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Did Trump’s Kharg Island attack destroy critical Iranian oil infrastructure? Big clarifications amid price surge

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President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States had struck “every military target in Iran” kharg island Export hub. The 79-year-old further added that the US Central Command (CENTCOM)-led attack was intended to send a warning rather than cripple Iran’s energy exports.

Satellite image shows an oil terminal on Kharg Island, Iran, on February 25, 2026 (via REUTERS)
Satellite image shows an oil terminal on Kharg Island, Iran, on February 25, 2026 (via REUTERS)

“Not long ago, under my direction, U.S. Central Command conducted one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East, completely destroying all military targets on Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Trump wrote on The Truth Society.

follow: US-Iran war live updates: Iran fires new missiles at Israel, Israeli shells hit UN troops in Lebanon

The president further stated that Iran lacks the ability to withstand U.S. military action. “Throughout my first term and now, I have rebuilt our military into the deadliest, most capable and most effective force anywhere in the world by far.”

“Iran has no ability to defend against anything we want to attack – there is nothing they can do about it!” he wrote.

Read more: Why Trump attacked Iran’s Kharg Island. US president explains ‘banned island’ strike

Did Trump attack Kharg Island’s oil infrastructure?

Trump mentioned that the island’s oil infrastructure had not been hit. “I chose not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure out of decency,” he noted.

However, he warned about Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

“However, if Iran or anyone else takes any action to interfere with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”

Oil prices soar

Brent crude ended above $100 a barrel for a second straight session on Friday, closing at its highest level in more than three years, while U.S. crude futures settled near their highest level since July 2022. Millions of barrels of oil remain trapped in the Persian Gulf, with traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz effectively at a standstill.

The blockade has disrupted the flow of millions of barrels of oil per day, leading the International Energy Agency to say global supplies have suffered the worst hit on record. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have all had to limit crude oil production.

The price spike is also being felt at U.S. gas stations, where the average cost of a gallon of gasoline has risen to $3.63, the highest level since May 2024, according to AAA.

(With input from Bloomberg)

‘What do they have to do with Guwahati?’: Former Indian cricketer questions RR strategy

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'What do they have to do with Guwahati?': Former India cricketer questions Rajasthan Royals' strategy
Rajasthan Royals (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore)

Akash Chopra The following questions were asked rajasthan royals They play three of their seven away games against Jaipur in Guwahati in the upcoming season indian premier league. The former India opener said he found it difficult to understand the logic behind the team shifting most of its home matches to a venue that he felt had little historical connection with the franchise.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out the geographical distance between Rajasthan and Assam, arguing that the two regions are located on opposite sides of the country. He said the move felt unusual for a team representing Rajasthan, although he acknowledged that the current captain Ryanparag From Assam.“Both teams play three games each at home. One of them is Rajasthan Royals and they don’t play at home at all. So far, I have never understood their story or what their system is. Their second home is in Guwahati. All three of their games are in Guwahati. I wonder what their connection is with Guwahati,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.“The name of the team is Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan is in the west of India. Guwahati is in the east of India. It’s understandable that Kolkata wants to go there because that’s their catchment area. You can still understand the Guwahati affiliation because Riyan Parag is the captain now, but this team has no connection with Guwahati,” he added.Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (Board of Control for Cricket in India)BCCI) recently announced the first phase schedule of the 2026 IPL season. The tournament will begin on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.The second match will see Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders. As for the Royals, their campaign will begin against chennai super kings In Guwahati.

Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Schedule – Phase 1

date sky match site time
March 30 on Monday Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Guwahati 7:30pm
April 4 Saturday Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals Ahmedabad 7:30pm
April 7 Tuesday Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians Guwahati 7:30pm
April 10 Friday Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Guwahati 7:30pm
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Dubai News: ‘Evacuate offices?’ Standard Chartered responds to virus rumors in UAE emirate amid Iran-US-Israel war

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Dubai News: 'Evacuate offices?' Standard Chartered responds to virus rumors in UAE emirate amid Iran-US-Israel war
Are banks starting to leave Dubai? Standard Chartered Bank issues emergency statement on Iran and US-Israel war

The growing geopolitical conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel is beginning to ripple through global financial markets, prompting international banks to reassess their operations in the Gulf region. At the center of the latest developments is Standard Chartered Bank, which has moved to clarify reports that it was evacuating staff from its Dubai office.The London-based bank said reports of a full evacuation of its Dubai offices were inaccurate. Instead, the bank confirmed that it had extended the precautionary working-from-home arrangements that were in place, stressing that its regional operations remained active and business continuity measures were functioning normally.This comes after multiple international media reported that several global financial institutions were evacuating their offices in the UAE due to rising security concerns related to Iran’s ongoing war with the United States and Israel.

Rumors of Dubai banking evacuation spread during Iran-U.S.-Israel war

This follows reports that some international banks have begun moving staff away from physical offices in Dubai after Iranian officials warned that economic and financial targets related to the United States and Israel could be potential targets for conflict. The warnings follow an attack on an administrative building in Tehran linked to Sepah Bank, one of Iran’s main state-owned banks with historical ties to military networks.Iranian officials later warned that economic infrastructure linked to U.S. and Israeli interests in the region could face retaliation. As a result, financial institutions operating in the Gulf region have begun activating contingency plans aimed at protecting employees and maintaining operations even as the security environment deteriorates.Several banks have reportedly advised employees to temporarily work remotely or avoid office buildings in major financial districts. However, Standard Chartered moved quickly to clarify that the measures were precautionary and not an emergency evacuation.

Work-from-home arrangements extended during Iran-U.S.-Israel war

According to a statement from the bank, employees in Dubai and the wider region middle East The company was already operating under the flexible remote working framework introduced in the early stages of the regional crisis. The extension of the arrangement was therefore described as a security measure rather than a response to any specific threat to banking facilities.Standard Chartered also stressed that its operations in the Gulf region remain fully operational and that the UAE remains a key market for the bank’s global strategy. The clarification is intended to reassure clients and investors that the agency’s regional operations remain stable despite the volatile geopolitical environment.

Why Dubai is important to global banks

Over the past two decades, Dubai has become one of the most important financial centers in the Middle East, attracting global banks, investment firms, hedge funds and wealth managers. Much of this growth has been driven by the rise of the Dubai International Financial Center (commonly known as DIFC).Established in 2004, DIFC has transformed Dubai into a regional financial powerhouse. By the end of 2025, the region is home to more than 290 banks, more than 100 hedge funds, approximately 500 wealth management firms, and more than 1,200 family offices and related entities.For international banks such as Standard Chartered, the UAE plays a strategic role in connecting markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The bank generates a large portion of its revenue from operations in the region and has stationed several senior executives in Dubai to oversee expansion in the region.

Gulf businesses take wider precautions amid Iran-U.S.-Israel war

Standard Chartered is not the only bank taking precautions. As regional conflicts escalate, other international companies and financial institutions have also taken steps to protect their employees. Some companies have instructed employees to work remotely, while others are allowing employees to temporarily relocate outside the area.Meanwhile, several global banks have reviewed business continuity plans to ensure operations can continue even if physical offices are unavailable. In some cases, banks have temporarily closed branches or restricted in-person operations while moving services to digital platforms. These measures highlight the growing sensitivity of multinational companies to geopolitical risks in the Middle East.The current crisis stems from an escalating confrontation between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli alliance that has triggered missile strikes, drone strikes and military exchanges in the region. The conflict has disrupted air routes, waterways and energy markets. As a result, financial institutions, especially those with large regional operations, have been closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.Analysts say such precautionary measures are common in times of geopolitical instability and do not necessarily mean investments are about to be withdrawn. However, the situation has raised concerns that prolonged instability could affect Dubai’s reputation as a stable global financial centre.

Dubai’s safe haven status under scrutiny in Iran’s battle with US-Israel

Over the years, Dubai has positioned itself as one of the safest and most business-friendly environments in the Middle East. Its political stability, world-class infrastructure and international regulatory framework have attracted hundreds of multinational companies. However, regional conflicts occasionally test this reputation.Reports that global banks are evacuating offices have fueled debate over whether geopolitical tensions will damage Hong Kong’s status as a global financial haven. Experts note that while short-term precautionary measures are common, the long-term fundamentals supporting Dubai’s financial ecosystem remain strong.As Iran’s war with the United States and Israel continues to unfold, multinational companies operating in the Gulf are likely to maintain heightened security protocols. Until the geopolitical outlook stabilizes, remote work policies, contingency plans and employee relocation options are expected to remain part of company strategies.For now, Standard Chartered’s clarification highlights an important distinction: the precautionary measures are not necessarily interpreted as companies withdrawing from the area. Rather, they reflect the careful balancing act that multinational companies must adopt when operating in regions facing sudden geopolitical shocks. Despite the uncertainty, Dubai’s financial sector continues to function, with major institutions remaining committed to maintaining operations while prioritizing the safety of their employees.

Robin Gunningham Banks? Everything about the artist believed to have adopted the identity of David Jones

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The identity of the elusive street artist popularly known as banksy is the headline news. a new one investigation report According to Reuters, the person behind the pen name may be Robin Gunningham, a British artist from Bristol who reportedly later adopted the name David Jones.

On July 17, 2003, graffiti artist
On July 17, 2003, graffiti artist “Banksy” displayed pigs painted in police car colors in the “Turf Wars” exhibition. REUTERS/Peter MacDiarmid (REUTERS)

Banksy has never publicly confirmed his identity, and representatives associated with the artist have disputed or declined to comment on many previous attempts to reveal his identity.

The investigation claims to have uncovered evidence linking Gunningham to an anonymous graffiti artist who has spent more than two decades creating politically charged murals around the world.

Read more: Banksy unveils new art in London, following speculation over mural depicting stargazing figures

Banks: Robert Del Naja, David Jones or Robin Gunningham

Banks is rumored to be Massive Attack frontman Robert Del Naja, who is said to have become a prominent artist due to his interests in politics and graffiti.

Three men listed by Reuters visited Ukraine at the same time in 2022.

According to a Reuters investigation, the connection was due to Banks’ trip to Ukraine in late 2022. Dernadja’s appearance in Ukraine in 2022 cast a shadow over the investigation. However, the musician was joined by another man, whom Reuters identified as Banks.

Banks = Robin Gunningham

Reuters reporters traced Banksy’s identity through public records, interviews with art industry insiders and historical police documents.

Reuters lists three people who may be Banks. The three names under investigation are Thierry Guetta, Robin Gunningham and Robert Del Naja

The photo of Banksy was taken by Jamaican photographer Peter Dean Rickards, who allegedly posted a photo of Banksy’s face and was arrested in New York in 2000, where a signed, handwritten confession was discovered.

Furthermore, the identity of Bristol resident Robin Gunningham was “unmasked” by the Mail on Sunday back in 2008. The British tabloid said its year-long research was “as close as possible to revealing” Banks’ identity.

Banksy’s anonymity is part of the Banksy brand

Banksy’s career has revolved around secrecy, making few public appearances and often identifying his artwork only through social media posts or official certifications.

For Banks, “working anonymously or under a pseudonym serves a vital social interest. It protects free speech by allowing creators to speak truth to power without fear of reprisal, censorship or persecution,” Banks’ lawyer Mark Stephens told Reuters in the context of the release of the “revelations.”

In 2010, when Time magazine named him one of the most influential people in the world, Banks posed for a photo with a bag on his head.

Read more: A rare Banksy owned by a member of Blink-182 is up for auction. it could sell for $6 million

Banksy’s anti-establishment art generated hundreds of millions of dollars in art sales

Banksy was questioned by other artists about his anti-establishment stance on his art and his diversity after receiving special treatment from British powers.

Reuters lists a quote from Banks’ Time Out London 2010 that sums up his thinking nicely. “I told myself I was using art to promote dissent, but maybe I was just using dissent to promote my art,” he said. “I’m not guilty of selling my work. But I’m pleading in a bigger house than I was used to living in.”

According to art market data cited by Reuters, despite being outside the traditional art market, sales of Banksy’s artworks on the secondary market have reached nearly $250 million since 2015.

Although only a small percentage of the proceeds from these sales goes to the artist, the artist is entitled to royalties under UK law.

However, industry insiders say that Banksy now conducts private transactions for VIP collectors and may directly earn millions of dollars.

Banks’ wealth also comes from companies such as Pest Control Office

Reuters found seven companies with direct ties to Banksy over the years, and at least two others linked to the artist by name or through his lawyers and accountants.

The Office of Pest Control, established in 2008, performed most prominently in the survey. It is both a certification body for artists and a commercial enterprise. Its parent company, Picturesonwalls Limited, previously ran a London gallery.

According to the 2009 financial report, the Pest Control Office’s total assets amounted to £243,019. The latest report shows that the total net worth in 2024 is approximately £5.7 million

However, the documents did not specify whether these were stocks or unsold art. These reports are available from Companies House, the UK business register.

SC advises government to help farmers switch from rice to pulses

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday recommended a major reset in farm policy, asking the federal government to deliberate with domain experts and stakeholders to come up with an incentive framework to encourage farmers to switch from traditional wheat and rice crops to pulses. During a PIL hearing questioning the wisdom of the government in importing yellow peas initially without imposing 30% customs duty, Solicitor General N Venkataraman told the CJI bench of Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi that there is a shortage of 30 lakh tonnes of pulses between 2021 and 2024, forcing the government to import yellow peas to stabilize prices and safeguard consumer interests. CJI Kant, who comes from a farming family, said the government has provided minimum support price (MSP) for wheat, rice and millets but not for pulses. CJI Kant “Once farmers are ensured remunerative MSP for pulses (pulses yield in a particular area is less than rice or wheat in the same area), the production will automatically increase. Otherwise, small farmers will not take the risk of growing pulses as they are not sure whether it will bring investment and labor costs,” he said. “Please ask your agriculture ministry to consult those who know the pulse of farmers and not foreign degree holders,” he said, adding that not only the price of pulses must be guaranteed in the policy, but also guaranteed selling places for pulses grown by farmers must be provided to encourage increased cultivation of pulses. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, said the CJI’s views were reflected verbatim in the recent report of the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices, a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture, has recommended MSP for 22 crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane. “There needs to be better coordination and understanding between different departments of the Union government and establishment of a mechanism under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to promote pulses as a substitute for wheat or rice in north and central India and pulses as a substitute for some other crops in south India,” the bench said in the order. “In the absence of incentivized MSP for pulses, the price offered should be sufficient to meet the expenses of cultivating pulses by small farmers,” the SC bench added.

USS Tripoli: Why the US is sending the USS Tripoli and thousands of Marines to the Middle East and what it means for Iran’s war with Israel

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Why the U.S. is sending the USS Tripoli and thousands of Marines to the Middle East, and what it means for Iran's war with Israel
US expands Middle East military presence amid tensions between Iran and Israel, USS Tripoli aircraft carrier deploys Marines

The United States is significantly expanding its military footprint in the region middle EastThousands of Marines and a powerful amphibious assault ship have been dispatched to the region as tensions with Iran rise. The deployment comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran that has triggered missile strikes, drone strikes and instability across the Gulf.According to reports, the Pentagon has ordered the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its Marine Expeditionary Unit to deploy to the region to transport thousands of combat-ready troops and advanced military equipment closer to the conflict zone. The move signals that Washington is preparing for a broader confrontation while also trying to protect U.S. strategic waterways and assets in the Middle East.

U.S. quickly builds military power in Iran-Israel war

The deployment reportedly includes approximately 2,000 to 2,500 Marines, as well as additional sailors and naval assets that will operate from the aircraft carrier USS Tripoli and its accompanying ships. The Marine Expeditionary Force is designed to be a highly agile force capable of performing a wide range of missions, including:

  • amphibious assault
  • evacuate civilians
  • Attack enemy targets
  • humanitarian action
  • Securing strategic infrastructure.

Because these forces operate from amphibious ships rather than land bases, the U.S. military is able to respond quickly to crises without relying on host nation permission. Officials said the deployment was at the request of U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The goal is to provide commanders with more options as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

Why the U.S. is now sending Marines to Iran’s war with Israel

This decision was made against the backdrop of the rapid expansion of regional conflicts triggered by the US-Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear targets in late February 2026. The attacks reportedly killed several senior Iranian leaders and damaged key military installations, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. positions in the Gulf. Since then, the conflict has spread on multiple fronts:

  • Iranian missiles, drones target Israel, Gulf states
  • Shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz were attacked
  • Drones, militias attack US bases in Iraq, Syria
  • Iran-backed groups launch rocket attacks in Lebanon.

The deployment of the Marines is widely seen as a precautionary measure aimed at deterring further Iranian escalation while ensuring the United States can respond quickly if the conflict expands.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in the war between Iran and the United States and Israel

One of the main concerns driving the deployment is security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. About a fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making it a vital artery for the global economy.Iran’s recent actions in the region, including threats to shipping and increased naval activity, have raised concerns that the strait may be disrupted or temporarily closed. This move will have an impact on global energy markets and may trigger a major international military response.Therefore, the arrival of amphibious ships and marines serves two purposes:

  1. Protect commercial routes
  2. Prepare for possible military escalation

What the USS Tripoli brought to the battlefield in the war between Iran and the United States and Israel

The Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship that functions almost like a small aircraft carrier.It can host:

  • More than 1,600 Marines
  • Helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft
  • Advanced fighter jets such as F-35B
  • Landing craft and armored vehicles.

This combination enables the ship to launch air strikes, amphibious landings and rapid reaction missions from the sea. By not requiring a nearby air base, the ship provides U.S. forces with the flexibility to operate in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and surrounding areas. The Marine deployment is part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the Middle East that has been expanding since early 2026. These gatherings include:

  • aircraft carrier strike group
  • Fighters such as the F-35 and F-22
  • missile defense system
  • Additional naval battleships.

Analysts say the deployment is the largest in the region since the Iraq War. The build-up reflects growing concern in Washington that the conflict with Iran could escalate into a regional war involving multiple countries and armed groups.

Regional conflict between Iran and US-Israel war has expanded

The war between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance has had ripple effects across the Middle East. According to reports:

  • Iran retaliatory attacks target U.S. bases, regional allies
  • Hezbollah rocket launched from Lebanon
  • The shipping disruptions have raised concerns about the impact on the global economy.

Civilian casualties are also rising in many countries, and governments in the region are bracing for further escalation. Meanwhile, international leaders, including European and Middle Eastern governments, have called for de-escalation and diplomatic negotiations.

What happens next in the Iran-U.S.-Israel war?

Military analysts say the deployment of Marines does not necessarily mean a ground invasion of Iran is imminent. Instead, the move provides the United States with several strategic options:

  • Evacuate civilians from conflict areas
  • Protect critical infrastructure and routes
  • launch a limited attack or operation
  • Prevent Iranian attacks on U.S. forces.

However, the presence of thousands of additional U.S. troops also significantly increases the risks. If Iran directly targets U.S. forces or allies, the conflict could quickly expand into a broader regional war.The deployment now underscores the level of turmoil in the Middle East in recent weeks. The arrival of the USS Tripoli and its marines shows that Washington is bracing for the possibility of further escalation as missile exchanges, drone strikes and maritime confrontations increase in the region.It remains to be seen whether the move serves as a deterrent or is a prelude to a wider war. The clear message, however, is that the Middle East is once again at the center of a geopolitical crisis that could reshape global security and energy markets for years to come.

FACT CHECK: US Marines to launch ground invasion in Iran? This is what the USS Tripoli aircraft carrier deployment means

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The U.S. Department of Defense is sending more Marines and Navy ships to the Middle East as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved Central Command’s request to send an amphibious force and a Marine Corps unit to the region.

Fact check: U.S. deploys 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to Middle East amid Iran tensions
Fact check: U.S. deploys 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to Middle East amid Iran tensions

These groups typically include several ships and approximately 5,000 Marines. Officials said Japan’s attack ship Tripoli (LHA-7) and its marines have headed to the Middle East.

The move comes as Iran steps up attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global oil shipments.

Also read: Official explains why 2,200 U.S. Marines and 3 warships are sent to Middle East during Iran war

viral claims online

Some posts on X claimed the move meant the United States was preparing to invade Iran.

One netizen wrote, “The United States is in panic. The Pentagon sent 2,500 Marines to invade Iran, calling them ‘expeditionary forces.’ In other words, it sent them out to see if they would die.”

Another post said, “Trump says the war is basically over. Marines are getting different orders.”

Another user also wrote: “Awesome, land invasion is not far away.”

Also read: What is a Marine Expeditionary Force? Where is the U.S. 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed in the Middle East?

Which unit was actually sent?

According to reports, the unit being dispatched is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), which is usually stationed in Japan and is affiliated with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Now ordered to march to the Middle East.

Expeditionary forces provide a broad range of military capabilities that commanders can use when needed, not just for ground operations, officials said. The force includes advanced aircraft such as a squadron of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and a squadron of Bell Boeing V-22 Ospreys.

Why were they deployed, according to officials?

According to the Wall Street Journal, the move is intended to help respond to Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has said it wants to disrupt tanker traffic through the waterway, one of the most important routes for global energy supplies.

An amphibious readiness group typically includes multiple Navy ships, such as an assault ship, two transport dock ships, and a support ship carrying Marines and equipment.

Officials said the deployment is intended to bolster the U.S. military presence in the region and provide commanders with more options if the situation becomes more serious.

H-1B visas: ‘Not bound by choice’: Indian Americans explain why H-1B visas are dominated by Indians and green cards trap them in temporary status

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'Not bound by choice': Indian Americans explain why H-1B visas are dominated by Indians and green cards trap them in temporary status

An Indian-American immigration advocate says so many Indians hold H-1B visas not out of choice but because of flaws in the U.S. immigration system that make it extremely difficult for them to obtain permanent residency.Sidharth, founder of the Indian American Advocacy Council, posted on X that the long wait for green cards has forced many Indians to stay in the H-1B program for years. “This is not because Indians like to hold temporary visas. It is because the green card system does not allow them to exit the temporary visa program,” he wrote.In his post, Sidharth pointed to the way green cards are distributed in the United States, saying Indians face longer wait times than people from many other countries. “India gets the same quota as Iceland,” he wrote, adding that the wait for an EB-2 green card could be more than 134 years for Indians, while it could be less than two years for Pakistani and Somali citizens.He said the system differentiated between people with the same job, employer and skills based solely on their place of birth. “A different place of birth equals a different life,” Siddharth writes. He added that Indians are not voluntarily “stuck” on H-1B visas but are “trapped by a system that penalizes one country’s needs while liberally doling out green cards to others.” Additionally, he pointed to the artificial impact of the backlog, claiming that more than 400,000 Indian applicants will die before receiving green cards.The comments come as the United States under the Trump administration is making several changes to the H-1B work visa program that affect Indian workers and employers. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) replaced the traditional random lottery for H-1B visas with a salary-based screening system that prioritizes high-wage and high-skilled applicants. This change takes effect on February 26, 2026 and applies to the 2027 cap season.The annual cap on H-1B visas remains at 85,000, but the agency also charges a hefty $100,000 filing fee for employers seeking H-1B workers.Meanwhile, many Indian applicants for H-1B visas face long waits for appointments to complete their visa stamping interviews in India, with some delayed until 2027. U.S. officials said the delays stemmed from increased vetting and security measures, not discrimination against any nationality.Separately, U.S. immigration experts have noticed a sharp decline in H-1B applications, which they attribute in part to changes such as higher fees. These developments have forced some Indians working or seeking to work in the United States to explore other visa options or postpone their plans while facing longer waits and new rules.

Why was the aircraft carrier Tripoli sent to the Middle East? Pentagon doubles down on Hormuz report

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The United States is deploying the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and thousands of Marines to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate, Axios reports. Shipping disruptions intensified in the Strait of Hormuz.

After the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, the United States deployed the USS Tripoli aircraft carrier and Marine Corps to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalated. Reuters/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo (Reuters)
After the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, the United States deployed the USS Tripoli aircraft carrier and Marine Corps to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalated. Reuters/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo (Reuters)

Officials told Axios that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the deployment after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) requested additional troops to expand military options in the region.

The move would bring more Marines, warships and advanced aircraft to support U.S. troops already stationed there.

Iran has recently taken action in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about a fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Iran has disrupted maritime traffic, raising concerns about energy supplies and global economic stability.

A rural campus is using biogas and methane to combat a crisis. contingency plan

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At a time when long queues to buy LPG cylinders are increasingly common, a rural campus near Vadodara in Gujarat offers a sustainable alternative. The Muni Seva Ashram campus in Goraj has a solar kitchen and biogas system to prepare meals for nearly 5,000 people every day without relying on LPG. The campus also houses a cancer hospital and research center. At the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the temple committee is formulating contingency plans. Temple committee PRO Ashish Phalwadiya said: “We have not experienced any supply chain disruption, whether it is Papua New Guinea or commercial LPG cylinders, but contingency measures are being worked out.” Around 40 quintals of laddu prasadam are produced daily at the laddu unit, which uses commercial LPG gas. The temple is one of the 12 Jyoti Lingas of Lord Shiva and receives 150,000 to 200,000 devotees every day. 5,000 to 7,000 people dine at annakshetra every day.