A cyberattack on the passenger-handling systems of several European airports has caused widespread disruption. Airlines at Brussels, London Heathrow, Berlin's Brandenburg among others saw their check-in and boarding processes disabled, forcing manual operations. Brussels Airport said flight schedules were “largely impacted” as only manual check-in and boarding were possible. Heathrow described the issue as a “technical issue” with a service provider. Berlin airport also cut off connections to affected systems after the service provider was attacked. The provider involved is Collins Aerospace, which offers kiosks for self check-in, printing boarding passes and baggage tags. 

Former U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice has cautioned that India's potential pivot away from the United States could result in a significant strategic loss for Washington. Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations event, Rice criticized President Trump's attempts to claim credit for easing tensions between India and Pakistan, noting that India did not embrace this narrative, leading to strained relations. She highlighted India's growing ties with Russia and China, particularly its participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as indicative of a shift towards alternative global alignments. (PC: Wikipedia)

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit Washington for high-level trade discussions, following recent talks between U.S. Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch and Indian counterpart Rajesh Agrawal. The discussions aim to finalize a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025, targeting over $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing India's purchase of Russian crude oil, while India seeks exemptions for sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. The BTA negotiations are progressing positively, with both sides committed to a mutually beneficial outcome.

In response to the Trump administration's new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, major U.S. employers Amazon, Microsoft, and JPMorgan have urgently advised their H-1B and H-4 visa holders to remain in the country. Amazon instructed employees to return to the U.S. by September 21, 12 a.m. Eastern Time, while Microsoft and JPMorgan recommended staying in the U.S. and avoiding international travel until further guidance is issued. The policy shift, effective September 21, 2025, is expected to significantly impact Indian tech professionals, who account for 72% of H-1B visa holders.  

The U.S. has increased the H-1B visa fee by $100,000, effective September 21, 2025. This move aims to reduce reliance on foreign labor and prioritize American workers. While Indian IT firms like TCS typically apply for 3,000–4,000 H-1B visas annually, the fee hike poses a greater challenge for companies like Tesla. Tesla has hired approximately 1,355 visa holders, while laying off over 6,000 American workers, raising concerns about wage disparities and employment practices. The policy shift could significantly impact Indian tech professionals in the U.S.   

An encounter erupted on Friday night between security forces and terrorists in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, based on intelligence inputs, was conducted by the White Knight Corps troops. Contact with the terrorists was established around 8 pm in the general area of Kishtwar. An exchange of fire ensued, and the operation is currently ongoing. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

President Donald Trump has introduced a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications, effective September 21, 2025, marking a major change in U.S. immigration policy. The move aims to reduce reliance on foreign labor, prioritizing American workers, especially in tech and high-skilled sectors. Experts warn this could increase costs for companies, potentially discouraging hiring of skilled foreign professionals. Alongside, Trump has unveiled new visa categories, including Gold and Platinum Cards, targeting wealthy individuals and investors. The policy is expected to reshape the H-1B program and affect Indian tech workers significantly.

Vyjayanthi Movies has officially confirmed that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. In a public statement dated September 18, 2025, the production house said that despite the long journey of making the first film, they could not “find a partnership” satisfactory to both parties. Reports suggest her role was reduced to a cameo in the sequel, prompting her decision to part ways. While rumours swirl about demands over fees, work hours, and crew accommodations, no official confirmation has been given. Deepika’s exit comes amid her growing film slate, including her ongoing project King with Shah Rukh Khan. 

The US has significantly overhauled its visa regime under President Donald Trump. Key changes include raising the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000, up from the current modest cost, aiming to limit foreign hires to only very high-skilled roles. New visa categories have been introduced: the Trump Gold Card (US residency for individuals who contribute $1 million) ; the Trump Platinum Card (costing $5 million) offering residency with up to 270 days/year stay without taxation on foreign income. There is also a Trump Corporate Gold Card ($2 million per employee) allowing companies to sponsor foreign workers, with transfer and maintenance fees. These programs are targeted at “extraordinary people” and wealthy individuals/corporations, potentially reshaping migration based on investment rather than traditional employment-based visas. (PC: Bloomberg)

The Trump administration has introduced a sweeping change to the H-1B visa system by imposing a $100,000 annual fee for each visa application, effective from September 21, 2025. The policy aims to reduce dependence on foreign skilled labor, especially by tech companies, and to encourage hiring of American workers. The move is expected to disproportionately affect Indian tech professionals, who constitute a large share of H-1B visa holders. Critics warn this could deter global talent, increase costs for companies, and hamper innovation in tech sectors. (PC: Bloomberg)