In a significant development, Canada has officially acknowledged that Khalistani extremist groups, including Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation, are operating within its borders and receiving financial support. This admission comes from a recent report by the Canadian Department of Finance, which assesses money laundering and terrorist financing risks. The report highlights that these groups are exploiting charitable organizations, crowdfunding platforms, and even cryptocurrencies to fund politically motivated violence. Additionally, it notes that such entities are involved in activities like drug trafficking and auto thefts. This revelation underscores ongoing concerns about Canada's role in facilitating transnational extremism and may strain diplomatic relations with countries affected by these activities.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the government's primary focus will now shift towards ensuring the effective transmission of recent rate cuts to consumers. She highlighted that the rationalization of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, effective from September 22, aims to stimulate increased consumption, particularly during the upcoming festive season. Sitharaman expressed confidence that this boost in demand would help offset any potential revenue shortfall resulting from the GST adjustments. She also noted that while the government aims to eventually move towards a single GST rate, such a transition does not appear feasible in the immediate future.     

Mumbai’s Crime Branch has arrested 50-year-old Ashwin Kumar Supra from Noida for sending a terrifying WhatsApp bomb threat to the Mumbai Traffic Police. The message—sent on Thursday, September 4—allegedly claimed that 14 Pakistani terrorists had infiltrated the city with 400 kg of RDX and planted “human bombs” in 34 vehicles ahead of the final day of Ganesh Visarjan. Authorities swiftly acted, deploying enhanced security measures across the city and coordinating with the Anti-Terrorism Squad. Investigators traced the threat to the suspect using his SIM card and have seized his mobile and SIM for further probing. 

On September 6, 2025, amidst escalating tariff tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded warmly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comment that he would “always be friends” with him and described India–U.S. ties as “very special.” Modi stated he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments, calling the bilateral relationship “very positive and forward-looking” and part of a “Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership” . External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the personal rapport between the two leaders and reaffirmed that both nations remain “actively committed” to engagement . Meanwhile, Trump tempered earlier criticism about India’s actions, emphasizing enduring friendship despite disagreements. (PC: India Today)

Tamil YouTuber Madan Gowri revealed on Instagram how he lost his phone at Dubai International Airport roughly a week before returning to Chennai. After emailing the phone’s details to airport staff as instructed, he thought the device was gone for good. Much to his surprise, Dubai Police and Emirates Airlines located it and arranged to send it back to Chennai—completely free of cost on the next available flight . The Instagram post, shared on September 2, 2025, swiftly went viral with over 2.6 million views and 200,000 likes . Netizens were stunned and impressed by the efficiency and safety—some even dubbing Dubai the “safest country in the world”.

A data scientist in Minneapolis publicly condemned the U.S. H-1B visa policy after his Indian friend—who spent eight years in the country earning degrees and contributing professionally—was compelled to return to India under the strict 60-day grace period rule for visa holders who lose their job. He called the policy “ridiculous,” highlighting that she had studied, worked long hours, paid taxes, and built a community in Austin, Texas, before being uprooted. The post emphasized how such inflexible rules drive talented individuals away, urging immediate reform to retain international professionals and warning that America is losing out on innovation and investment. (PC: The Times of India)  

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk triggered a firestorm on X by declaring, “America does not need more visas for people from India,” arguing it displaces American workers . His remarks, made amid speculation that future US-India trade negotiations could include expanded visa quotas, have sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the reliance of critical sectors—technology, healthcare, engineering—on Indian talent . Critics warn that limiting access to Indian professionals risks dampening US innovation, shrinking STEM enrolments, and encouraging skilled individuals to migrate to more welcoming countries. The episode underscores policy confusion and the looming threat to America’s global competitiveness. (PC: The Economic Times)

Canada, once known for its openness to global students, is now tightening its borders significantly. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports a record-breaking 62% of student visa applications were denied in 2025, compared to 52% in 2024 and an average of 40% in earlier years . Indian applicants have been impacted most severely, facing a staggering 80% rejection rate . In response, Canada has cut study permit quotas, doubled proof of funds requirements, and terminated the Student Direct Stream fast-track channel .

The longest total lunar eclipse visible in India since 2022 will occur during the night of September 7–8, 2025. All phases—from the penumbral start through partial and total eclipse—will be observable across India’s major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and more. Totality will begin around 11:00 PM IST and last approximately 82 minutes, ending around 12:22 AM IST. The moon’s red appearance ("Blood Moon") results from sunlight bending through Earth's atmosphere. No special equipment is needed—just head out, find a clear sky, and enjoy the cosmic spectacle. (PC: NDTV)  

In eastern Afghanistan, a deadly 6.0-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 2,200 lives. Disturbingly, strict Taliban-imposed gender norms—most notably the prohibition on "skin contact" between male rescuers and unrelated women—have severely impeded rescue operations in remote Kunar areas. Female victims, including injured women and girls, were often left trapped, bleeding, or buried, while men and children were prioritized. The scarcity of female medical personnel, a result of bans on women’s education and public roles, further worsened delays. Survivors recount feeling invisible—ignored by rescue teams—even as calls grow for international aid and inclusive relief responses. (PC: AP)