A Durga Puja committee in Murshidabad's Khagra area has sparked controversy by depicting Donald Trump as the demon Mahishasura in their pandal. The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee crafted the unique Trump-shaped demon for their 59th annual Durgotsav celebrations, created by renowned artist Asim Pal. Committee member Pratik explained the decision stems from Trump's fifty percent tariff policies, claiming he "betrayed Modi and India" despite being considered a friend. He stated they view Trump as a demon who "stabbed India from behind." The unconventional representation has drawn significant attention from visitors and locals, receiving positive responses from the neighborhood community. The pandal showcases the committee's bold political commentary through traditional religious festivities. (PC: Indian Express Bengali)

Following the U.S. decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, Canada is actively wooing skilled tech professionals, particularly from India, which accounts for over 70% of H-1B holders. Canadian officials, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasized reviewing immigration policies to provide an alternative pathway for talent that might have gone to the U.S. This initiative aims to boost Canada’s tech sector and economy, positioning the country as a favorable destination for global tech talent. Other nations like the UK and Germany are also exploring similar opportunities for skilled professionals.  

At the United Nations General Assembly, India and Pakistan exchanged sharp words over the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accused Pakistan of harboring terror groups and destabilizing the region, while Pakistan’s representative cited alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and dismissed India’s claims. The U.S. condemned the attack, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions. Diplomatic strains have intensified, with both countries recalling diplomats and suspending key bilateral agreements, highlighting the fragility of peace efforts in the region. (PC: Reuters)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a scathing attack on Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, calling it the "epicentre of global terrorism." He stated that major international terrorist attacks are traced back to "that one country" with UN terrorist lists replete with Pakistani nationals. Jaishankar cited April's Pahalgam attack killing 26 tourists as recent cross-border barbarism, emphasizing India's right to defend against terrorism. He criticized nations openly declaring terrorism as state policy and demanded deeper international cooperation. The minister also declared the UN is in crisis, calling for Security Council reforms with expanded permanent and non-permanent membership. Jaishankar emphasized India's zero-tolerance for terrorism, robust border defense, and readiness to assume greater global responsibilities.

A Durga Puja committee in Murshidabad's Khagra area has sparked controversy by depicting Donald Trump as the demon Mahishasura in their pandal. The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee crafted the unique Trump-shaped demon for their 59th annual Durgotsav celebrations, created by renowned artist Asim Pal. Committee member Pratik explained the decision stems from Trump's fifty percent tariff policies, claiming he "betrayed Modi and India" despite being considered a friend. He stated they view Trump as a demon who "stabbed India from behind." The unconventional representation has drawn significant attention from visitors and locals, receiving positive responses from the neighborhood community. The pandal showcases the committee's bold political commentary through traditional religious festivities. (PC: Indian Express Bengali & DNA)

Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal linked climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a Pakistani intelligence operative, justifying his NSA detention after deadly Leh violence. Four people died and over 80 security personnel were injured when 7,000 protesters pelted stones and torched buildings on September 24, demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status. The DGP accused Wangchuk of sabotaging ongoing Centre talks and having "history of instigation" citing Nepal agitation, Bangladesh, and Arab Spring. A Pakistani Intelligence Operative allegedly "reporting" Wangchuk was detained with incriminating material. Foreign funding violations are being investigated. Forty-four people were arrested including ringleaders. Leh remains under curfew for four consecutive days as authorities conduct raids for absconding rioters.

Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old undocumented immigrant from Punjab, was deported from the US after 30 years. Despite paying taxes and reporting to ICE every six months, she was suddenly detained, denied food and medicine, and flown back to India in a detainee uniform. Her lawyer alleges she was denied basic facilities, given non-vegetarian food despite being vegetarian, and forced to sleep on the floor. Kaur’s asylum plea was rejected in 2012, yet she remained compliant. She now faces uncertainty in India, unaware why she was deported. Her only wish is to reunite with her grandchildren in the US. (PC: India Today)

At the 80th UN General Assembly, India delivered a fierce response to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s claims of triumph in the recent Indo-Pak conflict. First Secretary Petal Gahlot dismissed Sharif’s portrayal of damaged runways and hangars as “victory,” calling his narrative “absurd theatrics” and accusing Islamabad of glorifying terrorism. She challenged Pakistan to dismantle terror networks and hand over wanted perpetrators, rejecting third-party mediation and reaffirming India’s stand that resolutions must be bilateral. 

At the United Nations General Assembly, Petal Gahlot, First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, exercised India’s right of reply to criticize Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s speech, accusing him of “glorifying terrorism” and spreading lies. She called Pakistan’s narrative “absurd theatrics,” citing Indian Army strikes on terrorist bases and questioning Islamabad’s record. Gahlot, appointed to her UN role in July 2023, had earlier worked at India’s Ministry of External Affairs and served in Paris and San Francisco. (PC: X)

India has strongly refuted NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow's strategy in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) labeled Rutte's statement as “factually incorrect and entirely baseless,” emphasizing that no such conversation took place. Rutte had suggested that U.S. tariffs on India were impacting Russia, prompting Modi to seek clarification from Putin on the Ukraine issue. India urged NATO leadership to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements, condemning speculative remarks that misrepresent diplomatic engagements.