Category Archives: politics

Trump’s new visa policy could hit India’s real estate market

**Trump’s New Visa Policy Could Impact India’s Real Estate Market**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 07:13 PM*

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa policy that is set to influence India’s real estate market significantly. Starting September 21, 2025, a hefty $100,000 annual fee will be imposed on most H-1B visa petitions. This development is expected to impact the residential property segment in Indian metro cities notably, while the commercial real estate sector might experience different effects, particularly through the operations of Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

### Major Impact on Indian Metro Cities

In the fiscal year 2024, over 71% of H-1B visa approvals went to Indian nationals. Experts believe that the new fee will discourage US onsite deployments and reduce overseas hiring. This shift could directly affect remittance-driven home buying and long-term housing decisions among Indian tech professionals.

Real estate specialists warn that cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram are especially vulnerable to a slowdown due to this policy change.

### Housing Market Risks

Industry experts have highlighted three primary risks to India’s residential real estate market due to this policy:

– A decline in demand for premium housing.
– Delays in property purchase decisions as US relocations get postponed.
– Slower absorption of mid-to-high-end residential projects targeted at technology sector buyers.

A real estate consultant based in the Delhi NCR region noted that the sudden increase in visa costs is likely to dampen the sentiments of families planning overseas relocations, which could reduce property investments back home.

### The Role of Remittances in Housing Demand

Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting, pointed out that remittances have been a major driver of housing demand in India. Although primary housing demand may rise due to some individuals returning from the US or moving to Indian metros, overall investment demand in the real estate sector is expected to weaken amid reduced remittances and increased job insecurity.

Similarly, Vishal Raheja, Founder and MD of InvestoXpert, emphasized that the increased H-1B visa fee is likely to affect housing demand negatively.

### Potential Boost for Commercial Real Estate

Despite challenges facing the residential sector, commercial real estate might see a potential upswing. American companies may accelerate the growth of their Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India as they rethink staffing strategies in response to the new visa costs.

Indian metro cities could witness increased leasing of office spaces and expanded infrastructure development driven by this shift. According to data from CBRE, GCCs currently account for 35-40% of office space absorption in major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

### Shifting Global Investment Patterns

As developers, buyers, and investors adapt to these new conditions, India’s real estate market is likely to experience a shift towards mid-segment housing and rental ecosystems.

Akash Puri from India Sotheby’s International Realty noted that higher H-1B visa costs might encourage top Indian talent to explore luxury real estate markets in other global cities. This dynamic could create fresh demand for real estate markets that offer greater stability and enhanced lifestyle options.

The new H-1B visa fee represents a significant shift with wide-ranging consequences for India’s housing and commercial property sectors. Stakeholders will need to closely monitor these trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-s-h-1b-fee-threatens-india-s-property-boom-in-tech-hubs/story

Trump’s new visa policy could hit India’s real estate market

**Trump’s New Visa Policy Could Impact India’s Real Estate Market**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 07:13 PM*

**Overview**

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa policy that could significantly affect India’s real estate market. Beginning September 21, 2025, an annual $100,000 fee will be imposed on most H-1B visa petitions. This move is expected to influence primarily the residential property market in major Indian metro cities, while the commercial real estate sector may experience distinct effects, especially through Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

**Market Impact on Indian Cities**

With over 71% of H-1B approvals in fiscal year 2024 granted to Indian nationals, experts anticipate that the new fee will discourage onsite deployments and reduce overseas hiring. This shift could profoundly impact remittance-backed home buying and long-term housing decisions among technology professionals.

Real estate analysts warn that cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram could witness a downturn due to this policy change.

**Housing Forecast: Three Key Risks**

Industry experts have identified three major risks to the residential real estate market caused by the new visa fee:

1. A decline in demand for premium housing.
2. Delayed purchase decisions resulting from postponed relocations to the US.
3. Slower absorption rates of mid-to-high-end projects targeting tech-sector buyers.

A Delhi NCR-based real estate consultant highlighted that the sudden spike in visa costs is likely to dampen sentiment among overseas-bound families who were relying on US assignments for property investments back home.

**Investment Shifts: Remittances Driving Housing Demand**

Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting, emphasized that remittances play a crucial role in driving housing demand in India. He predicts that while primary housing demand may see growth as some professionals return from the US or relocate to Indian metros, overall investment demand in real estate is expected to weaken due to lower remittances and increased job insecurity.

Vishal Raheja, Founder & MD of InvestoXpert, echoed these concerns, stating that the proposed H-1B visa fee could dampen housing demand among Indian buyers.

**Commercial Real Estate: A Potential Boost**

Despite challenges in the residential sector, the commercial real estate market may find new opportunities. The expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) might accelerate as American companies restructure their staffing strategies to minimize overseas costs.

Indian cities could experience increased office space leasing and infrastructure development as a result. According to CBRE data, GCCs currently account for 35-40% of office space absorption in metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

**Uncertainty and Shifting Investment Patterns**

As developers, buyers, and investors adapt to these developments, India’s real estate market is likely to see a pivot toward mid-segment housing and rental ecosystems.

Akash Puri from India Sotheby’s International Realty observed that higher H-1B costs could prompt top Indian talent to explore global cities for luxury real estate investments. This shift is expected to fuel fresh demand in markets offering stability and lifestyle benefits.

**Conclusion**

The new H-1B visa fee introduced by the US government is poised to reshape India’s real estate landscape, with mixed effects across residential and commercial sectors. While residential properties in tech-centric metro cities may face challenges, commercial real estate, propelled by GCC growth, could witness new momentum. Stakeholders will need to navigate this evolving environment carefully to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-s-h-1b-fee-threatens-india-s-property-boom-in-tech-hubs/story

Trump’s H-1B fee will drive start-ups to India: Amitabh Kant

**Trump’s New H-1B Visa Fee Will Drive Start-Ups to India: Amitabh Kant**

*By Akash Pandey | September 20, 2025, 03:07 PM*

Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, has voiced strong opinions regarding US President Donald Trump’s newly announced H-1B visa policy. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Kant highlighted that the proposed $100,000 annual fee per H-1B visa worker would stifle innovation within the United States while providing a significant boost to India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.

According to Kant, by effectively shutting its doors to global talent, America risks shifting technology labs and startups to Indian cities such as Bangalore, Pune, Gurugram, and Hyderabad. He emphasized that this policy shift presents a unique opportunity for India’s top doctors, engineers, scientists, and innovators to contribute meaningfully to the country’s developmental goals.

### An Opportunity for a ‘Viksit Bharat’

Kant described the new US visa restrictions as a potential catalyst for India’s ambition to become a developed nation—often referred to as ‘Viksit Bharat’. With Indian professionals historically dominating the H-1B visa program, the move could propel domestic innovation and entrepreneurship at home.

Last year, Indian nationals accounted for approximately 71% of approved H-1B visa beneficiaries, according to official government data. This statistic underscores the pivotal role Indian talent has played in shaping the US technology landscape.

### Understanding the New H-1B Policy

The Trump administration’s executive order aims to curb abuses of the H-1B program and prioritize American workers. The new rules apply to both new applications and renewals, introducing a steep $100,000 annual fee per skilled worker under the visa program. Additionally, a “gold card” program has been launched, offering expedited visas for wealthy investors willing to invest up to $2 million in the US economy.

Major technology companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have historically received thousands of H-1B approvals under the previous rules, leveraging global talent to drive growth.

### Potential Impact on US Industries

These changes, which take effect from September 21, 2025, could severely affect several crucial sectors in the US, including healthcare, higher education, and technology. The steep fees may deter companies from hiring skilled international workers, potentially leading to talent shortages.

While the new policy is expected to face legal challenges, if upheld, it would significantly increase the cost of employing foreign professionals under the H-1B program.

### Global Talent Shift: ‘America’s Loss, India’s Gain’

Amitabh Kant’s remarks serve as a strong endorsement of India’s ability to fill the innovation void that might be created by America’s tighter immigration rules. He stated, “America’s loss will be India’s gain,” underscoring the vast pool of Indian doctors, engineers, scientists, and innovators who are now positioned to contribute substantially to India’s growth story.

As the H-1B program remains a critical gateway for Indian engineers and professionals impacting the global tech industry, the evolving US visa landscape could reshape the innovation map, favoring India’s burgeoning technology hubs.

*Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses on global tech and policy shifts.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-s-h-1b-fee-hurts-us-but-helps-india-amitabh-kant/story

Trump’s H-1B fee will drive start-ups to India: Amitabh Kant

**Trump’s H-1B Fee Will Drive Start-ups to India: Amitabh Kant**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 03:07 PM*

Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, has voiced strong opinions on the recent changes to the US H-1B visa policy introduced by President Donald Trump. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kant highlighted that the newly imposed $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa worker could stifle innovation in the United States while accelerating growth in India.

According to Kant, America’s decision to restrict global talent inflow is effectively pushing research labs and start-ups to Indian cities such as Bangalore, Pune, Gurugram, and Hyderabad. This shift, he argues, presents India with a unique opportunity to boost its innovation ecosystem and move closer to realizing the vision of *Viksit Bharat* (Developed India).

**Opportunity for India’s Talent**

Kant emphasized that India’s top doctors, engineers, scientists, and innovators now have an unprecedented chance to lead the nation’s development in technology and innovation. Given that Indian professionals have been significant beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program—accounting for 71% of approvals last year—this policy shift could redirect global talent and investment back to India.

**Understanding the H-1B Visa Changes**

The new H-1B visa rules, effective from September 21, 2025, aim to curb abuses within the program while prioritizing American workers. Besides the steep $100,000 annual fee per visa worker, the policy introduces a “gold card” program designed to attract wealthy investors who can make expedited visa applications by investing up to $2 million in the US.

Major US tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have historically utilized the H-1B program extensively, with thousands of approvals under the previous regulations. The updated policy changes could have significant repercussions across America’s healthcare, higher education, and technology industries due to increased costs and stricter requirements.

**Impact and Industry Response**

While the new rules could face legal challenges, if upheld, they may compel companies to rethink their international hiring strategies, potentially reducing opportunities for skilled global workers in the US market. The steep fees could discourage start-ups and innovation hubs from building operations stateside.

**Global Shift: ‘America’s Loss Is India’s Gain’**

Summarizing his views, Amitabh Kant stated, “America’s loss will be India’s gain.” He further praised India’s pool of talented professionals, noting they are well-equipped to fill the innovation gap left by the US’s restrictive approach.

As India stands ready to harness this opportunity, the global technology landscape could see a significant pivot toward Indian innovation centers, reshaping the future of start-ups and research worldwide.

*For more updates on international policies and tech innovation, stay tuned.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-s-h-1b-fee-hurts-us-but-helps-india-amitabh-kant/story

Trump seeks to reclaim Taliban-conquered air base in Afghanistan

**Trump Seeks to Reclaim Taliban-Conquered Air Base in Afghanistan**

Former President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to reclaim Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which was recently taken over by the Taliban. Citing strategic concerns, Trump highlighted the air base’s proximity to China as a key motivation behind this proposed move. According to him, Bagram is located approximately an hour away from a site where China is reportedly developing nuclear weapons.

![A Taliban soldier enters a helicopter at Bagram Air Base in Parwan, Afghanistan, September 23, 2021](image-url.jpg)
*Caption: A Taliban soldier enters a helicopter at Bagram Air Base in Parwan, Afghanistan, September 23, 2021.*
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-868131

PM Modi Inaugurates Mumbai Cruise Terminal, Deendayal Port Facilities And Multiple Green Energy Projects

Bhavnagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore at the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar.

As part of the maritime sector initiatives, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 7,870 crore, including the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock. He also laid the foundation stone of a new container terminal and associated facilities at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata; new container berth, cargo handling facilities, and associated developments at Paradip Port; the Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal; firefighting facilities and modern road connectivity at Kamarajar Port, Ennore; coastal protection works including sea-walls and revetments at Chennai Port; sea-wall construction at Car Nicobar Island; a multi-purpose cargo berth and Green Bio-Methanol Plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla; and ship repair facilities at Patna and Varanasi.

In line with his commitment to holistic and sustainable development, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects worth over Rs 26,354 crore, jointly undertaken by the central and state governments, catering to various sectors in Gujarat.

He inaugurated the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics & Oxo Alcohol Project at Gujarat IOCL Refinery, the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, the PM-KUSUM 475 MW Component C solar feeder for farmers, the 45 MW Badeli Solar PV Project, and the complete solarisation of Dhordo village, among others.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for LNG infrastructure, additional renewable energy projects, coastal protection works, highways, and healthcare and urban transport projects. These include expansions at Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar, Guru Govind Sinh Government Hospital at Jamnagar, and the four-laning of 70 km of national highways.

During the event, the Prime Minister was felicitated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Earlier in the day, he inspected an exhibition organized as part of ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ and held a roadshow in Bhavnagar.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modi-inaugurates-mumbai-cruise-terminal-deendayal-port-facilities-and-multiple-green-energy-projects

Peru’s Machu Picchu could lose ‘Wonder of the World’

In 2007, Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca sanctuary was designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World after receiving more than 100 million votes in a global competition.

Now, the New7Wonders project, which organized the vote, warns that Machu Picchu is at risk of losing its credibility as one of the wonders. This is due to issues such as overtourism, limited conservation policies, and social conflicts, among others.

The organization emphasized that the fate of Machu Picchu depends on the country’s key decision-makers. These leaders have reportedly received proposals to implement a strategic transformation plan aimed at protecting and preserving the site.

When asked if Machu Picchu could lose its spot on the list and whether a different site might take its place, New7Wonders responded that it is too soon to discuss the process, how it would work, or if it would happen at all.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/perus-machu-picchu-could-lose-wonder-of-the-world-tag-due-to-tourism-social-conflicts-23594920

Charlie Kirk Legacy Should Be in ‘Dustbin of History,’ Ilhan Omar Says

Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota was confronted on Friday about whether she regrets the timing of her comments immediately following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

In an interview on CNN, Omar stated, “It’s one thing to care about his life because obviously so many people loved him, including his children and wife. But I am not going to sit here and be judged for not wanting to honor any legacy this man has left behind. That should be in the dustbin of history, and we should hopefully move on and forget the hate that he spewed every single day.”

**Why It Matters**

The Democratic congresswoman emphasized that she does not align with Kirk’s legacy, describing it as filled with “hate” and “rage baiting.”

Charlie Kirk, 31, was a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and a prominent voice of MAGA for younger generations. He had a significant social media following and was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, where he hosted a popular podcast.

Kirk was fatally shot last week on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during a question and answer session.

**What To Know**
https://www.newsweek.com/charlie-kirk-legacy-should-dustbin-history-ilhan-omar-says-2132886

Trump Says Ilhan Omar Committed Immigration Fraud, Raising Possibility of New Probe

President Trump went on the attack again, this time targeting Minnesota’s far-left Democrat Ilhan Omar. Earlier this week, Omar was nearly removed from her committee assignments following a contentious incident involving her harsh criticism of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk over alleged immigration fraud.

More provocatively, Trump publicly questioned whether Omar has connections to the eight defendants charged in a brazen Medicaid fraud scheme out of Minnesota. This raises the possibility that the FBI might resume or continue an investigation into Omar’s activities—an inquiry that first surfaced five years ago when reports revealed she had allegedly married her brother to commit immigration fraud. Whether the investigation will be reactivated remains unclear.

Trump voiced his accusations on Truth Social, following a narrow 214-213 vote where four renegade Republicans joined Democrats in keeping Omar on all her committees. This vote tabled a motion put forward by GOP Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina, which sought to punish the congresswoman.

The motion cited an interview Omar conducted with far-left journalist Mehdi Hasan, along with a controversial video targeting Charlie Kirk. The video viciously labeled Kirk as reprehensible, a stochastic terrorist, an adamant transphobe, and accused him of believing in the subjugation of women. It went as far as dramatizing Kirk as “Doctor Frankenstein,” with his monster metaphorically shooting him in the neck, according to the video’s narrative.

Unrelenting, Trump fired back the following day with a scathing post on Truth Social:

“Ilhan Omar’s country of Somalia is plagued by a lack of central government control, persistent poverty, hunger, resurgent terrorism, piracy, decades of civil war, corruption, and pervasive violence. Seventy percent of the population lives in extreme poverty with widespread food insecurity. Somalia is consistently ranked among the world’s most corrupt countries, including bribery, embezzlement, and a dysfunctional government. All of this, and Ilhan Omar tells us how to run America! P.S. Wasn’t she the one who married her brother in order to gain citizenship??? What SCUM we have in our country telling us what to do and how to do it. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

But Trump didn’t stop there. Responding to a post from Libs of TikTok that highlighted the Medicaid fraud charges, Trump posed a pointed question: “Does Ilhan Omar know these people? Are they from her wonderfully managed home country of Somalia?”

U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson weighed in on the Medicaid fraud investigation, stating, “The level of fraud in these programs is staggering. These programs have been abused over and over to the point where fraud has overtaken the legitimate services.”

### Omar’s Controversial Marriage and Immigration Fraud Allegations

The immigration fraud allegations against Omar stem from her controversial marriage history. As reported by *The New American* in February 2020, Omar reportedly married her brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, who is a British subject. Abdihakim Osman, a Somali community leader in Minneapolis, confirmed the marriage and told the *Daily Mail* that Omar admitted she would do whatever necessary to obtain legal papers to keep Elmi in the U.S. Osman added that Omar explained she needed those papers to allow her brother to attend school.

These facts suggest that Omar, who denies the marriage was consanguineous, may have committed not only immigration fraud but potentially student loan fraud as well—raising further suspicions for those scrutinizing her past.

In January 2020, the *New York Post* reported that two FBI agents conducted an hours-long meeting in Minnesota with a concerned party who handed over a trove of documents regarding Omar’s 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi. Despite this lead, no public action apparently resulted from the investigation, which critics argue the Biden administration may have suppressed.

Now, the pressing question is whether former President Trump will direct the FBI to reopen the case. If he does, Ilhan Omar could face far more serious consequences than simply losing committee assignments.
https://thenewamerican.com/us/trump-says-ilhan-omar-committed-immigration-fraud-raising-possibility-of-new-probe/

EXCLUSIVE: Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘Desperate’ to Run for President to ‘Restore America’ as Trump ‘Bulldozes Democracy’

**Arnold Schwarzenegger Privately Exploring 2028 Presidential Run Despite Constitutional Barriers**

*Published September 19, 2025, 6:45 p.m. ET*

Arnold Schwarzenegger is privately exploring ways to run for the U.S. presidency, despite constitutional barriers, in what allies describe as a desperate attempt to stop Donald Trump and “restore democracy,” RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The 78-year-old Terminator star and former Republican governor of California has become increasingly vocal about his fears for America’s future following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, in Utah.

**President Schwarzenegger?**

Friends of Schwarzenegger say the murder has sharpened his determination to confront political violence and address the deep divisions tearing the country apart — divisions he blames on both parties, the media, and Trump himself.

Speaking at the University of Southern California, Schwarzenegger warned:
*”We have to be very careful that we don’t get closer to the cliff. Because when you fall down that cliff, down there, there is no democracy. We have to be very, very careful. I think it’s very important that we turn this around and that we show people power. Because the people can turn this around, the people have the ultimate power.”*

One longtime Republican strategist revealed:
*”Arnold has been telling people close to him that he can’t just sit back and watch Trump bulldoze democracy. He knows the Constitution bars him from running for the presidency, but he’s desperate to find a path — whether that’s lobbying for reform or using his star power to rally voters against Trump.”*

**Reflecting on Charlie Kirk’s Death**

Schwarzenegger described Kirk’s death as “unbelievable” and a chilling sign of how far the nation has fallen.
*”I was very, very upset that someone’s life was taken because they have a different opinion,”* he said.
*”This was a great communicator, a great advocate for the right, for Republican causes. He had such a great way of communicating with the students who agreed or disagreed with him. And he was a great father, a great husband. I was thinking about his children. They will only be reading about him now, instead of him reading to them bedtime stories.”*

The gunman suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder. Schwarzenegger linked the killing to toxic divisions fueled online and in politics.

**Blaming Social Media, Media, and Politics**

*”We have to acknowledge that the cause of all this is the social media companies that are dividing us, the mainstream media companies that are dividing us. The political parties: the Democrats that are dividing us, the Republicans that are dividing us,”* Schwarzenegger added.
*”We’re getting hit from so many different angles, and we have to be very careful that we don’t get closer to that cliff.”*

**Trump’s Response to Rising Tensions**

Donald Trump, 79, dismissed concerns about rising tensions in the wake of Kirk’s killing during an appearance on *Fox & Friends*, stating:
*”I tell you something that is going to get me in trouble, but I couldn’t care less. The radicals on the right are radical because they don’t want to see crime. The radicals on the left are the problem – and they are vicious and horrible and politically savvy. They want men in women’s sports, they want transgender for everyone, they want open borders – the worst thing that happened to this country.”*

**Would Schwarzenegger Win?**

Austrian-born Schwarzenegger, who previously told CNN’s Chris Wallace in 2023 he could “so clearly” win the presidency if allowed to run, remains ineligible due to the Constitution’s natural-born citizen clause. But advisers insist this has not stopped him from floating the idea.

A former aide shared:
*”He feels uniquely qualified to bring Americans together at a time when it’s all about who you vote against rather than who you vote for. He’s been telling people, ‘If I can’t run, then maybe I can at least inspire someone else who can beat Trump.'”*

Though Schwarzenegger insists he is “not worried” about Trump ultimately prevailing, he has been clear about the stakes. Speaking to Wallace, he said:
*”Look, it’s a no-brainer. I see so clearly how I could win that election.”*
https://radaronline.com/p/arnold-schwarzenegger-desperate-to-run-for-president-democracy-trump/