eznews.inAs the debate over H-1B visas intensifies in the United States, prospective applicants and employers are preparing for increased costs associated with the work permit starting in fiscal year 2025. The H-1B program, which facilitates the hiring of skilled foreign workers, will see a new rule allowing entrepreneurs to self-sponsor their visas, addressing previous challenges for those wishing to launch tech ventures independently. The application process involves various fees, including a $10 registration fee, a $460 base filing fee, and a $500 anti-fraud fee, with an additional $4,000 surcharge for larger employers. While the majority of these costs fall on employers, some fees may be passed to employees. The program has become a point of contention, with critics like Senator Bernie Sanders arguing it displaces American jobs, while supporters, including President-elect Donald Trump and tech leaders, advocate for its economic necessity.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made an unofficial surprise visit to President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, as confirmed by her office on Sunday. The visit, which reportedly took place on Saturday, included a film screening and dinner, although no official statement was released by Meloni's office. Photos released show the two conservative leaders posing together at the entrance and chatting in a reception room adorned with a Christmas tree. Meloni's visit comes ahead of a four-day trip to Rome by US President Joe Biden, who is set to meet with her and Pope Francis. Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, is among several foreign leaders, including Canada's Justin Trudeau and Hungary's Viktor Orban, to visit Trump, who is scheduled for his second inauguration on January 20.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA devastated mother from Australia has spoken out following the tragic suicide of her 12-year-old daughter, Adiel Boyd, on December 29, after enduring relentless cyberbullying. Adiel, a talented student at Aitkenvale State School, excelled academically and musically, known for her warmth and intelligence. Her mother, Victoria Boyd, highlighted the profound impact of social media on children, expressing concern over parents' struggles to monitor online interactions. The bullying, which stemmed from jealousy and cruelty, included harassment both online and at school, leaving Adiel overwhelmed. Victoria described her daughter as "close to perfection," emphasizing the toll that bullying took on her mental health. In memory of Adiel, her sister Tameka initiated a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $13,286 to cover funeral costs and support the family. This tragedy echoes similar incidents, including the recent suicide of a 10-year-old boy in Indiana, highlighting the urgent need to address bullying in all its forms.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inNew Zealand has unveiled significant updates to its immigration policies in response to ongoing labour shortages, aiming to simplify the process for both employers and migrants. Key changes include reducing the work experience requirement for migrants from three to two years, facilitating easier employment access, particularly for Indian workers. Additionally, new pathways for seasonal workers feature a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled roles. The government has removed median pay criteria for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV), allowing employers greater flexibility while ensuring fair wages. Furthermore, the threshold for AEWV holders wishing to bring children to New Zealand remains at NZ$55,844 annually. Other adjustments include extending the visa duration for certain roles to three years and easing recruitment requirements to fill construction industry vacancies. Changes to the Post Study Work Visa will also benefit Indian students, allowing them to work for up to three years post-graduation.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inMerck & Co's Covid-19 antiviral, Lagevrio, has found unexpected use among cat owners in post-pandemic China as a treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a previously untreatable and often fatal disease caused by a feline coronavirus. Local media reports that pet owners are sharing their success stories on Xiaohongshu, China's Instagram-like platform, claiming the drug has saved their cats and reduced veterinary costs. While Merck has not tested Lagevrio on cats and does not plan to, many owners are turning to it and other affordable Covid medications from local companies, as the more effective antiviral GS-441524 remains largely inaccessible and expensive. The trend highlights a stark contrast to the early pandemic warnings against using human medications for animals, as cat owners seek cost-effective solutions for their pets’ health amid a lack of approved treatments.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inMillions of Americans are preparing for a severe winter storm that is expected to bring blizzard conditions, with forecasts indicating the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that over 60 million people across a 1,500-mile stretch from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic will face extreme weather, including ice, snow, and gale-force winds, through Monday. A polar vortex is driving this Arctic air, potentially leading to temperatures plunging below zero Fahrenheit and significant snow accumulations in states like Kansas and Missouri. Travel disruptions have already occurred, with Kansas City International Airport temporarily closing due to ice. Governors in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia have declared states of emergency, urging residents to prepare for hazardous conditions and potential power outages as the storm intensifies.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 3 pmeznews.inJagdeep Singh, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and founder of QuantumScape, has been named the world's highest-paid employee, earning an astonishing Rs 17,500 crore annually—equating to Rs 48 crore daily, surpassing the annual revenues of many firms. His impressive compensation package includes stock options valued at around $2.3 billion. A Stanford BTech graduate with an MBA from UC Berkeley, Singh began his career at HP and Sun Microsystems before founding several startups, including QuantumScape in 2010. The company is pioneering solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles, addressing critical challenges such as range anxiety and charging times. Supported by notable investors like Bill Gates and Volkswagen, QuantumScape is poised to revolutionize the EV industry. On February 16, 2024, Singh stepped down as CEO, transitioning to the role of Chairman, while Siva Sivaram took over as CEO, with Singh also leading a new "Stealth Startup."
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThousands of South Koreans protested in Seoul on Sunday amid a snowstorm, calling for the arrest of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is resisting efforts to detain him following a failed martial law declaration. Yoon has remained at the presidential residence, protected by loyal security forces, since the political turmoil erupted last month. Rallies saw pro-Yoon supporters and anti-Yoon demonstrators clash over demands for his arrest and impeachment. Yoon faces serious criminal charges, including insurrection, which could lead to prison time or even the death penalty if the warrant is executed. The opposition has called for the dissolution of the security service shielding him, accusing it of insurrection. As tensions rise, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Seoul to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is scheduled to begin Yoon's impeachment trial on January 14.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUS President-elect Donald Trump is set to assume office on January 20, 2025, following his victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the November presidential election. A key date in the lead-up to Inauguration Day is January 6, when Harris will oversee the Electoral College vote count during a joint session of Congress, officially announcing the election results. This event echoes the tumultuous January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to overturn Joe Biden's victory, which was ultimately certified the following day. In response to this unrest, Congress has implemented reforms to raise the threshold for challenging state election results, now requiring the approval of one-fifth of both the House and Senate. On Inauguration Day, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will take their oaths of office at a ceremony scheduled for noon ET.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inOutgoing President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 distinguished individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, football icon Lionel Messi, philanthropist George Soros, and actor Denzel Washington, recognizing their significant contributions to American society and global causes. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House, where Biden praised the recipients for their influence and dedication to humanitarian efforts and cultural progress. Notably, Messi was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. Among other honorees were chef José Andrés, musician Bono, and basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Posthumous awards were given to civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer and former Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, with family members accepting on their behalf. The award to Soros drew criticism from Republican leaders, who accused Biden of undermining American values, while supporters highlighted Soros's commitment to democracy and human rights.
Published:
Jan 05 2025, 11 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews