Amid the ongoing US government shutdown, the US Embassy in India has announced a reduction in its activities on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The embassy stated that it would limit posts to essential communications only, focusing on emergency updates and critical information. This measure is part of broader efforts to comply with federal guidelines during the shutdown. However, the embassy emphasized that it would continue to provide necessary services and information to US citizens and others in need of assistance during this period. (PC: Canva)

As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. government has initiated a partial shutdown, marking its 15th since 1981. This cessation of operations follows a failed Senate vote on a short-term spending bill, primarily due to disagreements over healthcare provisions. Democrats insisted on extending expiring health benefits for millions of Americans, while Republicans opposed including them in the funding measure. The shutdown affects approximately 750,000 federal workers and incurs an estimated daily cost of $400 million. Key services such as air travel operations, scientific research, and military salaries are impacted. President Trump has warned that the shutdown could pave the way for significant federal workforce reductions and restructuring. (PC: Reuters)  

U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin have jointly introduced the “H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act,” aiming to tighten foreign worker visa rules by prioritising candidates with STEM credentials and raising penalties for wage-violations. The proposal would also restrict abuses in L-1 intracompany transfers by enforcing stricter wage and displacement safeguards. Advocates say it could raise compliance costs and make visa issuance harder. The move signals heightened scrutiny of skilled immigration, but its passage remains uncertain. (PC: MSN)    

  A catastrophic collapse at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, has left 91 students missing and 3 confirmed dead, after a structure gave way during afternoon prayers. Rescue teams continue to dig through unstable concrete, cautiously withholding heavy machinery to avoid triggering further collapse. At least six trapped survivors have shown signs of life, with supplies of oxygen, food and water being delivered through narrow gaps. Authorities point to unauthorized upper-floor construction and inadequate foundational support in the old building as likely causes.     

US President Donald Trump Has Given Hamas 3-4 Days To Respond To His 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan. Speaking Outside The White House, Trump Warned Of A “Very Sad End” If Hamas Rejects The Proposal. The Plan Calls For An Immediate Ceasefire, Release Of Hostages, Humanitarian Aid, And Reconstruction In Gaza. Hamas Said It Will Discuss The Plan With Other Palestinian Groups Before Replying. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu And Countries Including France, Canada, India, And Russia Have Welcomed The Proposal. Since October 2023, Over 66,000 Palestinians Have Died, Mostly Women And Children. (PC: HT)

A school building collapsed in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, killing three people and injuring 99 others. At least 38 students remain trapped under the rubble. The two-storey Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School had added two floors on an unstable foundation. Rescuers are carefully removing debris to avoid further danger to survivors. Students aged 12-17 were praying when the collapse occurred. Authorities said the building lacked proper permits. Families waited anxiously outside the school, while survivors described falling debris and broken bones. Officials warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released the final electoral roll in Bihar after completing its Special Intensive Revision on September 30. The list includes 7.42 crore voters. Around 21.53 lakh new voters were added, while 3.66 lakh names were deleted as ineligible. Officials said the process involved district officers, booth-level officers, and participation from political parties. Physical and digital copies of the list are being shared, and voters can check details at voters.eci.gov.in. Political leaders welcomed the move, saying it will increase transparency. Bihar’s assembly election is expected soon, making this roll significant for all parties. (PC: The Hindu)

A car bomb exploded outside the Frontier Constabulary headquarters in Quetta, Pakistan, killing at least 10 people and injuring 30 others. Police said six militants opened fire before detonating the vehicle. All attackers were killed by security forces. The powerful blast shattered nearby windows and damaged cars. Residents reported hearing the explosion from miles away. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, praising security forces for their quick action. Balochistan’s chief minister said the attackers will not weaken national resolve. No group has claimed responsibility, but suspicion falls on separatist groups in Balochistan. (PC: HT)

Afghan women say they have lost their “last hope” after the Taliban shut down internet across Afghanistan. Many relied on online classes and jobs after bans on education and work. Students like Fahima and Shakiba said the blackout has crushed their dreams. Teachers also lost income, with classes and exams cut mid-way. Businesses too reported heavy losses. Families fear daughters will now sit at home with no chance to study or work. NetBlocks confirmed a total blackout. The Taliban gave no clear reason but claimed it was to stop “immorality.” People say their future is now uncertain. (PC: BBC)

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has hinted at significant reforms to the H-1B visa program, just days after the administration announced a controversial $100,000 annual fee from February 2026. He called the current lottery-based system “bizarre” and “wrong,” criticizing how low-paid consultants exploit it to enter the US job market. Lutnick stressed that the reforms will address fairness and efficiency, ensuring high-skilled workers, not underpaid labor, benefit. He assured that unanswered questions surrounding the lottery system and fee will be resolved before the policy takes effect, signaling a complete overhaul of H-1B rules.