Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called the H-1B visa system a “total scam”, claiming it mostly benefits Indians. Speaking to Fox News, he argued that US companies misuse the program to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. DeSantis said many firms lay off Americans while renewing H-1B visas, calling it “indentured servitude” that Indians exploit. He urged immigration policies that prioritize US citizens, stressing, “Why import workers when we have our own?” His remarks follow US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s announcement of a new “gold card” system, offering residency to foreigners investing $5 million in America. (PC: HT)

A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two students dead. The shooter, Robin Westman, 23, used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, later dying from a self-inflicted wound. Disturbing messages like “Kill Donald Trump” and “Nuke India” were scrawled on weapons, as revealed in now-deleted YouTube videos. Westman, who legally purchased the firearms and had no criminal history, identified as female since 2020. Videos showed weapon caches, journals in Cyrillic, and a letter to family. Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the video’s authenticity, calling the violence “unthinkable.” President Trump ordered flags at half-staff. This marks the 146th school shooting in the U.S. this year.(PC: Hindustan Times & NDTV)

A report has said there is no cause for panic after the United States imposed 50% tariffs on many Indian products. The duties, which took effect Wednesday, doubled the earlier tax as President Donald Trump targeted India over Russian oil imports. Sources told PTI the impact is unlikely to be severe due to the diverse nature of Indian exports. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said ties with India remain strong, adding, “At the end of the day, we will come together.” Economists urged India to strengthen supply chains, boost 'Make in India 2.0,' and expand export markets. (PC: NDTV)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said India and the US will “come together” despite tariff tensions. “India’s the world’s largest democracy, the US is the world’s largest economy. At the end of the day we will come together,” he told Fox Business. He called India’s stance in trade talks “performative” but expressed hope for progress. Bessent added, “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have a very good rapport.” He also said, “The surplus country should worry,” pointing to India’s advantage. Reports claimed Modi ignored four calls from Trump, showing both his anger and caution during the dispute. (PC: NDTV)

Russia is set to employ nearly one million Indians as it faces a severe industrial workforce shortage. According to Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar, Russian firms in construction, machinery, electronics, and textiles are actively hiring Indians, with Sverdlovsk emerging as a major destination. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is expanding services, including opening a new consulate in Yekaterinburg. Russia anticipates a 3.1 million worker deficit by 2030 and may increase foreign worker quotas by 1.5 times in 2025. Multiple visa pathways exist, though the Embassy has cautioned applicants against fraudulent offers. (PC: Business Standard)

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist and fugitive attorney, held a press briefing outside St. Lucie County Jail (Florida) to defend Harjinder Singh, a Punjab-origin truck driver accused of causing a fatal crash via an illegal U-turn on August 12. Singh, who’s been living and working illegally in the U.S., faces three counts of vehicular homicide. At the rally, Pannun expressed sympathy, calling Singh “grieving” and wishing the tragedy hadn’t occurred, while accusing critics of politicizing the incident. An online petition supporting Singh has garnered some 1.6 million signatures. India regards Pannun as a terrorist. (PC: Reuters)

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “somebody is not very happy with you” over the U.S. imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Rabuka added, “But then you are big enough to weather those discomforts” during a meeting in New Delhi. He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods, including extra duties on Russian crude purchases. Rabuka highlighted India’s role in his 'Ocean of Peace' vision for a stable and secure Pacific region. India and Fiji agreed to boost defence, trade, health, and digital ties. (PC: The Hindu)

An Indian travel vlogger, known as Roaming with Vinu, recently went viral for offering the iconic Indian sweet rasgulla to members of Africa’s Hadzabe tribe in Tanzania for the first time. Upon tasting the syrupy dessert served in a traditional clay cup, one tribe member’s exuberant reaction—joyfully dancing and celebrating the sweetness—captivated audiences worldwide. The Instagram video of the moment accumulated over 3 million views and 185,000 likes, resonating broadly for its heartwarming cross-cultural connection. The footage showcases not just culinary discovery, but the universal language of shared joy.  

A Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) report claims U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to contact Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times via phone, but the calls went unanswered—highlighting growing friction between the two leaders over trade policy. FAZ suggests Modi’s silence signals both deep irritation and strategic caution, particularly in response to U.S. demands for Indian market access and Trump's aggressive tariff posture. India has not publicly commented. The gambit reflects an escalating diplomatic standoff, with India pushing back on pressure tactics and asserting its autonomy in foreign policy. (PC: Reuters)  

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated claims during a White House meeting that he personally intervened to avert a potential nuclear clash between India and Pakistan earlier this year, by warning both countries of “tariffs so high, your head’s going to spin” if hostilities persisted. He recounted pressing Prime Minister Modi and Pakistani leaders, asserting that the threat prompted a rapid ceasefire within hours. India, however, dismissed the claim, stating the de-escalation was achieved through direct military diplomatic channels. The assertion comes amid escalating U.S.–India tensions marked by fresh tariff escalations and strained diplomatic ties. (PC: NDTV)