Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have backed India’s call for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The support came during the first India-Visegrad Group meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said the four countries agreed that India should become a permanent member of the UN’s top decision-making body. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the meeting as a “new historic occasion”. India and the Visegrad Group also agreed to strengthen cooperation in politics, trade, technology, defence, education and connectivity. (PC: X)

Manipur fashion designer Robert Naorem showcased the State’s handloom and textile traditions at an international fashion event in Milan, Italy, on September 20. Held at the Meliá Milano Hotel, the event featured 27 designer shows from several countries. Naorem opened the showcase, presenting a collection that combined traditional Manipuri textiles with contemporary designs. A total of 22 models walked the runway wearing his creations made with textiles produced in Manipur. The event also marked 10 years since the launch of Naorem’s label. Organised with support from Manipur’s Department of Sericulture, the showcase gave Manipuri textiles an international platform in contemporary fashion.

Former US State Department official Evan A. Feigenbaum questioned Washington’s threat of tariffs up to 100% on countries such as India buying Russian oil, citing Trump’s proposed deal to purchase potash from Belarus, an ally. Feigenbaum said the approach could create an appearance of double standards, pointing to trade with Russia while Washington objects to countries maintaining economic ties. Trump said the United States was working on a “massive” Belarus potash deal at prices below what it pays Canada. The US imports potash, with Canada supplying 79% in 2024, while Russia supplied 11% and Belarus 4%. The legislation gives Trump tariff authority, but does not automatically impose 100% duties on India.  

India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council received support from the Visegrád Group (V4) countries including Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic during their first ministers’ meeting with India on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Slovak Minister Juraj Blanár said the four countries agreed India, as part of the Global South and an Indo-Pacific power, should become a permanent member. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called the meeting a “new historic occasion”. India and the V4 agreed to strengthen political, technology, defence and people-to-people ties, hold foreign ministers’ meetings and create a business forum. Discussions covered space, research, education, Ukraine and Gulf developments.

India will study the details of a new US law targeting Russia before deciding its response, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law on September 18. The law allows the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue major purchases of Russian oil and gas. However, the tariff is not automatic. India is a major buyer of Russian crude oil. New Delhi and Washington are also negotiating a trade agreement. Goyal said India would discuss the matter after studying the law.  

India has served eight times as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, most recently in 2021-22, and continues to press for a permanent seat.   New Delhi first put forward its candidature in 1994 and says the Council must expand in both permanent and non-permanent categories to reflect today's world. The five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the UK and the US, have not changed since 1945, and each holds veto power.   India cites its size, democracy, economic weight and peacekeeping role. It has also launched a campaign for a non-permanent seat for 2028-29. China has not explicitly backed India's bid.

Around 80 Indian customer-service employees at an unnamed US-based financial firm were reportedly informed of their termination during a five-minute Google Meet, according to a Reddit post. The employee said workers, scheduled for a 6:30 pm shift, were initially asked to work from home for “operational reasons” before receiving a meeting invitation around 9:30 pm. The post claimed the entire Indian customer-service team was dismissed, potentially affecting 80 families. The employee later attributed the decision to the company’s concerns about the Indian team’s output. However, the claims, including the number of employees affected and the reason for the layoffs, have not been independently verified. (PC: News18)

An Indian man who moved to Australia to study 11 years ago has become an Australian citizen, owning three pizza restaurants, a house and a BMW. His story was shared on X by his brother-in-law, entrepreneur Vineeth K. Unable to find a job in his field after his studies, he took a full-time job at a pizza shop, including deliveries. Three years later, he bought a pizza franchise with a partner and some funds, then added two more. He has also built a house in Hyderabad and flown his parents to Australia. His family received citizenship this week. (PC: HT)

The UN human rights office says Russian authorities were behind 89 per cent of verified conflict-related sexual violence cases in Ukraine. Its report documents 1,004 cases between February 2022 and July 2026, involving civilians and prisoners of war. The remaining 11 per cent were attributed to Ukrainian authorities. Most victims were men, while women and children were affected mainly in occupied territory. The UN says the true figure is likely higher because of underreporting and Russia's refusal to grant access. Russia declined to comment, while Ukraine welcomed the report. UN rights chief Volker Türk said the violence must stop immediately. (PC: India Today)

Three people were killed and another critically injured after a speeding BMW crashed on Mumbai’s Coastal Road and fell from a bridge early Sunday morning. The black BMW was travelling from Marine Drive towards Haji Ali when the driver allegedly lost control, hit a boundary wall and plunged into an area where parking work was underway. All four occupants were taken to Nair Hospital, where three were declared dead. The victims included 21-year-old Shanay Gajjal and 17-year-old Dhirya Seth, while the third deceased was a 25-year-old man. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.