The Trump administration is set to defend its $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants in U.S. courts, citing the need to protect American workers and curb fraud in the visa program. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the H-1B system has been exploited, affecting wages for U.S. citizens. The policy faces multiple lawsuits from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unions, and industry groups, who argue the fee is unlawful and could harm U.S. industries reliant on skilled foreign workers. Legal proceedings are expected to test the administration’s immigration strategy.  

In a significant counterterrorism operation, Delhi Police's Special Cell, in coordination with the Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Ranchi police, arrested two suspected ISIS operatives. The primary suspect, Ashar Danish from Bokaro, was apprehended in Ranchi, while the second, identified as Aftab, was arrested in Delhi. Both individuals were allegedly involved in an ISIS-inspired network operating in India. Danish had been under surveillance for several months, and preliminary investigations suggest that both were planning attacks in the national capital. Authorities are continuing to probe their connections and potential targets. (PC: The Hindu)  

Afghanistan's Taliban-led government has announced plans to construct a dam on the Kunar River, aiming to restrict Pakistan's water access. This move follows India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty earlier this year. The Kunar River, known as the Chitral River in Pakistan, is a vital water source for Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The decision comes after recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, highlighting escalating tensions in the region. Afghanistan's Supreme Leader, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, has ordered the swift commencement of the dam's construction, emphasizing the nation's "right to water". (PC: AFP)  

Delhi is preparing for its first artificial rain through cloud seeding, expected on October 29 if clouds form, said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The project, led with IIT Kanpur, aims to reduce PM2.5 pollution temporarily by dispersing silver iodide or salt particles into moisture-laden clouds. A trial flight on Thursday tested equipment and flare deployment, confirming readiness. Experts warn the rain can only offer short-term relief, as emissions from vehicles, construction, and stubble burning will quickly raise pollution again. Cloud seeding cannot create rain from clear skies, and its long-term environmental impact is still being studied. (PC: News18)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met world leaders in London on Friday for a “coalition of the willing” summit. The meeting aims to increase support for Ukraine after the EU failed to unlock new funding from frozen Russian assets. Leaders discussed supplying more long-range missiles, protecting energy infrastructure, and hitting Russia’s economy. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Putin is the only one resisting peace and highlighted attacks on civilians. Around 20 leaders joined virtually, with Denmark, Netherlands, and NATO leaders attending in person. The UK also announced 140 extra air defence missiles for Ukraine this winter. (PC: Reuters)

Piyush Pandey, the legendary adman who gave India timeless campaigns like Fevicol’s “Fevicol ka jod” and Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai,” passed away on Friday at the age of 70. He had been suffering from an infection. As Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India at Ogilvy, Pandey shaped Indian advertising for over four decades with warmth, wit, and originality. He also co-wrote Bhopal Express and penned the iconic song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. Tributes poured in from politicians and industry leaders, who remembered him as a creative visionary and a man who spoke to India in its own language. (PC: NDTV)

Rescue teams worked through the night after a private Hyderabad–Bengaluru bus caught fire near Chinnatekur in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, killing 20 passengers. The fire started after the bus hit a two-wheeler around 3:30 am. Firefighters and police rushed to the spot but found the vehicle already engulfed in flames. Twelve passengers escaped through the emergency exit with help from locals. Officials are now collecting DNA samples to identify the victims. Forensic experts and medical teams have been sent to the site. The government has ordered a detailed probe into the cause of the accident and promised full support to victims’ families. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested two suspected ISIS terrorists from Delhi’s Sadiq Nagar and Bhopal. Both accused, named Adnan, are from Bhopal and were reportedly training for “fidayeen” or suicide attacks. Police seized electronic devices and incriminating materials during the raid. A senior officer said the arrests stopped a possible terror attack in Delhi. The operation was led by Additional Commissioner Pramod Kushwaha and ACP Lalit Mohan Negi. Officials are now questioning the suspects to find their network and links to international terror groups. Sources suggest the module may have connections to Pakistan’s ISI. (PC: HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed off U.S. sanctions targeting major oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, calling them “serious but unlikely to destabilize” Russia’s economy. He described the measures as an unfriendly act that does not help improve U.S.-Russia relations. Responding to the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine by the U.S., Putin warned that any attacks on Russian territory would trigger a “very strong, if not overwhelming” retaliation. While emphasizing Russia’s readiness to defend itself, he expressed a preference for dialogue over escalation. The sanctions are part of Trump’s push to pressure Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. (PC: NDTV)    

At least 20 people lost their lives when a Kaveri Travels bus caught fire near Chinnatekur village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district around 3:30 AM on October 24, 2025. The bus collided with a motorcycle on National Highway 44, rupturing its fuel tank and triggering an explosion that engulfed the vehicle. Of the 44 passengers onboard, 21 survived, while 20 perished, 11 bodies identified so far. PM Modi and President Murmu expressed condolences, announcing compensation. AP CM Naidu directed immediate rescue operations, and police are searching for the bus driver who fled the scene.