Category Archives: politics

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/

Takaichi Announces Candidacy for LDP Leadership

I, Sanae Takaichi, as someone who loves Japan and the Japanese people with all my heart, and who firmly believes in their strength, will once again run in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, Takaichi said at a press conference on September 19th.

Calling for Japan to once more stand at the top of the world, she pledged to pursue economic growth without compromise. Her proposals include the creation of a control center for foreign resident issues and stronger measures against illegal overstayers, aiming to shore up conservative support.

At the same time, her willingness to adopt opposition-backed policies has raised doubts among some conservatives about her capacity to build alliances across party lines. Takaichi said she would push for a tax credit system that increases net income relative to wages, known as a refundable tax credit—an idea championed by the Constitutional Democratic Party.

She also pledged to develop backup crisis-management functions for the capital, echoing Nippon Ishin’s second capital concept, and to reform income thresholds, as advocated by the Democratic Party for the People.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who placed third behind Takaichi in last year’s race, launched his campaign team the same day. “We must not forget last year’s result, and fight through with a sense of urgency until the end,” Koizumi said, adding that he will announce his policy platform on September 21st.

Koizumi also gained a significant endorsement. Former Digital Minister Taro Kono said, “When we think about who can truly rebuild the party from its foundation, Koizumi is the most suitable.”

With the official announcement just three days away, leadership contenders are stepping up their campaigns.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146947.php

Trump administration again asks Supreme Court to lift block on ending TPS for Venezuelans

Americans’ grocery bills are growing, causing some shoppers to cut back on discretionary spending as they struggle to afford the basics. Food prices grew by half a percent from July to August, marking the fastest monthly rate of change since the fall of 2022.

Behind the rising cost of food items on store shelves are three main culprits, according to experts: tariffs from the Trump administration, climate change, and a shortage of agricultural workers in the U.S.

**The Impact of Tariffs**

Phil Lempert, a food industry analyst known as the “Supermarket Guru,” told CBS News correspondent Jo Ling Kent that the Trump administration’s wide-ranging tariffs are a leading cause of grocery inflation. Price hikes have been steepest on goods that the U.S. imports from nations facing higher levies. For example, the U.S. imports about 35% of its coffee from Brazil, whose exports are taxed at a rate of 50%. The latest Consumer Price Index data shows that coffee prices rose 21% in August compared with a year ago.

As companies face rising costs, they often pass those burdens onto consumers. In the case of tariffs, some businesses began raising prices on products even before the levies were fully in place.

“There’s no question that what we’ve seen is companies increasing prices because of the impending tariffs,” Lempert said. “What they want to do is protect themselves. A lot of these big food companies are public companies, so they have to report back to their shareholders on profit margins. They’ve been hedging their bets.”

Sometimes, packaged-goods companies disguise price hikes by offering consumers less product for the same amount of money. This covert inflation strategy is known as “shrinkflation,” Lempert explained:
“What they’re doing is putting less in the package, hoping that you and I won’t notice and will keep paying the same price or just a slightly increased price.”

**Climate Change’s Role**

Increasing temperatures and shifting weather patterns have made conditions for growing some fruits and vegetables in the U.S. inhospitable. As a result, much of domestic production has moved to Central and Latin America.

“We can’t grow our food where we used to grow it,” Lempert said.

**Labor Shortage in Agriculture**

Additionally, Trump-era immigration policies—including workplace raids targeting large numbers of immigrant workers—combined with waning interest in agricultural labor, have led to an industry-wide shortage.

**How Consumers Are Responding**

Consumers are reacting to higher prices by looking for deals, purchasing store-brand goods instead of name brands, and buying shelf-stable groceries in bulk at shopping clubs like Costco.

Lempert emphasized that a little planning can go a long way to help consumers buy what they need without overspending.

“The number one thing people want to do if they want to save money is stop wasting food,” Lempert said. “Forty percent of all the food in this country is wasted, and a lot of that happens in our homes. So take doggy bags from restaurants, use leftovers, freeze leftovers, and don’t waste food—you’ll save a substantial amount of money.”
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/supreme-court/3816255/trump-administration-supreme-court-lift-block-end-tps-venezuelans/

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Dishonest’ Trump Keeping Information From UK Prime Minister During Meeting, Body Language Expert Claims… as Prez Signs Massive $350B Tech Deal

**Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Sign $350 Billion Technology Deal Amid Speculation**

*Published: September 19, 2025, 2:45 p.m. ET*

Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer may have finalized a monumental $350 billion deal this week, but according to a body language expert, the U.S. president could be withholding critical information.

On Thursday, September 18, President Trump signed a joint memorandum of understanding that authorizes multi-billion dollar investments in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), civil nuclear energy, and quantum computing.

### Details of the Deal

During a press conference, Trump and Starmer announced the **Technology Prosperity Deal**, touting it as a significant win for both nations that could create up to 17,500 new jobs across the United States and the United Kingdom.

“This trip has galvanized $350 billion in deals across many sectors, and we’re committed to ensuring that the UK is a secure and reliable supply of the best AI, hardware, and software on Earth, and we supply that and make sure we supply it in quantity to the UK,” Trump remarked.

The 79-year-old president joked that it was “a better deal for you than us,” while praising Starmer’s negotiation skills.

Starmer referred to the agreement as “a good deal” and added, “It’s a blueprint to win this new era together, shape it according to our shared values, and seize the incredible opportunities that are on offer.”

### What’s Trump Hiding?

Despite the positive public exchanges, body language expert Inbaal Honigman observed a different dynamic, especially noting Trump’s hand gestures during the meeting.

“The President’s hands are close together, and he might be keeping his cards close to his chest, while the Prime Minister’s hands are wider apart, fingers splayed, which indicates sincerity and honesty,” Honigman told RadarOnline.com.

She continued, “As both are involved in creating a historic deal, there’s still a big advantage to the U.S. leader, as his body language suggests that he knows some stuff that his British counterpart doesn’t know.”

According to Honigman, Starmer “wasn’t sure what to expect” from their encounter and was “not confident the meeting would go well.”

### Are Trump’s Enemies Plotting?

Social media users have also expressed skepticism about Trump’s true motives with this massive agreement, with some branding it as “fake.”

One user questioned, “So, Trump wants the UK to get involved in AI for the US and turn it into a surveillance state to match the UK’s?”

Another added, “Great news… more fake deals.”

Some pointed out domestic priorities being overlooked, with one saying, “But not enough money for school lunches, Offender Registry, Sesame Street, or Environmental Cleanup. Priorities.”

While Trump appears to be fostering friendly relations with the UK, his global standing is far from secure. Reports suggest that China, Russia, and North Korea are covertly collaborating on a disturbing initiative to develop “biotech-fueled super soldiers” aimed at global domination.

### Secret Meeting of Authoritarian Leaders

Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and China’s Xi Jinping recently convened in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender. However, alongside celebratory events, the three dictators allegedly discussed plans to create “super soldiers.”

Sources claim the leaders were overheard on a hot mic discussing chilling topics, including harvesting human organs from political prisoners, advanced biotechnology, and medical transplants that could potentially allow soldiers and leaders to live—and fight—well beyond typical human lifespans, possibly for 150 years or more.

“In a few years, with the development of biotechnology, human organs can be constantly transplanted so that [people] can live younger and younger, and even become immortal,” Putin reportedly told Xi.

### Trump’s Response

It appears that Trump may have caught wind of these clandestine discussions. Historically active on his Truth Social platform, he wrote recently:

“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”

As the Technology Prosperity Deal moves forward, the world watches closely to see what this historic agreement truly entails — and what it might be hiding beneath the surface.
https://radaronline.com/p/trump-keeping-information-from-uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-tech-deal/