1Politicsindianexpress.com
US lawmaker introduces H-1B reform bill that could hit Indian tech workers hard
A Republican lawmaker in the US has introduced a Bill that seeks to make major changes to the H-1B visa programme, including removing its use as a pathway to permanent residency. The proposed "American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act" also aims to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. The Bill proposes several changes to existing system, including reducing the maximum duration of H-I-B visas from six years to two years and replacing the current lottery-based selection process with a system that gives preference to applicants offered higher salaries. If passed, these changes could make it more difficult for Indian tech workers to move from temporary work visas to permanent residence. The bill would need to pass both chambers of Congress before becoming law.
2Worldtheguardian.com
Peru’s discontented voters face straight left-right choice in election runoff
Peruvian voters are set to vote in a runoff between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez, a leftist congressman from Peru. This is expected to be Peru's ninth president in a decade amid rising crime, political instability, corruption scandals, and voter apathy. FujIMori, the daughter of late president Alberto Fujimor, won 17% of the vote in the first round and Sánachez took 12% of his vote. The two candidates are predicted to be a highly contested left-right replay of the country's last election in 2021. The election campaign ended with a choice between two candidates who represent just 29% of Peru's vote. Over 6 million Peruvians did not turn out to vote for the first time in April, despite fines for failing to do so.
3Politicscnbc.com
100 days of the Iran war: How global markets and the economy have been affected, in charts
The Iran war, which began 100 days ago, continues to drive significant volatility across all asset classes as a lasting peace deal between the U.S. and Iran remains elusive. Despite initial losses in some markets, Wall Street's major averages have since wiped out initial losses. The S&P 500 has hit new all-time highs, despite the ongoing conflict. The conflict has led to higher oil prices and potential inflation. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route in the Middle East, has been effectively shut down for the duration of the conflict, leading to major oil price swings. Despite a decrease in oil demand, analysts predict that if the conflict continues, demand destruction will be a significant factor.
4Financead-hoc-news.de
Apprentice Pay Hikes and EU Rules Fail to Reverse Germany's Training Market Slump
German vocational training contracts fell to a record low in 2025, driven by the country's ongoing recession and a new EU directive, the Pay Transparency Directive, which is set to take effect in June. The directive requires companies to publish salary ranges in job advertisements, including for apprenticeship positions, and employers must prove that their pay disparity is not based on gender or other protected characteristics. Despite this, the share of foreign-born apprentices increased from 16.2 to 18.5 due to targeted recruitment efforts in a tight labor market. The German government has yet to transpose the directive into national law, leaving a gap of at least several months during which employers could face discrimination lawsuits.
5Sportskentucky.com
Golden Knights overcome collapse, win instant classic Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final
The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in double overtime in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Despite a four-goal deficit in the third period, the Knights managed to maintain their 2-1 lead. Forward Mitch Marner scored the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup finals history, giving him a record-breaking 28 points this postseason. The game's outcome was overshadowed by Carolina's first four goal run in history.
6Worldrnz.co.nz
Ivanka Trump plans a luxury resort on a protected beach but locals and conservationists aren't thrilled
Ivanka Trump has announced plans to build a luxury resort on a protected beach in Albania, with the project backed by US president's daughter and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The project includes a 1400ha private island, five miles of Albanian beachfront, intended to become resorts and hotels. However, conservation groups argue that the development has already damaged the beautiful area Trump described as "unbelievable." Protests have taken place in the capital Tirana, with demonstrators carrying pink cardboard cutouts of the threatened flamingos. Albania's prime minister, Edi Rama, has denied that the project has begun yet and its environmental impact is ongoing. Critics have raised concerns about Kushner's private business dealings presenting a conflict of interest, given he serves as a special envoy of President Donald Trump.
7Politicsleadership.ng
15 Presidential Candidates Line Up Against Tinubu
The Nigerian political parties have concluded their party primaries, with 15 presidential candidates vying to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set a date for the presidential election on 16 January 2027, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) confirming Tinububu's nomination for re-election. Opposition parties have also chosen their flagbearers for the contest. In the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Senate President David Mark announced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate, while the Labour Party (LP) faction led by Julius Abure adopted Kennedy Ahanotu and the Nenadi Usman camp announced Dr Chibuzo Okereke as its consensus presidential flagbearer. The emergence of multiple presidential candidates in some political parties indicates internal conflicts within their ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections. Several parties are facing pending legal battles over their respective machinery and structure, potentially leading to the election as divided houses.
8Entertainmentdnaindia.com
Who was Salim Kumar? Veteran Malayalam actor dies at 56, won National Film Award for Adaminte Makan Abu
Malayalam actor Salim Kumar, who won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Adaminte Makan Abu and received four Kerala State Film Awards, has died at a private hospital in Kochi while undergoing treatment for pneumonia. His son, Chandu Salim, has also appeared in Malayalam blockbusters such as Manjummel Boys and Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Kumar, known for his versatility and performances in films such as Achanurangatha Veedu, Traffic, and Perumazhakkalam, rose from Kerala's mimicry circuit to become one of the most versatile performers in Malayaalam cinema.
9Environmenten.bonikbarta.com
Poor waste management fuels rat boom across Dhaka, heightening health risks
Dhaka's alleys, wet markets, restaurants, drains and residential quarters are seeing a surge in rats, making them a public health threat. The rodents are found foraging openly during daylight hours, contaminating food and water supplies through their excrement, urine, and physical contact. This is attributed to poor waste management and unplanned urbanisation. Neglected waste collection, open dumping and a deficit of public bins have exacerbated the crisis. Experts warn that rats carry at least 60 transmissible diseases and pose a significant threat to urban populations. The rise in urban rat population is attributed primarily to deficient municipal waste management, an abundance of discarded food, which accelerates breeding cycles. Rapid urbanisation has led to rats being brought from natural habitats into urban centres, creating a crisis compounded by construction works and a high population density.
10Techsimplywall.st
Commerzbank Backs AI Momentum 2030 Plan As UniCredit Bid Rejected
Commerzbank has rejected a takeover bid by UniCredit and confirmed its intention to stay independent. CEO Bettina Orlopp presented the Momentum 2030 plan, which involves using artificial intelligence across the bank. The strategy aims to achieve revenue growth, cost efficiency measures, and higher profitability outcomes by 2030. This move is seen as a clear statement of direction for investors. The stock last closed at €37.1, with a 1-year return of 36.5% and a 3-year gain described as significant. However, there are risks and concerns about the bank's ability to remain independent in a consolidating European banking sector.
