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Group visas for Haj pilgrimsNEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia has devised a `group visa system' for Haj pilgrims under which groups of 25-45 people...

Group visas for Haj pilgrims
NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia has devised a `group visa system’ for Haj pilgrims under which groups of 25-45 people would be sent through a registered or licensed tour operator. In an intimation to the External Affairs Ministry here, the Saudi government said the tour operators would be responsible for all boarding, lodging and transport arrangements during the pilgrims’ stay in the kingdom. The group would travel together both ways and a designated leader would be responsible for bringing all the pilgrims back to India within the period of validity of the Umrah visa.

Bengal clash
CALCUTTA: The police fired 12 rounds after tear-gas and lathi-charges failed to disperse CPI-ML supporters, who clashed with CPI-M activists overnight, leaving one dead and 10 injured at Mukundapur village in Diamond Harbour area in South 24 Parganas district. The clashes which began last night over a land dispute continued in the early hours of today, when CPI-ML activists attacked thehouse of a CPI-M supporter. When the police reached the spot in the morning, CPI-ML supporters hurled bombs at them.

Naxals surrender
HYDERABAD: In a major blow to the naxalite movement in Andhra Pradesh as many as 22 activists of the outlawed Peoples’ War Group surrendered before the Director General of Police H J Dora today. The surrendered ultras, hailing from Warangal district belonged to various dalams of PWG, carried a cash reward of Rs 20,000 each.

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Goa ministry
PANAJI: The 11-day-old coalition ministry in Goa led by Dr Wilfred Desouza would be expanded tomorrow with the induction of two more members, taking its strength to 14. This would be the second expansion since the new government assumed office on July 29 following dismissal of the Pratapsingh Rane government. The present Council of ministers consisted of nine members of Desouza’s Goa Rajiv Congress Party and three from Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party. The two members to be sworn-in are Sadanand Malik and Shivdas Verenkar,both from the MGP.

Amarnath yatra
JAMMU: The month-long Amarnath yatra concluded today with the Chhari Pujan at the holy cave by a group of sadhus led by Mahant Dipinder Giri and the darshan by last batch of pilgrims. After the darshan and puja the Chhari Mubarak (holy mace of Lord Shiva) has returned to Panchtarni on its way back to Srinagar marking the culmination of the yatra. A record number of 1.40 lakh pilgrims coming from all over the country participated in this year’s yatra.

I-T raids yield 1 cr
JAIPUR: Income Tax sleuths have detected undeclared cash, jewellery and other assets worth over Rs one crore during the ongoing raids on the premises of five businessmen in Jaipur and Tonk district.

H-1B $100,000 entry fee explained: Who pays, who’s exempt, and what’s still unclear?

Explained6 hr ago

The White House's decision to impose a $100,000 entry fee on H-1B visa holders has sparked worry among Indian tech workers and students. While uncertainties remain about its implementation and exemptions, major tech companies have cautioned employees against traveling. The policy could lead to a shift towards other visa categories and potentially change the STEM immigration pipeline.

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