The Trump administration suffered a legal setback after a US federal appeals court refused to revive its proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications for highly skilled foreign workers. The administration had introduced the steep fee increase as part of its effort to discourage companies from hiring foreign workers instead of Americans. The court's decision blocks the proposal from moving forward, providing relief to employers and prospective H-1B applicants, including thousands of Indian professionals who rely on the programme for employment in the United States. The ruling means the proposed fee will not be implemented unless further legal or policy changes occur, easing uncertainty surrounding new H-1B applications.2. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, earning global recognition for one of the country's most significant spiritual and historical landmarks. Revered as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, Sarnath symbolises peace, wisdom and compassion. The inscription highlights the site's enduring religious, cultural and civilisational importance while reinforcing India's rich heritage on the global stage. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat welcomed the recognition, saying the UNESCO inscription celebrates India's timeless civilisational and cultural legacy. The development is expected to boost international awareness of Sarnath and strengthen its position as a globally significant Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage destination.

Actor Dia Mirza criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late-night address on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, saying it lacked empathy for affected students, grieving families and protesters despite announcing legal reforms. In an Instagram post, she questioned the 47-day delay in the Prime Minister's response and said his message offered nothing to heal those impacted. Modi acknowledged the distress caused by paper leaks and announced a proposed law featuring fast-track courts and stricter punishments, later approved by the Union Cabinet. The remarks come amid continuing student protests demanding transparency, accountability and broader education reforms, with activists maintaining that legal changes alone cannot restore public trust in the examination system.

India's first Commonwealth Games 2026 medallist, para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, revealed the emotional story behind the name once mocked by others after winning bronze in the men's heavyweight event. The 28-year-old from Bihar lifted 181kg and 190kg for 130.9 points, narrowly missing gold after failing at 196kg due to a technical breathing error. A polio survivor, Jhandu endured years of taunts, financial hardship and even drove an e-rickshaw to fund his training and supplements. Initially a shot putter, he switched to para powerlifting on a coach's advice and now trains at SAI's Gandhinagar centre. His next goals are the Para Asian Games, Paralympics and breaking the 232kg record. (PC: Getty Images)

After 13 consecutive nights of airstrikes on Iran, the United States is reportedly seeking a temporary ceasefire and renewed negotiations with Tehran under the previously suspended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). According to reports, Washington has asked Qatar and Pakistan to mediate the proposed truce, with discussions also expected to include Yemen and the Houthis. The diplomatic push follows weeks of escalating military exchanges, including US strikes across Iran and Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. However, reports said Iran has rejected negotiations this week, while President Donald Trump simultaneously warned of a possible “massive attack” larger than any previous US operation. (PC: News 18)

Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a large-scale missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia, targeting Aramco energy facilities in Jizan and Yanbu in retaliation for overnight Saudi airstrikes on Hodeidah city and Kamaran Island. The Houthis said they carried out two coordinated operations using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, claiming both strikes achieved their intended objectives with "precise and direct hits". The group accused Saudi Arabia of conducting "criminal and unjust" attacks that violated Yemen's sovereignty and caused material and moral damage. The latest escalation signals a widening regional confrontation, with the Houthis warning of "escalation for escalation" amid growing instability and threats to regional security. (PC: Times Now)

India climbed to third in the women's artistic gymnastics team standings after impressive floor exercise routines by Prathistha and Eshitaa at the Commonwealth Games. Prathistha delivered an elegant, poised performance to earn 10.75 points, setting up India's push in the rankings. Eshitaa followed with an energetic routine featuring impressive dance elements and minimal errors, receiving 10.35 points to lift India into third place. Earlier, Nishika endured a difficult outing on the balance beam after losing balance during a double backflip and stepping off the apparatus. Although she recovered to complete her routine, the mistake limited her score to 9.00. India's gymnasts remain firmly in medal contention overall. (PC: Reddit)

Senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi was appointed Union Education Minister on Saturday, hours after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the post. Joshi, who currently serves as Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has been given additional charge of the Education Ministry. The appointment followed President Droupadi Murmu's acceptance of Pradhan's resignation with immediate effect under Article 75(2) of the Constitution, based on the Prime Minister's advice. An official notification confirmed that Joshi would continue handling his existing portfolio alongside the Education Ministry. The leadership change comes amid the political fallout over the NEET-UG controversy and Pradhan's resignation after sustained nationwide protests demanding accountability and education reforms. (PC: Times Now)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday amid weeks of nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak and education irregularities, saying he accepted moral responsibility for the crisis. In his resignation letter, Pradhan said stepping down was necessary to prevent “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation and creating confusion. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve as Education Minister and reaffirmed his commitment to public service. His resignation came after sustained protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had made his exit a non-negotiable demand. The government later held talks with protesters, who subsequently announced the withdrawal of their agitation after their demands were accepted.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation a victory for students and India's future, describing it as only the first step towards fixing the education system. He alleged Union Home Minister Amit Shah authorised the use of pellet guns and other lethal weapons against protesting students, saying the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament. Gandhi demanded visible action against those responsible for the alleged violence and sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Calling Pradhan a symbol of corruption, incompetence and the education system's decline, he accused the RSS of hollowing out education. Gandhi warned that ignoring public concerns could trigger protests on a much larger scale nationwide. (PC: Free Press Journal)