Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, asserted that India’s biggest adversary is its dependence on other nations, urging self-reliance in critical sectors from semiconductors to shipbuilding. His remarks come after the U.S. imposed steep tariffs and announced a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants starting September 21, arguing misuse of the visa program and low wages for American workers. Modi criticised past governmental dependence—on imports, foreign licensing regimes, and limited domestic manufacturing. He stressed that true national strength lies in reducing reliance and boosting domestic capacity in strategic industries. (PC: ANI)

Amid confusion, the White House clarified that the $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced under President Trump is a one-time payment, applicable only to new applicants. It does not apply to renewals or current visa holders, including those re-entering the U.S. Earlier remarks by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggesting an annual fee caused chaos among Indian professionals and U.S. tech firms. The clarification aims to calm fears of widespread disruption in the IT sector. The new rule, effective Sunday 12:01 am ET, is part of Trump’s effort to reform visa policies and prioritize U.S. workers. (PC: AP)

The White House clarified that the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced under President Trump will apply only to new applicants in upcoming lottery cycles, not existing visa holders or renewals. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed it is not an annual fee, easing concerns among Indian IT professionals and companies. The rule, aimed at curbing visa misuse and protecting U.S. workers, allows case-by-case exemptions if applications serve the national interest. Existing H-1B holders, whose visas take effect on October 1, 2025, remain unaffected by this order. (PC: Mint)  

A major cyberattack on Friday night September 19 targeted check-in and boarding system service providers, disrupting operations at several major European airports. The attack affected London's Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin Brandenburg, and Dublin airports, causing flight delays and cancellations. Passengers reported chaos as airport workers resorted to time-consuming manual check-in processes. In response, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) issued an advisory warning that Europe-bound flights to and from Delhi Airport may experience disruptions. Heathrow warned passengers to expect delays due to the technical issues affecting airline systems across Europe. The cyberattack has caused widespread travel disruption for thousands of passengers.

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.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi revealed shocking details about Pakistan's near-boycott of their Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE on September 17. The controversy began after Indian players refused post-match handshakes with Pakistani players, angering PCB officials who demanded match referee Andy Pycroft's removal. Sethi disclosed that emotions ran so high within PCB that officials exclaimed "Let the Asia Cup go to hell, let the ICC go to hell." The boycott threat would have cost Pakistan irreparable damage and losses worth INR 132 crore. Pakistan eventually backed down and played the delayed UAE match after ICC refused to replace Pycroft.

Joint security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector recovered 20 Chinese hand grenades during an intelligence-led operation, thwarting a major terror plot. The cache was intended for hinterland infiltration. Last month, two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) associates were arrested in Bandipora with Chinese grenades, UBGL rounds, and AK-series ammunition; one Army jawan was injured. Counter Intelligence units also raided seven Kashmir districts, seizing digital devices and documents. Intelligence reports reveal Pakistan’s ISI is supplying Chinese-made weapons like pistols, grenades, night vision gear via drones to POK terror camps. Terrorists are receiving encrypted communication tools and digital maps to evade Indian surveillance and aid infiltration.(PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India’s “only real enemy” is its dependence on other countries, urging a push for self-reliance. Speaking in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Modi emphasized Atmanirbharta as essential for national pride, global peace, and safeguarding the future of 1.4 billion citizens. His remarks come amid rising concerns over U.S. policies, a $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike effective September 21 and ongoing 50% tariffs on Indian imports. India, which holds 71% of H-1B visas, faces significant impact. Modi warned that foreign dependence risks national failure and self-respect. He concluded, “There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India.”

A cyberattack has disrupted operations at major European airports, including London’s Heathrow and Brussels Airport, causing flight cancellations and delays. The attack targeted check-in and boarding systems, forcing airport staff to manually process passengers. UK broadcaster Sky News reported the issue as a “technical problem,” while Brussels Airport confirmed it was due to a cyberattack. The disruption led to long queues and confusion among travelers. Authorities are investigating the breach, which highlights vulnerabilities in aviation infrastructure. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates. The incident underscores growing concerns over cybersecurity threats to critical transportation systems across Europe.(PC: Reuters)

Residents across Delhi-NCR witnessed fiery streaks in the sky around 1:20 AM on Saturday, sparking awe and confusion. Videos of the phenomenon flooded social media, with users speculating whether it was a meteor shower or rocket debris. The streaks were visible from areas like Gurgaon and Bhikaji Cama Place. An AI bot, Grok, suggested it was likely debris from a Chinese CZ-3B rocket, citing slow speed and fragmentation. Some experts called it a “bolide” a bright meteor that explodes in the atmosphere. No official confirmation has been issued by ISRO or other space agencies, leaving the nature of the spectacle open to interpretation.