The US Department of Homeland Security is reportedly planning to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, a move that could significantly affect Indian workers and employers. Indians account for more than 70% of H-1B visa beneficiaries, making them particularly vulnerable to higher costs. The proposal is still under review and its final details have not been released. The administration is also considering a possible $100,000 fee for certain OPT applications. Separately, DHS has proposed ending the 60-day grace period for unemployed H-1B workers, potentially forcing affected workers and their families to leave the US sooner.  

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, targeting sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and maritime transport. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that countries and entities helping Iran move or launder money could face secondary sanctions and possible exclusion from the US dollar-based financial system. The measures are part of Washington’s wider effort to cut Iran’s access to global trade and financial networks. The latest sanctions target dozens of individuals, companies and vessels. The move increases pressure on Tehran and raises concerns for countries and businesses that maintain financial or commercial ties with Iran. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran tried to kill one of his sons, amid continuing tensions between Israel and Tehran. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu did not identify which of his two sons was allegedly targeted. He made the claim while discussing security arrangements for former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is contesting the October 27 election. Netanyahu said round-the-clock protection was necessary against Iranian threats. The claim comes as the US-Israeli war with Iran nears six months, with diplomatic efforts stalled and the Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked, keeping global energy prices under pressure. (PC: HT)

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, aiming to improve returns for farmers amid weak domestic prices. The government changed wheat exports from “prohibited” to “free”, covering wheat, durum, flour, maida, semolina and atta. India had imposed the ban in May 2022 to control rising domestic prices and protect food security. The decision follows record wheat production of 120.65 million tonnes and buffer stocks of nearly 49 million tonnes. Officials said adequate supplies are available to meet domestic demand. Fresh Indian exports could also provide additional supplies as disruptions affect wheat shipments from Russia and Ukraine. (PC: India Today)

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed that the UK will continue supporting Ukraine despite what he called Russia's "outrageous threats". During his first official visit to Kyiv, Burnham met President Volodymyr Zelensky and chaired a Coalition of the Willing meeting. Britain will share blueprints for components used in the Scalp missile, helping Ukraine develop domestic production. Russia warned it could target future missile facilities. Burnham said allies would strengthen Ukraine's air defences and increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. The coalition also pledged to curb Russia's war funding and support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved. (PC: BBC)

The number of U.S. military personnel killed or wounded since the start of the Iran war has risen to 774, according to the latest Pentagon data. The Defence Casualty Analysis System reported that 18 service members have been killed, while 756 have been wounded in action. The updated figures highlight the growing human cost of the conflict as Washington continues its military operations in the region. The casualties include troops injured during combat and related operations. The Pentagon regularly updates its casualty data as new information becomes available, with the latest figures marking a significant rise in U.S. military losses. (PC: Washington Post)

Actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar escaped unhurt after his racing car spun off the track during the Michelin Le Mans Cup race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The incident took place at Turn 11 on August 22, when his No. 16 Ligier went into the gravel, prompting the Safety Car to be deployed. Ajith was competing in the LMP3 Pro/Am category for Ajith RedAnt by Virage. Despite the scare, the actor suffered no injuries. Ajith has previously survived several racing accidents and continues to compete in international motorsport events alongside his film career. (PC: Deccan Herald)

Astrophysicist Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, has become the first Indian woman to receive the prestigious COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal. She received the honour at the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy. Subramaniam is the fourth Indian to win the medal, recognised for her contributions to space science and astronomy. Her work includes a key role in AstroSat's Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and India's future INSIST space telescope project. She has also contributed to major international astronomy programmes. The award marks a significant milestone for Indian science and women's growing contribution to space research.  

Singapore has announced a major family support package offering nearly S$70,000, or over $55,000, in direct assistance for every Singaporean child up to age 17. The move comes as the country’s fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.87. The package includes child credits, grants, childcare subsidies, parental leave and housing support, along with a S$10,000 baby gift. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government wants to make it easier for Singaporeans to start and raise families. The government is expected to spend nearly S$7 billion on family and parenthood initiatives this financial year. (PC: X)

The United States has announced fresh sanctions on Iran, stepping up economic pressure on Tehran as talks over a wider peace deal remain unresolved. The new measures are aimed at cutting off Iran’s revenue sources and increasing financial pressure on the country. US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was “collapsing”, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as a major financial offensive against an adversary. The sanctions come as separate negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz continue. Washington and Tehran remain locked in tensions, with no broader agreement yet reached to ease the ongoing conflict. (PC: X)