World

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opposed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s August 29 event at Madison Square Garden but said the city may lack jurisdiction to cancel a private gathering, as civil rights groups urged the venue to withdraw.

The Trump administration has begun reviewing a proposed overhaul of the H-1B visa programme, potentially affecting thousands of Indian professionals. Details remain undisclosed, while separate proposals seek to impose a $103,265 fee and change rules for foreign workers.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s planned August 29 event at Madison Square Garden, while noting the city may lack jurisdiction to cancel a private gathering. Interfaith and civil rights groups have opposed the event

A new study using James Webb Space Telescope observations suggests mysterious “little red dots” in the early universe may be evidence of young supermassive black holes. Researchers analysed 217 objects, finding faint, compact host galaxies and clues about black hole-galaxy evolution

The fast-spreading Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, has burned more than 15,000 acres, destroying 32 homes and damaging six others. At least seven people, including three firefighters, were injured, while evacuation warnings affected about 90,000 residents amid ongoing containment efforts

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran on de-escalating the US-Iran conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and pursuing a negotiated settlement. The visit formed part of Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace negotiations

NSA Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing ahead of the 25th Special Representatives’ talks on the boundary question. They discussed maintaining peace along the border, strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue

Iran’s rial hit a record low against the US dollar ahead of new US sanctions targeting digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. Tehran rejected Washington’s demands, defended its sovereignty and dismissed claims that the Strait of Hormuz remained fully open

India’s rich saree heritage took centre stage at New York’s Times Square during the third edition of the Saree Goes Global event, organised by Uma Global. Women from the diaspora showcased diverse weaves and styles.

The Trump administration has proposed a steep new $103,265 fee on employers filing cap‑subject H‑1B petitions, a move that could significantly raise costs for recruiting skilled foreign workers, including professionals from India.

US President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on Canadian vehicles, automotive parts and steel will rise to 50 per cent from January 1, 2027. He accused Canada of unfair trade practices and offered tariff exemptions to companies manufacturing in America.

The contest is no longer simply about freedom of navigation; it is about influence over the world’s most important maritime energy corridor

India opted against a full press conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their June France meeting, citing concerns over Trump’s unpredictable behaviour, government sources said. US envoy Sergio Gor later disclosed India’s request to avoid questions

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India will amend regulations within two months to address concerns of semiconductor and auto component manufacturers. He also highlighted Semicon 2.0, investment opportunities, simplified BIS rules and stronger India-Japan cooperation in semiconductors, AI and technology

The US-Iran conflict remains trapped in a cycle of threats, negotiations and renewed military strikes, largely over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Breaking the deadlock would require either US strategic concessions or major escalation, while Iran prioritises regime survival

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticised Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, recalling the 1971 defeat against India and warning that prolonged violence could trigger geographical changes. He also accused the military establishment of concentrating parliamentary powers in one individual and sidelining Parliament

A 28-year-old Punjab man, Gurdeep Singh, was shot dead while delivering pizza in New York City, in a suspected robbery attempt. The Indian Consulate in New York expressed condolences and assured assistance to his family as police investigate and search for the unidentified suspect

Two children were killed and seven injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on Krasnodar, Russia, according to the regional governor. The strike damaged residential and commercial facilities, while Russian air defences reported intercepting 269 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions

Iran warned vessels violating its Strait of Hormuz transit protocols could face fines, detention or confiscation, while lawmakers approved fees for maritime services. The move comes amid heightened tensions with the US, as Donald Trump claimed the strategic waterway was American territory

The fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, has injured six people, destroyed several structures and forced 42,000 evacuations. The blaze has burned over 13,000 acres and remains uncontained, prompting a state emergency declaration amid strong winds and extreme fire behavior

Syrian and Israeli delegations held US-mediated talks in Jordan to ease tensions and revive negotiations on a security agreement. Damascus demanded an end to Israeli attacks, withdrawal from Syrian territory, restoration of the 1974 agreement, and respect for Syria’s sovereignty

A massive garbage heap collapsed at Conakry’s largest landfill, Dar Es Salam, early Sunday after heavy rains, killing 30 people and injuring six.

Israel has warned Hamas of intensified targeted strikes if the launch of incendiary balloons, kites, and drones from Gaza continues. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, after a high-level security assessment, stressed that Israel will not revert to pre-October 7 conditions and vowed to protect its citizens.

With the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026 taking effect, along with amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, Pakistan is now virtually moving towards military dictatorship