President Donald Trump playfully considered dismissing his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. He stated that he would keep her despite receiving overwhelmingly negative press coverage. Trump believes the public does not trust the media. Leavitt has a history of confronting reporters
April 2026: 5 simple ways to attract positive energy and clarityThis is not a month to rush or force clarity. Instead, it is a time to slow down, stabilise your energy, and let things fall into place naturally. Published on: Apr 01, 2026 10:29 AM IST Edited by Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link
Overall conditions in Delhi are expected to remain variable, with a mix of brief cooling, rising temperatures and intermittent rainfall. No extreme weather is forecast yet. Today’s Weather: Delhi-NCR witnessed unseasonal rain on Tuesday, leading to a drop in daytime temperatures
‘We are deeply disturbed’: Raqesh Bapat’s family slams Vishal Kotian over personal remarks, clash on Bigg Boss Marathi 6Raqesh Bapat landed in a heated controversy on Bigg Boss Marathi 6 as his clash with Vishal Kotian escalated from a verbal spat to a physical altercation. Apr 1, 2026
Petrol & Diesel Price Hike: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased the prices of premium fuels in Delhi, even as volatility in global energy markets continues amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The price of IndianOil’s XP100 petrol, India’s first 100-octane premium fuel
Trump’s H-1B move a mistake, says visiting US Congressman Ami Bera
Indian-origin US Congressman Ami Bera, a Democrat who was en route to Delhi when President Donald Trump announced $100,000 annual application fee on the H-1B visa programme, has called the move, effectively shutting the door on skilled Indian employees, a mistake.
The US awards 85,000 H-1B visas annually on a lottery system. India accounts for around three-quarters of the recipients. Large American technology firms rely on Indian workers.
“It caught us by surprise. We get on an airplane in the United States, and you have no idea this is going to happen. [We]... land in India, and it is front page news,” said Bera, who is in India to meet business leaders and government officials.
He said the move is going to hurt US companies. “...clearly we need these technology workers. I do not think they are displacing the US workforce. I think there are plenty of jobs in the United States, and India does have a well-educated technical group of individuals that benefit our economy, benefit our companies,” said Bera, who has served in the US Congress for 14 years and is the longest-serving Indian-American there.
Bera said the H-1B announcement has created panic among US employers. “Talking and listening to some of our companies like Microsoft and others, they are telling their employees, ‘Hey, don't leave the country right now, or if you're out of the country, get back into the United States.' It has been chaotic, right? You have [commerce secretary] Howard Lutnick saying one thing, and then they have to walk it back. So it sends a lot of uncertainty,” said Bera, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Lutnick, who stood beside Trump at the signing of the H-1B proclamation, described the $100,000 levy as an “annual” fee that would apply to both new applications and renewals. His remarks sparked panic across the tech sector, with many believing even existing visa holders would be hit. Many foreign workers rushed back to the US as companies issued advisories ahead of the September 21 deadline.
The White House clarified that the charge, a one-time payment, applies only to new applications and does not affect renewals or current H-1B workers.
Bera said that is not how a policy should be rolled out. “If this is something they were thinking about, they should have informed Congress. We should have had a debate on it. We should have understood how this was going to get rolled out and implemented,” said Bera. He added that Congress is likely to revisit the issue when it reconvenes, and they are also hoping for bipartisanship on the issue.
Bera warned that the move could ultimately backfire on the US by pushing companies to expand operations in India rather than bringing skilled workers to America. He admitted the India-US relationship has entered a rough patch, calling certain Trump administration decisions missteps.
“Throughout my almost 14 years in Congress, the trajectory has always been very positive, and that precedes me being in Congress. You go back to President Bush and President Clinton. We have always talked about this being a defining relationship in the 21st century. We have got to get it to a better place.”
The India-US relations have been strained in recent months with Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a punitive levy on Russian oil purchases. On Friday, the US revoked a sanctions waiver that allowed India to establish a presence at the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar.
Bera said steep tariffs would backfire. “Now, I do not think the 50% tariffs are realistic for anyone. It is certainly going to hurt Indian workers, but it is going to hurt American consumers, because a lot of India's products are exported to the United States.”
Bera referred to commerce minister Piyush Goyal's visit to the US for trade talks and pointed to breakthroughs with other Asian partners. “Japan was able to get to a better place, and Korea was able to get to a better place. I am optimistic...I hear behind the scenes that there is progress being made, so I would hope we see some announcements coming out of New York this week.”
Bera said India-Pakistan put together what is now a “tenuous ceasefire,” even as Trump has maintained he brokered peace in May. He stressed that the US could play only a supportive role. Bera said Trump's insistence soured sentiment in India and created unnecessary confusion.
He underlined that the US Congress remains committed to the relationship. “I think it is important for the Indian people to know that we understand the relationship,” he said.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: India, China Among 16 US Trading Partners Facing Unfair-Trade Probe Amid Renewed Tariff Push Brent crude oil price soars 45-month high at nearly $120 per barrel amid Iran war US Congressman Shows Mirror To Islamabad Disgraced US ex-congressman George Santos walks free after Trump commutes sentence I am a born Congressman US Congressman backs India Madhya Pradesh ‘Neta’ Caught On Cam Saying ‘Nothing Will Happen To Me’ Amid ‘Rape At Knifepoint’ Charge US Judge Summons ICE Chief Over Due Process Failures For Detainees Amid Minneapolis Killings Was Thomas Jacob Sanford a Democrat or Republican Did Cory Booker do a Musk-style Nazi salute at California Democrat convention
A group of retired civil servants and former diplomats on Tuesday expressed concerns about a recent order issued by Assam’s special chief secretary for environment deploying about 1,600 personnel of the state’s forest protection force for duties related to the upcoming Assembly elections
1 days ago
Nita Ambani wows in minimal look for Mumbai Indians team dinner; her pink diamond earrings are anything but simpleNita Ambani hosted the Mumbai Indians team at the Ambani residence, Antilia. She wore a simple floral look for the occasion, styled with diamond jewels. Updated on: Apr 01
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Frustrated with slow tablets? These top 5 reliable tablets fix that, picks from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, moreThese tablets come with newer and faster processors and adequate storage
1 days ago
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed their decision on Fakhar Zaman on Tuesday following the ball tampering incident in Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings fixture held on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Fakhar Zaman has received a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
1 days ago
Does your house have a concrete roof or a thatched one? What is your main cereal? Do you have internet access - or just a basic mobile phone? And how many married couples live under your roof? These are among the 33 questions that more than a billion Indians will be asked as the country launches
1 days ago
Divorced couples in Japan are now allowed to share custody of their children, after a landmark revision to Japan's Civil Code took effect on Wednesday. Before the amendment was approved by parliament in 2024, Japan was the only G7 country that did not recognise the legal concept of joint custody
1 days ago
Dubai, Apr 1 (AP) US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that the responsibility for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open should belong with countries that rely on it, rather than the US. He said there’s “no reason for us to do this." Trump expressed frustration earlier Tuesday with
1 days ago
The buzz around the rebranded Lucknow Super Giants team is high ahead of the new Indian Premier League season. The Shaheed Path highway here, which leads into the city from the airport, is dotted with flags and cutouts of the host side’s players on the eve of their campaign opener against Delhi
1 days ago
Miss India Nikita Porwal brings celestial beauty to fashion awards, fans call her a goddess: 'Miss World right there'Miss India Nikita Porwal shines on the red carpet in a stunning gown adorned with shimmering pearls and crystals that caught the light with every movement. Published on: Apr 01
1 days ago
April Full Moon 2026: Tarot guidance and rituals for each zodiac signPink Moon 2026: Even if you do not believe in tarot or moon rituals, taking a few quiet moments for yourself can still feel calming and helpful. Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 9:30 AM IST By Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link The Full
1 days ago
In a first for the country, the Ministry of Mines informed on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that thirty mineral blocks have been made operational in a single financial year, that is, FY 2025-26. Essential to note, most of the blocks that have been made operational are that of limestone
1 days ago
Having risen steadily over time, the share of Indian households who use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as their primary source of fuel for cooking is now at 60% as of 2024. Another 33% of households still used firewood. This data comes from India's Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys
1 days ago
Reliance Jio is known for its innovative offerings, whether it’s free internet or budget-friendly recharge plans. Now, the company is venturing into the electric bike market with an upcoming e-bike that promises to feature remarkable specifications
1 days ago
Italy shattered as distraught players left in tears after missing World Cup for third straight time - See Photos Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 10:35 AM IST Written by Aditya Maheshwari Share via Copy link Italy's Marco Palestra, left, and Leonardo Spinazzola console each other after losing a penalty
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Struggling with calls on the go? These 5 premium earphones feature crystal clear callingWireless earphones designed for clear calling focus on strong microphones
1 days ago
KEAM Admit Card 2026 releasing today at cee.kerala.gov.in, here's how to download Published on: Apr 01, 2026 9:06 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala
1 days ago
The new financial year FY 2025-2026 has kicked in from today. Check key financial and regulatory changes. New Delhi: India will see a slew of financial and regulatory changes with the beginning of the new fiscal year on April 1, 2026, affecting taxes, fuel, banking and rail travel
1 days ago
Your IPL plans are officially sorted! From electric rooftop screenings to laid-back dine-ins, here’s where you should be catching every six, wicket, and last-over thriller with your gang. For all the craft beer lovers, this one’s a no-brainer. Expect great brews, live match energy
1 days ago
Malayalam filmmaker and screenwriter Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested after a sexual assault complaint filed by a young female actor. Ernakulam: Prominent Malayalam director-producer Ranjith was arrested following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed against him by a young actress
1 days ago
Observing that the legality, validity and propriety of transfer orders issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) have not caused any public injury, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the transfer of administrative and
1 days ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage prodigy's explosive knock helped RR chase down CSK’s modest total with ease on Sunday, securing an eight-wicket victory and etching his name among the fastest fifty-makers in IPL history. In a sensational start to the IPL 2026 season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
1 days ago
Unlike the F-35 Lightning II, the AMCA is designed for full operational control and allows the country to integrate its own sensors, AI and weapons without outside approval. New Delhi: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has introduced a new level of capability for the Indian Air Force (IAF)
1 days ago
Actor Vicky Kaushal has finally reacted to Dhurandhar: The Revenge, praising director Aditya Dhar and the team behind the film. Taking to Instagram, Vicky wrote, “I’m so shook, so proud and in absolute awe of the craft, hard work and sincerety with which you have made this film
1 days ago
Celebrate April Fool’s Day 2026 with over 50 easy, simple, and funny pranks for friends, family, home, school, and office. Discover harmless ideas that guarantee laughs and fun for everyone! April Fool’s Day is just around the corner! On April 1, 2026
1 days ago
'Ranbir Kapoor reminded of Arun Govil': Fan praises actor's Lord Rama turn in Ramayana, gifts Ram Mandir-inspired vestThe first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was unveiled to a select audience in Los Angeles a few days ago. Apr 1, 2026
1 days ago
Vande Bharat passenger claims food gave her allergy, IRCTC says ‘lunch was satisfactory’A Vande Bharat passenger claimed that eating the food served on the train gave her a severe allergic reaction, while her two-year-old son developed diarrhoea Updated on: Apr 01
1 days ago
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) Aviation stocks were in high demand in morning trade on Wednesday, with InterGlobe Aviation climbing over 9 per cent, despite jet fuel price hike. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent firm of IndiGo, after starting the trade on a positive note further jumped 9.41 per cent to Rs 4
1 days ago
