Deaths & blackouts: Storm Goretti, howling gales hit UK, France; rail services affected

A man was killed in southwest England after a tree fell on a caravan during record winds brought by Storm Goretti, as large parts of Europe continued to face power outages and transport disruptions caused by severe weather.The man, believed to be in his 50s, was found dead in the town of Helston in Cornwall […]

New US rule to bar asylum over security, health risks takes effect from December 31. Who are to be affected?

The US administration has announced a new rule under which asylum access could be rejected on health risk grounds. The rules were drafted during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 in President Donald Trump’s first term but its implementation date was delayed. The Department of Homeland Security announced that the final rule of 2025, modified from […]

Green Card lottery suspended: List of countries to be affected by Donald Trump’s new immigration rule

The Donald Trump administration suspended the Green Card lottery program after Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national who came to the US through this lottery pathway was found to be the suspect of Brown University shooting and he also killed an MIT professor. Valente was found dead Thursday evening from a self-inflicted gunshot. Valente […]

Work permit validity cut in US: Will it impact Indian H-1Bs? Which type of visa holders are affected most?

The Donald Trump administration has announced a massive validity cut for Employment Authorization Documents, commonly known as work permits, starting from December 5. Instead of five years, from now on, the maximum validity of work permits will be 18 months. This applies to both new and renewal of EADs filed on or after December 5. […]

‘People affected can’t do anything’: Immigration expert explains what Trump’s ban on 19 countries means

The Donald Trump administration has announced an unprecedented ban on all immigration applications from 19 countries, creating much confusion about what exactly it means and what will come under this ban. Citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, […]

Thailand floods: Death toll rises to 145; receding waters reveal large-scale devastation, millions affected

Cars and houses are submerged in floodwaters in the Songkhla province of southern Thailand (Picture credit: AP) Flooding across southern Thailand has left at least 145 people dead, with authorities warning that the toll has risen sharply as waters begin to recede and access improves. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed the updated figure at a […]

Hong Kong tragedy: Fire alarms of affected buildings failed; toll rises to 128

Hong Kong fire (PTI image) The death toll from the blaze at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex has risen to 128, authorities said on Friday. A news conference was addressed in which the officials confirmed that fire alarms in the affected buildings had not been operating properly when the fire broke out.Security Secretary Chris […]

‘Came to US with dreams’: Friends of Preet Harsoda seek help for treatment, 30 Indian students affected in FSU fire

Several Indian students of Florida State University were affected in the Tallahassee apartment complex fire. Florida State University is still reeling from the devastating fire that burned an apartment building at The Social Seminole on Ocala Road on November 19. Many students of the university live in the apartment and they were caught running for […]

English test crackdown bars over 7,000 truckers across US; Indian-origin drivers among most affected

Thousands of truck drivers across the United States have been barred from operating after failing newly enforced English proficiency tests, with Indian-origin and Latino drivers among those most affected. The rule, reinstated under Donald Trump’s administration, has raised alarm among trucking companies and worker groups, who say it unfairly targets immigrant drivers. It could worsen […]

US government shutdown: Trump admin’s closure hits workers, economy; Which sectors are affected?

The federal government shutdown in the United States is moving closer to becoming the second longest in history, with no signs of a breakthrough. Some lawmakers have even warned that it could soon surpass the record 35-day shutdown that took place during US President Donald Trump’s first term.The standoff began on October 1. DRONE VISUALS: […]