The US Department of Homeland Security is reportedly planning to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, a move that could significantly affect Indian workers and employers. Indians account for more than 70% of H-1B visa beneficiaries, making them particularly vulnerable to higher costs. The proposal is still under review and its final details have not been released. The administration is also considering a possible $100,000 fee for certain OPT applications. Separately, DHS has proposed ending the 60-day grace period for unemployed H-1B workers, potentially forcing affected workers and their families to leave the US sooner.  

Sikkim rock band Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) has begun a European tour, with performances scheduled in Portugal and Spain this month. The four-member band will make its Portugal debut at the Milagre Metaleiro Open Air Festival before headlining the Valdor Rock Festival in Burgos, Spain, on August 29. The tour is GATC's second international outing this year after performing in Australia in March. Formed in 2009, the band has built a global following and previously opened for Guns N' Roses in Abu Dhabi. GATC is also preparing to release its fourth studio album, featuring its recent single, Generation Coward. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India next month to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. The September 12-13 summit comes as India and China cautiously work to stabilise ties following the deadly 2020 border clashes. Xi is reportedly likely to be accompanied by a delegation of around 400 officials, with Chinese authorities already finalising hotels and security arrangements. The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to China last year, his first in seven years. Despite gradual diplomatic improvement, recent border-related tensions have continued to complicate relations. Xi’s presence at the summit could provide an important opportunity for both sides to engage on bilateral and regional issues. (PC: Times Now)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Kremlin on Monday, discussing the expansion of India-Russia ties and cooperation across key sectors. Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and delivered a personal message from him. Putin highlighted decades of bilateral relations and said trade had continued to grow in 2026, with cooperation expanding across almost all areas. Jaishankar pointed to significant progress in trade, energy, fertilisers and nuclear cooperation following the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting. Putin also said Russia was ready to increase fertiliser supplies to India to support its agricultural sector. Jaishankar said Modi looked forward to meeting Putin at the SCO and BRICS summits and holding their annual summit. 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s postponed three-day Delhi visit has highlighted growing strains in India-Bangladesh relations, according to the article. Dhaka has sought Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, while some officials have expressed interest in a Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey defence pact dubbed “Islamic NATO”. Rahman visited Beijing before his planned Delhi trip, discussing the Teesta project and a proposed Yunnan-Bangladesh highway via Myanmar. The article also points to rising Chinese influence and security concerns involving radical groups in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India is strengthening security around the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor. Rahman’s reported reluctance to attend the BRICS summit could further reduce opportunities for talks on counter-terrorism, trade, electricity and transport. The article argues for pragmatic India-Bangladesh partnership. (PC: Vartha Bharati)

Government sources have described India’s discussions on media arrangements surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in France in June as “normal practice”. The clarification followed US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s claim that India had specifically requested no media interaction after the bilateral meeting. According to the sources, discussions on public appearances are routine before VVIP visits, and India communicated its standard practice for such engagements. Gor said Trump initially agreed but later invited reporters’ questions, resulting in a 45-minute press conference with Modi beside him. The Modi-Trump meeting took place on June 17 in Evian-les-Bains, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

A 19-year-old Indian-origin student, Alli Renee Singh, died after the car she was travelling in plunged off a cliff into the ocean near Santa Cruz, California. The accident happened on April 13 near the Steamer Lane surf break. Singh was studying psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. A male passenger escaped with minor injuries. Rescue teams found Singh trapped inside the submerged car. Four professional divers helped bring her out. She was taken to a hospital but later died from her injuries. Her family asked for privacy. The accident also raised concerns over coastal erosion along West Cliff Drive.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned three-day visit to Delhi has been postponed. The visit was expected to begin on August 23. The delay comes as India-Bangladesh ties face fresh strain. Dhaka has asked China to help with the Teesta water project and has shown interest in a defence pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. Bangladesh has also sought the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. India has raised concerns over security and radical groups in Bangladesh. Rahman may also skip the BRICS summit, missing a chance for talks on trade, energy, transport and security.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to begin an eight-day official visit to Canada and the United States, focusing on strengthening India's economic and bilateral ties. During her visit, Sitharaman is expected to hold meetings with government officials, business leaders and international financial institutions. The discussions will focus on trade, investment and economic cooperation. In Canada, she will attend key meetings aimed at deepening engagement between the two countries. Her US visit will include engagements with global financial institutions and business representatives. The trip comes as India seeks to expand international economic partnerships and strengthen cooperation with key global partners. (PC: BBC)

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a march in Delhi on September 5, as the group continues its campaign over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and other public issues. The proposed march is expected to head towards India Gate, though permission from Delhi Police is yet to be confirmed. CJP leaders have been organising protests and campaigns in recent weeks, drawing attention to issues including education and government accountability. The announcement comes as the organisation expands its activities beyond its earlier protests. Police and organisers are expected to coordinate on security and other arrangements ahead of the planned march. (PC: BBC)