The United States is one step closer to changing wage rules for foreign workers after a proposed rule affecting H-1B visas and the employment-based green card process passed federal review, a development that could ultimately push up minimum wage requirements for sponsored workers.The proposal was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review two months ago, and the rule will likely be released for public comment shortly before finalization.The prevailing wage determines the minimum wage that U.S. employers must pay foreign employees based on occupation and location. Any changes to the framework will have a direct impact on recruitment costs, eligibility thresholds and sponsorship decisions. While detailed regulatory text has not yet been released publicly, immigration experts expect the proposal to revise how wage levels are calculated and potentially raise the required wage benchmarks for several occupations.During the early days of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. Department of Labor introduced a rule in October 2020 that would significantly increase wages for H-1B workers and employment-based green card applicants by 40% to 100%.The final rule was successfully challenged in court and later withdrawn. Although the Biden administration attempted to enact a new set of wage rules, the plan was ultimately shelved.The move is significant for Indian professionals, who make up the vast majority of H-1B visa holders and a large share of U.S. employment-based green card applicants, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors.According to a report released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, of the total number of H-1B petitions approved in fiscal year 2024 (including extensions), 71% (approximately 280,000) were Indian beneficiaries. While the public comment window for any proposed rule is open for 30 to 60 days, immigration experts believe the comment period may be limited to 30 days to speed up the finalization of the wage rule. The revised framework may apply to selected H-1B beneficiaries in the 2027 season. Registration for the H-1B cap visa is set to open next month. TOI had earlier reported that sponsoring employers are not keen on the H-1B salary cap season and the salary rules could be the final dent in the coffin.
Winter Games begin in Gulmarg; Omar prepares for artificial snow | India News
SRINAGAR: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated the 6th India Khlo Winter Games in Gulmarg.“The Khelo India Winter Games revives the sportsmanship ideals of peace, equality and fraternity. The Gulmarg Winter Games are a universal language and a common heritage in our vibrant and diverse country of many languages, cultures and traditions,” Sinha said.The four-day event in Gulmarg will be attended by around 1,000 athletes and officials from various states and federal universities.Prime Minister Omar Abdullah while addressing the inauguration ceremony reiterated the desire to develop Gulmarg into an international ski resort.“We witnessed a severe freeze here a few weeks ago. We had no idea when the race started it would be so warm and the skiing would be challenging. We may have to make some adjustments,” Omar said.“We have been watching the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy over the past few days. I congratulate the Indian skier, our very own Arif Khan, who proudly waved the flag and represented the country. I hope that at this edition of the Indian Winter Olympics in Cairo, a new Arif Khan will emerge,” he said.Kashmir is experiencing its hottest February, with the maximum temperature reaching 21 degrees Celsius on February 21. The CM said that the challenges posed by climate change are obvious. “The fact is that we cannot just rely on nature. We decide the date of the competition at the beginning of the year without knowing when the snow will fall or how much it will be. I request the organizers not to decide the date in advance. Let us decide to hold the competition 10 to 15 days after sufficient snowfall,” he said.Omar also called for investment in artificial snowmaking systems. “It is high time that we move to artificial snowmaking. I understand the concerns about water and electricity usage, but if we don’t build these infrastructures, one day we may not even be able to ski in Gulmarg, which will be truly unfortunate,” he said.“Those associated with tourism such as sled operators, ski guides, ski instructors, ATV drivers etc. all depend on snow for their livelihood. It is our responsibility to provide the means and infrastructure to promote tourism and ensure its survival,” the CM said.
Is Catherine Short married? What the family of Martin Short’s daughter needs to know in suicide case
this suicide Martin Short’s eldest daughter, Catherine Elizabeth Short, once shocked Hollywood. While Short’s rep confirmed Katherine’s death in a statement, TMZ cited reports from the Los Angeles Police Department that Katherine died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Monday.

Martin Short’s representative released a statement to the media: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Catherine Hartley Short.”
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world.”
The death of Catherine Elizabeth Short sparked considerable interest in her life, whether she was married, and her career. In this article, we’ll take a look at what we know about her family.
Did Catherine Elizabeth have a short marriage?
Catherine Elizabeth Short maintains a private life and is rarely seen with her famous father. There is no information about whether she is married or has a family. There are no public records of a relationship or marriage confirmed by the Short family or Catherine herself.
Catherine Elizabeth Short was the eldest of three adopted children of Martin Short and Nancy Dorman. Dorman dies of ovarian cancer cancer In 2010, thirty years after marriage.
TMZ reports that Katherine Elizabeth Short is a social worker who worked at an agency in San Francisco. non-governmental organization“Bring Change 2 Mind,” founded by actor Glenn Close. The report pointed out that she graduated from New York University and later received a master’s degree from the University of Southern California.
Also read: Tragic story of Martin Short’s wife Nancy Dorman emerges after daughter Catherine dies by suicide
What you need to know about Catherine Short’s suicide
The cause of Catherine Elizabeth Short’s death is unknown. The family did not confirm the cause of death, and TMZ, citing law enforcement sources, said she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Reports indicate that officers from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived in the Hollywood Hills. Los Angeles Monday at 6:45 pm (CT) at the residence of Katherine Elizabeth. She was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
UK House of Representatives approves release of confidential documents related to Andrew
LONDON: Britain’s House of Commons on Tuesday approved the release of documents related to the appointment of former Prince Andrew as trade envoy, a post he held for about a decade during which he was suspected of improperly passing government information to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein.The meeting was approved by voice vote. It is unclear when the former prince, who was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, will be released. The government has made it clear it does not want to interfere with the investigation. Opposition Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, who tabled the motion, believes now is the time for more transparency.Mandelson bailed London police released former ambassador Peter Mandelson early Tuesday morning amid an investigation into his ties to Epstein. Mandelson was arrested Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Mandelson is under investigation over allegations he sent sensitive documents to late American sex offenders while he was minister, including during the 2008 financial crisis. Police have not yet specified which documents are part of the investigation. mechanism
Tendulkar emerges as global champion for road safety | India News
New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday released a video in support of a road safety campaign as he joined a group of celebrities who have been designated as “global road safety champions” by the United Nations.“Every life matters,” he said, hoping his security statement to the United Nations would help “create safer roads for all.” “If Sachin Tendulkar says ‘Don’t use your mobile phone while driving’, people will listen. If Sachin Tendulkar says ‘Wear a helmet,’ people will listen,” Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy for road safety, told an event.Tendulkar said in a video message: “Throughout my career, I have learned that discipline and awareness are not only crucial for success but also for responsibility… The same is true on our roads. ““Every day, our actions impact others. Wearing a seat belt or helmet, staying alert and respecting traffic rules can save lives… Our road fatality rate is 10 times higher than the number of vehicles we have. But through awareness and collective action, we can protect our families and communities,” he said.United Nations entities in India, including WHO, have also launched a program to provide financial and technical support to four states – Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam – to improve black spots, safer school zones, walking and cycling facilities and post-crash care. These states were selected to establish agencies to address road safety issues.
Who is Catherine Elizabeth Short? Actor Martin Short’s daughter commits suicide aged 42
Catherine Elizabeth Short, the daughter of “Murder in the Building” actor Martin Short, has committed suicide. Katherine Elizabeth reportedly shot herself to death at her home in the Hollywood Hills, TMZ reported, citing Los Angeles Police Department officials. Los Angeles. She is 42 years old.

A representative for Martin Short also confirmed Catherine’s death in a statement to the media. “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Catherine Hartley Short,” the statement read.
“The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was loved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought to the world.”
Elizabeth Short’s surroundings suicide Not sure. Citing sources from the Los Angeles Police Department, TMZ reports that officers from the department, along with fire department officials, responded to an incident at the home in the Hollywood Hills around 6:45 pm (CT) on Monday, February 23. First responders found her dead from a gunshot wound.
Catherine Elizabeth was the daughter of Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dorman. Although her father is one of Hollywood’s most famous comedians and actors, she lives a private life and rarely makes public appearances.
In this article we will take a look at what is known about her.
Who is Catherine Short?
Katherine Elizabeth Short is a social worker who worked with a san franciscoa California-based NGO, Bring Change 2 Mind. Founded by actor Glenn Close, the NGO advocates for greater awareness of mental health.
TMZ reports that Katherine Short holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University. She later earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California (USC).
Martin Short’s adopted children
Martin Short and Nancy Dorman adopted three children: Catherine Elizabeth Short, Olive Patrick Short, and Henry Hayter Short. Martin and Nancy’s marriage lasted for more than thirty years until Dorman’s death from ovarian cancer in 2010.
Catherine Elizabeth Short was born in 1983, Oliver Patrick Short was born in 1986, and their youngest, Henry Hayter Short, was born in 1989.
Despite Short’s fame, he has always kept his children out of the public spotlight. In fact, the last time Catherine Elizabeth Short was seen in public was in January 2020, when she was outside Craig’s Restaurant in the Hollywood Hills.
Omar Abdullah urges Kashmiri students to leave Iran as soon as possible India News
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged Kashmiri students studying in Iran to leave the country at the earliest. “I made it very clear that they should not ignore the advice of the Indian government. Otherwise, this could become a problem for us tomorrow,” Omar told reporters.He said students should act quickly once the situation in Iran is stable and airports are open. “They should book tickets and return. If the situation remains normal, they can go back anytime,” he said. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued this warning not for no reason. If the situation in Iran worsens in the future, it will become difficult to ensure their safe evacuation.”National Conference Chairman Dr Farooq Abdullah also called on students to return as soon as possible. “If the airspace is closed tomorrow, their parents will be anxious and making noise here. It is better to leave early because once flights are suspended, evacuation becomes very difficult. The warning has been issued and should be taken seriously,” he said.
Canadian academic Hamza Ahmed Khan reported missing in Pakistan; later arrested for social media posts
Hamza Ahmad Khan, a Pakistani-Canadian citizen and doctoral scholar at the University of Toronto, disappeared in Lahore on February 19. He had been living with friends since traveling to Pakistan on February 13. Subsequently, Pakistani media reports confirmed that Khan was arrested and appeared in court for a preliminary hearing and was sentenced to 14 days of detention. Khan’s mysterious disappearance caused an uproar in the academic community until news of his arrest was discovered. Ali Usman Qasi, an associate professor of humanities and social sciences at Lahore University of Management Sciences, wrote on X that he met Khan the day before he disappeared. “I strongly disagree with many of Hamza’s political views, but what I despise most is that he was chosen because of them,” he wrote.“We talked candidly for an hour, and we came away with a better understanding of each other’s thinking. That’s why dialogue is important, why it’s critical to reach across the political spectrum.”
Who is Hamza Ahmed Khan ? Why was he arrested in Pakistan?
Khan is a Canadian-Pakistani academic who traveled to Pakistan to conduct field research and write a paper titled “The Politics of Democracy Promotion in Muslim-Majority Societies.” He is pursuing his PhD at the University of Toronto. He has worked as a Chartered Accountant in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Khan was arrested by the Federal National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency for his online activities, Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported.Pakistani authorities said they were investigating Khan’s “inflammatory” social media posts “aimed at inciting public disorder.” The Toronto Star discovered an X account believed to be Khan’s, which had published dozens of posts critical of the Pakistani government, although the complaint against Khan did not mention any specific posts.Khan spoke about Imran Khan, Pakistan being part of Donald Trump’s peace committee and more in his recent posts. Most of them criticized Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir and Bilawal Bhutto Zardai, the son of assassinated Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
SOTU Response: When will Abigail Spanberger offer her Democratic rebuttal to Trump? detail
All eyes will be on President Trump during prime time Tuesday united states capitol when he delivered his annual State of the Union address. However, those who don’t quite agree with the 79-year-old’s views will be paying close attention to the Democratic rebuttal of Trump’s SOTU speech.

This year, the Democratic response to Trump’s SOTU speech will be made by newly elected Democrats virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger, one of Trump’s fiercest recent critics, was confirmed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries as a spokesman for the response.
The U.S. Constitution provides that the president “provides State of the Union information to Congress from time to time.” However, rebuttal was not provided for by the Constitution; rather, it developed in the mid-20th century, when broadcasting made state repartee possible.
When did the Democratic response to SOTU begin?
Donald Trump’s State of the Union address will begin at 9 p.m. ET washington d.c.. Since rebuttal is unconstitutional, there is no set time. However, it usually starts immediately after the SOTU address ends.
According to reports, Trump’s SOTU speech this year is titled “America 250: Strong, Prosperous and Respected” and is expected to last about one and a half hours. Given this schedule, Abigail Spanberger’s response is expected to begin on Tuesday between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM ET.
Unlike SOTU’s speech, the Democratic response was broadcast from a studio. In some cases, they are also pre-recorded. It is unclear whether Abigail Spanberger will speak live, or if her speech has been recorded.
How to watch Abigail Spender’s SOTU response?
Abigail Spanberger’s response will be broadcast on all major U.S. television news channels and their respective YouTube channels.
Also read: Trump’s State of the Union encounters massive boycott: List of Democrats who skipped big speech
Abigail Spanberger calls SOTU response a defining moment
Abigail Spanberger calls Democratic response to Trump’s SOTU speech a “defining moment” in American history.
“Americans in Virginia and across the country are dealing with rising costs, disruption in their communities and real fear of what could happen every day,” she said last week. “Next week, I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve — and the leaders who are working hard to serve them.”
Notably, Abigail Spanberger was the first female governor of Virginia.
