The US Department of Homeland Security has begun reviewing proposals for new fees under the H-1B visa and F-1 Optional Practical Training programmes, potentially increasing costs for Indian students and technology professionals. The exact fee amounts have not been confirmed. Reports suggest the proposals could significantly affect the popular F-1 to OPT to H-1B pathway. Indians accounted for 71% of approved H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal 2024. While H-1B filing costs are generally paid by employers, OPT fees are typically borne by students, making any major increase a serious concern for international students. (PC: India Today)

A 56-year-old Indian shop owner from Gujarat was shot dead during an armed robbery at his newly opened store in Jackson, Tennessee, police said. The victim, Suresh Parsottamdas Patel from Mehsana, was shot multiple times after a masked gunman entered Ridgecrest Cellars on August 20 and demanded cash. Patel's 19-year-old daughter was standing beside him when he was shot, reports said. A 70-year-old employee also broke her wrist after falling during the incident. Police said the suspect fled in a white sedan and remains at large. Patel had lived in the United States for nearly 30 years. (PC: NDTV)

Heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday, forcing 15 incoming flights to divert. Twelve flights were diverted to Jaipur, including three international services, while two were redirected to Chandigarh and one to Lucknow. The disruption came as several parts of Delhi witnessed heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging and traffic congestion. A red alert for very heavy rain was issued in parts of the capital, while other areas remained under a yellow alert. The India Meteorological Department said Delhi could receive more spells of rain on Monday before conditions turn largely dry later this week. (PC: HT)

India’s request to avoid a press interaction before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in France was standard practice, sources said. The clarification came after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the Indian side had conveyed its preference for no questions from reporters. Gor said he informed Trump about the request, but the US President later invited questions from journalists, effectively opening the interaction to the press. Sources said discussions over schedules and public appearances are routine ahead of VVIP meetings to ensure clarity on arrangements. (PC: NDTV)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Beijing on Monday for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives talks on the boundary issue, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in September. Doval will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, with both serving as designated Special Representatives for the boundary talks mechanism. The mechanism, established in 2003, seeks to comprehensively address the India-China border dispute spanning 3,488 km. According to PTI, Doval and Wang are scheduled to hold the talks on Tuesday. The meeting comes days before the expected Modi-Xi engagements and focuses on the longstanding and complex India-China boundary dispute. (PC: Times Now)

Pakistan has extensively rebuilt the Bahawalpur headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which was badly damaged during India’s Operation Sindoor last year, according to exclusive visuals and intelligence inputs accessed by NDTV. The Markaz Subhanallah complex has undergone major restoration, with missile-impact craters filled and damaged structures repaired using new construction, plaster, paint and polished marble. Intelligence inputs cited by NDTV claim Pakistan’s establishment provided PKR 25 crore to JeM through cash instalments, with approximately PKR 11 crore reportedly allocated to rebuilding the central hall. Reconstruction has also followed the demolition or clearance of structures including Madrasa Al-Sabir and residential facilities linked to JeM commanders. The revival raises questions over Pakistan’s alleged continued support for the UN- and US-designated terrorist organisation.

India had asked the US to avoid questions during the press interaction following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said. According to Gor, Trump initially agreed to the request but later appeared to forget it and invited reporters to ask questions. The interaction consequently turned into a 45-minute press conference, with Modi seated beside Trump. Gor made the remarks while speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on Saturday. The meeting marked Modi and Trump’s first meeting in 16 months. The development highlights an unusual departure from the format India had sought for the leaders’ interaction.

The California State Assembly has adopted a resolution recognising November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day and encouraging people across the state to join the celebrations. The resolution was introduced by Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra and expressed respect for Indian Americans and the wider Indian diaspora. It highlighted Diwali’s importance to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains worldwide. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and celebrates knowledge, kindness, peace and prosperity. The Assembly said the festival brings families and communities together in joy and unity. (PC: NDTV)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has travelled to Beijing for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives’ talks on the boundary dispute. Doval will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control and discuss border stability and further de-escalation. The talks will also assess the October 2024 disengagement arrangements, restoration of patrolling rights and measures to reduce military tensions. The meeting comes ahead of the BRICS Summit in India, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend, potentially creating an opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A 56-year-old Indian shop owner from Gujarat was shot dead during an armed robbery at his newly opened store in Jackson, Tennessee, police said. Suresh Parsottamdas Patel, who had lived in the US for nearly 30 years, was shot multiple times on August 20. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing beside him during the attack. The suspect allegedly entered Ridgecrest Cellars, demanded cash and fled after the shooting. A 70-year-old employee also suffered a broken wrist after falling. Police have released images of the masked suspect, who remains on the run. (PC: NDTV)