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)    

On Friday evening in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, a convoy of the 33 Assam Rifles was ambushed by “unidentified terrorists” on National Highway 2 near Nambol Sabal Leikai, about 8 km from Imphal airport. The attack occurred around 5:50 pm; two personnel—Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap—were killed, while five others were injured and rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, where their condition is stable. Search operations are underway to track down the assailants. The incident follows recent violence in the state amid ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. 

Geopolitical analyst Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, warns that the new Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will significantly alter India’s security landscape. Signed during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, the pact obliges both nations to view an attack on one as an attack on the other. According to Bremmer, this includes Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities in Saudi Arabia’s defence calculus. He says India's ongoing border tensions with Pakistan make the agreement particularly impactful, increasing the risk of future military confrontations. India is reportedly closely monitoring the development and reiterates commitment to safeguarding its national security.     

NATO stated that it intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets after they entered Estonian airspace on Friday. The jets entered without permission and stayed for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland, Estonia’s foreign ministry said. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart called it “yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour” and said the alliance responded immediately. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Estonia will request NATO Article 4 consultations. This step begins urgent talks among the 32 Nato members. Russia has not commented. Tensions have grown after Poland and Romania also reported Russian drones crossing into their airspace last week. (PC: BBC)

Mohammed Nizamuddin, a 29-year-old software engineer from Telangana, was shot dead by police in Santa Clara, US, after a fight with his roommate. His family said he faced racial abuse and harassment. In his last LinkedIn post, Nizamuddin alleged Google wrongfully terminated him and claimed threats to his safety. He wrote about racial discrimination, unpaid wages, and even food poisoning. Police said he was armed with a knife during the incident. His family has demanded a probe and urged India’s government to help bring his body home. They fear racial hatred played a role in his death. (PC: India Today)

Israeli airstrikes on newspaper offices in Yemen killed 31 journalists and media workers, Sky News reported. The attack on 10 September hit the offices of 26 September, the official Yemeni army newspaper under Houthi control in Sanaa. A child was among the dead, and 22 journalists were injured. The Committee to Protect Journalists called it the deadliest strike on the press since 2009. Editor Nasser al Khadri described it as an “unprecedented massacre.” Israel’s military said it targeted Houthi public relations offices spreading propaganda. Media groups condemned the attack, stressing many victims were civilian journalists with no military role. (PC: Sky News)

Two Assam Rifles jawans were killed and 5 others injured when gunmen ambushed their vehicle in Bishnupur district, Manipur. The attack took place around 6 pm Friday along National Highway-150 near Nambol Sabal Leikai. The soldiers, travelling from Patsoi to Nambol, came under sudden fire from 4-5 insurgents positioned on both sides of the road. The deceased were identified as Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. Injured personnel were taken to RIMS hospital and are stable. No group has claimed responsibility. Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act of violence.” (PC: X)

Terror groups are shifting deeper into Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor destroyed 9 hubs in PoK. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) are now building new bases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). JeM held a public rally in Mansehra under police protection, led by Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a key aide of Masood Azhar. The rally praised Osama bin Laden and launched a recruitment drive. Hizbul is also building a new camp called HM 313 in Lower Dir. Sources say Pakistan’s state and police support these groups. Experts warn that this move will increase extremism and cross-border terrorism threats. (PC: India Today)