After spending more than 15 years building careers and raising a family in the United States, Indian entrepreneur Astha Chaturvedi and her husband made a decision that would have seemed unlikely years earlier: they left the country and relocated to Bengaluru, concluding that the uncertainty surrounding their immigration status no longer aligned with their personal and professional goals.

Chaturvedi, 38, founder of Mouri Living, said the move followed years of waiting for employment-based permanent residency in the United States. Despite establishing successful careers and long-term roots in the country, the couple faced an immigration process that offered little certainty about when they might receive green cards.

Speaking about the decision, Chaturvedi said she and her husband had spent approximately 15 years building their lives in the United States. However, the lack of a predictable timeline for permanent residency increasingly influenced their future planning. According to her account, her husband’s place in the green card queue dated back to 2015, while her own application timeline began in 2020.

The experience reflects a challenge faced by many highly skilled foreign workers from India employed in the United States. Long waiting periods for employment-based green cards have become a defining feature of the immigration system for many applicants, particularly those working in technology and professional services sectors.

Before launching her own company, Chaturvedi built a career across some of the most prominent names in technology and consulting. She spent more than a decade working in Big Tech and at consulting firm McKinsey before joining Ripple in San Francisco.While pursuing her corporate career, she also nurtured ambitions of becoming a founder.

That goal, however, was complicated by visa restrictions. Chaturvedi said she initially held an H-1B visa, a status commonly used by skilled foreign professionals working in the United States. Because the visa tied her work authorization to a sponsoring employer, she was unable to independently launch a startup while maintaining that status.

Seeking greater flexibility, she transitioned to an H-4 dependent visa through her husband. After becoming eligible for an H-4 Employment Authorization Document, she gained the legal ability to work independently and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

A turning point came during a visit to India in 2024. Chaturvedi traveled there to recruit a chief technology officer for her startup. During the trip, a conversation with a family member prompted a broader reassessment of where the business should be based. A cousin suggested establishing an office in India, pointing to the country’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem and growing pool of technology talent.

The idea led the couple to explore the possibility of relocating permanently. What began as a business discussion gradually evolved into a broader evaluation of career prospects, family priorities and long-term stability.According to Chaturvedi, the prospect of building a company in India became increasingly attractive as the country’s startup environment matured.

Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s technology capital, emerged as a natural destination because of its concentration of entrepreneurs, engineers, investors and technology companies.The move also offered something that years of waiting in the United States had not provided: certainty.

Rather than continuing to plan around an immigration process with no defined endpoint, the family chose to establish themselves in a country where residency and business ownership presented fewer structural obstacles.

Their decision comes at a time when immigration pathways for highly skilled workers remain a significant topic within the global technology industry. Many foreign professionals working in the United States contribute to sectors such as software development, consulting, finance and artificial intelligence while navigating visa systems that can affect career choices, entrepreneurial ambitions and family planning.

For Chaturvedi, the relocation was not framed as a rejection of the United States. Instead, it reflected a reassessment of where she could most effectively pursue personal and professional goals.

After years spent advancing through major corporations and waiting for permanent residency, she concluded that India offered a clearer path toward building the company and life she envisioned.The decision ultimately combined business opportunity with personal certainty.

After more than a decade and a half in the United States, the couple relocated to Bengaluru, where they began the next phase of their careers without the constraints of an unresolved immigration timeline.

In the rural mountains of northern California, local officials, healthcare professionals and families affected by suicide are grappling with a challenge that has become increasingly difficult to ignore: how to reduce self-inflicted deaths in communities where firearm ownership is deeply embedded in daily life.

The issue is particularly acute in Shasta County, located roughly 200 miles north of San Francisco. The county has one of California’s highest rates of suicide and one of its highest rates of household firearm ownership, creating a public health challenge that local leaders say requires solutions tailored to the region’s culture and demographics.

For families who have lost loved ones, the statistics reflect deeply personal tragedies. Kelly Rocha remembers receiving a late-night phone call in 2019 informing her that her father, Bill Rocha, had died by suicide after retrieving a firearm from his truck. The loss came as a shock, though she later reflected on warning signs that had emerged over time.

According to Rocha, her father was known as a sociable and hardworking man who spent decades working as a contractor. Like many residents of the region, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and owned multiple firearms.

Family members were aware of broader struggles involving anxiety, depression and alcoholism, conditions that had affected previous generations as well.His death highlighted a pattern that local officials say appears repeatedly throughout the county. Men account for the overwhelming majority of suicide deaths in Shasta County, and firearms are involved in most of those cases.

County data show that three-quarters of people who died by suicide in 2024 were men. Nearly all of those deaths involved firearms. Public health experts say the combination of widespread gun ownership and mental health challenges contributes to elevated risks compared with other parts of California.The trend is not limited to Shasta County alone.

According to data cited from the University of California, Davis BulletPoints Project, firearm ownership rates are significantly higher across California’s northern and inland regions than in major metropolitan areas.

In 2024, approximately 41% of households along California’s northern coast owned firearms, while ownership reached 35% in the upper Sierra region and 44% in the northern San Joaquin Valley. By comparison, firearm ownership stood at about 22% in urban regions including Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Researchers have noted that regions with higher firearm ownership rates often experience higher rates of suicide and other health disparities. Public health specialists emphasize that suicide attempts involving firearms are more likely to result in death than attempts using other methods, making access to guns a critical factor in prevention efforts.

Shasta County’s suicide rate has remained substantially above the statewide average in recent years. In 2022, the county recorded 33.3 suicide deaths per 100,000 residents, roughly three times California’s overall rate. Although the figure has declined since reaching that peak, local officials say it remains significantly elevated.

Data from recent years indicate that more than half of the county’s suicide deaths involved gunshot wounds. Preliminary figures show that 43 suicides were recorded in 2024, representing an increase of roughly 25% from the previous year.

The statistics have prompted local discussions about how to reduce access to lethal means during periods of crisis without alienating residents who view firearm ownership as part of their lifestyle and identity.Public health experts point to evidence supporting interventions such as gun violence restraining orders, also known as extreme risk protection orders.

These measures allow family members or law enforcement agencies to seek temporary restrictions on a person’s access to firearms if that individual is considered a danger to themselves or others.Supporters argue that such measures can create critical time and distance between a person in crisis and a lethal weapon.

However, advocates also acknowledge that legal interventions alone are unlikely to address the broader causes of suicide.Many prevention efforts instead focus on safe firearm storage practices. Health professionals working in northern California say conversations about secure storage are often more effective when framed around protecting family members rather than restricting rights.

One challenge, according to experts, is that some gun owners prioritize immediate access to firearms for home protection and may be reluctant to store weapons in locked containers. Mental health advocates argue that temporary changes in storage practices during periods of depression or emotional distress can significantly reduce risks.

Research cited by public health officials has suggested that individuals living in homes with firearms face higher risks of firearm-related injury and death. For this reason, clinicians increasingly encourage discussions about securing both firearms and ammunition, particularly when someone in a household is experiencing acute mental health difficulties.

The county’s response has also drawn attention from elected officials. Matt Plummer, who began serving as a county supervisor in 2025, said the county’s suicide statistics stood out when he reviewed data aimed at identifying major challenges facing the region.Plummer has developed a reputation for emphasizing data-driven policymaking and said the county’s suicide rate quickly emerged as one of the most pressing issues requiring attention.

For local leaders, the challenge extends beyond healthcare systems and involves broader questions about community culture, economic pressures and access to mental health resources.Families affected by suicide say breaking longstanding patterns requires open discussion and greater awareness.

Rocha said she hopes future generations of her family can avoid repeating cycles involving addiction and suicide that have affected previous generations.Mental health advocates echo that message, arguing that reducing stigma around depression, substance abuse and emotional struggles remains a critical component of prevention efforts.

In communities where self-reliance is often valued, encouraging residents to seek help before reaching a crisis point remains a central goal.As Shasta County searches for solutions, officials, clinicians and families continue to navigate the difficult intersection of mental health, firearm access and rural culture.

Their efforts reflect a broader challenge facing many communities across the United States, where suicide prevention increasingly depends on balancing public health strategies with deeply rooted traditions and personal freedoms.

The acquisition includes advanced F-35 Lightning II jets and upgraded F-15IA aircraft, aimed at strengthening Israel’s long-term air superiority and expanding its operational capacity amid heightened regional tensions.

The Defense Ministry said the agreement received final authorization after completing the required approval process, marking one of the country’s largest recent military procurement decisions.

The purchase comes as Israel continues military operations across multiple fronts, including ongoing tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon and regional security threats linked to broader instability in the Middle East.

The F-35, produced by Lockheed Martin, is considered one of the world’s most advanced stealth fighter platforms, designed for precision strike missions, intelligence gathering and electronic warfare.

The F-15IA, based on Boeing’s advanced F-15 platform and customized for Israeli operational needs, is expected to enhance long-range strike capability and payload flexibility.

Defense officials have repeatedly emphasized the need to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region, particularly as neighboring actors expand missile programs, drone capabilities and air defense systems.The latest procurement also reinforces long-standing strategic defense ties between Israel and the United States, where military aid and defense cooperation remain central pillars of bilateral relations.

Washington has consistently supported Israel’s modernization of its air force through joint defense agreements, foreign military financing and access to advanced weapons systems.The scale of the deal reflects both immediate operational demands and longer-term strategic planning as Israel adapts its force structure to increasingly complex regional security challenges.

China, one of Iran’s largest oil buyers, relies heavily on discounted Iranian crude, much of it processed by smaller independent “teapot” refineries concentrated in eastern provinces such as Shandong.

The Chinese commerce ministry said U.S. sanctions targeting the firms, announced separately since last year, “shall not be recognized, implemented, or complied with,” describing the restrictions as unilateral measures lacking legal legitimacy.

The ministry said the sanctions “improperly prohibit or restrict Chinese enterprises from conducting normal economic, trade and related activities with third countries” and argued they violated international law and the basic norms governing international relations.“The Chinese government has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions lacking U.N. authorization and a basis in international law,” the ministry said in a statement.

The injunction applies to three companies based in Shandong province Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical and Shandong Shengxing Chemical along with Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery and Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group.

Washington has intensified efforts to curb Iran’s oil revenues, which it says help finance Tehran’s regional activities and strategic programs, by expanding sanctions on Chinese refiners and shipping entities involved in the trade.

On Friday, the United States imposed sanctions on another Chinese company, Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Co. Ltd., alleging it had imported “tens of millions of barrels” of Iranian crude worth billions of dollars for Tehran.That company was not included in Beijing’s latest formal injunction.

The dispute comes as U.S.-Iran tensions remain high following the conflict triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, with diplomatic efforts failing so far to produce a lasting resolution.Energy flows through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz remain under close international scrutiny as sanctions pressure and military tensions continue to shape global oil markets.

The sanctions dispute also adds another layer of complexity ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s expected visit to China later this month, where talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to include trade disputes, regional security and Iran-related tensions.

The Pentagon had announced on Friday that about 5,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany over the next six to 12 months, but Trump said the reduction would go significantly beyond that figure.“We’re going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” Trump told reporters in Florida, offering no detailed explanation for the expanded drawdown.

The move escalates tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and comes amid broader disputes between Washington and European allies over defense spending, the war in Iran and trans-Atlantic trade.Germany currently hosts around 36,000 U.S. service members, including major strategic facilities such as Ramstein Air Base, the headquarters of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, and the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a major military hospital serving overseas operations.

A withdrawal of 5,000 troops would represent roughly one-seventh of the U.S. military presence in Germany, though the Pentagon has not clarified which units or operations would be affected by the larger reduction Trump indicated.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said earlier on Saturday that the initial drawdown was expected and reflected a broader reality that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security.“The presence of American soldiers in Europe, and especially in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the U.S.,” Pistorius told German news agency dpa.

“We Europeans must take on more responsibility for our security,” he added, pointing to Germany’s increased defense spending, faster procurement and military modernization efforts.NATO also responded cautiously, with spokesperson Allison Hart saying the alliance was working with Washington to understand the details of the force posture changes.

“This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defense and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security,” she said in a post on X, while noting progress toward the alliance’s defense spending target of 5% of GDP among member states.

The troop reduction has faced immediate resistance in Washington from both Democrats and senior Republicans, who warned that it could weaken deterrence against Russia as Moscow’s war in Ukraine enters its fifth year.

Republican lawmakers Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, who chair the Senate and House armed services committees, said they were “very concerned” the decision would risk “undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin.”They also said the Pentagon had canceled the planned deployment of the Army’s Long-Range Fires Battalion, a move they argued would further weaken NATO’s eastern posture.

Trump’s renewed push to scale back troop deployments follows longstanding criticism of European allies for relying too heavily on U.S. defense guarantees while underinvesting in their own militaries.His frustration has deepened over Europe’s reluctance to fully support Washington’s military campaign with Israel against Iran, as well as over trade disputes with the European Union.

Trump recently accused the EU of failing to comply with a trade agreement and said he would raise tariffs next week on European-made cars and trucks to 25%, a step likely to hit Germany’s export-driven auto sector particularly hard.

Merz last week criticized U.S. strategy toward Iran, saying Washington was being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership and lacked a coherent approach.Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the troop withdrawal followed “a thorough review” of U.S. force posture in Europe and reflected operational needs and current conditions on the ground.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said military branches had no prior notice of the decision and learned of the reduction in real time, underscoring internal concerns over the abruptness of the move.

Germany remains central to U.S. military operations in Europe, with permanent Army and Air Force deployments, logistical hubs and strategic nuclear assets, making any significant troop reduction symbolically and operationally sensitive for NATO.

Dissanayake said Washington had sought permission for the aircraft to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport between March 4 and March 8.

The planes were reportedly carrying anti-ship missiles and were to arrive from a U.S. base in Djibouti.“We turned down the request to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutrality,” Dissanayake said, adding that the decision was met with approval from lawmakers.

The president said Sri Lanka also rejected a separate request from Iran for three naval vessels to make a goodwill visit between March 9 and March 13 after participating in an Indian naval exercise.

“We were considering this request. Had we said ‘yes’ to Iran, we would have had to say ‘yes’ to the U.S. as well,” he said, indicating Colombo’s effort to avoid alignment with either side.

The decisions come amid heightened tensions following military action by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February, which has disrupted energy flows and unsettled global markets.

Sri Lanka’s navy was also involved in rescue operations linked to the conflict. Authorities said 32 Iranian crew members were rescued from the vessel IRIS Dena after it was torpedoed on March 4, in an incident that reportedly caused significant casualties.

A second vessel, IRIS Booshehr, and its crew were assisted after encountering technical difficulties near Sri Lankan waters.

The developments coincide with a visit by Sergio Gor, who met Dissanayake on Thursday as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement.

Sri Lanka, still recovering from a financial crisis that peaked in 2022, is facing renewed economic pressure due to energy supply disruptions linked to the regional conflict, underscoring the challenges of maintaining a neutral stance.

Rodríguez announced the changes in a social media post, describing the appointments as a “renewed Military High Command,” a day after dismissing the long-serving defense minister and installing a former intelligence chief in his place.

The move marks one of the most significant restructurings of Venezuela’s armed forces since the leadership transition.The reshuffle follows the removal of the defense minister, a close ally of Maduro who had remained a key figure within the military establishment.

His replacement, a former intelligence official, is part of Rodríguez’s broader effort to consolidate control over the security apparatus.

Analysts say the changes reflect an attempt to rebuild authority within the armed forces after criticism of the previous command structure, particularly following the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s capture in January.

Financial TimesThe military, which has pledged loyalty to Rodríguez, remains a central pillar of governance in Venezuela, overseeing sectors including oil, mining, food distribution and key administrative functions.

Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro, is navigating competing pressures from Washington and domestic political factions. The United States has exerted influence over policy direction, including economic reforms and access to Venezuela’s natural resources.

She has introduced an amnesty law to release political prisoners and moved to reform oil and mining regulations in line with U.S. expectations, while also managing a fragile domestic environment marked by economic hardship and shortages of basic goods.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington is closely involved in Venezuela’s transition, while allowing Rodríguez to remain in power conditional on cooperation with U.S. objectives.

Rodríguez faces the challenge of maintaining support among Venezuelans loyal to Maduro while advancing reforms under international scrutiny. Maduro, detained following the U.S. operation, has been taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

The military’s expanded role in economic and administrative sectors has drawn criticism over alleged corruption and abuses, complicating efforts to stabilize the country as it navigates a period of political transition.

The latest restructuring underscores the importance of military alignment in Venezuela’s evolving power dynamics, as Rodríguez seeks to secure her position amid ongoing geopolitical pressure and internal uncertainty.

Ivan Fedorov said Russian forces carried out two overnight strikes on the Zaporizhzhia district, destroying private homes. A 10-year-old boy and a 48-year-old man were among those injured, he said in a statement posted on Telegram.

The attack adds to a series of strikes on civilian infrastructure in southern Ukraine, where frontline regions continue to face sustained bombardment.

Local officials said residential properties were damaged in the latest assault, underscoring the ongoing risks to civilians.

No immediate comment was issued by Russia on the reported strikes.

The developments come ahead of a planned meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators in the United States on Saturday, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, as efforts continue to restart diplomatic engagement over the conflict.

Negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, supported by Washington, have faced delays in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials have said the talks were disrupted by the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has shifted international attention and diplomatic resources.

Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces remains ongoing, with periodic escalations reported across multiple regions. The latest strike highlights the continuing volatility on the ground even as diplomatic efforts seek to regain momentum.

The controversy followed a series of events during and after a tournament in Australia, where seven members of the squad initially accepted asylum offers, but five later reversed their decisions and rejoined the team, leaving two players remaining in Australia.

Refugee advocates said the outcome raised concerns about whether the players had been given adequate time and independent legal advice before making decisions. Graham Thom described the result as “far from ideal,” expressing concern both for the two players who stayed and those who returned.

The episode drew scrutiny after Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke publicly released images of five women who had accepted humanitarian visas, a move that critics said may have exposed them to additional pressure.

Analysts noted that Australia has traditionally handled asylum cases discreetly, partly to reduce risks for applicants and their families. Critics argued that the high-profile approach in this case may have complicated the situation.

The situation escalated after Donald Trump publicly called for the players to be granted asylum and raised the issue with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The involvement of political leaders, analysts said, contributed to turning the case into a broader geopolitical dispute.

Shahram Akbarzadeh said the players’ initial actions, including declining to sing the national anthem at a match, became politicized and amplified beyond their original context.

“It quickly turned into a political dispute and political theater,” he said, adding that multiple actors sought to use the situation to advance competing narratives.

Iranian officials rejected claims that the players were pressured to return. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said those who reversed their asylum decisions had been “coerced” into applying and denied that Tehran influenced their return.

Australian officials denied exerting pressure on the players, with Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite describing the situation as “very complex” and emphasizing that the decisions were personal.

Some former athletes and advocates expressed concern that external pressure may have affected the players’ choices. Shiva Amini said she feared potential repercussions for those who returned, citing risks to family members, although she declined to provide details.

The majority of the team regrouped and traveled through Kuala Lumpur and Oman before returning to Iran via Turkiye, where state media reported they were welcomed upon arrival. Midfielder Fatemeh Shaban said the players were “happy to be in Iran,” describing it as their homeland.The reasons behind the decision by five players to abandon their asylum bids have not been publicly disclosed.

The episode has prompted wider debate over how asylum claims intersect with diplomacy, media exposure and the welfare of individuals involved in politically sensitive cases.

The agency said governments, businesses and households could take immediate steps to reduce fuel demand and mitigate the impact of rising costs, following its decision earlier this month to release record volumes of oil from emergency reserves.

In its latest guidance, the IEA said practical actions such as increased remote work, lower highway speed limits and reduced reliance on air travel could help curb fuel consumption in the short term. The proposals are aimed at softening the burden on consumers facing higher energy bills.

The agency framed the recommendations as part of a broader strategy to complement supply-side interventions, emphasizing coordinated action across sectors to stabilize markets.

The IEA earlier agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, marking the largest such move in its history. The United States is contributing the majority of the supply, reflecting its central role in global energy coordination efforts.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the agency remains in close contact with key governments, including major producers and consumers, as part of ongoing energy diplomacy efforts.

“We have recently launched the largest ever release of IEA emergency oil stocks,” Birol said in a statement, adding that discussions with governments are continuing to address market volatility.

The spike in oil prices linked to the conflict has intensified concerns over inflation worldwide, as higher energy costs ripple through transport, manufacturing and household expenses.

Birol said the latest report provides “a menu of immediate and concrete measures” that can be implemented quickly to shield consumers, highlighting the importance of reducing demand alongside boosting supply in times of crisis.