India's $245 billion IT sector faces major disruption as Trump's new $100,000 H-1B visa fee takes effect. The policy threatens to dismantle decades-old business models that built Tamil Nadu and Karnataka into global IT powerhouses. An estimated 40-50% of mid-level engineers in large firms have worked on H-1B visas or aspire to. While White House clarified existing visa holders aren't affected, the fee creates two-tiered system where large corporations may absorb costs while smaller firms face impossible calculations. Students and middle-class families planning US education struggle with additional financial burdens. Some industry veterans predict reverse migration and accelerated offshore delivery, potentially benefiting India's domestic tech ecosystem. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The UK will push for a Middle East peace plan at the UN General Assembly after recognising Palestine as an independent state. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will address civilian suffering in Gaza and strengthen international consensus on peace pathways. Australia, Canada and Portugal made similar announcements, with France expected to follow suit. Israeli PM Netanyahu called the move "absurd" and vowed Palestine "will not happen," while an Israeli official said West Bank annexation is now under consideration. The UK recognises Palestine based on 1967 borders, led by a reformed Palestinian Authority. Gaza death toll has risen above 65,000 according to Hamas-run health authorities. (PC: Wall Street Journal , Britannica & Sky News)

India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage, but Pakistan's media controversies continue escalating. Pakistan's Media Manager Naeem Gilani avoided Indian journalists' questions for the second time, while PCB skipped two pre-match press conferences against UAE and India. This biased treatment contrasts sharply with India's Media Manager Moulin Parikh, who allows Pakistani journalists to ask questions freely. Gilani faces ICC scrutiny for filming Pakistan's meeting with Match Referee Andy Pycroft, violating regulations. Venue Manager Emmad Hammed, a Pakistan-born former PCB communications member, failed explaining Pakistan's behavior. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi only said "We will talk soon" when questioned about irregular press conferences. (PC: Times Now & Business Standard)

US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk reunited at a memorial event for right-wing leader Charlie Kirk on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. This marked their first public encounter since Musk resigned from his government position under tense circumstances. Videos showed the pair chatting in a friendly manner at the stadium where tens of thousands gathered to pay tribute to Kirk, who was shot dead on September 10 at a Utah university campus. The memorial represents a notable thaw in their strained relationship following Musk's departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk posted an image captioned "For Charlie" on X, which the White House reposted.

Indian IT stocks plummeted up to 6% on Monday following H-1B visa turmoil. Tech Mahindra led losses, opening 6% lower at Rs 1,499 from previous close of Rs 1,533. The selloff followed Trump administration's proclamation hiking H-1B visa fees to $100,000 with one-day deadline, causing panic among visa holders. However, clarification emerged that this applies only to new applicants as one-time payment, not renewals or existing holders. Nifty IT fell 2.54% to 35,648 by 9:30 AM, with all 10 sectoral stocks declining. Major losers included Persistent Systems, LTI Mindtree, and Mphasis. Analysts expect knee-jerk reactions but note reduced H-1B dependence could provide relief for IT companies.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York today during the UN General Assembly session. The high-level meeting aims to advance recent improvements in India-US relations and bridge divides that emerged in recent months. This follows previous meetings in Washington in July and January. The meeting comes amid tensions over Trump administration's 50% tariffs on India and increased H-1B visa fees. Relations have since improved following diplomatic efforts, with both sides resuming stalled trade talks. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal simultaneously leads a delegation for trade discussions, aiming for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial agreement. The talks represent continued efforts to strengthen bilateral partnership despite recent challenges. (PC: The Hindu)

India rolled out a major GST reform on September 22, 2025, simplifying tax slabs and reducing prices of everyday goods. The new system consolidates rates into 5% and 18%, with 40% for luxury and sin goods. Essentials like paneer, bread, and UHT milk are now tax-free, while butter, ghee, cheese, soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste shift to 5% from higher brackets. Electronics, appliances, and vehicles also see reductions, making them more affordable. The reform, timed with Navratri, aims to curb inflation, boost savings, and drive consumption, marking a landmark shift in India’s tax structure.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has encouraged Indian tech professionals holding H-1B visas in the US to return home, following a steep increase in H-1B visa fees. He drew parallels with the Partition, saying the challenge of uprooting and rebuilding has happened before—and that India today offers new opportunities. Vembu acknowledged that returning will require effort and time—perhaps up to five years—but said this could make individuals “stronger.” He urged people not to live in fear, calling the visa fee hike a potential turning point that could benefit India’s tech ecosystem. (PC: India Today)  

India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash in Dubai. Abhishek Sharma starred with a brilliant 74 off 39 balls, smashing 5 sixes and 6 fours. He reached his fifty in just 24 balls. Shubman Gill also had a heated exchange with Shaheen Afridi, while Abhishek clashed with Haris Rauf. Pakistan posted 171/5, with opener Sahibzada Farhan scoring 58. Shivam Dube took 2 wickets for India. Despite dropping 4 catches, India chased the target with ease and stamped authority over their arch-rivals once again. (PC: BCCI)

The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, joining more than 140 countries worldwide. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was to “keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.” Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the recognition, calling it a historic step toward independence. Israel strongly condemned the decision, calling it a “reward for Hamas,” while the US expressed disagreement. The announcement comes before this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, where more countries are expected to recognise Palestinian statehood. (PC: India Today)