,” the MEA reiterated.

Trump defends tariffs on India

Trump’s comments come amid growing trade friction between Washington and New Delhi. The US has imposed additional tariffs of up to 25% on Indian goods, particularly in response to India’s continued import of Russian oil. These measures have pushed total tariffs on Indian imports to nearly 50% this year.

Defending his trade policy, Trump claimed that his tariff strategy not only strengthened the US economy but also helped prevent wars. “Of the eight wars I mentioned, five were based solely on trade and tariffs,” he said.

Trump also repeated his earlier claim of mediating tensions between India and Pakistan, suggesting that his intervention helped prevent a “nuclear disaster.” Indian officials, however, have dismissed these assertions, reiterating that the ceasefire understanding between the two nations was achieved directly through communication between their respective military operations heads, without any third-party involvement.