An Indian H-1B visa holder, Rohan Mehta (name changed), spent $8,000 on urgent flights to return to the US before a new visa fee deadline. President Donald Trump signed an order imposing a one-time $100,000 fee on new skilled worker visa applications. Immigration lawyers advised workers abroad to return quickly, fearing they might not re-enter. The White House later clarified that current visa holders would not be affected, but the panic had already cost many thousands. Indians make up over 70% of H-1B visas. Mehta called the ordeal “traumatic,” saying he now feels unwanted in the US. (PC: BBC)

India and Pakistan meet again in the Asia Cup Super 4 on Sunday in Dubai. The build-up has been tense after the recent handshake row involving Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha. Pakistan even threatened a boycott, adding to the off-field drama. Despite this, India enter as strong favorites after a clear win in the group stage. Pakistan struggles with form and consistency, while India look balanced with the return of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. The pitch favors spin, making bowlers key. Fans expect another intense battle in cricket’s most famous rivalry, both on and off the field. (PC: India Today)

Assam singer Zubeen Garg’s death has paralyzed Guwahati. Thousands lined the 25-km route from the airport to his home in Kahilipara on Sunday. Shops, restaurants, and services closed as people paid tribute. Garg, who drowned in Singapore after a seizure, was draped in an Assamese gamosa and placed in a glass casket for a final farewell. Fans showered flowers, lit incense, and sang his songs. Zubeen Garg sang over 38,000 songs in 40 languages and became a cultural icon of Assam. The state government is considering setting up a memorial in his honour to mark his lasting legacy.

Peru's Machu Picchu faces potential loss of its New 7 Wonders status after receiving over 100 million votes in 2007's global competition. The New7Wonders organization warns the Inca sanctuary risks losing "credibility" due to overtourism, inadequate conservation policies, and social conflicts. The organization issued a weekend statement emphasizing everything depends on Peru's "key decision-makers," who have received proposals for implementing a strategic transformation plan. The designation requires shared commitment to conservation and responsible management meeting international standards. However, Machu Picchu's 1983 UNESCO World Heritage Site status remains unaffected, as it operates independently from the New7Wonders campaign. The warning highlights mounting pressure on Peru to address preservation challenges threatening the iconic archaeological site. (PC: Pinterest)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on Sunday, announced a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform called the 'GST Bachat Utsav'. The scheme will start on September 22. Modi said this step will lower the prices of daily items and give relief to the middle class, youth, and consumers across India. He added that having only 5% and 18% GST slabs will make common goods cheaper. Modi called it a “next-generation reform” that will boost savings and support growth. The government hopes higher consumption will strengthen the economy and benefit people directly.

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has approached the Supreme Court seeking relief in a Rs 215-crore money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar. The petition challenges Delhi High Court's July 3 decision refusing to cancel the ED's FIR. Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih will hear her case Monday. The ED named Fernandez as co-accused, alleging she received Rs 7-crore worth of gifts including jewelry, clothes, and vehicles from Chandrasekhar despite knowing his criminal background. The agency claims she deleted phone data after his arrest and initially concealed financial transactions. Fernandez vehemently denies all allegations, maintaining she had no knowledge of Chandrasekhar's criminal history. The High Court ruled only trial court can determine actual guilt. (PC: Instagram)

Anuparna Roy made history at Venice Film Festival, becoming the first Indian director to win the Orizzonti Award for debut film "Songs of Forgotten Trees." The category specifically celebrates new voices in independent world cinema. Roy's emotional acceptance speech, marked by trembling joy and tears, reflected the magnitude of her achievement. Her triumph carries special significance given her grassroots origins in a tribal village in West Bengal's Purulia district, contrasting sharply with Venice's glamorous setting. The victory represents a rare breakthrough for women from her background in international cinema. Roy's journey from a nondescript rural village to prestigious European film festival recognition demonstrates the transformative power of independent filmmaking and diverse storytelling voices. (PC: BBC)

An exceptional photograph of a black tiger from Similipal National Park in Odisha has been chosen as the cover image for National Geographic’s October 2025 edition. Taken by Indian wildlife photographer and National Geographic Explorer Prasenjeet Yadav, the image captures one of the world’s rare pseudo-melanistic tigers—a genetic mutation causing unusually dark stripes. Similipal is unique in hosting about 30 tigers, nearly half of which are reported to have this rare colouring. Yadav spent over three months tracking the elusive cat, describing the process as “intense and humbling.” He also praised the Odisha Forest Department for its conservation work in protecting these rare creatures. 

A White House official provided crucial relief to Indian H-1B visa holders, clarifying that Trump's new $100,000 visa fee applies only to new applicants, not existing holders. The announcement came after widespread panic following Trump's bombshell policy change raising fees from $2,000-$5,000 to $100,000, effective September 21, 2025. Tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google had advised employees not to travel, fearing entry denial. The official assured that current visa holders visiting India "don't need to rush back" or pay the hefty fee. India's MEA expressed concerns about humanitarian consequences and family disruptions, while advising embassies to assist Indians traveling back to the US within 24 hours. (PC: The Times Of India & Reuters)

Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa announcement triggered chaos for Indian workers abroad, with families abandoning weddings and vacations. Reddit user 'Saramuch' described her mother's tears as she canceled their first meeting in months. Big Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft ordered employees to return by September 21, 9:31 AM, causing airport panic. One worker said people were "cancelling because they don't know what to do," with some abandoning their own weddings. The White House later clarified existing visa holders wouldn't pay re-entry fees, but damage was done. Indians comprise the majority of H-1B holders, with many now questioning if they can continue building lives in America amid unprecedented uncertainty. (PC: India Today)