UFC’s White House debut highlights growing influence in sports, culture and politics

IANS | June 9, 2026 7:03 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) As the Ultimate Fighting Championship prepares to stage the first-ever UFC event on the South Lawn of the White House, the State Department's decision to launch a sports diplomacy partnership with the mixed martial arts giant underscores how the organisation has evolved into a powerful force in sport, culture and politics.

Federal court invalidates H-1B charge, citing executive overreach on taxation

IANS | June 9, 2026 6:57 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) The federal judge who struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 H-1B visa payment requirement said the central issue in the case was not immigration policy but whether the executive branch had imposed a tax without congressional approval.

Home Minister Amit Shah to launch Land Port Management System today

IANS | June 9, 2026 6:45 AM

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) In a move to improve border and internal security, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch a Land Port Management System (LPMS) on Tuesday.

White House vows appeal in H-1B fee case

IANS | June 9, 2026 6:34 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) The White House defended President Donald Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee and vowed to appeal after a federal judge struck down the policy, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority and imposed an unlawful tax.

Rubio, UFC forge sports diplomacy pact

IANS | June 9, 2026 6:29 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President and CEO Dana White this week to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding sports diplomacy and supporting the global growth of mixed martial arts, the State Department announced.

US lawmakers, advocates hail H-1B ruling

IANS | June 9, 2026 6:23 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) Democratic lawmakers, state officials and policy advocates welcomed a federal court ruling striking down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, calling it a victory for employers, healthcare providers, universities and the US economy.

US judge strikes down Trump’s H-1B fee

IANS | June 9, 2026 6:18 AM

Washington, June 9 (IANS) A federal judge struck down President Donald Trump's controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority and imposed what amounted to an unlawful tax without approval from Congress.

Paul Rudd calls New York, the ‘greatest city in the world’

IANS | June 9, 2026 2:35 AM

Los Angeles, June 9 (IANS) Hollywood actor Paul Rudd seems to be in love with New York, as he has called it the "greatest city in the world".

Women's T20 World Cup: Vintage Perry guides Australia to warm-up win over England

IANS | June 9, 2026 12:43 AM

Cardiff, June 9 (IANS) Ellyse Perry’s masterful 64 helped Australia secure a five-wicket warm-up win over ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 hosts England. The six-time champions chased down 158 with an impressive performance ahead of their opening game against South Africa on Saturday.

Danish star Eriksen says he is fine after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match

IANS | June 9, 2026 12:21 AM

Odense (Denmark), June 9 (IANS) Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has issued a statement a few hours after collapsing on the pitch for a second time in recent years. Eriksen was taken to a hospital on Sunday night after he had a huge health scare during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine, after falling to the floor in the 65th minute as medical staff rushed to his aid.