WORLD
US proposes massive hike in H-1B, other visas' fees
The fee for pre-registration for H-1B visas are proposed to go up by a massive 2,050 per cent from $10 currently to $215, 70 per cent for H-1 category that includes H-1B from $460 to $780, 201 per cent for L visa for intra-company transfers to the US, from $460 to $1,385, and 129 per cent for O category for workers with extraordinary skills.
China's new supercarrier to soon undergo first sea trials
In a report on the interview published by state-run China Daily, Senior Capt. Qian Shumin did not give an exact date for when the aircraft carrier will undergo its first sea excursions, saying only that "the trials will contribute to the realization of the centenary goals of the People's Liberation Army", CNN reported.
'Invisible' Rishi Sunak surfaces with New Year Resolutions
Sunak provided five promises: to halve inflation in 2023, grow the economy, make sure the national debt is falling, to ensure a fall in the National Health Service (NHS) waiting list, and to pass new laws to swiftly detain and remove illegal immigrants. The UK's coveted, completely free NHS has increasingly struggled under the higher demand over winter, because of staff shortages, aggravated by strikes by nurses and ambulance workers.
EU to require travellers from China to take pre-departure Covid tests
France, Italy and Spain already require pre-departure tests on travellers from China and have been urging other EU member states to follow suit. EU officials meeting later on Wednesday in the "integrated political crisis response" format are expected to issue a recommendation of mandatory testing, despite warnings from Beijing of retaliation, The Guardian reported.
Pakistan Taliban issues threat to Shehbaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto
A statement issued by the TTP said that "if these two parties remain firm on their position and continue to be slaves of the army, action will be taken against their leading people", The Express Tribune reported. "People should avoid getting close to such leading people," added the statement.
Sri Lanka allows foreign visitors to pay in USD to enter national parks
In a statement, the government information department said the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation has approved the new policy, which will apply first to the popular Yala National Park before it is expanded to other wildlife parks, reports Xinhua news agency.
Forensic report reveals Imran was hit by 'fragments, not bullets'
The PTI chairman was injured by gunfire aimed at his open-top container truck as he led a convoy through thick crowds in Wazirabad on November 3, 2022, reports The Express Tribune. One person died while several members of Khan's close circle were injured in the incident. The forensic report of the attack, has now revealed that the former premier was hit by three bullet fragments and a metal fragment. One sealed parcel containing four plastic containers, two deformed bullets (items B8 and B11), one small metallic piece (item B9), and one bullet jacket (item B10) were recovered from the body of Imran Khan,"
Perpetrator, facilitators of Islamabad suicide blast identified
As per informed sources, authorities have identified two people who had helped the suicide bomber in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and helped him reach Rawalpindi and then move ahead towards Islamabad to carry out the atta. "There were two facilitators of the suicide bomber; one brought him to Islamabad on December 23 and the other, who was present in Rawalpindi, handed him the suicide jacket", stated an official, who is part of the investigation team.
US House adjourns after failing to elect speaker in historic political stalemate
Republican Congressman from California, Kevin McCarthy failed to secure enough votes in three ballots earlier on Tuesday after a group of House Republicans voted against him, reports Xinhua news agency. There will be at least a fourth vote as House members agreed to adjourn until Wednesday noon. McCarthy had reportedly negotiated with fellow Republicans on Tuesday night.
In Pak-Afghan spat, Islamabad has right to defend itself from terrorism: US spokesperson
Price was replying to a question at his daily briefing about what is seen as a threat to Afghanistan in the NSC statement on Monday that "no country will be allowed to provide sanctuaries and facilitation to terrorists and Pakistan reserves all rights in that respect to safeguard her people". Islamabad has complained about cross-border terrorist attacks by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from bases in Afghanistan protected by the Taliban regime in Kabul.
Don't Miss
Advertisement