HIGH FEES CHARGING
H-1B visa fee hike may accelerate shift of US tech jobs to India-based GCCs: Former UN advisor Santosh Mehrotra
The proposed $103,265 H-1B fee could accelerate the movement of technology work from the US to India-based Global Capability Centres, economist Santosh Mehrotra said. Companies may increasingly access Indian talent from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and NCR instead of moving workers to the US.
Trump leaves no legal immigration pathway in the US untouched: How his curbs affect workers, students and families
Trump’s immigration crackdown now reaches beyond the H-1B programme, affecting students, families, investors, asylum seekers and temporary visitors through higher fees, tougher screening, visa revocations and country-based restrictions. While routes such as L-1, O-1 and family-sponsored immigration remain open, no legal pathway is entirely free from new risks.
New mines law seeks to bring tax uniformity
A new Mines and Minerals Act, 2026, aims to standardize mining taxation across India. This legislation seeks to bring uniformity and predictability to financial viability for mining activities. It addresses pending retrospective levies, providing greater certainty and confidence to the industry. The move follows a Supreme Court verdict allowing states to levy additional taxes.
Studying in America is anything but a dream now
The US education-to-employment route is becoming costlier for Indian students. Annual costs at 16 colleges have crossed $100,000, while a proposed $103,265 H-1B employer fee could complicate post-study hiring. Meanwhile, Indian first-year applications to US colleges have fallen 14%.
Housing societies cannot charge higher maintenance for bigger flats and shops based on area, rules Maharashtra Co-operative Appellate Court
Unlike property tax, maintenance cannot be charged at a higher rate for bigger flats and shops, explains the Maharashtra Co-operative Appellate Court and gives relief to flat and shop owners from discriminatory higher maintenance. Read the article.
Trump’s immigration crackdown has a Plan B, C and D
Donald Trump’s second-term immigration strategy has relied on multiple legal and administrative routes to tighten entry and stay in the US. When courts block one measure, the administration has often pursued the same objective through narrower orders, agency rules, higher fees or additional screening.
- Go To Page 1
Should you refinance your car loan? Here's when switching may save you money
Considering refinancing your car loan? It could result in lower monthly payments and more favorable interest rates. Yet, it's essential to meticulously review any associated costs involved in switching. Extending the loan term may largely increase your total interest expenses down the line. Before making a move, ensure that any financial benefits are significant. Remember to compare the complete interest obligations, not just the monthly installments.
JD Vance defends new H-1B fee, says US firms should hire and train Americans
US Vice President JD Vance has defended the Trump administration’s proposed $103,000 fee on new H-1B visas, saying American companies should prioritise hiring and training US workers. The proposed charge would significantly raise costs for employers recruiting skilled foreign professionals.
H-1B visa fees likely to be increased to more than $100,000 by US govt. Who will be affected?
The Trump administration is proposing a $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions for workers hired within the US, adding a major cost for employers seeking skilled foreign professionals, according to Bloomberg Tax. The proposal follows a court ruling that overturned Trump’s earlier $100,000 H-1B fee for workers hired from outside the US.
Amazon, Flipkart restructure seller fees, penalties ahead of festival season
According to a notice issued by Amazon India on its seller forum, the company has, with effect from August 17, 2026, changed the manner in which it calculates order cancellation fees for sellers using its Easy Ship and Self Ship services. Flipkart, meanwhile, has put in place a three-tier penalty structure for lapses in order fulfilment, effective August 23, 2026.
BSE shares: Prabhudas Lilladher cuts target price to Rs 4,025 as CAS hits derivatives volumes
Prabhudas Lilladher retained its ‘Buy’ rating on BSE but lowered the target price to Rs 4,025 from Rs 4,850, citing a slowdown in derivatives volumes after the implementation of the Closing Auction Session (CAS). The brokerage also flagged tighter bank-guarantee norms and higher STT as near-term headwinds, while maintaining a positive long-term view on BSE.
Bengaluru private schools charge lakhs, teachers earn ₹30,000, less than house maids: Viral post
Teacher's salary less than a maid? A viral post has sparked debate in Bengaluru over private school fees, teacher salaries and the quality of education. The discussion compares teachers earning around ₹30,000 a month with domestic workers who may earn more, while questioning whether expensive schools deliver better education or simply offer better infrastructure and branding.
IRS Adoption Credit 2026: Can eligible families claim up to $17,670 per child with Form 8839 and $5,120 refundable?
The IRS Adoption Credit 2026 can provide up to $17,670 per eligible child for qualifying adoption expenses. The IRS raised the maximum from $17,280 in 2025. Families may also have up to $5,120 of refundable Adoption Credit. Form 8839 helps eligible taxpayers calculate the credit. But $17,670 is a maximum, not a guaranteed payment. Your qualifying expenses and tax situation determine the real benefit.
Tamil Nadu issues work orders for 1.28 lakh gold rings to babies born in govt hospitals
Tamil Nadu government has ordered 1.28 lakh gold rings for newborns. This scheme, a poll promise, will launch on September 15. Children born in government hospitals from June 22 will benefit. The total cost for the initial rings is approximately Rs 220 crore. The government has budgeted Rs 755.83 crore for the entire year.
US judge strikes down Trump policy suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries
A U.S. judge invalidated a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visas. This policy had targeted applicants from seventy-five different countries. The judge stated the policy exceeded the Secretary of State's statutory authority. The State Department announced this suspension in January, impacting many nations. Immigrant rights groups and visa applicants had filed the lawsuit against this policy.
Bengaluru airport passenger fee cut by 45%: Domestic flyers to pay Rs 300 from September 1
Bengaluru airport's passenger fee will fall 45% to Rs 300 for departing domestic flyers from September 1, under a new tariff order by AERA. The regulator has also cut the international fee to Rs 997 and adopted an incremental revenue framework, linking recovery of major infrastructure costs to project completion.
Govinda's net worth: Inside the Rs 170 crore Bollywood star’s wealth, Rs 16 crore Juhu bungalow, properties and luxury car collection
Celebrated actor Govinda boasts an estimated net worth of Rs 170 crore, amassed through a successful career in film and endorsements, earning up to Rs 6 crore per movie and Rs 2 crore from brand partnerships. His wealth is bolstered by his political pursuits and production projects. Among his assets is a luxurious bungalow in Juhu valued at Rs 16 crore, alongside a collection of high-end cars and SUVs.
Invoice discounting: Know how this fund-raising option works, its types, benefits and drawbacks
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here is a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 113th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how this fund raising option works.
How to take joy out of jumping red lights
Prepaid fines could make traffic violators think twice - and let the state, Kautilya-style, collect its dues in a gentle manner.
PSG bolsters star-studded attack by signing World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain has signed Ferran Torres from Barcelona on a five-year contract. The French club reportedly paid fifty million euros for the World Cup hero. Torres previously played for Barcelona after joining from Manchester City in 2022. He reunites with coach Luis Enrique, who gave him his international debut. This signing bolsters PSG's already strong attacking options for the season.
India fourth-biggest debtor among London embassies; owes £10.79 million in congestion dues
India’s diplomatic mission in London has £10.79 million in unpaid Congestion Charge dues, the fourth-highest among foreign missions after the US, China and Japan. TfL maintains diplomats are not exempt and says it will continue pursuing outstanding charges and penalties.
Josh Kushner’s Thrive Fund grows sevenfold to $3.7 billion on AI bets
The letter highlights an investing strategy that Thrive pioneered in the venture capital industry: concentrating on a small subset of companies, rather than indexing an entire market. While many VC firms spread bets across dozens of companies, Thrive’s strategy is much more focused.
MSMED Bill promises faster payments, but TReDS hurdles and GST ambiguity may leave smaller firms behind
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill was passed by Parliament last week, nearly two decades after the MSMED Act was enacted.
Sonu Nigam buys small studio size 258.33 sqft office in Andheri for Rs 1 crore
Singer Sonu Nigam has purchased a 258.33 sq ft commercial office in Mumbai’s Andheri West for Rs 1 crore. The deal, registered on August 6, 2026, takes his total disclosed outlay to Rs 1.06 crore after stamp duty and registration charges.
Rise of AI shopping pushes merchants to protect loyalty, Adyen says
Adyen co-CEO Pieter van der Does told Reuters that a merchant he spoke with this week generated 70% of its volume through direct channels and wanted to retain that share as shoppers increasingly begin their searches through chatbots.
UPI costs Rs 20,700 crore, government allocation just Rs 2,000 crore: Parliament Panel
A parliamentary committee suggests a self-reliant revenue model for UPI's financial sustainability. Amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act now permit transaction charges on digital payments. The committee noted a significant funding gap between allocations and operational costs. Future merchant discount rate charges will be nominal and apply to limited high-value transactions.
Fed says too little, RBI is too predictable. Both may have a problem
The US Fed and RBI face opposite communication risks: Kevin Warsh’s reduced guidance leaves markets uncertain about how the Fed will react, while RBI’s predictable rate decisions risk convincing investors that hikes are unlikely, potentially making future policy changes more disruptive.
Is UPI ending free payments for all users? Here’s what Finance Ministry says
Standard UPI transfers for individuals will remain complimentary, ensuring users can continue making everyday payments without worry. While most merchant transactions also stay free, high-value business dealings may bear small fees.
SC refuses to stay Bombay HC order quashing Rs 3,300 crore one-time spectrum charge on telcos
The Supreme Court declined to halt a Bombay High Court ruling on spectrum charges. This decision impacts Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea regarding past spectrum usage. The High Court had previously quashed the government's ₹3,300 crore demand. This levy was for spectrum held beyond 6.2 MHz between 2008 and 2012. The Centre has now appealed this judgment to the Supreme Court.
Load More
