Author: Trainee Reporter

Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order introducing a $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants to the H-1B visa programme, a popular route for skilled foreign workers in technology and other industries. The White House proclamation cited concerns over abuse of the programme and said entry would be restricted unless the new payment was made. Until now, H-1B applicants have been required to pay administrative charges amounting to approximately $1,500. Critics have long argued that H-1B visas undercut American workers, while supporters, including billionaire Elon Musk, say the scheme is essential for attracting top global talent to…

Taliban: The Taliban government has removed books written by women from Afghanistan’s university teaching system as part of a new ban, which has also outlawed the teaching of human rights and sexual harassment. Some 140 books by women including titles such as Safety in the Chemical Labouratory, were among 680 books identified as being of concern due to anti-Sharia and Taliban policies. Universities were further instructed that they could no longer teach 18 subjects, with a Taliban official stating these conflicted with the principles of Sharia and the system’s policy. The decree is the latest in a series of restrictions…

Washington: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with seven US states, has filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation, accusing the entertainment giant of illegal ticket resale practices that cost consumers millions of dollars. According to regulators, the companies coordinated with brokers who purchased tickets in bulk, thereby bypassing the purchase limits set by artists. These tickets were then resold at steep mark-ups on Ticketmaster’s own resale platform, generating an estimated $3.7 billion in fees between 2019 and 2024. The FTC alleged that Live Nation and Ticketmaster turned a blind eye to violations of consumer protection…

Canberra: Australia has boosted its climate ambition, pledging emissions cut by at least 62 percent from 2005 levels within the next decade. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the updated target, calling it ‘a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, built on proven technology.’ The move builds on the government’s previous pledge of a 43 percent reduction by 2030. The announcement follows a landmark government-commissioned climate risk assessment, which warned Australia is already facing dangerous climate impacts, including record-breaking floods, devastating bushfires, and mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef. The…

Ahmedabad: The families of four passengers who died in the Air India crash in June have filed a lawsuit in the United States against Boeing and Honeywell, blaming the companies for negligence and defective design. The case alleges that faulty fuel switches contributed to the Air India flight crash and that the companies failed to take action despite being aware of the risks. Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 bound for London Gatwick, went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. A preliminary inquiry by India’s…

Port Moresby: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced another setback in his pushback against China’s influence in the Pacific, with a major defence treaty with Papua New Guinea (PNG) postponed due to sovereignty concerns. A deal, known as the Pukpuk mutual defence treaty, had been expected to be signed during Albanese’s visit to Port Moresby. Instead, the prime minister left without formalising the agreement with PNG Prime Minister James Marape, with both governments agreeing to continue negotiations. Albanese downplayed the delay, attributing it to cabinet deliberations coinciding with PNG’s independence commemorations. The two countries, however, signed a joint communique…

Machu Picchu: At least 900 tourists have remained stranded in the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, after passenger train services were suspended due to protests, Peru’s tourism minister confirmed. Authorities said around 1,400 visitors had been evacuated. However, hundreds were still stuck after residents blocked the tracks with large rocks and damaged parts of the rail line in Cusco’s mountainous region. PeruRail, the company operating the route, reported that ‘third parties’ had also excavated parts of the track, affecting stability and delaying evacuation efforts. The demonstrations erupted over a dispute involving the replacement of tourist bus…

Gaza: A United Nations commission of inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing ‘reasonable grounds’ to conclude that four out of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the war with Hamas began in October 2023. The commission’s report points to mass killings, severe bodily and mental harm, destruction of essential infrastructure, denial of aid, forced displacement, and measures intended to prevent births as evidence of systematic acts against Palestinians. It also underscores statements by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defence Minister…

Bordeaux: France’s hopes of reaching the Women’s Rugby World Cup final have suffered a major setback after flanker Axelle Berthoumieu and captain Manaé Feleu were both suspended following their quarter-final victory over Ireland. Berthoumieu was banned for 12 matches after being found guilty of biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during the clash in Bordeaux, a sanction reduced from an initial 18-game suspension. The flanker is appealing against the length of the ban, which would keep her sidelined until March 2026 if upheld. Feleu, meanwhile, received a three-match suspension for a high tackle in the same game. Her ban could be cut…

London: England opener Phil Salt has declared his ambition to become the ‘best in the world’ after a breathtaking unbeaten century powered England to a commanding 146-run victory over South Africa at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old produced the innings of his life, hammering 141 not out from 60 deliveries, including 23 boundaries and eight sixes, to propel England to a monumental 304-2, the highest total in T20 internationals between Test nations. South Africa were bowled out for 158 in reply, leaving the three-match series tied at 1-1 ahead of decider in Nottingham. Salt raced to a 39-ball century, the fastest…