Vetting knot: New spouses of US citizens face tough checks

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket via an Instagram story, expressing gratitude for the support he received while representing India. The decision follows reports that he may not have been a guaranteed selection for an upcoming Test series in England, as the BCCI seeks a new captain. Despite this retirement, the 38-year-old plans to continue playing in ODI cricket, having previously guided India to a T20I title victory in 2024, ending a 13-year...

Operation Sindoor NEW DELHI: In a rapid 25-minute operation dubbed 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian armed forces successfully dismantled nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting infrastructure associated with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. This strike was a direct response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, with officials asserting it was a calculated move to deter future threats, utilizing precise intelligence to minimize civilian casualties. The operation showcased advanced weaponry, ensuring a significant blow...

Seven people, including a woman and two children, were killed and 38 injured when the Pakistan Army shelled civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. This escalation followed India's "Operation Sindoor," which targeted nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a retaliation for a recent terrorist attack. Key targets included Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba facilities, with precision strikes conducted by the Indian military using advanced weaponry while avoiding engagement...

The USCIS highlighted significant changes during the first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency, including the cancellation of approximately 4,000 international student visas, the highest in US history, as part of a zero-tolerance policy. The agency implemented social media vetting to screen for anti-American activities and reaffirmed a binary understanding of gender for visa applicants. Additionally, USCIS emphasized that obtaining a US visa is a privilege, not a right, underscoring the importance of adhering to...

Government seals trade pact with UK: Tariffs cut, savings for Indians on work visas NEW DELHI: India and the UK announced a trade deal after three years of negotiations, eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and reducing duties on 90% tariff lines. The agreement includes a provision exempting Indian workers on temporary visas from social security contributions for three years, potentially benefiting over 60,000 IT professionals. PM Modi highlighted that this deal will enhance...

SummaryUnseasonal rain and severe thunderstorms in Gujarat resulted in 17 fatalities and numerous injuries over a 24-hour period. The deaths, attributed to lightning, electrocution, and collapsing structures, were reported across multiple districts, with Kheda, Vadodara, and Dahod among the hardest hit. While the heavy rainfall provided relief from extreme heat, it caused significant crop damage, particularly to mango, onion, sesame, and bajra, raising concerns for farmers about potential spoilage of harvested crops. Full Article