India strongly criticized Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council after deadly airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed at least 30 civilians, including women and children. Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi accused Pakistan of “bombing their own people” while exporting terror and illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir. Tyagi dismissed Pakistan’s remarks as “baseless and provocative,” urging Islamabad to fix its struggling economy and poor human rights record. Eyewitnesses described destroyed homes and bodies pulled from rubble in Matre Dara village. Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission also expressed shock, calling for accountability. India warned against selective mandates at the UNHRC session. (PC: India Today)

India and the US have restarted trade talks in New York after months of stalled negotiations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and lead negotiator Rajesh Agarwal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Sources called the meeting “encouraging” and said both sides are committed to overcoming trade hurdles. Talks follow earlier meetings in New Delhi, where officials agreed to speed up the process. The focus is on an interim deal to ease tensions after the US raised tariffs on Indian crude imports from Russia. If progress continues, a Quad summit could be held before the end of this year. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly that China and India are the “primary funders” of Russia’s war in Ukraine by buying its oil. He said the conflict would have ended in days if he had been president earlier. Trump also criticised NATO nations for not fully cutting energy ties with Moscow. He warned of new tariffs on countries continuing Russian oil trade. Weeks ago, his administration raised tariffs on Indian oil imports to 50 per cent. Trump repeated his claim of ending “seven wars in seven months,” including the India-Pakistan conflict, which India has denied. (PC: Reuters)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump may impose more sanctions on Russia and its oil buyers, including India. “We’ve already seen the measures we’ve taken with regards to India, although that’s something we hope we can fix,” Rubio said in an interview. He noted that talks with India are focused on reducing Russian oil purchases and claimed “a lot of progress” has been made. Trump has already doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50% to pressure New Delhi. Despite tensions, PM Narendra Modi has avoided direct conflict, promoting “swadeshi” products as a counter to tariff threats. (PC: Bloomberg)

US President Donald Trump has announced a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, causing shock across the tech industry. The White House later said the fee will only apply to new applications, but concerns remain. Experts warn the move could slow US growth by making it harder for firms to hire foreign talent. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon employ thousands on H-1B visas, mostly from India. While India may face short-term challenges, analysts believe the US could suffer more in the long run. Companies may shift projects offshore, raising costs for American clients and reducing productivity. (PC: NDTV)

An Afghan teenager's wheel well journey to Delhi recalls the tragic 1996 case of Saini brothers from Punjab who attempted similar escape to London. Pardeep Saini, 23, and Vijay Saini, 19, paid 150 pounds to an agent for this "easy method" to reach UK relatives in Southall. They hid in British Airways flight's front wheel bay, enduring minus 60 degrees Celsius at 10 kilometers altitude. Vijay died during the 10-hour journey, his body falling 2,000 feet near Heathrow. Pardeep miraculously survived in suspended animation state, later working at Heathrow Airport after winning asylum. The brothers, fleeing Punjab militancy fears and poverty, believed the wheel well connected to luggage compartment. Only one lived to tell this medical anomaly tale. (PC: Pinterest)

Former Tibetan Government President Dr Lobsang Sangay warns India against China's "elite capture" strategy in explosive NDTV interview. He alleges Chinese Embassy in Delhi actively influences Indian politicians, citing National Day celebrations attended by politicians and business leaders. Sangay claims China uses ancient co-option tactics, buying leaders, intellectuals, journalists, and YouTubers across South Asia. He points to Nepal's pro-China parties, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives regimes as examples. Warning extends globally, citing European ministers receiving lucrative Chinese company positions after praising Beijing. Sangay highlights India's dangerous $99 billion trade deficit with China and warns against repeating Western mistakes of believing trade democratizes China. His message: guard against elite capture before it's too late.

Air India has cancelled two key flights due to Typhoon Ragasa threatening Hong Kong with severe weather conditions. Flight AI314 from Delhi to Hong Kong scheduled for September 23 and return flight AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi on September 24 have been grounded as a precautionary measure. The airline cited adverse weather forecasts from the approaching typhoon as the reason for cancellations beyond their control. Air India expressed regret for passenger inconvenience while prioritizing safety protocols. The carrier is offering affected passengers full refunds or complimentary one-time rescheduling options within the same travel class. This cancellation reflects airlines' standard practice of suspending operations during extreme weather events to ensure passenger and crew safety. (PC: X & ANI)

Kristen Fischer, an American woman residing in India for over four years, recently shared her “crazy” hospital experience via Instagram. After cutting her thumb and bleeding profusely, she cycled to a nearby hospital where she was treated instantly within 45 minutes for just ₹50. Her reel highlighted the efficiency and affordability of Indian healthcare, sparking widespread praise and comparisons to the high costs of U.S. medical services. Fischer’s story resonated with many, showcasing how accessible emergency care can be in India. Her experience has gone viral, drawing attention to the country’s healthcare infrastructure and prompting conversations around global disparities in medical costs and access.

Texas Republican Senate candidate Alexander Duncan ignited backlash after denouncing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the Statue of Union installed at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. In a post on X, Duncan called it a “false statue of a false Hindu God,” asserting that America is a “Christian nation.” He cited Bible verses to support his stance, prompting condemnation from civil rights groups and the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which filed a formal complaint with the Texas GOP. Critics emphasized religious freedom and the constitutional right to worship. The statue, unveiled in 2024, is North America’s tallest Hanuman monument and symbolizes unity and peace (PC: Hindustan Times & WION)