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Trump’s $100,000 H1B visa fee struck down by US Federal Judge

Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump (File pic)

New Delhi, June 9: In a setback to President Donald Trump, a Federal Judge in the United States has struck down his order imposing $100,000 fee on new H-1 visas for highly skilled foreign workers.

US District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston described it an unlawful tax which the US Congress never authorised.

The Judge gave the ruling in a lawsuit filed by 20 Democratic state attorneys general challenging the fee Trump announced in September, which dramatically raised the cost of obtaining H-1B visas.

The H-1B programme offers 65,000 visas annually, with another 20,000 visas for workers with advanced degrees, approved for three to six years.

Employers seeking a visa for a foreign worker before Trump’s proclamation typically paid about $2,000 to $5,000 in fees, depending on various factors.

Indians are among the biggest beneficiaries of the scheme but Trump’s decision had caused a big disapppointment.

The increase in fees has discouraged H-1B visa requests, according to court filings.

As of February 15 , US Citizenship and Immigration Services had received just 85 payments of the $100,000 fee, the administration said in a March filing.

It argued that the fee constituted a monetary penalty that the president had lawful authority to impose under federal immigration law to restrict the entry of certain foreign nationals.

But Sorokin, who was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, concluded that the fee was not a penalty but a tax that the Republican president lacked any authorisation from Congress to issue.

“Here, the substance and application of the $100,000 payment reveal that it is a tax, regardless of what the payment is called,” he wrote. (NVI)

Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir bleeding due to extreme brutalities by military
Pakistani military raided residential houses; harassed women and elderly

This poster sums up the condition of Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir. Source-- Social Media

Rawalakot (PoJK), June 8: Reports from across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) tell stories about barbarity and extreme oppression by the Pakistani military and affiliated forces against the locals who dared to raise their voice merely for their rights and that too, peacefully.

Rawalakot has been the worst hit by the terrorism unleashed by Pakistani forces as the maximum deaths and injuries have occurred in this town of PoJK.

Pakistani military used brutality on the people of PoJK in an attempt to crush an agitation planned from June 9 by the locals against the continued oppression by the occupation forces and in demand for their legitimate rights.

According to eyewitnesses, there was blood all over the roads from Supply Bazaar to Tourism Chowk in Rawalakot.

Pakistani military personnel, after killing hundreds of civilians in cold blood, put the bodies in vehicles and moved them to unknown locations in the dead of last night, according to the eye witnesses.

It was an effort of the Pakistani military to hide their barbarity, as they can claim that no civilian was killed.

The eyewitnesses also reported that around 100 people were arrested from inside the CM Hospital in Rawalakot when they engaged in rescue activities or had come to donate blood.

In addition to this, countless arrests have been made from the city.

A terrified woman, in a video statement, narrated how troops from Pakistan, particularly Punjabi-speaking personnel, barged into houses and harassed women despite they being Muslims.

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POJK on boil as Pakistani forces kill over 200 Kashmiris, injure thousands

“A joint crackdown has been carried out by the army, rangers and police, in which drones and modern weapons have also been used. Such a crackdown has never been done even in Srinagar,” said a local Kashmiri from Rawalakot who saw it all.

He said the brutal faces of the Pakistani rulers and forces must be exposed before the world.

“This barbarism will always be remembered. Kashmiris have been treated worse than Bengalis, Balochis and Pashtuns. The world has seen this brutality today. We have no words to express our pain,” said another Kashmiri expressing deep pain.

Critically Ill Patients Airlifted from Ladakh to Chandigarh by IAF

Leh, June 8 (NVI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday airlifted five critically ill patients, including three Army personnel, from Ladakh to Chandigarh for advanced medical treatment.

The patients comprised three soldiers, one dependent and a civilian from Ladakh.

The evacuation mission was carried out using IAF’s C-17 and AN-32 aircraft despite adverse weather conditions and the challenging terrain of the region.

The IAF said the operation underscored its commitment to providing timely emergency assistance in remote and high-altitude areas.

According to the Air Force, a total of 143 lives have been saved through casualty evacuation missions conducted in the Ladakh sector so far this year.

The evacuated patients have been shifted to Chandigarh for specialized treatment, officials added. (NVI)

CRPF Sepoy Fida Hussain Dar Conferred Shaurya Chakra for Gallantry

New Delhi, June 8 (NVI): President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred the Shaurya Chakra on CRPF Sepoy Fida Hussain Dar in recognition of his exceptional bravery during an anti-terror operation conducted in November 2024.

According to official details, Dar displayed remarkable courage during a room intervention operation against a terrorist. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound during the encounter, he continued to engage the militant and successfully neutralised the threat.

His steadfast determination, presence of mind and devotion to duty under life-threatening circumstances were widely commended. The gallantry award was presented in recognition of his conspicuous courage and selfless service while carrying out his duties.

The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award and is bestowed for acts of bravery, courageous action and sacrifice away from the battlefield.(NVI)

IGP Kashmir V.K Birdi Reviews Security Arrangements for Amarnath Yatra, Muharram

Srinagar, June 8 (NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi on Monday reviewed security and logistical arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and Muharram observances across the Valley, officials said.

Chairing a meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir, Birdi assessed district-wise preparedness plans and security measures being put in place for the annual pilgrimage and Muharram processions, they said.

The meeting was attended by range deputy inspectors general of police (DIGs), senior superintendents of police (SSPs) from various districts and other senior officers.

According to officials, detailed briefings were presented on security deployment, route management and logistical requirements for the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra.

Birdi stressed strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and effective coordination among all security and civil agencies. He directed officers to remain prepared for contingencies, including operational challenges and natural disasters, through a coordinated response mechanism.

Emphasising pilgrim safety, the IGP reviewed deployment plans and preparedness of road opening parties (ROPs) and called for enhanced surveillance, area domination exercises and continuous monitoring of highways and vulnerable stretches along the pilgrimage routes.

He also instructed officers to strengthen night-time security measures, conduct mock drills to test existing SOPs and ensure adequate security arrangements at all Yatra camps, including installation of surveillance systems at key locations.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for Muharram observances in the Valley. Birdi directed officers to ensure adequate security, efficient traffic management and close coordination with the civil administration and organisers for the peaceful conduct of processions.

He urged officers to maintain high standards of professionalism, vigilance and coordination during the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram period to ensure public safety and smooth conduct of the events, officials added.(NVI)

J&K Sanctions ₹7.05 Crore for Infrastructure Projects for Kashmiri Migrants in Jammu

Srinagar, June 8 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned infrastructure projects worth ₹7.05 crore for the welfare of Kashmiri migrants residing in Jammu, officials said on Monday.

The projects, approved under the Regular Capex Budget, include the construction of a multipurpose community hall at the Muthi migrant camp in Jammu. The facility will house a library and dedicated shops for Self Help Groups (SHGs) to promote community engagement and livelihood opportunities among migrant families.

The government has also approved the construction of a new office building for the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Jammu, aimed at improving administrative functioning and strengthening the delivery of welfare schemes and services for migrants.

Officials said the sanctioned works, with a technically vetted cost of ₹7.05 crore, will be executed after completion of all required financial and administrative formalities.

The government said the projects are part of its efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance public services and ensure better living conditions for Kashmiri migrants living in Jammu.(NVI)

CS Directs Allotment of Completed Transit Flats to PM Package Employees by July-End

Srinagar, June 8 (NVI): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday directed authorities to ensure that all completed transit accommodations constructed for Prime Minister’s Package employees in Kashmir are allotted and occupied by the end of July, while reviewing rehabilitation and welfare measures for displaced communities in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, Dulloo reviewed issues related to transit accommodation, service matters, rehabilitation initiatives and welfare measures concerning migrant populations, particularly PM Package employees serving in the Kashmir Valley.

He instructed the Relief Commissioner (Migrants) to ensure that all completed flats are handed over to eligible employees within the stipulated timeframe and stressed the need for optimal utilisation of the infrastructure created for them.

The Chief Secretary also assessed the progress of transit flats under construction and reviewed the status of essential facilities, including electricity, drinking water supply, internal roads, boundary walls and sewage treatment plants to ensure the colonies are fully functional.

According to officials, of the 6,000 transit flats sanctioned for PM Package employees, 4,648 have been completed while construction of the remaining 1,352 is underway. So far, 3,257 flats have been allotted, including 532 allotments made since the last review meeting in March.

The meeting also discussed operation and maintenance of transit accommodations and migrant colonies, besides plans for creating additional accommodation facilities in Jammu, where land has been identified at Purkhoo for expansion.

Reviewing service-related issues, Dulloo took stock of promotions, seniority lists and inter-district transfers of PM Package employees in Kashmir. Departments presented updates on cadre-wise employee details and the status of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs).

The meeting further deliberated on rehabilitation assistance cases of deceased employees, budgetary support for maintenance of migrant colonies and the development of an integrated online portal for digitisation of records of displaced communities, including Kashmiri Pandits, West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) and families displaced from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R), Chandraker Bharti, informed the meeting that a Detailed Project Report for operation and maintenance of migrant colonies had been prepared and works would commence after completion of formalities.

He said the PoJK Bhawan at Suketar has achieved nearly 50 per cent physical progress and is expected to be completed by January next year, while the Community Hall at Jagti is around 90 per cent complete.

Dulloo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring dignified living conditions for migrant families and addressing service-related concerns of PM Package employees in a time-bound manner.(NVI)

Police, Army Coordinate Safe Disposal of Mortar Shells in Rajouri

Rajouri, June 8 (NVI): Three mortar shells, including two RT mortar shells, were found in the Jhanghar forest area and Village Makri in Rajouri district on Monday, officials said.

Officials said that two RT mortar shells were spotted lying in the Jhanghar forest area, while another mortar shell was found in Village Makri.

Following the information, a police team was immediately deputed to the locations. The areas have been properly marked and secured, while local residents have been advised to stay away from the spots as a precautionary measure.

Officials said that an Army expert team from 14 Assam has been informed and is expected to carry out the safe disposal of the unexploded shells. Further necessary precautions are being maintained to ensure public safety. (NVI)

War in West Asia Rages: India asks its citizens to exit Iran immediately

Explosions
Explosions (File pic)

New Delhi, June 8: As fresh fighting erupted in West Asia, India issued an advisory, asking its nationals in Iran to “exit the country by available means of transport.”

In its latest travel advisory, the Indian Embassy in Iran reiterated its earlier notice which urged Indians to avoid travelling to Iran until further notice.

“In view of the latest developments in the region, the Embassy reiterates its earlier advice to all Indian Nationals to avoid any travel to Iran,” the advisory said.
The Indian citizens have also been advised against independently approaching international land borders of Iran without prior consultation with the embassy, given the evolving security situation.

The fresh advisory comes as Israel carried out fresh air attacks at Tehran and various other parts of Iran, which retaliated by launching missile attacks.

As the escalation seemed to be getting more serious, the government of India issued a statement, urging “all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions, ensure that civilians are not harmed and conclude ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region.”

The Indian Government reminded that the 100-day-old conflict has already had a “debilitating impact on the global economy and energy supplies”.

“India deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia. These developments are a matter of utmost concern to the international community,” said a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry.

“This conflict has now lasted over 100 days and has already caused immense human suffering. It has also had a debilitating impact on the global economy and energy supplies,” it added.

“We call on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions, ensure that civilians are not harmed and conclude ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the Ministry said. (NVI)

PIA-Marked Balloon Recovered in Samba, Police Launch Inquiry

Jammu, June 8 (NVI): A balloon bearing the marking “PIA” was found in the Dhaki Nala area of Samba district on Monday, officials said.

The balloon was first spotted by local residents in Dhaki Nala, which falls under the jurisdiction of Police Station Samba. The matter was subsequently reported to the police.

Acting on the information, police personnel reached the spot and took the balloon into custody for examination, officials said.

No suspicious material was found associated with the balloon, and further inquiry is underway, they added.(NVI)

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