US Administration Cancels Annual Food Insecurity Survey
The Trump administration has cancelled the US Department of Agriculture's annual Household Food Security Report, a survey conducted for three decades to measure hunger and food insecurity. The administration claimed the report had become "overly politicised" and its data was "rife with inaccuracies." The move follows the 2023 report which showed the highest level of food insecurity since 2014 and comes amid major reforms to the US food assistance program, which critics say will cut off access for millions.
Trump's Proposed $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee May Backfire, Think Tank Warns
A U.S. proposal to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000 per worker will likely hurt the American economy more than India, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The think tank argues that the exorbitant fee would make hiring on-site talent prohibitive, forcing U.S. firms to accelerate offshoring work to India. This could lead to fewer H-1B petitions, slower innovation in the U.S., and ultimately benefit India by encouraging the return of top tech talent.
Taliban Government Rejects US President's Bid to Retake Bagram Air Base
The Taliban government has rejected a suggestion by U.S. President Donald Trump that American forces could retake the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. A Taliban spokesperson stated that Afghanistan's sovereignty is paramount and urged the U.S. to adhere to the Doha Agreement, which prohibits interference in the country's internal affairs. The statement comes four years after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal that left the strategic military facility under Taliban control, and dismisses any possibility of a renewed U.S. military presence.
National Conference on e-Governance Commences in Visakhapatnam
The 28th National Conference on e-Governance began today in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The two-day event, themed "Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation," brings together officials and industry leaders from across the country. Discussions will focus on leveraging technology like AI, strengthening cybersecurity, and creating digital infrastructure to improve public service delivery. The conference underscores the government's commitment to modernising administration and will conclude with the presentation of National Awards for e-Governance.
Two Detained in Connection with Deadly Ambush on Assam Rifles Convoy in Manipur
Manipur police have detained two individuals in connection with a recent ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy that resulted in the death of two soldiers and injured five others. The attack occurred in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area. Following a massive security operation, a van suspected to have been used by the assailants was also recovered about 10 km from the ambush site. The investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals involved in the deadly attack.
Acclaimed Singer Zubeen Garg Dies; Thousands Gather in Guwahati to Pay Respects
Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has died in Singapore. His mortal remains arrived in Guwahati to a massive outpouring of grief, with thousands of fans gathering to pay their last respects. Garg, a cultural icon in Assam and beyond, was known for his prolific career, having sung over 38,000 songs in 40 languages. His body will be kept at a sports complex for public homage before the last rites are performed, with the Assam Cabinet set to decide the cremation venue.
India Extends Cricket Dominance Over Pakistan with Decisive Asia Cup Win
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Asia Cup Super 4, marking their seventh consecutive white-ball victory over their rivals and reinforcing claims that the once-fierce rivalry has become one-sided. Chasing 172 in Dubai, opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge with an explosive 74 off 39 balls, supported by Shubman Gill's 47. Their 105-run opening partnership sealed the game, ensuring a comfortable Indian win with 7 balls to spare despite a few late wickets.
Karnataka CM Gives One-Month Deadline to Fix All Bengaluru Roads
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has set a one-month deadline for civic officials to repair all roads in Bengaluru, warning that chief engineers will be held accountable for failure. The directive comes after mounting pressure from citizens and industry leaders, including corporate CEOs, who have threatened to relocate due to the city's poor infrastructure. An amount of ₹750 crore has been allocated for the repairs, with officials tasked to fix the remaining 8,000 potholes and ensure the quality of work.
Trump Claims He Stopped India-Pakistan Conflict Using Trade as Leverage
US President Donald Trump has claimed he prevented a war between India and Pakistan by using trade as leverage. Speaking at a dinner event, he asserted that he told both nuclear-armed nations he would halt trade if they fought, which he claims led them to de-escalate. Trump also suggested he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in "ending seven wars," a list that he said included the India-Pakistan conflict among others across the globe.
Scientists Discover Moonquakes Are Causing Landslides on the Moon
Chinese scientists have discovered that seismic activity on the Moon, known as "moonquakes," can trigger landslides on the lunar surface. The finding offers new insights into the Moon's ongoing geological processes, suggesting it is more dynamic than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding lunar geology and is a crucial consideration for the safety and planning of future missions and potential habitats on the Moon, revealing a previously underestimated hazard.
US Imposes $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas, Affecting Indian Professionals
The US administration has mandated a new $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa, a program heavily used by Indian IT professionals. The order, effective September 21, aims to ensure only "very highly skilled" individuals are hired and to prevent the replacement of American workers. This move is expected to significantly impact US tech companies and the Indian technology sector, which supplies the majority of H-1B visa holders, potentially making it prohibitively expensive to hire foreign talent.
US Imposes $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas, Impacting Indian Tech Sector
The US administration has imposed a staggering $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications, a move set to severely impact Indian tech professionals and companies. Indians comprise over 70% of H-1B holders. The Indian government expressed concern over potential "humanitarian consequences" for families, while industry body Nasscom warned of business disruptions. The Indian Embassy in the US has issued an emergency helpline. The policy change has sent shockwaves through the global IT industry and among Indian workers in the US.
Multiple Delhi Schools Evacuated After Receiving Coordinated Bomb Threats
Several schools across Delhi, including DPS Dwarka and Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, received bomb threats on Saturday morning, prompting immediate evacuations of students and staff. Police and bomb disposal squads launched extensive search operations across the campuses. While the threat at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya was declared a hoax after a thorough search, operations continued at other locations. Authorities are investigating the source of the threats to determine if it was a coordinated effort to create widespread panic in the national capital.
Allahabad High Court Bans Mention of Caste in Uttar Pradesh Police Records
In a landmark ruling, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to stop the practice of recording caste in police investigation documents and other public records. The court called the practice a form of identity profiling that reinforces prejudice and violates fundamental rights. It also ordered a ban on caste-based slogans on vehicles. The bench stated that modern identification tools like Aadhaar make caste-based identification obsolete and that investigative impartiality must be cultivated to combat societal biases.
Over ₹34,200 Crore in Development Projects Launched in Gujarat
The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth over ₹34,200 crore in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. These initiatives span multiple sectors with a major focus on maritime infrastructure, including a new international cruise terminal in Mumbai and port expansions in Kolkata, Paradip, and Kandla. The projects in Gujarat also cover renewable energy, LNG infrastructure, highways, and healthcare, aiming to boost economic growth and sustainable industrialization in the state and across the country.