Visa delays leave H-1B families stranded abroad amid tougher US vetting

IANS | December 24, 2025 7:46 AM

Washington, Dec 24 (IANS) Indian H-1B visa holders are facing months-long uncertainty after US consulates in India delayed appointments due to new screening requirements, a development that has triggered concern on Capitol Hill, while the Trump Administration has strongly defended its tougher vetting, arguing that this is a national security necessity.

US lawmakers flag risks to Bangladesh elections

IANS | December 24, 2025 6:46 AM

Washington, Dec 24 (IANS) Raising alarm over a political party ban, powerful US lawmakers have told Bangladesh’s interim government that free and fair elections cannot be held if political participation is restricted ahead of the February polls.

Yunus regime pushing Bangladesh towards radical Islamist control: Report

IANS | December 23, 2025 9:19 PM

Dhaka/New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is steering the country into the hands of radical Islamists, a trend highlighted during the recent arson attacks on the media houses and the cultural institutions nationwide following the death of radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a report said on Tuesday.

Pakistan: Imran Khan's sisters, PTI workers hold sit-in protest

IANS | December 23, 2025 8:36 PM

Islamabad, Dec 23 (IANS) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan and PTI workers held a sit-in at Factory Naka in Rawalpindi on Tuesday as they were stopped from moving towards Adiala Jail to meet incarcerated former PM, local media reported.

India-New Zealand FTA will give investors more confidence: Experts

IANS | December 23, 2025 6:49 PM

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will give investors more confidence as both the countries access each other’s market to gain across the spectrum, Ved Jain, economist and former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), said on Tuesday.