The US has halted EB-1 green card issuances until October 1, 2025, after reaching the annual cap for fiscal year 2025. This follows a similar freeze in the EB-2 category. Indian applicants face continued delays, with the EB-1 final action date stuck at February 15, 2022. No EB-1 or EB-2 approvals will be made until the new fiscal year begins. Adjustment of status applications may still be filed if priority dates remain current.
Tragedy struck the Siachen sector in Ladakh as an avalanche claimed the lives of three Indian Army personnel at a base camp. Siachen, notorious for its extreme weather and high altitude of over 18,000 feet, presents formidable challenges for military deployments.
US Strategic Metals has signed a $500 million investment deal with Pakistan to develop its mineral sector, focusing on critical minerals. This agreement, along with another with Mota-Engil Group, aims to boost mineral processing and large-scale mining projects in Pakistan. The US embassy hailed the deal as a sign of strengthened US-Pakistan relations.
Asia Cup is back, with India starting its title defence against UAE. An opening ceremony is unlikely. India face Pakistan on Sunday. Shubman Gill returns, creating competition. Jasprit Bumrah leads the bowling attack. The tournament serves as preparation for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. All eyes are on the marquee clash between India and Pakistan.
The government has granted packaged goods manufacturers permission to print revised MRPs on unsold stock following the new GST rules, allowing them to use existing packaging until December. This decision addresses industry concerns about potential waste of packaging material worth over Rs 2,000 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi surveyed flood-ravaged areas in Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi and Kullu, following heavy monsoon rains. He then proceeded to Punjab for a similar assessment. Review meetings were held with officials and affected residents in both states, addressing the devastation and coordinating relief efforts. The floods have caused significant fatalities and displacement in both regions.
An Indiana bankruptcy lawyer, Mark Zuckerberg, is suing Meta due to repeated account suspensions on Facebook. The platform consistently mistook him for the tech CEO, causing disruptions to his business and client communications. He seeks compensation for lost advertising funds and legal fees, highlighting the challenges of sharing a name with a famous figure in the digital age.
Kia India will extend the full benefit of the recent GST reduction to customers on its ICE portfolio, effective September 22, 2025. The price cuts vary by model, with the Sonet seeing a reduction of up to Rs 1.64 lakh and the Carnival getting the biggest slash of Rs 4.48 lakh.
