A letter from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dated January 9, 2026 shows the administration is formally re‑evaluating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a post‑study work benefit used by international students on F‑1 visas, including a large number from India. The review could affect the length of OPT and whether the programme…
A US federal court has reportedly ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acted unlawfully when it cancelled the visa status of an Indian-origin student over a traffic ticket that had already been dismissed. The case centres on Akshar Patel, an F-1 student whose legal status was terminated after ICE flagged a minor, years-old speeding…
A man accused of taking part in two extortion-linked shootings in Surrey is now on the run, as police issue a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest, reports CBC News.24-year-old Jagdeep Singh is wanted by police over two shootings at the same house on 32 Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia. The shootings happened five days apart…
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in Kuwait announced that they are withdrawing baby formula manufactured by Nutricia-Danone under the Aptamil and Bebelac brands. The recall was initiated after a voluntary notification from the company due to potential contamination with Cereulide, a substance produced by Bacillus cereus…
NEW DELHI: Airlines that fly to, from, and through the regions impacted by the US-Israeli strikes against Iran are now steering clear of the same and trying to find ways to evacuate their crew from there. Going ahead, flights between the west and India, among other places in the east, will now get longer and…
Parents across the UAE have just days left to secure places for their children in government schools for the 2026–2027 academic year, with authorities making clear that late applications will not be accepted once the window closes.According to the UAE Ministry of Education, registration for Emirati students and those treated as such will remain open…
Residents across the UAE and the wider region may witness a remarkable celestial event tonight, as the Ramazan moon is set to appear directly above the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.Astronomers from the Jeddah Astronomical Society, have announced that on February 28, 2026, the moon will be 87 to 89 per cent illuminated, making it bright…
Israel on Saturday launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran, with defence minister Israel Katz declaring a nationwide state of emergency.“The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran. Defence minister Israel Katz has declared a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the country,” a ministry statement said.An explosion was reported near the…
As motorists across the UAE wait for the March 2026 fuel price announcement, global oil markets are sending mixed signals. February brought relief at the pump, but a sharp rebound in crude prices, driven largely by renewed US-Iran tensions, is raising the possibility that March could reverse that trend.According to Khaleej Times, fuel became cheaper…
Harvard University (AP image) Harvard University has issued an apology after a social media post by its Department of South Asian Studies featuring artwork related to its Sanskrit programme sparked allegations of insensitivity and bias online.The controversy began after an image used to represent Harvard’s Elementary Sanskrit course drew criticism on social media. The Coalition…