US Healthcare Providers and Academics Sue to Block $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
A coalition of US healthcare providers, universities, and religious groups has filed a federal lawsuit to block the Trump administration's new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. The lawsuit argues the "exorbitant" fee is illegal, was implemented chaotically, and will cripple their ability to hire essential skilled workers from abroad, including doctors, teachers, and researchers. The H-1B program is a critical pathway for Indian professionals seeking to work in the United States, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors.
NIA Charges Key Conspirator in BKI-Linked Chandigarh Grenade Attack
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Abhijot Singh, a key accused in the Chandigarh grenade attack case. The attack was part of a terror conspiracy orchestrated by foreign-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harwinder Singh 'Rinda' and US-based gangster Happy Passia. According to the NIA, Abhijot was recruited into the terror gang in Armenia, conducted reconnaissance of the target, and received funds from BKI handlers for the operation, which aimed to spread fear.
Hamas and Israel Move Towards US-Brokered Gaza Peace Deal
Hamas has accepted elements of a US-led peace plan, agreeing to release all Israeli hostages, while Israel prepares to implement the first stage. The plan, brokered by US President Donald Trump, calls for an immediate halt to Israeli bombing to facilitate hostage release. The deal would see Hamas disarm and cede power in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and an influx of aid. While key disagreements remain, the development is a significant step towards ending the nearly two-year conflict in the region.
Putin Warns US Over Ukraine Aid, Seeks to Address India Trade Imbalance
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the United States that supplying long-range missiles like Tomahawks to Ukraine would represent a "qualitatively new stage of escalation" and seriously damage US-Russia relations. Speaking at the Valdai forum, Putin also addressed the trade imbalance with India, driven by heavy crude oil imports, and ordered his government to devise corrective measures. He praised India's strategic autonomy and referred to Prime Minister Modi as a "wise leader," reaffirming the strong bilateral partnership ahead of a planned visit.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Wife Petitions Supreme Court for His Release
The wife of Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court, challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk was detained on September 26 following violent protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, is seeking his immediate release, stating she has not received a copy of the detention order or had any contact with him since he was moved to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
IAF Chief: Pakistan Lost at Least 12 Aircraft in 'Operation Sindoor'
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that Pakistan lost at least a dozen military aircraft, including F-16 jets and an early warning aircraft, during 'Operation Sindoor' in May. Addressing the media, he said Indian strikes also damaged multiple Pakistani military installations like radar sites and command centres. The IAF Chief dismissed Pakistan's claims of inflicting heavy losses on India as "fanciful tales," asserting that the operation successfully demonstrated India's long-range strike capabilities.
Putin Orders Measures to Reduce Trade Imbalance with India
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his officials to devise measures to correct the significant trade imbalance with India, which is largely driven by India's substantial crude oil imports from Russia. Speaking ahead of a December visit to India, Putin suggested that Russia could increase purchases of Indian agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized the need to resolve financing, logistics, and payment bottlenecks to unlock the full potential of the bilateral economic partnership between the two strategic allies.
Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Wife Petitions Supreme Court Against NSA Detention
Gitanjali Angmo, wife of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk was detained on September 26 following violent protests in Ladakh over demands for statehood. The petition calls his detention "illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional," alleging it is a mala fide action to suppress democratic dissent. Angmo is seeking his immediate release and has also requested access to her husband, who is reportedly held in Jodhpur.
Election Commission Visits Bihar to Review Assembly Poll Preparedness
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with two Election Commissioners, has begun a two-day visit to Bihar to review preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections. The top ECI officials will hold meetings with political parties, district election officers, and senior police officials. The review will focus on voter lists, security arrangements, especially in Naxal-affected areas, and curbing the use of illicit money and liquor. The visit signals that the announcement of polling dates for the 243-member assembly is imminent.
Assam Forms Judicial Commission to Probe Singer Zubeen Garg's Death
The Assam government will establish a judicial commission headed by a sitting Gauhati High Court judge to investigate the mysterious death of iconic singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore. Garg died on September 19, prompting widespread public outcry and the filing of over 60 FIRs. The event organiser, Shyamkanu Mahanta, and the singer's manager have been arrested. Mahanta has since moved the Supreme Court, alleging a "media witch-hunt" and seeking a probe by a central agency into the case.
Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu Secures Silver at World Championships
Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won a silver medal at the World Championships. Competing in the 48kg category after moving down from 49kg, the former world champion achieved a total lift of 199kg, comprising 84kg in snatch and 115kg in clean and jerk. This marks her third podium finish at the prestigious event, adding to her 2017 gold and 2022 silver medals. North Korea's Ri Song Gum took the gold with a world-record total of 213kg.
Stray Dog Bites Two Foreign Coaches at World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi
In an embarrassing incident, coaches from Japan and Kenya were bitten by a stray dog during training sessions at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The incident occurred despite organisers having requested the city's municipal corporation to clear the venue of stray dogs beforehand. The coaches received immediate medical attention at the stadium before being taken to a hospital for further treatment. The incident has drawn sharp focus on the persistent issue of stray animals at major international venues in the capital.
India and China to Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Hiatus
India and China will resume direct flights on October 26 for the first time since services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions. The move is seen as a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations. Indian airline IndiGo will operate the first flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou. The decision follows technical discussions between aviation authorities and a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, aiming to facilitate people-to-people contact and trade.
Taliban's Foreign Minister to Make First High-Level Visit to India
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, is scheduled to visit India next week, marking the first high-level trip from Kabul since the group seized power in 2021. The visit, focused on developmental assistance, was made possible by a temporary travel ban exemption from the UN Security Council. While India has not officially recognised the Taliban regime, it maintains a "technical team" in Kabul and has provided humanitarian aid, signaling a gradual engagement with the new authorities.
Defence Minister Warns Pakistan of 'Decisive Response' in Sir Creek
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan against any "misadventure" in the disputed Sir Creek maritime region along the Gujarat border. Speaking to troops in Bhuj, Singh stated that any hostile act would be met with a decisive response that could "change both history and geography." He cited Pakistan's recent military infrastructure expansion as a sign of ill intent and reaffirmed India's commitment to countering terrorism, referencing the success of the recent Operation Sindoor.