Google on Tuesday announced a set of partnerships and new product updates aimed at expanding the use of artificial intelligence in education across India. The announcements were made at the company's AI for Learning Forum held in New Delhi. The initiatives include a collaboration with the Ministry
Piramal Pharma Ltd on January 29 reported wider loss for the December quarter, hit by a combination of inventory destocking, weak early‑stage CDMO orders and regulatory delays in its hospital generics portfolio. The drugmaker posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 136
Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G series in the Indian market on Thursday. The new lineup includes two models, the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G and the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G. These devices will go on sale from 4 February 2026 through mi.com, Amazon India, and authorised retail outlets
Bangladesh clears its shooting team for India days after boycotting the T20 World Cup, raising questions over its security stance. Bangladesh's stance on India-bound sporting events has taken another sharp turn ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026
The attorney general of Texas in the United States on Wednesday announced an investigation into instances of abuse of the H-1B visa programme in the state. As part of the investigation, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued Civil Investigative Demands to three north Texan companies suspected of
U.S. President Donald Trump and Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer are working toward a deal to negotiate new restrictions on federal immigration agents, a move that could avert a partial government shutdown this weekend, the New York Times reported. U.S
Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi is gearing up to launch the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G in India today. The new smartphones, which have already debuted in select global markets, will be available for purchase via Amazon India following the launch
Orry-Sara Ali Khan Feud: Orry in a reel mentioned '3 worst names' referring to Sara, Amrita, and Palak Tiwari, allegedly. New Delhi: Orry aka Orhan Awtramani's recent fallout with once-close friend Sara Ali Khan has been making headlines for days. Recently
US: Texas attorney general announces probe into ‘abuse’ of H-1B visa programme
The attorney general of Texas in the United States on Wednesday announced an investigation into instances of abuse of the H-1B visa programme in the state.
As part of the investigation, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued Civil Investigative Demands to three north Texan companies suspected of engaging in fraudulent activity.
H-1B visas allow companies in the US to temporarily employ foreign workers for special occupations.
Over the past few years, Indians have constituted the majority of H-1B visa holders. Indians comprised 72.3% of all H-1B visas issued by the US in the financial year 2022-'23.
The Texas governor said on Wednesday that, according to reports, the businesses under investigation likely engaged in illegal activities by setting up sham companies and advertising non-existent products or services in order to fraudulently sponsor H-1B visas.
“Any criminal who attempts to scam the H-1B visa program and use ‘ghost offices' or other fraudulent ploys should be prepared to face the full force of the law,” Paxton said in a press release.
A day earlier, Texas Governor Greg Abbott had ordered an investigation into the H-1B visa programme in the state, and directed state agencies and universities to suspend new visa petitions under the programme, Reuters reported.
“In light of recent reports of abuse in the federal H-1B visa programme, and amid the federal government's ongoing review of that programme to ensure American jobs are going to American workers, I am directing all state agencies to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions,” the news agency quoted Abbott as saying in a letter to state agencies.
The freeze will last until May 31, 2027, the Republican governor said, adding that exceptions will be allowed for cases where written permission is given by the Texas Workforce Commission.
State agencies were also given until March 27 to compile a report stating the number of new and renewal H-1B petitions had been submitted in 2025, the number of visa-holders sponsored, and their countries of origin and job classifications, Reuters reported.
The directions on Tuesday came amid US President Donald Trump's intensified crackdown on immigration.
On September 19, Trump had signed an order requiring companies to pay $100,000 for each H-1B worker visa. However, two days after the rule came into effect, his administration clarified that the fee applies only to new applicants and does not affect current holders.
In December, Washington had said that it would expand the vetting of social media profiles to applicants for H-1B visas and their dependents from December 15. As a result, interviews of thousands of H-1B visa applicants in India were abruptly postponed by several months.
Later in the month, India stated that it had conveyed its concerns to the US about the cancellation of pre-scheduled interviews of Indian applicants for H-1B visas, adding that both sides were discussing the matter.
On December 23, the US Department of Homeland Security also said it had finalised amendments to regulations governing the H-1B visa selection process to favour workers who are higher-skilled and better-paid.
The new rules would take effect on February 27 and will be applicable for the financial year 2026-'27 registration period. The number of H-1B visas issued annually is limited to 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for US advanced degree holders.
The Trump administration said that replacing the lottery system of granting the visa with a process that gives greater weight to persons with higher skills will “better protect the wages, working conditions and job opportunities for American workers”.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Texas Governor Greg Abbott orders freeze on H-1B visas across state agencies Opposition wants probe into Pawar crash Opposition demands independent probe into plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar Arijit Singh Announces Retirement Amazon Announces 16 North Texas has 52 incoming transfers for new coach Neal Brown after 12-win season Jana Sena Party Orders Probe After Rape Allegations Against MLA Arava Sridhar Texas Attorney General Targets 3 Businesses For Leaders demand probe into Ajit Pawar’s death in plane crash Texas governor orders state agencies
New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI) Ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with the US are expected to conclude during the year, a development that could help reduce uncertainty on the external front, according to Economic Survey 2025-26. For India, it said
1 minutes ago
As generative AI shifts from experimentation to practical enterprise use, The Economic Times' ET Gen AI Hackathon, stands as a nationwide collaborative platform for industry to interact directly with AI developers prepared for implementation. Created to highlight concepts, skills
1 minutes ago
The visit is expected to centre on trade, investment, and wider cooperation, with an opportunity to strengthen economic ties and rebuild political trust. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a three-day visit to China, marking the first such trip by a UK leader in eight years
1 minutes ago
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that “a massive armada” is heading towards Iran and is ready to “fulfil its mission”, adding that time is running out for the Islamic Republic to make a deal on its nuclear programme. In response, Tehran said that if attacked
1 minutes ago
Kantara row: The FIR has been registered under sections 196, 299, and 302 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Bengaluru: In a fresh row of legal troubles for Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, an FIR has filed against him in Bengaluru in connection with his mimicry of actor Rishab Shetty's character from
1 minutes ago
Yuvraj Singh, while on a podcast with Sania Mirza, spoke openly about the reason behind ending his cricket career. He also talked about mentoring Abhishek Sharma. The former India all-rounder, during a chat on Serving it Up with Sania, said his decision to retire was not sudden
1 minutes ago
Software major Infosys' off-campus recruitment drive for full stack developers at mouth-watering salaries comes to an end tomorrow. The drive targets graduates with one-year of experience and solid skills and talent. The company is offering trainee specialist programmers salaries of Rs 21 lakh and
1 minutes ago
Economic Survey 2025-26: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in the Parliament today, January 29. The Economic Survey offers an assessment of the country's economy, macroeconomic performance and outlines the government's view on growth prospects
1 minutes ago
Bangladesh shooters are set to travel to India for the upcoming Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships in New Delhi. The shooters have been allowed to travel days after the Bangladesh government refused to send their men's national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup
1 minutes ago
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing daily life in simple but powerful ways. One new tool getting attention is Clawdbot. Unlike regular bots, Clawdbot can read and reply to emails, manage files and even place orders for food and groceries. Recently
1 minutes ago
Google launched a new artificial intelligence-powered photo editing feature in India, allowing users to edit images in Google Photos by simply describing the changes they want. Google on Wednesday launched a new artificial intelligence-powered photo editing feature in India
1 minutes ago
It is a massive day at the Australian Open 2026 today. On Thursday, 29 January, both the Women's Singles semi-finals will be held. World no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will play against Elina Svitolina, ranked 12, to seal her 4th consecutive spot in the Australian Open final
1 minutes ago
United Kingdom and its allies, including France and Canada, on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) strongly condemned the demolition last week by Israeli authorities of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency's (UNRWA) East Jerusalem compound. The group
1 minutes ago
A Bangladeshi shooting delegation will travel to India for the Asian Air Gun Championship. Shooter Robiul Islam and coach Sharmin Aktar are part of the team. The interim government has granted permission for their travel. This follows a previous denial of permission for the cricket team to tour
1 minutes ago
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28. His mortal remains were brought to his ancestral village, Katewadi, for his last rites. Funeral preparations are underway in Baramati. Pawar was a prominent political leader and the longest-serving Deputy Chief
1 minutes ago
The Delhi High Court on Thursday (January 29, 2026) ruled that it has no territorial jurisdiction to hear IRS officer Sameer Wankhede's defamation lawsuit against "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" series produced by Shah Rukh Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd
1 minutes ago
Realme has expanded its P-series portfolio in India with the launch of the Realme P4 Power 5G on Thursday. The new handset focuses on long battery life, and a high refresh rate display. Realme P4 Power 5G price and availability in IndiaThe Realme P4 Power 5G has been priced starting at Rs. 25
1 minutes ago
Pregnancy unfolds differently for every woman. Yet, conventional guidance around prenatal nutrition often focuses on a standard checklist of nutrients. Emerging research now makes it clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy nutrition is inadequate
1 minutes ago
Rajasthan Royals are close to becoming IPL's first billion-dollar franchise as global investors circle. RCB could be next. Rajasthan Royals are on course to become the first Indian Premier League franchise valued above $1 billion, a landmark moment that underlines how sharply the IPL's business
1 minutes ago
India's gig economy has expanded rapidly over the past four to five years, but income volatility remains a key concern, with about 40% of workers earning less than Rs 15,000 a month, the Economic Survey 2025-26 said.The number of gig workers rose 55% to 1.2 crore in FY25 from 77 lakh in FY21
1 minutes ago
The country's real gross domestic product is expected to grow between 6.8% and 7.2% in the financial year 2026-'27, the government's annual Economic Survey projected on Thursday, according to India Today. The Economic Survey, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament three days
1 minutes ago
With Assembly elections on the horizon, Kerala's Left-led government on Thursday unveiled a strongly welfare-oriented Budget for 2026–27, signalling a renewed push to consolidate social support through higher pensions, wage hikes for grassroots workers and expanded public programmes
1 minutes ago
An incident from Rajasthan has sparked widespread outrage after a video surfaced showing an elderly woman being kicked by a man while dancing during a public celebration. The clip captures the crowd watching silently as the woman is assaulted
1 minutes ago
11 days before he was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers, Alex Pretti was captured having an unruly confrontation with federal immigration agents during a Minneapolis protest. In the now viral video, Pretti, 37, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center
1 minutes ago
The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday in the Lok Sabha, expects the Indian economy to grow in the range of 6.8-7.2 per cent in the next financial year 2026-27. The country's key economic document, which has a total of 16 chapters
1 minutes ago
Mamata Banerjee will lead a Trinamool Congress delegation to Delhi on Monday. They will meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The meeting concerns the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise. Banerjee has criticised the exercise
1 minutes ago
FM Sitharaman will present the 15th Budget of the PM Modi government on February 1. New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday tabled the Economic Survey 2026 in Parliament, which will set the official tone on how the economy of the country is performing on a strong note despite
1 minutes ago
