WORLD
H-1B visa selection criteria: US withdraws Trump-era proposal, sticks to lottery-based system
The decision to change the selection criteria was taken by former president Donald Trump in January 2021, which was widely opposed by several industry bodies and companies in the US. It proposed to move away from lottery-based selection to a new system of selection based on ranking and wage levels. The proposal was challenged in the US court and the Court vacated the rule in September 2021.
US reports first death from Omicron
An unvaccinated man in his 50s with underlying health conditions is believed to have been the first American to die from the Omicron variant of Covid, Fox News reported.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirmed on Monday in a tweet that he became the first to die from Omicron in the county.
Omicron to dominate Europe soon, booster dose important defence: WHO
Detected barely a month ago, the fast spreading strain of Covid has so far spread to 106 countries, according to the WHO. It has already become dominant in several countries, including in Denmark, Portugal and the United Kingdom, where its numbers are doubling every one and a half to 3 days, generating previously unseen transmission rates.
Harvard professor convicted for hiding ties with China
Charles Lieber was found guilty of making false statements to authorities, filing false tax returns and failing to report a Chinese bank account. His sentencing date is yet to be decided. The 62-year-old was charged in 2020 as part of a US campaign to counter economic espionage from China, the report said. However, some critics say this campaign harms academic research.
IT raids at Chinese mobile companies across country
These companies were allegedly violating rule and norms to evade taxes. They were on radar of several probe agencies, including the Income Tax department. Earlier, the Chinese firms who were allegedly running mobile loan application and transport business were raided by the agencies. Now few more firms have come into their radar.
Pak military sources say Zardari should name person who contacted him
The source lamented that every now and then statements are made and hints are given about "deals" (with Pak establishment) which is both unfortunate and irresponsible. If Zardari is truthful, he should name the person who had contacted him and sought his help, the source said.
'This is not March 2020, we are prepared': Joe Biden after first Omicron death in US
Biden's statement comes amid the raidly increasing cases of Omicron variant in the US. The new variant claimed first life in the US on Monday. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than any other coronavirus strains and has so far been present in dozens of countries in the world. The Omicron cases accounted for 73% of new cases registered last week, in America. This surge has led to fear among the Americans, ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
Germany forges ahead with nuclear phase-out
The operating licenses for the three nuclear power plants expire at the end of 2021, and will not be renewed. The plants will therefore go off-grid by the end of 2022 at the latest, Xinhua news agency reported. "The nuclear phase-out in Germany will then be complete," the German government said.
Putin, Scholz discuss European security, Ukrainian situation over phone
According to a Kremlin press release, Putin on Tuesday informed Scholz of Russian proposals for long-term and legally binding security guarantees that prohibit the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from expanding eastwards and deploying offensive weapons near Russia, Xinhua news agency reported.
Stranded Chinese in Nepal since Covid stage protest, India watches situation
"These citizens have been stuck in Nepal since February 2020 when China imposed unilateral restrictions on air travel from other countries. These haven't been lifted so far," said a source. The Chinese nationals, who were stuck in Nepal, are unemployed inside their host country due to the loss of livelihoods. Sources said lack of guidelines on air travel to China have multiplied the problems faced by these stranded citizens.
Don't Miss
Advertisement