US Visa Winter Sets In for India
The processing of H-1B visas for thousands of Indians has slowed sharply after the US imposed stricter social-media screening requirements, pushing many interview appointments into 2026 and creating uncertainty for professionals and families. The US Embassy in India has warned that previously confirmed dates may no longer be valid and that applicants who received reschedule notices must appear only on their new dates or risk being denied entry. Interviews originally slated for December have been moved to March, with immigration attorneys confirming that a “significant number” of appointments were cancelled to accommodate expanded vetting. From December 15, H-1B and H-4 applicants must keep all social-media accounts public for examination under a broader national-security review previously applied to students. The changes come amid a wider tightening of skilled-worker immigration, including a new $100,000 H-1B fee and recent pauses on other immigration categories. Recruitment experts warn the delays could disrupt project timelines and travel plans for thousands of Indian professionals.
Netanyahu calls PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Netanyahu called Modi and shared views on the situation in West Asia. “PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan,” a statement from the PMO said. It said both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit. “The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement said.
India wins bronze in Jr hockey WC
Chennai: India produced a stunning fightback to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat Argentina 4-2, securing the bronze medal in the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup on Wednesday. After falling behind to early goals from Nicolas Rodriguez (3rd minute) and Santiago Fernandez (44th), India mounted a dramatic late resurgence. Ankit Pal (49th), Manmeet Singh (52nd), Sharda Nand Tiwari (57th), and Anmol Ekka (58th) scored from penalty corners and a penalty stroke, completing the turnaround. Argentina dominated the first half, controlling possession and testing Indian goalkeeper Princedeep Singh with multiple penalty corners, but India held firm. The win marks India’s return to the podium after finishing fourth in the previous two editions (2021, 2023) and recalls their 2016 title triumph in Lucknow. The young Indian side displayed resilience and precision in the final quarter.