External affairs minister S Jaishankar criticized the selective application of international rules on sovereignty, citing J&K as an example where an invasion was turned into a dispute. He highlighted the unfair treatment of smaller countries and the inconsistent responses to military regimes in Myanmar and Pakistan, stressing the need for a fairer global order.
Over 68 lakh cancer treatments under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, valued at over Rs 13,000 crore, have been performed, with 76% in rural areas. 37 specific packages for targeted therapies like chemotherapy are included. Those below the poverty line may receive up to Rs 15 lakh assistance. The government aims to set up 200 daycare cancer centres by 2025-26.
Proposed wage mandates for H-1B visa holders, including a requirement to pay at least the median local wage, may hinder US companies from hiring skilled foreign workers, warns an NFAP study. These mandates could force employers to move jobs offshore, particularly affecting recent graduates in science and engineering, and could weaken the US workforce in key technology sectors.
United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on the necessity for a ceasefire and peace in the Ukraine conflict. Their nearly two-hour conversation included discussions on improving US-Russia relations and avoiding future conflicts, with initial steps comprising ceasefires in energy, infrastructure, and maritime operations in the Black Sea.
The US government considers new travel restrictions for citizens from up to 43 countries to enhance security. These include full visa suspensions for 10 countries and partial restrictions for others. Immigration lawyers are advising H-1B workers, F-1 students, and Green Card holders to avoid travel due to stricter visa renewal regulations.
A woman pilgrim, Jyoti Gupta, was arrested near the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu & Kashmir after being found with a loaded pistol and expired license. Another pilgrim, Sanjay Singh, was caught with cartridges. Security is tight due to past terrorist attacks. An investigation is underway.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the unfair distribution of assets following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in 2019. Omar emphasized resolving asset disputes amicably, avoiding prolonged court battles like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The J&K government is working on fair asset distribution, particularly in Delhi and Chandigarh, to ensure both regions benefit equally.
Concerns over the US economy heading towards a recession are rising! A recent SBI Research report shows that the long term US GDP growth shows a declining trend. The economic uncertainty looms large, particularly noteworthy as it follows a period when the US economy demonstrated remarkable strength.
US President Donald Trump has declared pardons issued by Joe Biden invalid, claiming they were signed using an Autopen. Trump argues that this undermines the legitimacy of the pardons and suggests that an investigation is needed into those responsible for the documents.