US Begins Social Media Screening for Work Visas: What H-1B and H-4 Applicants Need to Know

Washington: The United States has begun enhanced social media screening for H-1B work visa applicants and their H-4 dependent family members, a move that immigration experts say is already leading to a rise in so-called “prudential” visa revocations—even in cases where applicants have no criminal convictions. Immigration lawyer Emily Neumann has noted that prudential revocations for H-1B workers and their dependents are increasing, particularly where applicants had prior interactions with law enforcement that were disclosed and approved during earlier visa processes. The development follows a new directive from the US…

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South Korea Security Adviser to Visit Washington for Post-Summit Talks

Seoul: South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Wi Sung-lac, is scheduled to travel to Washington this week to hold talks with senior US officials on follow-up measures after the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, sources said on Monday. According to officials familiar with the matter, Wi is expected to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as the national security adviser, during his visit beginning Tuesday, Yonhap News Agency reported. The visit comes after the two allies released a…

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Vinesh Phogat Confirms Comeback for 2028 Olympics

Chandigarh: In a surprising and emotional turn of events, India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has officially reversed her decision to retire, announcing that she will return to competitive wrestling with a firm goal in sight—the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Months after stepping away from the mat and briefly entering politics, Vinesh has reignited hopes among fans and the wrestling fraternity. In a heartfelt post shared on social media, she revealed that her journey in the sport is far from over. According to Vinesh, ever since the Paris Olympics, people repeatedly…

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Trump Warns Russia-Ukraine Conflict Could Escalate into Global War

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Thursday cautioned that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine could potentially escalate into a global war if hostilities continue. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump highlighted that 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, were killed in the war last month alone. “I want the killing to end. Wars like this can escalate into third world wars,” Trump said, expressing frustration over the continuing violence. He reaffirmed his call for an immediate halt to hostilities, following the signing of an Executive Order aimed at…

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Sao Paulo Faces Widespread Blackout: Millions Left in Darkness as Storm Disrupts Travel

Sao Paulo: A severe storm has left over 1.4 million people in Sao Paulo without electricity, causing significant travel disruptions across the city. Strong winds  toppled trees onto the city’s power lines, forcing the cancellation of nearly 400 flights, though no casualties have been reported. The Italian utility company Enel has yet to provide a timeline for power restoration. Executive Marcelo Puertas stated that around 1,300 employees are actively working to resolve the crisis. City authorities confirmed that 231 trees fell during the extratropical storm, affecting both Congonhas Airport and…

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Bangladesh – An Emerging Flashpoint

Lucknow: In recent months, intelligence and media reports have raised serious concerns about a renewed trend of arming and military cooperation involving Bangladesh, allegedly facilitated by forces and networks inimical to India. Experts warn that the evolving strategic alignment of Dhaka is not just shifting regional equations, but also posing a direct challenge to India’s eastern flank, especially through the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor, the narrow land link connecting mainland India to its northeastern states. There is growing threat to Chicken neck of India developing. At the heart of this transformation…

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China’s Weapons Pipeline to Pakistan Raises Concerns for India

Beijing / Islamabad: China’s aggressive expansion in the global arms market is once again drawing scrutiny, with a new U.S. report revealing how Beijing leveraged the India–Pakistan conflict earlier this year to test and promote its latest weapons systems. Rather than playing a stabilizing role, China is accused of turning the crisis into a live battlefield for its military technologies—while simultaneously using propaganda to undermine Western defence platforms and boost its own global sales. Turning Conflict Into a Testing Ground According to the report, China viewed the heightened India–Pakistan tensions…

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Rising Global Arms Sales Deepen Fears for Humanity’s Future

Washington: The world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in arms sales, a trend that is reshaping global security dynamics and raising grave concerns about the future of humanity. While nations justify rising defence budgets as essential for safeguarding borders and maintaining strategic advantage, experts warn that the expanding global weapons stockpile is becoming a catalyst for tension, mistrust, and potential conflict. Security or Escalation? Across the geopolitical landscape, countries are rapidly acquiring advanced military hardware to reaffirm their strength. Yet this arms race often fuels instability rather than ensuring peace.…

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Gaza Truce at Crossroads: Netanyahu Heads to U.S. for Crucial Talks

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the second phase of a U.S.-backed roadmap to end the Gaza conflict was nearing completion, though several crucial points remained unresolved — including the possible deployment of an international security force. Speaking in Jerusalem alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said he would hold “important discussions” with U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of the month to ensure progress on the plan’s next phase. The prime minister’s office announced on December 1 that Trump had invited Netanyahu to the…

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South Korea: President Lee Backs Judicial Reform Push, Calls for Overcoming Resistance

Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung voiced firm support for his ruling Democratic Party’s (DP) efforts to introduce sweeping judicial reforms, urging the nation to move past political resistance and embrace change. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee acknowledged that attempts to “improve and rectify irrationalities” in society inevitably spark conflict. “Only when this is overcome is there change,” he said. “That, indeed, is reform.” The DP, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, has been pushing a set of controversial bills aimed at increasing accountability within the…

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