The United States has announced zero per cent tariffs on certain speciality medicines and their ingredients from India and 19 other countries and regions. The exemption covers drugs for rare diseases, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, nuclear medicines and animal health products. The US Commerce Department’s notice said eligible products must meet specific conditions linked to trade and security agreements or urgent US healthcare needs. The move follows President Donald Trump’s April proclamation on pharmaceutical imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The exemption does not apply to all pharmaceutical products. (PC: HT)

US Vice President JD Vance has warned companies against hiring foreign workers through H-1B visas after laying off American employees. Speaking on the All-In podcast, Vance said the programme should bring skilled workers who contribute to the US economy, not replace local employees with lower-paid foreign workers. The warning follows a September 18 executive order by President Donald Trump directing US agencies to consider recent or planned layoffs when reviewing H-1B applications. The administration has also retained a $100,000 payment requirement for certain overseas applicants. The changes could affect Indian technology professionals, who account for a large share of H-1B beneficiaries. (PC: India Today)

India’s economic outlook faces pressure as higher crude oil prices and rising inflation threaten consumption, rural activity and industrial momentum, according to BNP Paribas. Brent crude has risen above $100 per barrel, creating inflationary risks and leaving the Reserve Bank of India with less room to keep interest rates unchanged. Manufacturing PMI has fallen to its lowest level since August 2021, while growth in new orders and steel production has slowed. August inflation rose to 4.8 per cent, remaining above 4 per cent for three consecutive months. Rural activity has weakened amid a monsoon deficit, food inflation and lower crop sowing, though strong bank credit growth and grain procurement provides support. (PC: ET)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Monday, leading a 28-member delegation and meeting SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. Gor, making his second visit after about 15 years, wrote that he was “thrilled” to return. Discussions covered issues concerning Sikhs in the United States, including immigration enforcement and a US Department of Homeland Security poster criticised by the SGPC. Gor also visited the Partition Museum. A brief pro-Khalistan demonstration took place outside the shrine, where Emaan Singh Mann and party workers raised slogans including “Khalistan Zindabad” and “God Bless America” before security personnel managed the crowd.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor faced a brief pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar during his visit on Monday. Acting Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Emaan Singh Mann and party workers reportedly raised “Khalistan Zindabad” and “God Bless America” slogans before security personnel managed the gathering. Gor, leading a 28-member American delegation, was welcomed by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. The discussions covered issues concerning the Sikh community, including human equality and matters involving Sikhs in the United States. The visit was Gor’s second to the Golden Temple. Amritsar Police had also arrested two people over alleged pro-Khalistan graffiti.

India is gaining greater influence even as the international order becomes fragmented, according to an analysis published by Firstpost. The article argues that New Delhi’s strategic autonomy, economy and expanding partnerships give it greater relevance in global affairs, while wars, protectionism and rivalry between major powers make the environment less predictable. India’s energy dependence, amid disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, highlights its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks. Its semiconductor ambitions and role in the Quad and BRICS also reflect the intersection of economic and strategic competition. The piece says India is pressing for UN reform, including Security Council expansion, but argues that representation alone cannot resolve weaknesses threatening the international system. (PC: X)

Indian and Bangladeshi border forces are stepping up surveillance to stop the illegal movement of hilsa fish between the two countries ahead of the festive season. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has sought the Border Security Force’s (BSF) help to prevent Padma hilsa from entering India illegally and Gujarat hilsa from being smuggled into Bangladesh. According to BSF sources, high demand and limited supplies have pushed up hilsa prices in Bangladesh. Dhaka recently stopped importing Indian hilsa, citing quality concerns. Officials say smugglers use river routes, small boats and commercial vehicles to transport fish across the border. (PC: The Telegraph)

Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov has claimed that the US wants to prevent India from becoming another China, describing a reported remark by a senior American official as a “Freudian slip”. Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit, Alipov said Washington would seek to contain India as its global influence grows. He also criticised the US Graham Act, which allows tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil. India has faced pressure over its purchases of Russian crude. New Delhi has said it will take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests. (PC: HT)

A 78-year-old Indian-origin woman was robbed of gold jewellery worth around ₹13 lakh during an evening walk in Brampton, Canada, on July 28. According to her son, Raghavendra Kumar, a woman gained his mother’s trust by pretending to be friendly. She allegedly placed fake jewellery around her neck while removing her real gold necklace and bangles before fleeing in an SUV. The stolen jewellery weighed around 110 grams and had strong emotional value, as it was made by the victim’s late husband. Peel Regional Police are investigating the case and have identified a woman and a vehicle as being of interest.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Lavrov argued that the Council should better reflect the current global balance and opposed adding further Western countries, specifically mentioning Germany and Japan. Russia has consistently supported India’s permanent membership alongside Brazil. The UNSC currently has five permanent members—Russia, the US, UK, France and China—along with 10 elected members. India has been seeking Council reform to increase representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America.