Legal challenge to Trump’s H-1B fee faces tough questioning from judge

IANS | December 20, 2025 6:54 AM

Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) A federal judge signaled that US President Donald Trump may have sweeping authority under immigration law, even as she questioned a legal challenge to his administration’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on companies seeking new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers.

Trump links drug price cuts to tariffs, reshoring push

IANS | December 20, 2025 6:47 AM

Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) US President Donald Trump directly linked his plan to cut prescription drug prices with a broader trade and manufacturing strategy, saying tariffs and domestic investment would force a global reset in pharmaceutical pricing.

Rubio backs Lebanon talks, warns on Hezbollah

IANS | December 20, 2025 6:38 AM

Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States supports negotiations between Lebanon and Israel aimed at avoiding a broader conflict, while making clear that Hezbollah must no longer pose a military threat.

Rubio says Venezuela regime backs criminal groups

IANS | December 20, 2025 6:18 AM

Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Venezuela’s government of cooperating with criminal and terrorist organizations, describing it as a destabilizing force in the Western Hemisphere.

Trump vows sharp cuts in US drug prices

IANS | December 20, 2025 6:15 AM

Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) US President Donald Trump announced what he described as the most far-reaching effort in decades to lower prescription drug prices, saying American patients would soon pay no more than the lowest prices charged anywhere in the world.

Rubio says US alone can mediate Russia-Ukraine war

IANS | December 20, 2025 6:11 AM

Washington, Dec 20 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said the United States remains the only actor capable of engaging both Russia and Ukraine to explore a negotiated end to the war.

Rights body condemns ‘arbitrary detention’ of journalist in Pakistan

IANS | December 19, 2025 9:09 PM

Islamabad, Dec 19 (IANS) The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan on Friday expressed serious concern over the continued “arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and judicial harassment” of Pakistani journalist Sohrab Barkat, warning that the case raises troubling questions about respect for press freedom, due process, and constitutional safeguards in the country.