Indian-origin US telecom entrepreneur Bankim Brahmbhatt faces accusations of orchestrating a $500 million loan fraud involving BlackRock-backed HPS Investment Partners. Brahmbhatt, owner of Broadband Telecom and Bridgevoice, allegedly created fake customer accounts and receivables to secure massive loans from American lenders, including BNP Paribas-partnered financing. Lenders filed an August lawsuit claiming he pledged non-existent revenue streams as collateral. HPS's exposure grew from $385 million (early 2021) to $430 million (August 2024), with BNP Paribas funding nearly half. Brahmbhatt filed personal bankruptcy on August 12, simultaneously with his companies' Chapter 11 protection. His Garden City office appears vacated, and investigators fear he fled to India, though his lawyer denies all allegations.

A 26-year-old Indian migrant worker, Vijay Kumar Mahato from Giridih's Dudhpaniya village, died in crossfire between Jeddah police and an extortion gang on October 16. Mahato, employed as a tower line fitter for nine months, sent a WhatsApp voice message to his wife Basanti Devi reporting injuries during the shootout. His family initially believed he was receiving treatment until his employer informed them of his death on October 24. Jharkhand's labour department contacted the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to facilitate body repatriation. Social activist Sikander Ali urged authorities to ensure compensation for the victim's family while the Migrant Control Cell coordinates with Jeddah police for completing formalities.

Vijay Kumar Mahato, a 27-year-old from Jharkhand’s Giridih district, was killed in Saudi Arabia after being caught in a crossfire between police and criminals involved in the illegal liquor trade. Mahato, who worked for Hyundai Engineering and Construction, was hit by a stray bullet near his worksite on October 15. Before dying, he sent a voice note to his wife saying he had been shot by mistake. His family has refused to bring back the body until the company promises compensation. The Jharkhand government and Indian Embassy in Riyadh are coordinating with Saudi officials for investigation and repatriation. (PC: The Indian Express)

Bengaluru-based Narayana Health has entered the UK healthcare market by acquiring Practice Plus Group Hospitals. The deal marks a major step in the company’s global expansion while keeping its focus on affordable and quality medical care. Practice Plus Group runs 12 hospitals and surgical centres across the UK, performing about 80,000 surgeries a year. Founder Dr Devi Shetty called the move “an exciting step” toward accessible healthcare. Practice Plus Group CEO Jim Easton said the partnership will bring new innovation and efficiency. Narayana Health plans to integrate UK operations into its growing global healthcare network. (PC: NDTV)

The U.S. Department of Labor under the Trump administration released a video alleging large-scale misuse of H-1B visas, portraying foreign workers as “stealing the American dream.” The video prominently displays data showing India accounting for 72% of all H-1B visa holders, framing it as a key part of the issue. It also promotes “Project Firewall,” an initiative to investigate and penalize companies misusing work visas. The video has sparked strong reactions in India, with critics calling it politically motivated and harmful to skilled Indian professionals working legally in the U.S. (PC: AFP)

India and the United States have signed a historic 10-year defence cooperation framework, strengthening their strategic and military partnership. The agreement, finalized during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizes joint defence production, intelligence sharing, and advanced technology collaboration. Both sides hailed the pact as a milestone, underscoring that bilateral defence ties “have never been stronger.” The framework aims to enhance regional stability, counter emerging security threats, and reinforce the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.    

Arvi Singh Sagoo, a 55-year-old Indian-origin businessman, was killed in Edmonton, Canada, after confronting a stranger urinating on his car. On October 19, Sagoo and his girlfriend returned from dinner to find a man relieving himself on their vehicle. When Sagoo asked, "Hey, what are you doing?", the stranger replied, "Whatever I want," before punching him in the head. Sagoo collapsed immediately and was rushed to hospital on life support but died five days later on October 24. Kyle Papin, 40, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Police confirmed no prior connection existed, calling it "completely unprovoked." The incident sparked anger within Canada's Indian community amid rising racially motivated violence concerns.

US Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy after stating at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi that he hopes his wife, Usha Vance, will convert to Christianity. Vance revealed that Usha, who grew up in a Hindu family but identifies as agnostic, regularly accompanies him to church. He expressed his wish for her eventual conversion while acknowledging her free will. The couple, both formerly agnostic/atheist, decided to raise their three children Christian. The comments triggered significant backlash on social media, with critics calling him hypocritical, noting the couple had a Vedic Hindu wedding and named one child Vivek. Many condemned his remarks as disrespectful, arguing acceptance shouldn't require changing someone's religious beliefs.

India secured a six-month US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar Port, allowing operations until April 2026, MEA confirmed Thursday. The exemption permits India Ports Global Limited to operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal without penalties under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act. Originally granted in 2018, the waiver acknowledges Chabahar's humanitarian importance for Afghanistan and Central Asian trade access, bypassing Pakistan. India pledged $370 million in investments under May 2024's 10-year agreement, with $120 million already spent on infrastructure and International North-South Transport Corridor connectivity. The strategically vital port counters China's Gwadar development in Pakistan. MEA reaffirmed commitment to full port development, noting successful wheat and urea shipments to Afghanistan demonstrating humanitarian significance.

US Vice President JD Vance publicly expressed hope that his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance, will eventually convert to Christianity during a Turning Point USA event at University of Mississippi Wednesday. "I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way," Vance told 10,000 attendees, citing his belief in Christian gospel. However, he respected her free will, stating it wouldn't cause problems if she declined. Usha, raised in a non-religious Hindu family, previously revealed their interfaith household arrangement on Meghan McCain's podcast. The couple sends their three children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel to Catholic school, allowing each child to choose baptism. JD converted to Catholicism after their children's births, prompting discussions about raising kids in faith while Usha remains Hindu.