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The Trump administration exempted foreign medical doctors from a visa and green card review pause affecting high-risk countries, offering hope to physicians like Libyan doctor Faysal Alghoula. However, uncertainty remains as thousands of immigrants, researchers, and professionals still face delays, employment restrictions, and deportation fears
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces lawmakers over the Iran war, defence budget, and military leadership shake-ups. Democrats question costs and legality, while Republicans weigh support. Rising tensions, Strait of Hormuz disruption, and leadership firings add pressure
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India’s engineering goods exports touched a record $122.43 billion in FY 2025–26, marking a 5 per cent rise over the previous year despite geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising energy costs. EEPC India credited industry initiative, diversification, and free trade agreements for the sector’s resilience.
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An Iranian military spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, ridiculed United States ceasefire efforts, saying Washington is “negotiating with itself.” Iran rejected the proposal, signalling continued defiance and dim prospects for de-escalation amid escalating regional tensions
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US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India emerged on top in the India-EU free trade agreement, gaining greater market access and mobility benefits. He noted EU’s globalization push amid US protectionism and highlighted ongoing concerns over India’s Russian oil purchases
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The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization, with the Trump administration accusing the global body of pandemic failures and acting against US interests. All funding and staffing have ended, marking a shift in US global health engagement.
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Ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, an Oxfam report warned that billionaire wealth hit a record USD 18.3 trillion in 2025, deepening economic and political inequality, with billionaires far more likely to hold power while global poverty, hunger and unrest intensify
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US State Department to suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries from January 21, citing concerns that applicants may rely on public welfare. The move follows stricter ‘public charge’ rules under the Trump administration
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans talks with Danish officials as the Trump administration renews interest in acquiring Greenland. European leaders warn the move could undermine NATO, while Washington insists diplomacy remains the preferred option.
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Introduced by Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, the Bill seeks to amend the 'Immigration and Nationality Act' to eliminate the H-1B visa programme, and for other purposes. The Bill has been referred to the committee on Judiciary, and in addition to committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means.
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The Trump Administration has announced sweeping reforms to the H-1B visa system, replacing the random lottery with a weighted selection process that favours higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The new rules will take effect from February 27 and apply to the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap season.
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The Trump administration plans to significantly increase denaturalisation of US citizens, targeting fraud, criminal links, and other categories. USCIS guidance sets quotas of 100–200 cases per month, raising concerns over fear, politicisation, and impact on law-abiding naturalised Americans
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Africa was the hardest hit by President Donald Trump’s expanded US travel restrictions, with several countries facing full or partial bans, prompting muted official reactions, concern over unfair treatment, and warnings of strained US–Africa relations and wider diplomatic, economic and social impacts
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The Trump administration has announced enhanced screening measures for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, requiring checks of their social media profiles. Starting December 15, the US State Department will review the online presence of applicants and their dependents.
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Twenty US states have sued the Trump administration over a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, calling it illegal and harmful to public services. The states say the move worsens labour shortages in education and healthcare.
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The main reason for cancellation or rescheduling of the H-1B appointment is attributed to the US State Department's new social media vetting policy
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A second flight deporting 55 Iranians from the US to Iran has left amid ongoing US-Iran tensions. Tehran expressed concern over returning deportees, while Washington cited immigration violations. The move affects long-standing Iranian exile communities in the US
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The Trump administration has halted immigration applications — including green cards and naturalisations — for migrants from 19 travel-ban countries, citing national security concerns after a National Guard troop was killed near the White House. USCIS will re-review all cases dating back to January 2021.
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International enrolment at US colleges dipped slightly this fall, but new foreign student arrivals plunged 17% amid visa delays and policy tightening under the Trump administration. Graduate programmes were hit hardest, straining budgets, while other countries ramped up efforts to attract students
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The US federal government shutdown, now in its 40th day, has led to over 2,000 flight cancellations and 8,000 delays. Staffing shortages and FAA-imposed flight reductions at major airports threaten Thanksgiving travel and could impact fourth-quarter economic growth.