US President Donald Trump shocked many by raising the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, a 50-fold increase. The White House later clarified it applies only to new applicants, but confusion has unsettled Indian workers and US industries. Indian nationals make up over 70% of H-1B holders, many working in tech and medicine. Experts warn the high cost could cause US labor shortages, hurt hospitals, startups, and universities, and push skilled Indians to other countries. India’s IT sector may adapt by shifting work offshore. Analysts say the policy could weaken US innovation, competitiveness, and global talent flow. (PC: BBC)

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.

Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals, famous for their creativity, are ready to welcome devotees. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, with idols of Durga, her children, and her tiger displayed in elaborate structures. UNESCO recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja as intangible cultural heritage in 2021 for its unique artistry. Past pandals included a Titanic-themed setup and one made of over 8,000 live plants. This year, themes range from tributes to painter Raja Ravi Varma to futuristic visions, the hidden costs of agriculture, and the resilience of acid attack survivors. Visitors can expect art, culture, and innovation in every pandal. (PC: Instagram/@_thejuggernaut)

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.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has given India’s foreign policy a “spine” that it lacked earlier. In an interview marking Modi’s 75th birthday, Shah said, “When historians compare PMs, they’ll find the biggest achievements under Modi.” He noted that earlier, diplomacy often outweighed security, but under Modi, India has acted swiftly against threats, delivering “befitting retaliation” to Pakistan attacks. Shah also called Modi the most popular prime minister so far and highlighted his long service and dedication, from local party worker to chief minister of Gujarat and now a national leader. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and businesses to support Made in India products to strengthen local manufacturing and create jobs. In an open letter, he said the new GST reforms, starting September 22, will boost savings and benefit farmers, women, youth, traders, and MSMEs. Daily essentials will mostly fall under 5% tax, while other goods are simplified into two main slabs. Modi called for promoting Swadeshi products, saying buying locally made items supports artisans and families. He also asked shopkeepers to sell Indian products and encouraged state governments to improve the investment climate, aiming for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. (PC: The Week)

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK and NATO would confront Russian planes operating in NATO airspace without permission. Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York, she called Russia’s actions “dangerous and reckless” and warned they could lead to direct armed conflict. “We stand ready to take all steps necessary to defend NATO’s skies and territory,” Cooper said. She expressed full solidarity with allies and warned President Putin of the risks. France, Slovakia, and other nations echoed her condemnation. As a UN Security Council permanent member, Russia can veto resolutions, limiting formal action against it. (PC: Reuters)

British pop star Dua Lipa has reportedly fired her agent, David Levy, after he signed a letter calling for Irish rap group Kneecap to be removed from the Glastonbury Festival. The letter, leaked before the event, urged festival founder Michael Eavis to drop the pro-Palestine band but was criticised in the music industry. Kneecap later performed as planned. Sources said Lipa viewed Levy’s action as support for Israel’s war in Gaza, which clashed with her pro-Palestine stance. The move comes as over 400 musicians signed the “No Music for Genocide” campaign, pulling their work from Israel in protest. (PC: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images via AFP)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a fresh autopsy of singer Zubeen Garg will be held at Gauhati Medical College on Tuesday. A team from AIIMS Guwahati will join the process. Zubeen, 52, died in Singapore last week after suffering a seizure while swimming. His death certificate listed drowning as the cause, but questions remain, prompting another autopsy. Preparations are also underway in Kamarkuchi NC village for his funeral and a memorial on 10 bighas of land. Thousands of fans paid tribute in Guwahati, while his wife Garima thanked people for their love and support. (PC: News18)

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.