Your helper

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Welcome tighter H-1B scrutiny, but not at the cost of American innovation: FIIDS

Washington, Sep 19 (PTI): The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has welcomed tighter scrutiny of H-1B visa applications, but cautioned that it should not come at the cost of American innovation, as jobs requiring highly specialised skills cannot always be filled immediately from the available domestic labour pool. The statement from FIIDS, an advocacy group, came hours after US President Donald Trump tightened oversight of the H-1B visa programme, contending that it had been widely misused by certain employers, including IT outsourcing firms. FIIDS appreciates and understands the Administration's intent to protect America's national and economic interests, safeguard American workers, and address abuse of the H-1B programme. Those are legitimate objectives, Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy and Strategy at FIIDS, said in a statement on Friday. He said the ability of the US to attract exceptional talent has made it the world's leading innovation economy. Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to President Joe Biden, said federal oversight must remain focused on bad corporate actors rather than penalising law-abiding, highly-skilled legal immigrants who play by the rules, pay taxes, and contribute significantly to American innovation. Bhutoria emphasised that while safeguards against unfair worker displacement are essential, government policy must maintain a predictable, transparent framework for compliant employers and legal visa holders. “Real reform means holding big corporations and body shops accountable when they abuse visa programmes to undercut local wages or displace workers. Protecting system integrity isn't about blaming immigrants; it's about stopping corporate greed and ensuring fair play for Americans and the legal workforce alike,” Bhutoria said. The FIIDS official said in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and specialised data engineering, employers can face real and highly specific skills gaps that cannot always be filled immediately from the available domestic labour pool. Kand said the US will be the strongest when it protects workers from exploitation and discrimination, rewards employers that comply with the law, invests seriously in American talent, and remains capable of attracting the people whose ideas, enterprises, and expertise create the next generation of American jobs. The answer is not to pit American workers against high-skilled immigrants. The answer is a transparent, enforceable, merit-based system: rigorous anti-fraud enforcement; meaningful consequences for bad actors; strong wage and recruitment safeguards; substantial investment in domestic education, training, and reskilling; and a lawful, predictable avenue for employers to hire global talent when a documented specialised need remains, Kand said. He said FIIDS urged an evidence-based and administrable implementation focused on demonstrable misconduct rather than broad assumptions based solely on a company's total head count or visa usage. Trump has extended by a year the requirement for a USD 100,000 payment for certain H-1B visa petitions, the White House said. In a presidential proclamation issued on Friday, Trump said the 2025 measure imposing the USD 100,000 payment had led to a 92 per cent decrease in H-1B registrations by large IT outsourcing firms. Indians remain the largest group of beneficiaries of the US H-1B visa programme. Trump issued a separate order to tighten scrutiny of H-1B visa applications by directing US agencies to consider recent or planned layoffs of similarly situated American workers when reviewing applications. The White House said the measure aims to improve programme integrity and prevent employers from using the H-1B programme to undercut or displace US workers. PTI SKU SKS SKS SKS(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/welcome-tighter-h-1b-scrutiny-but-not-at-the-cost-of-american-innovation-fiids-1867471

Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW, Politico From White House; News Outlets Vow Legal Action

Edited by: Zac Crellin News outlets CNN, MS NOW and Politico on Saturday signaled they would take legal action after their journalists were denied access to the White House grounds earlier in the day. It comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced he would ban the three news outlets from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in a row over their coverage of his presidency. Trump has accused the media of "fake news" over their often critical coverage of his second term in office. Experts say the bans conflict with the United States Constitution's First Amendment protections for free speech and press freedom. <h2>What did CNN, MS NOW and Politico say?</h2> CNN reported that its journalist Betsy Klein was denied access at the White House on Saturday morning and her press pass was seized. "CNN’s mission to report on the U.S. government will continue regardless of any attempts to restrict physical access to the White House and other government buildings, or any other attempts to impede our journalism,” a statement from the channel said. “We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do our reporting without hindrance or interference from the government and this ban is an illegal assault on this fundamental right." Meanwhile, the left-leaning MS NOW, whose journalists were also turned away from the White House grounds on Saturday, said in a statement that it would challenge Trump's ban. "The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars,” the network said. "MS NOW intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy.” Politico's global editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger, meanwhile, wrote in an email to staff: “A few minutes ago, our colleague Cheyenne Haslett attempted to enter the White House to do her job as a POLITICO reporter." "Secret Service denied her entry to the complex and confiscated the pass that allows her access to the White House. "We stand by her and all reporters here covering the White House. As we said yesterday, we will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights,” Greenberger wrote. <h2>What did Trump accuse US media outlets of?</h2> In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump said the media outlets "shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they're covering the president of the United States." "Other fake news media outlets to follow," he warned. Trump said there was no one incident that prompted the ban, telling reporters in the Oval Office, "It's really just cumulative stories over the past few years." "I don't have to let them into my, into the people's house," he added. It was unclear whether the banned media outlets would also be blocked from flights aboard the presidential plane, Air Force One. The US is just weeks away from the November 3 midterm elections in which Trump's Republican Party will struggle to defend narrow majorities in Congress. With the president's approval ratings at 35%, near historic lows, Reuters/Ipsos polls also show Democrats ahead by around 7-9 points. <h2>Trump's war with the press</h2> During his second term, Trump has continued to round on journalists he deems critical to his administration — a tactic he employed when first elected in 2016. Last year, he banned the Associated Press news agency from the usual pool of journalists that report on the presidency over its refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. He has, however, given closer access to new, far-right media outlets seen as more sympathetic to his policies. Trump has even called on the US media regulator to remove the licenses of several broadcasters, whose comedy or news shows have mocked his policies and family. The president has also filed several lawsuits against the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the BBC and Iowa's Des Moines Register, sometimes costing the media outlets millions in settlements. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-bans-cnn-ms-now-politico-from-white-house-news-outlets-vow-legal-action-1867464

Donald Trump To Create ‘AI Force’ For AI Regulation, Plans To Name ‘Czar’ Soon

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he is creating an “AI Force” to oversee the regulation of artificial intelligence and will soon announce an AI “czar”. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the move would not hinder the growth of the AI industry, while stressing that authorities would continue to act against wrongdoing. “We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry,” Trump wrote. “Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!” <iframe class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://ift.tt/W6pBFPc" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <script src="https://ift.tt/BPzCdeW" async="async"></script> “However, we will also be looking for BAD, and we can do that, very easily, with our already existing Criminal and Civil Justice System,” he added.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/donald-trump-to-create-ai-force-for-ai-regulation-plans-to-name-czar-soon-1867463

Friday, September 18, 2026

Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill Into Law, Paves Way For Up To 100% Tariffs On India, China

US President Donald Trump has signed a new law that could expose major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China, to tariffs of up to 100 per cent as Washington seeks to squeeze Moscow's revenue amid its war in Ukraine. The legislation, passed by Congress this week, gives Trump wide-ranging powers to penalise countries purchasing Russian energy.  The new law targets Russia's energy and defence sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. It also includes sanctions against Moscow's so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to evade Western restrictions, Reuters reported. Companies and foreign actors supporting Russia's military could face restrictions under the legislation. The measure also extends sanctions related to Iran. <h3>Congress Approves Bill</h3> The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed the package by 262 votes to 159 on Wednesday. The Senate had approved it last month. The law is formally titled the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026", named after South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham, who died in July. Graham, a longtime critic of Russia, was a prominent supporter of the legislation. The broad tariff powers led to an unusual split among Democrats. Although the party has largely supported Ukraine, several Democrats opposed granting Trump greater authority over trade. <h3>India Says Oil Sourcing Will Remain Diversified</h3> The legislation comes amid efforts by Washington to further restrict revenue that helps finance Moscow's war in Ukraine. India said on Thursday that it would continue purchasing oil "through diversified sourcing." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier described the passage of the legislation as symbolic and thanked US lawmakers. The legislation has triggered concern over the possibility of the US using its new tariff powers against countries that maintain trade ties with Moscow. Critics have argued that the measure could create difficulties for other nations if they later fall within Trump's focus, Reuters reported. <h3>China Meeting Adds Significance</h3> Trump's signing of the bill comes about a week before his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. The legislation has also raised concerns beyond Russia, as it gives the US president powers to impose tariffs on major trading partners of Moscow. Critics have argued that these powers could create difficulties for other countries if they come under Trump's focus in the future. The law also authorises tariffs that could remain in effect beyond Trump's presidency, adding another dimension to the concerns surrounding the legislation.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-signs-russia-sanctions-bill-into-law-paves-way-for-up-to-100-tariffs-on-india-china-1867337

President Trump signs Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act

Washington, Sep 19 (PTI): President Donald Trump signed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which seeks to impose steep levies on Moscow and its top energy buyers such as China and India. “On Friday, September 18, 2026, the President signed into law: H.R. 5334, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” which authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran,” the White House said. The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which seeks to impose sanctions on Russia's leadership and energy sector -- as well as on collaborators in Moscow's defence industry and its so-called shadow fleet. The Act also authorises President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including China and India. The law gives Trump wide discretion over implementation, including which countries face tariffs, the tariff rates imposed, and whether sanctions provisions are waived. The law comes into effect within 30 days of signing by the President and requires him to impose duties of up to 100 per cent on goods imported from countries that are the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas by total volume during the 12 months preceding enactment. A country is exempt from the gas-related duties if its Russian gas imports accounted for less than 15 per cent of Russia's total exports during the applicable period and it has taken "significant steps" to reduce those imports. The legislation targets Russia's “shadow fleet” and other foreign persons involved in supporting Russian energy production or sanctions evasion, including vessel owners, operators, managers, insurers, and other parties engaged in covered activities. PTI SKU NB NB(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/president-trump-signs-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act-1867333

Trump Set To Sign Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill Today, India Faces Up To 100% Tariff Threat: Report

US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Friday, a White House official told ANI. The legislation has cleared both chambers of Congress and gives the President expanded powers to impose sanctions and tariffs linked to Russian energy purchases. The US House of Representatives passed the bill 262-159 on September 16, after the Senate approved it 86-11 on August 7. The legislation is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had championed the measure. <h2>Up To 100% Tariff Authority</h2> The legislation allows the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to make significant purchases of Russian crude oil or natural gas. The measure does not automatically impose a 100% tariff; it gives the President discretion to impose such duties under specified conditions. The tariff provision applies to countries among the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, as well as countries identified as major facilitators of sanctions evasion. The bill also allows the administration to adjust tariffs depending on whether a country takes significant steps to reduce or end its purchases of Russian energy. An exemption applies to countries whose Russian natural gas imports account for less than 15% of Russia’s total annual natural gas exports, provided they have taken significant steps to reduce those imports. <h2>What It Means For India</h2> India is among the major buyers of Russian crude, making it one of the countries that could potentially face tariffs under the new authority. However, the legislation itself does not impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. Any such duty would require the Trump administration to invoke the authority provided by the law. The bill arrives as India and the US continue trade negotiations. New Delhi has said it remains committed to ensuring energy security through diversified sourcing and evolving market conditions, while monitoring further developments. <h2>Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ Targeted</h2> Beyond tariffs, the legislation introduces sanctions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and networks supporting Moscow’s energy trade. It also targets Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to transport Russian energy while allegedly evading Western restrictions and price caps. Foreign entities involved in supplying materials and technology to Russia’s defence industrial base are also covered by the sanctions package. The measure further provides for financial restrictions targeting major Russian institutions, including the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, VTB Bank and Gazprombank. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X-Xpe9QBthc?si=jhw4pK-x5vc_ooSb" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>Iran Sanctions Extended</h2> The legislation also extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 for five years. The Trump administration had supported the inclusion of the Iran provisions as part of the final package. <h2>Zelenskyy Welcomes Passage</h2> Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the House passage of the legislation and thanked US lawmakers for supporting the measure. Zelenskyy linked the legislation to continued international pressure on Moscow and said stronger economic measures could support diplomatic efforts to end the war. <h2>Putin Criticises Sanctions</h2> Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticised the use of sanctions and other economic restrictions against Moscow, arguing that such measures represent pressure on countries pursuing their own economic interests. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Putin said Russia had responded to the sanctions environment by strengthening ties with what he described as “reliable, predictable partners”. <h2>Lawmakers Divided Over Tariff Powers</h2> The legislation received bipartisan support in Congress, but some lawmakers opposed provisions giving Trump broad tariff authority. The House vote included 58 Democrats who supported the bill, while seven Republicans voted against it. Critics cited concerns over the scope of the President’s tariff powers and the potential impact on US trade policy. Supporters, meanwhile, have argued that the legislation will increase economic pressure on Russia and strengthen US leverage in efforts to end the Ukraine war.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-set-to-sign-russia-iran-sanctions-bill-today-india-faces-up-to-100-tariff-threat-report-1867323

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Bangladesh PM Rahman greets PM Modi on his birthday

Dhaka, Sep 17 (PTI): Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday extended birthday greetings to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, wishing him good health. "Warmest birthday wishes to Prime Minister @narendramodi. Wishing you many happy returns of the day. May your dedicated service to the people of India always be accompanied by good health and high spirit," Rahman said in a post on X. Modi, who turned 76 on Thursday, thanked Rahman for his wishes. "Thank you, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, for your warm wishes. I deeply appreciate your kind words," Modi said. The exchange comes as both countries seek to enhance bilateral relations following the establishment of the Rahman-led government in Bangladesh. On Sunday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh wants to "reset" its relationship with India and build a new bilateral engagement based on mutual interests. India-Bangladesh ties witnessed a downturn during the 18-month tenure of the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, which assumed charge after a student-led uprising toppled the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. Hasina fled to India following her ouster, and her continued stay there has remained one of the major irritants in bilateral ties. Dhaka has sought her extradition to face legal proceedings in Bangladesh. The February 12 general election, which was held without Hasina's now-disbanded Awami League, brought Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party to power. The Rahman government has continued to seek Hasina's extradition, while the former premier has said she intends to return to Bangladesh to face legal proceedings. Dhaka has said Rahman's proposed visit to India could take place when the timing is conducive, and the two sides agree on a mutually acceptable schedule, while maintaining that it views efforts to reset the relationship positively. PTI AR SKS ZH SKS SKS SKS(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/bangladesh-pm-rahman-greets-pm-modi-on-his-birthday-1867165