Kristen Fischer, an American woman residing in India for over four years, recently shared her “crazy” hospital experience via Instagram. After cutting her thumb and bleeding profusely, she cycled to a nearby hospital where she was treated instantly within 45 minutes for just ₹50. Her reel highlighted the efficiency and affordability of Indian healthcare, sparking widespread praise and comparisons to the high costs of U.S. medical services. Fischer’s story resonated with many, showcasing how accessible emergency care can be in India. Her experience has gone viral, drawing attention to the country’s healthcare infrastructure and prompting conversations around global disparities in medical costs and access.

Texas Republican Senate candidate Alexander Duncan ignited backlash after denouncing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the Statue of Union installed at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. In a post on X, Duncan called it a “false statue of a false Hindu God,” asserting that America is a “Christian nation.” He cited Bible verses to support his stance, prompting condemnation from civil rights groups and the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which filed a formal complaint with the Texas GOP. Critics emphasized religious freedom and the constitutional right to worship. The statue, unveiled in 2024, is North America’s tallest Hanuman monument and symbolizes unity and peace (PC: Hindustan Times & WION)

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday during the UN General Assembly. They discussed trade, defense, energy, and other bilateral issues. The talks came after the US raised H-1B visa fees by $100,000, clarified as a one-time charge. Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to push for a faster trade deal. The talks aim to resolve tariff disputes and boost bilateral trade, currently $131.84 billion. Officials hope to conclude the first part of the trade agreement by late 2025. (PC: X)

Doctors in the US are likely to be exempted from the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, a report citing the White House said. The fee, announced by former President Donald Trump, applies only to new petitions and not current visa holders. USCIS clarified that petitions filed before September 21 are not affected. Many Indians on H-1B visas were worried, canceling travel plans and rushing back to the US. H-1B visas allow US companies to hire foreign workers in specialty jobs, especially in tech. The visa lasts three years and can be renewed for another three. (PC: X)

Ankit Sharma, a 46-year-old Indian national and Singapore permanent resident, has been sentenced to 4 years in jail and 6 cane strokes for molesting a woman. The incident took place on March 1, 2023, inside a nursing room at Changi City Point mall. Sharma lured the 31-year-old recruiter, restrained her, and tried to strip her despite her protests. Prosecutors described the act as violent and highly exploitative. Sharma claimed the encounter was consensual, but the court rejected his defence. The judge ruled that his actions were deliberate and forceful, confirming guilt under aggravated outrage of modesty. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. This was their first high-level meeting after Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods and raised H-1B visa fees to $100,000. The two leaders discussed trade, visas, and investment issues. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will soon lead talks in Washington for a possible trade agreement. The US clarified that the higher H-1B fee applies only to new applicants. Both sides agreed to restart dialogue, aiming to strengthen India-US economic ties.

A 13-year-old Afghan boy reached Delhi after hiding in the landing gear of a KAM Airlines flight from Kabul, officials said. The plane landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport around 11 am on Sunday. Airport and airline staff found the boy near the aircraft and questioned him at Terminal 3. He told officials he sneaked into the Kabul airport and hid in the rear central landing gear out of curiosity. A small red speaker was found with him. After security checks, the plane was declared safe. The boy was repatriated to Afghanistan on the same flight that afternoon.

An Emirates flight from San Francisco to India was delayed for three hours after several Indian passengers chose to deboard. The panic followed US President Donald Trump’s order imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. Videos from inside the plane showed passengers standing in the aisles, some unsure whether to travel. The captain told travellers they could leave if they wished. Social media posts described the scene as “complete chaos.” Meanwhile, Meta and Microsoft urged H-1B workers not to leave the US, warning of possible re-entry issues. The White House later clarified the fee was a one-time charge for new applicants.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. This was their first top-level meeting since President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods and raised H-1B visa fees to $100,000. The talks focused on trade and visa concerns. India and the US are now working toward a trade agreement, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal leading negotiations in Washington. Both sides have also resumed discussions on a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Trump recently said he was confident the two countries would reach a deal. (PC: X/ANI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the $100,000 fee on H-1B visas announced by US President Donald Trump may hurt in the short term but could benefit India later. “Let’s not be doomsayers about this H-1B thing… let’s not allow ourselves to constantly feel that we’re the victims,” he told The Wire. Tharoor argued US firms may move jobs to India and Europe since America lacks enough engineers. He called Trump “a law unto himself” but said ties with India could still improve. While Congress leaders criticised PM Modi, Tharoor praised the government’s “measured and sensible” response. (PC: Shahbaz Khan/PTI Photo)