From October 1, 2025, the US will levy 100 percent tariffs on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports—unless the company is actively building a drug manufacturing plant in the United States. The exemption applies even to firms that have “broken ground” or are under construction. The policy also includes high duties on furniture and heavy trucks, sparking concern over its impact on global supply chains. Analysts warn India’s pharma exports could face significant disruption unless firms pivot U.S. investments quickly. 

A U.S. State Department spokesperson clarified that President Donald Trump is not interested in mediating the Kashmir conflict, reiterating Washington’s long-standing stance that the matter should be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan. The official noted Trump already faces several global crises and does not want to be drawn into South Asia’s long-standing territorial dispute. However, the U.S. remains open to offering diplomatic support if both nations formally request it. This position reflects continuity in American foreign policy, discouraging outside interference while encouraging direct dialogue to maintain regional stability. (PC: NDTV)  

The House of Lords in London hosted the Indo-European Business Forum’s (IEBF) Viksit Bharat Investment Summit 2025. The event brought together world leaders, policymakers, investors, and business leaders to build stronger economic ties between India, the UK, Europe, and other regions.    Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu received the Leadership and Governance Award for his policies and governance in the state. In his speech, he invited investors to explore Himachal’s clean energy, wellness, IT, horticulture, and tourism sectors. He said Himachal, with 100% literacy, offers growth, trust, and resilience. IEBF founder Vijay Goel said trade agreements between India, the UK, and the EU could open business worth over £40 billion and €200 billion. “This is about opportunities in textiles, renewable energy, defence, education, IT, and retail,” he said. The summit welcomed Lord David Evans of the UK Parliament, UK Shadow Minister Seema Malhotra, UK MP Virender Sharma, High Commissioner of Ghana Samuel Mahama, Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister Dr Rohitga, educationist Mrs. Neerja Birla, entrepreneur Niharika Handa, AI innovators Tejesh Kumar Kodali and Janaki Yarlagadda, Media consultant and last year’s British Indian of the Year, Manish Tiwari. Awards were given for achievements in innovation, business, AI, green energy, and social impact. The evening ended with a call for global partnerships. Mr. Goel said, “Together, let us make Bharat truly developed and respected.”

Durga Puja in Tokyo has taken a unique turn with Somdatta Banerjee, a female priest, leading rituals for the India Bengal Cultural Association Japan (IBCAJ). Born in Shantiniketan, she moved to Japan five years ago and stepped up when a male priest was unavailable. Since then, she has challenged traditional taboos, allowing women of all backgrounds to take part in rituals. Somdatta says, “In God’s eye, all are equal.” Her inclusive approach has inspired many and made the festival more welcoming. With growing popularity, people travel long distances in Japan to witness the celebrations and her way of worship. (PC: Times Now)

An Indian man in California has been charged with murder after killing a registered sex offender. Police said 29-year-old Varun Suresh stabbed 71-year-old David Brimmer in Fremont. Court papers revealed Suresh had searched the sex offender registry and planned the killing for years. Disguised as an accountant, he went door to door before finding Brimmer. After stabbing him, Suresh told police that “all sex offenders deserved to die” and called the act “really fun.” Officers said he showed no regret. In 2021, Suresh was also arrested for making a fake bomb threat at a hotel. (PC: India Today)

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will visit India in October for talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The visit comes as India and Canada try to rebuild ties damaged in 2023. Relations fell after Ottawa, under Justin Trudeau, accused India of being linked to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Since Prime Minister Mark Carney took office, both nations have worked to improve ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Carney met in June, starting the reset. India recently appointed Dinesh Patnaik as High Commissioner to Canada, showing steps toward restoring full diplomatic relations. (PC: NDTV)

Indians holding H-1B visas are deferring international travel following President Donald Trump's recent policy imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, effective September 21, 2025. Although the White House clarified that the fee applies only to new applications and not renewals or existing holders, uncertainty persists. Tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon have advised employees to avoid international travel to prevent complications. This caution has led to reduced visa processing demand in India, potentially shortening wait times in the short term. However, experts caution that long-term impacts remain uncertain. 

An Indian tech worker, Amrutha Tamanam, rushed back to the US after President Donald Trump’s order introduced a $100,000 H-1B visa fee. She told NDTV she spent nearly $2,000 on a one-way ticket to Dallas, fearing she would be locked out of the country where she has lived for 13 years. Tamanam, who has a valid visa and documents until 2028, said panic spread through WhatsApp groups after the order. Many Indian professionals face uncertainty as employers may not afford the high cost. The Trump administration has also proposed changes to favour higher-paid, skilled H-1B workers. (PC: NDTV)

At the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi sharply criticized Pakistan for its recent airstrike in Matre Dara village, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which resulted in the deaths of at least 30 civilians, including women and children. Tyagi accused Pakistan of "bombing their own people" and misusing the UNHRC platform to level baseless allegations against India. He also urged Pakistan to vacate the illegally occupied territories in Jammu and Kashmir and focus on addressing its internal issues, including economic challenges and human rights concerns. (PC: PTI)

Indian-born author Kiran Desai has been shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize for her novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, marking her return to the literary spotlight nearly two decades after winning the award in 2006 for The Inheritance of Loss. The novel intertwines the love story of its titular characters with themes of class, race, nationhood, and migration, earning praise from judges for its "unforgettable epic" quality. The shortlist also includes works by Susan Choi (Flashlight), Katie Kitamura (Audition), Ben Markovits (The Rest of Our Lives), Andrew Miller (The Land in Winter), and David Szalay (Flesh). The winner will be announced on November 10, 2025. (PC: AP)