Business
Big change for H-1Bs: Donald Trump signs order to increase visa application fee to $100,000; aim to protect US tech jobs
President Trump has introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, aiming to reform the skilled worker program. This move seeks to discourage mass applications and address concerns about lower wages for foreign workers in entry-level positions. The changes could significantly impact startups and small businesses, potentially shifting focus back to American tech workers and…
Banking reforms: Cooperative banks get Aadhaar-enabled services under simplified UIDAI framework; boost for rural inclusion
A new Aadhaar-based framework has been introduced for cooperative banks, enabling authentication and eKYC services. This initiative, spearheaded by the Cooperation Ministry and UIDAI, allows state cooperative banks to register directly with UIDAI, while district central cooperative banks can utilize their state counterparts’ infrastructure. The move aims to enhance financial inclusion in rural areas by…
India-US trade deal talks back on track! Piyush Goyal expected to visit America; ‘may be in the next few days’
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to visit Washington soon to advance India-US trade negotiations, which have shown positive progress. This visit follows constructive discussions between US and Indian negotiators regarding a proposed bilateral trade agreement.
Trump says call with Xi ‘productive’: Trade, fentanyl & TikTok deal discussed; two leaders to meet at APEC summit
President Trump and President Xi Jinping had a productive call, discussing trade, fentanyl, and the TikTok deal. They agreed to meet at the APEC Summit in South Korea, with plans for reciprocal visits to China and the US next year.
IATA presents key proposals on aviation safety sustainability and efficiency at ICAO assembly
IATA is set to present 14 working papers at the ICAO Assembly, addressing critical issues in aviation safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Key focuses include boosting SAF production, reaffirming CORSIA, safeguarding radio frequencies amid 5G rollouts, and advocating for timely accident reports. IATA also supports raising the pilot retirement age to 67, with appropriate medical oversight.
Sebi eases securities transfer, introduces TLH code; simplifies nominee-to-legal heir process
SEBI has introduced a simplified framework for transferring securities from a nominee to a legal heir, aiming to reduce tax and compliance burdens. A new reporting code, ‘TLH,’ will be implemented from January 1, 2026, ensuring these transfers are correctly reported and not taxed as capital gains. This move streamlines the asset transition process, benefiting…
US market today: Wall Street heads for record-setting week; S&P, Nasdaq rise
Wall Street experienced a slight rise on Friday, continuing its path toward a potentially record-setting week. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq saw gains, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up. Investor optimism persists due to expectations of further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with FedEx’s strong performance contributing to market stability.