A Durga Puja pandal in Baharampur, West Bengal, has shown US President Donald Trump as the ‘asura’ or demon. The Khagra Shmashanghat Durga Puja Committee said this was a protest against Trump’s recent actions, including 50% tariffs on Indian goods and strict visa rules. Organisers also accused him of betraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had once called him a friend. Local artist Asim Pal made the idol, which was inaugurated by Baharampur Municipality Chairman Narugopal Mukhopadhyay. Videos of workers styling the idol with Trump-like hair and eyebrows went viral, sparking mixed reactions online. (PC: Facebook.com/Soumavo's Creations)

Navratri 2025 celebrations have taken social media by storm in Pakistan, with videos of Garba and Dandiya dances going viral. The Indian festival, traditionally celebrated with music, dance, and devotion, is gaining popularity among diverse communities in Pakistan, reflecting a cultural crossover. Clips from various cities show participants enthusiastically performing traditional dances, dressed in vibrant attire, generating excitement online. Social media users have praised the celebrations for promoting cultural appreciation and cross-border unity. Experts say such trends highlight the influence of Indian traditions beyond national boundaries, fostering shared cultural experiences and mutual understanding between the two nations.

For the first time, New York City will host Sharadiya Durga Puja at Times Square on October 3–4, 2025. Organized by the Times Square Durga Utsav Association, the event will be staged at Father Duffy Square, inspired by Kolkata’s Maddox Square and Dhaka’s Dhakeshwari Temple. A specially crafted idol from Kumartuli, Kolkata, will be the centerpiece. Traditional rituals like Sindoor Khela and Dhunuchi Naach will be performed, alongside cultural programs by artists from India and Bangladesh. Open to all, the festival will also be streamed globally, showcasing unity and cultural pride for the diaspora.      

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick escalated trade tensions with India, saying the country "needs fixing" and must "play ball with the President" to access American consumers. Lutnick grouped India with Brazil and Switzerland as countries requiring correction, demanding they open markets and stop harming US interests. India currently faces steep US tariffs reaching 50% on certain goods, plus 100% duties on pharmaceutical products. The 50% tariffs include a 25% penalty for India's Russian oil purchases. Roughly 40% of Indian pharmaceutical revenue comes from the US market. Despite threats, India-US trade talks resumed with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's September 22-24 Washington visit, described as "productive" by both sides seeking mutually beneficial agreements.

A Durga Puja committee in Murshidabad's Khagra area has sparked controversy by depicting Donald Trump as the demon Mahishasura in their pandal. The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee crafted the unique Trump-shaped demon for their 59th annual Durgotsav celebrations, created by renowned artist Asim Pal. Committee member Pratik explained the decision stems from Trump's fifty percent tariff policies, claiming he "betrayed Modi and India" despite being considered a friend. He stated they view Trump as a demon who "stabbed India from behind." The unconventional representation has drawn significant attention from visitors and locals, receiving positive responses from the neighborhood community. The pandal showcases the committee's bold political commentary through traditional religious festivities. (PC: Indian Express Bengali)

Following the U.S. decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, Canada is actively wooing skilled tech professionals, particularly from India, which accounts for over 70% of H-1B holders. Canadian officials, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasized reviewing immigration policies to provide an alternative pathway for talent that might have gone to the U.S. This initiative aims to boost Canada’s tech sector and economy, positioning the country as a favorable destination for global tech talent. Other nations like the UK and Germany are also exploring similar opportunities for skilled professionals.  

At the United Nations General Assembly, India and Pakistan exchanged sharp words over the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accused Pakistan of harboring terror groups and destabilizing the region, while Pakistan’s representative cited alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and dismissed India’s claims. The U.S. condemned the attack, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions. Diplomatic strains have intensified, with both countries recalling diplomats and suspending key bilateral agreements, highlighting the fragility of peace efforts in the region. (PC: Reuters)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a scathing attack on Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, calling it the "epicentre of global terrorism." He stated that major international terrorist attacks are traced back to "that one country" with UN terrorist lists replete with Pakistani nationals. Jaishankar cited April's Pahalgam attack killing 26 tourists as recent cross-border barbarism, emphasizing India's right to defend against terrorism. He criticized nations openly declaring terrorism as state policy and demanded deeper international cooperation. The minister also declared the UN is in crisis, calling for Security Council reforms with expanded permanent and non-permanent membership. Jaishankar emphasized India's zero-tolerance for terrorism, robust border defense, and readiness to assume greater global responsibilities.

A Durga Puja committee in Murshidabad's Khagra area has sparked controversy by depicting Donald Trump as the demon Mahishasura in their pandal. The Khagra Crematorium Ghat Durga Puja Committee crafted the unique Trump-shaped demon for their 59th annual Durgotsav celebrations, created by renowned artist Asim Pal. Committee member Pratik explained the decision stems from Trump's fifty percent tariff policies, claiming he "betrayed Modi and India" despite being considered a friend. He stated they view Trump as a demon who "stabbed India from behind." The unconventional representation has drawn significant attention from visitors and locals, receiving positive responses from the neighborhood community. The pandal showcases the committee's bold political commentary through traditional religious festivities. (PC: Indian Express Bengali & DNA)

Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal linked climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a Pakistani intelligence operative, justifying his NSA detention after deadly Leh violence. Four people died and over 80 security personnel were injured when 7,000 protesters pelted stones and torched buildings on September 24, demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status. The DGP accused Wangchuk of sabotaging ongoing Centre talks and having "history of instigation" citing Nepal agitation, Bangladesh, and Arab Spring. A Pakistani Intelligence Operative allegedly "reporting" Wangchuk was detained with incriminating material. Foreign funding violations are being investigated. Forty-four people were arrested including ringleaders. Leh remains under curfew for four consecutive days as authorities conduct raids for absconding rioters.