Paramjit Singh, a 48-year-old Indian-origin businessman and U.S. green card holder, was detained by ICE at Chicago O’Hare Airport on July 30, 2025, over a 1999 payphone-related felony. Although he served a short sentence and completed community service, a 2023 court order had expunged the felony. Singh’s family claims ICE ignored this ruling, misrepresented his criminal record, and denied him bond. He faces serious health issues, including a brain tumor and heart problems, with inadequate medical care in detention. The case raises concerns over ICE detention practices and treatment of long-settled immigrants.

In a recent address to the UN General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump falsely claimed that London sought to implement sharia law under its mayor, Sadiq Khan. Trump described Khan as a "terrible" mayor and suggested that London had "changed" under his leadership. These remarks have been widely condemned by UK Labour MPs, who have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take action against Trump's "bigoted" statements. A spokesperson for Khan dismissed Trump's comments, emphasizing London's safety and its appeal to American citizens.   

At the United Nations headquarters in New York, an escalator unexpectedly stopped mid-ascent just as Donald Trump and Melania Trump stepped on it. The couple then climbed the stationary escalator on foot. The White House called for a probe, implying potential sabotage. UN officials countered it was a triggered safety mechanism activated by someone ahead. Trump later quipped about “a bad teleprompter” too — both incidents fueling speculation amid tense US-UN dynamics.   

The Luv Kush Ramleela Committee in Delhi has removed actress Poonam Pandey from the role of Mandodari following protests by the VHP and BJP, citing concerns over “public sentiments.” A steering-committee meeting led to the decision, and she was formally informed in writing. Originally, Pandey had been cast opposite Arya Babbar (as Ravana) in the UNESCO-recognized Ramleela at Red Fort. Critics, including BJP’s Praveen Shankar Kapoor and VHP’s Surendra Gupta, had urged her replacement on grounds of her past public image. (PC: The Hindu)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said India is “mostly” supporting Ukraine, countering US President Donald Trump’s claim that India and China are “primary funders” of Russia’s war. In a Fox News interview, Zelensky noted some issues with India’s energy deals with Russia but expressed hope India will change its approach. He added that Europe should strengthen ties with India to influence its stance. Zelensky also said China’s support for Russia is harder to change. Trump had criticised India and China at the UN for buying Russian oil, linking it to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent tariffs. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump claimed at the UN that London wants to "go to sharia law" under Mayor Sadiq Khan. Trump also criticised UN support for asylum seekers. A spokesperson for Khan called the comments “bigoted” and said London is safe and welcoming. Khan has faced repeated attacks from Trump since 2015, but has said he is indifferent and focuses on city issues. Experts note Trump’s claim is false. Sharia councils in the UK only handle religious and financial matters and cannot make legally binding decisions. UK courts remain the only legal authority for binding rulings. (PC: BBC)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the Indian-American community for not speaking up on issues affecting India-US relations. He welcomed a five-member US Congressional delegation led by Indian-origin Congressman Ami Bera. Tharoor said no calls were made by diaspora members to support India on H-1B visa fees, higher tariffs on exports, or Chabahar Port sanctions. He urged the community to press US lawmakers to protect India’s interests. Tharoor noted the delegation, mostly Democrats from California, expressed strong support for India and its strategic partnership with the US. He stressed the diaspora should be more vocal in defending India. (PC: India Today)

At least 14 people were killed in Taiwan after Super Typhoon Ragasa struck the island. All deaths were reported in Hualien county, where 129 people are missing after floods swept Guangfu town. A resident described the water as a “tsunami” that destroyed homes and cars. Another village, Dama, with 1,000 residents, was fully flooded. In the Philippines, 4 people died and nearly 700,000 were affected. Ragasa is now heading toward Hong Kong and China’s Guangdong province. Authorities warned of winds above 120 mph. More than 370,000 people in China have been evacuated as the storm approaches. (PC: Sky News)

A 26-year-old Indian techie from Bengaluru, working at IBM in California, has received a US O-1 visa after facing 3 H-1B rejections. Tanush Sharanarthi shared that his approval came due to his “extraordinary ability” in artificial intelligence. He said he focused on hard work instead of luck, spending late nights building products, publishing research, and contributing to his field. Sharanarthi expressed gratitude to his family, mentors, colleagues, and IBM for their support. The O-1 visa is given to individuals with exceptional talent in fields like science, arts, business, or sports, without an annual lottery cap. (PC: NDTV)

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has officially informed the BCCI that he is available for selection in the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, scheduled from October 2. The senior selection committee is expected to meet virtually soon to finalise India’s 15-member squad. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that resting Bumrah is unlikely, given India’s demanding schedule and the need for match practice. With a tight turnaround from the Asia Cup, the decision over his inclusion may hinge on fitness and workload management. (PC: MSN)