Netanyahu nominates Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize during White House visit
Washington, D.C.: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling the honor “well-deserved” during a high-profile meeting at the White House on Monday.
Netanyahu handed over the official nomination letter to Trump during their bilateral meeting in the Blue Room. Speaking to reporters, the Israeli leader said that both countries were working together to find nations that would help offer Palestinians a better future.
Trump, who has frequently touted himself as a global peacemaker and expressed his desire to win the prestigious award, said the nomination came as a surprise. “Coming from you, this is very meaningful,” Trump told Netanyahu.
The meeting marks the third encounter between the two leaders this year. However, the visit comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, now in its 21st month, and pressure to include hostage release in any potential ceasefire agreement.
The backdrop of the war in Gaza and the humanitarian toll it has taken, including over 600 killings near aid sites, according to UN records, continues to cast a shadow over diplomatic events.
Trump is expected to host a private dinner with Netanyahu later this week, even as families of Israeli hostages urge both sides to prioritize their release as part of any peace deal.
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Karnataka Examinations Authority eases advance fee rule for high-fee medical seats in first round
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has relaxed its advance payment rule for candidates allotted high-fee medical, dental, and homeopathy seats in the first round of counselling.
KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna on Thursday announced that candidates allotted seats with course fees above ₹12 lakh and opting for Choice-2 will now be required to pay only ₹12,00,117 as an advance instead of the full course fee. SC/ST and Category-1 candidates will pay ₹2 lakh. The remaining amount must be paid after the announcement of the second-round allotment results.
Previously, Choice-2 medical candidates had to pay the entire fee upfront. The revised rule applies only to seats costing more than ₹12 lakh; those allotted ‘G’ category medical seats must continue to pay as per the earlier instructions.
Candidates securing seats under the All India Quota (AIQ) or in other states before the second-round results can cancel their KEA seat. In such cases, the advance amount will be transferred to the new college, or refunded in the case of SC/ST and Category-1 candidates. However, if they cancel without securing another seat through AIQ or other state counselling, the advance—₹12,00,117 or ₹2 lakh for reserved categories—will be forfeited.
Option entry for the first round closes on August 16. Choice-1 candidates must pay the fees by August 18, download the allotment order, and report to their respective colleges by August 19. Colleges have been instructed to remain open on all days, including public holidays such as Independence Day.
