 "FirstUp: EU summit on Ukraine and other news day")
It’s a busy Thursday.
Significant changes are coming to the H-1B visa programme starting today as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services replaces the old application process.
The leaders of the European Union are planning to adopt a statement calling on Russia to demonstrate a real willingness to end its war in Ukraine at a two-day meeting in Brussels.
In India, the Khelo India Para Games 2025 is set to take place in Delhi between March 20 and 27.
Here’s a quick look at big headlines today
H-1B visa application changes
Starting today, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce a new system to the H-1B visa programme , replacing the old application process.
This updated registration system aims to enhance transparency and efficiency by simplifying the selection of H-1B recipients.
Two-day EU summit on Ukraine war
The leaders of the European Union are planning to adopt a statement calling on Russia to demonstrate a real willingness to end the war in Ukraine at a meeting in Brussels on March 20-21.
According to media reports, the EU leaders will reaffirm their support for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law” in the summit’s conclusions.
China’s fresh tariffs on Canadian agriculture products come into effect
China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on a range of Canadian agricultural goods that will come into effect today.
Beijing will apply a 100 per cent tariff to just over $1 billion of Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes and pea imports, and a 25 per cent duty on $1.6 billion worth of Canadian aquatic products and pork.
Military chiefs meet in UK on Ukraine peacekeeping force
Military chiefs from around the world will meet today to discuss the “operational phase” of protecting Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force.
According to UK PM Keir Starmer, they would draw up plans to help secure Ukraine “on the land, at sea and in the sky” if a peace deal can be agreed with Russia.
Protesting Asha workers in Kerala to launch indefinite fast
Accredited Social Health Activists (Asha) workers, who have been protesting for over 36 days, in Kerala will intensify their protest by going on an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday.
They are demanding an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, which is an assurance given in the ruling CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front’s 2021 election manifesto.
Khelo India Para Games to be held
The Khelo India Para Games 2025 will take place between March 20 and 27.
It will feature competitions across six para sports disciplines: para-archery, para-athletics, para badminton, para-powerlifting, para shooting, and para table tennis at three venues – Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium, and the Dr Karni Singh shooting range – in New Delhi.
In court today
Hearing in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple-Jama Masjid Intizamia Committee case
SC seeks presence of Army officers, NHAI over dispute on Ambala ring road project
Biennial elections for 5 Andhra Pradesh MLC seats
The biennial elections for five members of Andhra Pradesh’s Legislative Council (MLCs) will be held today.
MLCs D Rama Rao, P Ashok Babu, B Tirumala Naidu, and Y Ramakrishnudu are set to retire on March 29, while MLC J Krishna Murthy’s seat has been vacant since March 15, 2024.
A day to remember
International Day of Happiness
Birth anniversary of singer Alka Yagnik
Birth anniversary of actor Kangana Ranaut
Birth anniversary of footballer Fernando Torres
Birth anniversary of politician PC Alexander
Guru Teg Bahadur became the ninth guru of the Sikhs in 1665
Namibia gained independence ending 75 years of South African rule in 1990
American missiles hit the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, signaling the start of the US-led campaign to topple Saddam Hussein in 2003
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
