A dramatic diplomatic moment is unfolding as Donald Trump reaches out directly to Vladimir Putin amid the rapidly escalating Iran war and rising tensions across West Asia. According to the Kremlin, the call was initiated by Trump and focused on multiple global flashpoints, from the Iran crisis to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. During the discussion, Putin reportedly briefed Trump about his recent diplomatic contacts, including conversations with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and several Gulf leaders as regional tensions spiral. Moscow has also signalled clear support for Iran’s leadership, with Putin extending greetings to the country’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. WATCH

Is the H-1B visa program coming to a sudden end? From a $100,000 surcharge to the "EXILE Act" aimed at terminating the program, the future of global talent in the US is under fire. A bipartisan coalition of 100 US lawmakers has sent an urgent letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, warning that a massive new fee for H-1B visas will trigger a healthcare apocalypse. With 87 million Americans living in medical shortage areas, the stakes have never been higher. Here is a quick roundup on Representative Greg Steube’s "EXILE Act" and what it means for Indian professionals and US hospitals.