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Amid the ongoing tariff war with the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep 21) once again appealed to the people of the country to opt for ‘Swadeshi’ goods. Highlighting the role of Swadeshi products in India's Independence struggle, PM Modi said that it can play a significant and crucial role in India's prosperity as well. Pointing out the need for opting Swadeshi products, PM Modi said that it is only possible if we are concious about our choices. He said that the foreign influence in our lives has been such that we have lost the awareness of what is ‘Swadeshi’ and what isVideshi(foreign).&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-next-gen-gst-reforms-in-his-address-to-nation-extends-navratri-wishes-1758447609162">'Tomorrow GST2.0 will be rolled out': PM Modi addresses the nation, extends Navratri wishes</a>&nbsp;A lot of people from the lower middle-class are going to buy their first car this time, citing GST reforms. The PM will certainly ask people to go out and buy 'Swadeshi' products for this festive season…The way the country's independence got strengthened by the Swadeshi movement, similarly, India's prosperity will get empowered by the mantra of Swadeshi', PM Modi said in his address. He also hailed the next generation GST reforms and called it a “festival offer” for middle class.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-a-great-friend-still-sanctioned-them-us-president-donald-trump-1758217326499">PM Modi a great friend, still sanctioned them: US President Donald Trump</a><h2>PM Modi's swadeshi push&nbsp;</h2>Amid trade war with the US, Indian Prime Minister sent a bold 'swadeshi' message. On Aug 25, he said that businessmen should keep a big board outside their establishments, saying they sell ‘swadeshi’ goods. He also reiterated that the country won't compromise on the interests of farmers and small businesses. Invoking Lord Krishna, the PM said that India is 'chakradhari' and that symoblises strength and protection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Modi, on Aug 7, while speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, said that he won't compromise the interests of farmers, dairy farmers and fishermen, even if he has to pay a price for it. “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it. Today, India is ready for the country's farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers...”&nbsp;The Indian Prime Minister also reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting the interests of India's agricultural community. He declared that he would oppose any policy that poses a threat to their livelihoods, saying, “Modi will stand like a wall against any move that harms them.” PM Modi added that there is the need for India to strengthen itself by producing high-quality, affordable goods, guided by the principle of “Daam kam, dum zyaada” (lower cost, higher value).&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-our-biggest-enemy-is-our-dependence-on-other-countries-pm-modi-slams-congress-on-economic-policies-1758373728001">‘Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries’: PM Modi slams Congress on economic policies</a> &nbsp;

Amid US tariff tensions, PM Modi urged Indians to choose Swadeshi goods, linking them to both past freedom struggles and future prosperity. He said foreign influence blurred the Swadeshi-Videshi line. He also called GST 2.0 a "festival offer" for the middle class ahead of festive purchases.

Amid the ongoing tariff war with the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep 21) once again appealed to the people of the country to opt for ‘Swadeshi’ goods. Highlighting the role of Swadeshi products in India's Independence struggle, PM Modi said that it can play a significant and crucial role in India's prosperity as well. Pointing out the need for opting Swadeshi products, PM Modi said that it is only possible if we are concious about our choices. He said that the foreign influence in our lives has been such that we have lost the awareness of what is ‘Swadeshi’ and what isVideshi(foreign). Read More | 'Tomorrow GST2.0 will be rolled out': PM Modi addresses the nation, extends Navratri wishes A lot of people from the lower middle-class are going to buy their first car this time, citing GST reforms. The PM will certainly ask people to go out and buy 'Swadeshi' products for this festive season…The way the country's independence got strengthened by the Swadeshi movement, similarly, India's prosperity will get empowered by the mantra of Swadeshi', PM Modi said in his address. He also hailed the next generation GST reforms and called it a “festival offer” for middle class. Read More | PM Modi a great friend, still sanctioned them: US President Donald Trump PM Modi's swadeshi push Amid trade war with the US, Indian Prime Minister sent a bold 'swadeshi' message. On Aug 25, he said that businessmen should keep a big board outside their establishments, saying they sell ‘swadeshi’ goods. He also reiterated that the country won't compromise on the interests of farmers and small businesses. Invoking Lord Krishna, the PM said that India is 'chakradhari' and that symoblises strength and protection. Modi, on Aug 7, while speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, said that he won't compromise the interests of farmers, dairy farmers and fishermen, even if he has to pay a price for it. “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it. Today, India is ready for the country's farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers...” The Indian Prime Minister also reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting the interests of India's agricultural community. He declared that he would oppose any policy that poses a threat to their livelihoods, saying, “Modi will stand like a wall against any move that harms them.” PM Modi added that there is the need for India to strengthen itself by producing high-quality, affordable goods, guided by the principle of “Daam kam, dum zyaada” (lower cost, higher value). Read More | ‘Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries’: PM Modi slams Congress on economic policies

Amid US tariff tensions, PM Modi urged Indians to choose Swadeshi goods, linking them to both past freedom struggles and future prosperity. He said foreign influence blurred the Swadeshi-Videshi line. He also called GST 2.0 a "festival offer" for the middle class ahead of festive purchases

'Say it with pride that you use Swadeshi...': PM Modi urges citizens to use Made-In-India products amid tariff war with US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his address to the nation on Sunday (Sep 21) and wished the nation on the ocassion of Navratri. He said that India is taking another step towards a self-reliant country by the implementation of GST 2.0 reforms. Slamming the previous governments over tax taboo, PM Modi said that under the next-gen GST reforms, only two tax slabs will exist - namely 18 per cent and 5 per cent. He added that household items will now either be tax free or will have minimum GST on it. The Prime Minister revealed that both consumers and shopkeepers are satisfied with the GST reforms. He announced that this GST reforms has made the dream of ‘one nation one tax’ come to reality. He named this festival season as ‘bachat utsav.’&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-a-great-friend-still-sanctioned-them-us-president-donald-trump-1758217326499">PM Modi a great friend, still sanctioned them: US President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;Appealing for “Swadeshi' amid tariff war with the US, PM Modi said ”We have to make sure that we use Swadeshi items. Like Swadeshi played a role in Independence struggle, it should play a role in Indias development." He also urged the state to give priority to manufacturing and create an atmosphere of investment. Hailing the GST 2.0, he said, “Next gen GST reforms being implemented from tomorrow, it is like ‘GST saving festival’.”&nbsp;Read More&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/pm-modi-in-gujarat-pm-participates-in-samudra-se-samriddhi-programme-in-bhavnagar-1758354627648">PM Modi in Gujarat: PM Participates in 'Samudra Se Samriddhi’ Programme in Bhavnagar</a>&nbsp;Earlier in the day, the Prime Ministers office announced the timing of the address but there was no confirmation on the subject. The Prime Minister's address comes a day ahead of the implementation of GST 2.0 reforms. It also comes amid the US' crackdown on H1 B visa holders and Pakistan's defence deal with Saudi Arabia. While underlying tensions between New Delhi and Washington over tariff continues, US President Donald Trump and PM Modi have attemted to ease it by showing their bonhomie on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-our-biggest-enemy-is-our-dependence-on-other-countries-pm-modi-slams-congress-on-economic-policies-1758373728001">‘Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries’: PM Modi slams Congress on economic policies</a>

PM Modi, in his Sep 21 address, wished the nation for Navratri and announced GST 2.0 reforms with just two tax slabs—5% and 18%. Calling it a "bachat utsav," he said it fulfills the dream of "one nation, one tax."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his address to the nation on Sunday (Sep 21) and wished the nation on the ocassion of Navratri. He said that India is taking another step towards a self-reliant country by the implementation of GST 2.0 reforms. Slamming the previous governments over tax taboo, PM Modi said that under the next-gen GST reforms, only two tax slabs will exist - namely 18 per cent and 5 per cent. He added that household items will now either be tax free or will have minimum GST on it. The Prime Minister revealed that both consumers and shopkeepers are satisfied with the GST reforms. He announced that this GST reforms has made the dream of ‘one nation one tax’ come to reality. He named this festival season as ‘bachat utsav.’ Read More | PM Modi a great friend, still sanctioned them: US President Donald Trump Appealing for “Swadeshi' amid tariff war with the US, PM Modi said ”We have to make sure that we use Swadeshi items. Like Swadeshi played a role in Independence struggle, it should play a role in Indias development." He also urged the state to give priority to manufacturing and create an atmosphere of investment. Hailing the GST 2.0, he said, “Next gen GST reforms being implemented from tomorrow, it is like ‘GST saving festival’.” Read More | PM Modi in Gujarat: PM Participates in 'Samudra Se Samriddhi’ Programme in Bhavnagar Earlier in the day, the Prime Ministers office announced the timing of the address but there was no confirmation on the subject. The Prime Minister's address comes a day ahead of the implementation of GST 2.0 reforms. It also comes amid the US' crackdown on H1 B visa holders and Pakistan's defence deal with Saudi Arabia. While underlying tensions between New Delhi and Washington over tariff continues, US President Donald Trump and PM Modi have attemted to ease it by showing their bonhomie on social media. Read More | ‘Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries’: PM Modi slams Congress on economic policies

PM Modi, in his Sep 21 address, wished the nation for Navratri and announced GST 2.0 reforms with just two tax slabs—5% and 18%. Calling it a "bachat utsav," he said it fulfills the dream of "one nation, one tax."

'Tomorrow GST2.0 will be rolled out': PM Modi addresses the nation, extends Navratri wishes

On July 22, 2009, India experienced one of the most extraordinary astronomical spectacles of modern times: the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century. During this rare alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Moon’s shadow swept across the subcontinent, plunging many cities into complete darkness for several minutes. At its peak, the eclipse lasted an exceptional six minutes and thirty-nine seconds, a duration unmatched by any other solar eclipse in this century. The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night.&nbsp;There are three main types of solar eclipses, each defined by how much of the Sun is obscured:Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun’s corona and turning day into darkness.Partial Solar Eclipse: The Moon only covers part of the Sun, creating a shadow that looks like a visible crescent.Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon appears smaller than the Sun and leaves a glowing “ring of fire” around its edge.&nbsp;<h2>Where &amp; How It Was Seen in India</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The eclipse’s path of totality began in western India near the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat and travelled across cities including Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Patna before moving eastward through Nepal, Bangladesh and China. While much of northern and eastern India experienced the rare sight of totality, large parts of the country observed it as a partial eclipse. In cities along the Ganges such as Varanasi, vast crowds assembled before dawn to observe traditional rituals by the river, while scientists set up camps to study the atmospheric changes, the sudden drop in temperature, and even the behaviour of animals during the brief darkness. For many, the event was both a spiritual occurrence and a remarkable natural spectacle, reminding people of the deep cultural and religious associations solar eclipses have held in India for centuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Why the Duration Was Exceptional</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>What made the 2009 eclipse especially long was a combination of astronomical factors. The Moon was close to its perigee, its nearest point to Earth, which made it appear slightly larger in the sky. At the same time, Earth was near aphelion, the farthest point in its orbit from the Sun, making the Sun appear fractionally smaller. This unique coincidence allowed the Moon to cover the Sun more fully and for longer than usual.&nbsp;The geometry of the eclipse path further extended the duration of totality, ensuring that observers in India and across Asia experienced a spectacle not seen in generations. Though later eclipses, such as the one expected on August 2, 2027, are predicted to last impressively long in other parts of the world, within India none surpass the grandeur of July 22, 2009. That morning’s darkness at dawn remains etched in the collective memory as the country’s longest and most remarkable solar eclipse of the century, blending science, culture and spirituality into a moment of rare cosmic significance.

The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night.

On July 22, 2009, India experienced one of the most extraordinary astronomical spectacles of modern times: the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century. During this rare alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Moon’s shadow swept across the subcontinent, plunging many cities into complete darkness for several minutes. At its peak, the eclipse lasted an exceptional six minutes and thirty-nine seconds, a duration unmatched by any other solar eclipse in this century. The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night. There are three main types of solar eclipses, each defined by how much of the Sun is obscured: Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun’s corona and turning day into darkness. Partial Solar Eclipse: The Moon only covers part of the Sun, creating a shadow that looks like a visible crescent. Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon appears smaller than the Sun and leaves a glowing “ring of fire” around its edge. Where & How It Was Seen in India The eclipse’s path of totality began in western India near the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat and travelled across cities including Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Patna before moving eastward through Nepal, Bangladesh and China. While much of northern and eastern India experienced the rare sight of totality, large parts of the country observed it as a partial eclipse. In cities along the Ganges such as Varanasi, vast crowds assembled before dawn to observe traditional rituals by the river, while scientists set up camps to study the atmospheric changes, the sudden drop in temperature, and even the behaviour of animals during the brief darkness. For many, the event was both a spiritual occurrence and a remarkable natural spectacle, reminding people of the deep cultural and religious associations solar eclipses have held in India for centuries. Why the Duration Was Exceptional What made the 2009 eclipse especially long was a combination of astronomical factors. The Moon was close to its perigee, its nearest point to Earth, which made it appear slightly larger in the sky. At the same time, Earth was near aphelion, the farthest point in its orbit from the Sun, making the Sun appear fractionally smaller. This unique coincidence allowed the Moon to cover the Sun more fully and for longer than usual. The geometry of the eclipse path further extended the duration of totality, ensuring that observers in India and across Asia experienced a spectacle not seen in generations. Though later eclipses, such as the one expected on August 2, 2027, are predicted to last impressively long in other parts of the world, within India none surpass the grandeur of July 22, 2009. That morning’s darkness at dawn remains etched in the collective memory as the country’s longest and most remarkable solar eclipse of the century, blending science, culture and spirituality into a moment of rare cosmic significance.

The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night.

The day India went dark for 6 minutes 39 seconds: The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century

Security forces detained two individuals from Manipur on Saturday in connection with the deadly ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy that left two soldiers dead and five others injured. A van suspected to be used during the incident was also seized from Mutum Yangbi, located nearly 12 kilometres from the ambush site on the outskirts of Imphal, according to a report in NDTV.&nbsp;Police stated that the recovered vehicle has multiple owners, but all of them have been traced and identified. "During the last 24 hours, the overall law-and-order situation in the state was tense but under control. In the follow-up to the incident at Nambol Sabal Leikai in which two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred, security forces carried out a massive operation in Shantipur and Ishok areas," the statement read.&nbsp;Officials confirmed that the attack took place on Friday evening when he paramilitary forces' 407 Tata vehicle carrying troops were targeted by suspected militants. The convoy was moving from the Patsoi company operating base to Nambol base at 5.50 pm when it came under heavy fire.<h3>High-level meeting to heighten security in Manipur</h3>During the incident, two soldiers of the Assam Rifles, identified as Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap, were martyred. &nbsp;The incident occurred along the same road that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled during his recent Manipur visit.&nbsp;"In the general area, Nambol Sabal Leikai, the column was ambushed by unidentified terrorists on the Highway in the denotified area of Manipur. In the ensuing action, two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured," an official statement read.&nbsp;Following the incident, the injured soldiers were rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment. In response, a high-level meeting was held a day after the incident, chaired by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to heighten security arrangements in vulnerable and sensitive areas of Manipur.&nbsp;"The discussion stressed the need for coordinated action among all security agencies to ensure swift identification of the perpetrators. It was also resolved that security arrangements must be further strengthened in vulnerable and sensitive areas, including highways, transit routes, and border zones," the Raj Bhavan confirmed.

A van suspected to be used during the incident was also seized from Mutum Yangbi, located nearly 12 kilometres from the ambush site on the outskirts of Imphal. The recovered vehicle has multiple owners, but all of them have been traced and identified, Police said.

Security forces detained two individuals from Manipur on Saturday in connection with the deadly ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy that left two soldiers dead and five others injured. A van suspected to be used during the incident was also seized from Mutum Yangbi, located nearly 12 kilometres from the ambush site on the outskirts of Imphal, according to a report in NDTV. Police stated that the recovered vehicle has multiple owners, but all of them have been traced and identified. "During the last 24 hours, the overall law-and-order situation in the state was tense but under control. In the follow-up to the incident at Nambol Sabal Leikai in which two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred, security forces carried out a massive operation in Shantipur and Ishok areas," the statement read. Officials confirmed that the attack took place on Friday evening when he paramilitary forces' 407 Tata vehicle carrying troops were targeted by suspected militants. The convoy was moving from the Patsoi company operating base to Nambol base at 5.50 pm when it came under heavy fire. High-level meeting to heighten security in Manipur During the incident, two soldiers of the Assam Rifles, identified as Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap, were martyred. The incident occurred along the same road that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled during his recent Manipur visit. "In the general area, Nambol Sabal Leikai, the column was ambushed by unidentified terrorists on the Highway in the denotified area of Manipur. In the ensuing action, two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured," an official statement read. Following the incident, the injured soldiers were rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment. In response, a high-level meeting was held a day after the incident, chaired by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to heighten security arrangements in vulnerable and sensitive areas of Manipur. "The discussion stressed the need for coordinated action among all security agencies to ensure swift identification of the perpetrators. It was also resolved that security arrangements must be further strengthened in vulnerable and sensitive areas, including highways, transit routes, and border zones," the Raj Bhavan confirmed.

A van suspected to be used during the incident was also seized from Mutum Yangbi, located nearly 12 kilometres from the ambush site on the outskirts of Imphal. The recovered vehicle has multiple owners, but all of them have been traced and identified, Police said.

2 held, vehicle seized in connection with attack on Assam Rifles Convoy in Manipur that killed two soldiers

New Delhi: As US President Donald Trump’s new H1B visa policy comes into force, requiring a $100,000 annual fee for each application, it is learnt that this applies only to new visas and will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle. It will not apply for renewals or current visa holders or the 2025 lottery winners, and “this is a one-time fee,” White House official told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;The order, announced on Friday, comes into force from 21st September, Sunday (US time). At the signing of the order, Trump said, “Companies need to decide if a foreign worker is valuable enough to pay $100,000 per year to the U.S. government—if not, that worker will have to head home.” US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the announcement, emphasised the need to focus on American jobs. The announcement is seen as shocking for India, as over 70% of beneficiaries of the H1B visas are Indian nationals. Major US companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta rely heavily on H-1B visas.&nbsp;White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, in response to a WION question, said, “President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages”, adding, “It also gives certainty to American businesses who actually want to bring high-skilled workers to our great country but have been trampled on by abuses of the system.”&nbsp;Reacting to the H1b Visa fee hike, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that “the full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry,” pointing that “skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India.”&nbsp;&nbsp;It also said that the measure is “likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families” and the Indian government hopes “that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities”. The Indian government directed its missions to assist nationals rushing back to the US amid the initial confusion over how the order impacts existing visa holders. NASSCOM, India’s IT industry body, highlighted business uncertainty from the one-day deadline and potential disruptions to onshore projects.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, in response to a WION question, said, “President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages.”

New Delhi: As US President Donald Trump’s new H1B visa policy comes into force, requiring a $100,000 annual fee for each application, it is learnt that this applies only to new visas and will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle. It will not apply for renewals or current visa holders or the 2025 lottery winners, and “this is a one-time fee,” White House official told WION. The order, announced on Friday, comes into force from 21st September, Sunday (US time). At the signing of the order, Trump said, “Companies need to decide if a foreign worker is valuable enough to pay $100,000 per year to the U.S. government—if not, that worker will have to head home.” US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the announcement, emphasised the need to focus on American jobs. The announcement is seen as shocking for India, as over 70% of beneficiaries of the H1B visas are Indian nationals. Major US companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta rely heavily on H-1B visas. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, in response to a WION question, said, “President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages”, adding, “It also gives certainty to American businesses who actually want to bring high-skilled workers to our great country but have been trampled on by abuses of the system.” Reacting to the H1b Visa fee hike, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that “the full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry,” pointing that “skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India.” It also said that the measure is “likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families” and the Indian government hopes “that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities”. The Indian government directed its missions to assist nationals rushing back to the US amid the initial confusion over how the order impacts existing visa holders. NASSCOM, India’s IT industry body, highlighted business uncertainty from the one-day deadline and potential disruptions to onshore projects.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, in response to a WION question, said, “President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages.”

Trump’s $100,000 annual H1B visa fee applies only to new visa applicants

The Kerala High Court has ruled that a Muslim man cannot justify multiple marriages if he lacks the financial means to support the wives. The High Court made the observation while hearing a plea from a woman seeking ₹10,000 monthly maintenance from her husband, who survives by begging. &nbsp;Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said that the man is blind and survives by begging, but he has been threatening the petitioner, the second wife, that he will marry for the third time. The court also observed that he was getting ₹25,000 from various sources.&nbsp;The 39-year-old woman from Perinthalmanna had sought a monthly maintenance of ₹10,000 from her 46-year-old husband, a blind man surviving primarily on alms.Earlier, a family court had dismissed her plea, stating that since her husband earns his livelihood by begging, he could not be directed to pay maintenance.&nbsp;<h2>‘Don’t put your hand into a begging bowl’</h2>&nbsp;In his order, Justice Kunhikrishnan mentioned a satirical Malayalam phrase—“Don’t put your hand into a begging bowl”—to stress the futility of expecting sustenance from someone dependent on alms. The judge noted that the husband, a beggar, was “not a saint” either. Despite his blindness, he was allegedly threatening his second wife that he intended to contract a third marriage.The court recorded that the respondent had a notional income of about ₹25,000 from various sources, including begging, while continuing to live with his first wife. The court also expressed disbelief at the wife’s claim that her blind husband regularly assaulted her.&nbsp;<h2>‘Muslim personal law itself did not justify such behaviour’</h2>&nbsp;The court stressed that Muslim personal law itself did not justify such behaviour. “A person who has no capacity to maintain a second or third wife cannot marry again, even as per the customary law of Muslims,” the judge noted.Citing verses from the Quran, the court said the holy text propagates monogamy, allowing polygamy only as an exception.“If a Muslim man can give justice to his first wife, second wife, third wife and fourth wife, then only marriage more than once is permissible,” it said, adding that most Muslims follow monogamy in keeping with the spirit of the Quran.&nbsp;WATCH: Israel alarmed by Egypt's military build-up<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-alarmed-by-egypt-s-military-build-up-1758390624475/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-alarmed-by-egypt-s-military-build-up-1758390624475/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The court further remarked that multiple marriages among the poor often result from lack of education and awareness.&nbsp;The court added that religious leaders and society must take responsibility to educate communities on the true principles of customary law.“It is the duty of the state to protect the destitute wives who are victims of polygamy in the Muslim community,” the court said.

The court stressed that Muslim personal law itself did not justify such behaviour. Citing verses from the Quran, the court said the holy text propagates monogamy, allowing polygamy only as an exception. 

The Kerala High Court has ruled that a Muslim man cannot justify multiple marriages if he lacks the financial means to support the wives. The High Court made the observation while hearing a plea from a woman seeking ₹10,000 monthly maintenance from her husband, who survives by begging. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said that the man is blind and survives by begging, but he has been threatening the petitioner, the second wife, that he will marry for the third time. The court also observed that he was getting ₹25,000 from various sources. The 39-year-old woman from Perinthalmanna had sought a monthly maintenance of ₹10,000 from her 46-year-old husband, a blind man surviving primarily on alms. Earlier, a family court had dismissed her plea, stating that since her husband earns his livelihood by begging, he could not be directed to pay maintenance. ‘Don’t put your hand into a begging bowl’ In his order, Justice Kunhikrishnan mentioned a satirical Malayalam phrase—“Don’t put your hand into a begging bowl”—to stress the futility of expecting sustenance from someone dependent on alms. The judge noted that the husband, a beggar, was “not a saint” either. Despite his blindness, he was allegedly threatening his second wife that he intended to contract a third marriage. The court recorded that the respondent had a notional income of about ₹25,000 from various sources, including begging, while continuing to live with his first wife. The court also expressed disbelief at the wife’s claim that her blind husband regularly assaulted her. ‘Muslim personal law itself did not justify such behaviour’ The court stressed that Muslim personal law itself did not justify such behaviour. “A person who has no capacity to maintain a second or third wife cannot marry again, even as per the customary law of Muslims,” the judge noted. Citing verses from the Quran, the court said the holy text propagates monogamy, allowing polygamy only as an exception. “If a Muslim man can give justice to his first wife, second wife, third wife and fourth wife, then only marriage more than once is permissible,” it said, adding that most Muslims follow monogamy in keeping with the spirit of the Quran. WATCH: Israel alarmed by Egypt's military build-up https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-alarmed-by-egypt-s-military-build-up-1758390624475/embed The court further remarked that multiple marriages among the poor often result from lack of education and awareness. The court added that religious leaders and society must take responsibility to educate communities on the true principles of customary law. “It is the duty of the state to protect the destitute wives who are victims of polygamy in the Muslim community,” the court said.

The court stressed that Muslim personal law itself did not justify such behaviour. Citing verses from the Quran, the court said the holy text propagates monogamy, allowing polygamy only as an exception.&nbsp;

Muslim man can’t keep multiple wives if he cannot financially support them: Kerala HC

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district have banned the flying of drones, UAVs, or other aerial devices in view of security considerations. The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag district issued a public advisory on Saturday saying that flying drones, UAVs, or any other similar aerial devices is strictly prohibited within the jurisdiction of Anantnag district without prior permission from the competent authority given the prevailing security considerations.The police stated in the advisory that individuals, institutions, media personnel, and event organisers intending to use drones must seek prior approval from the competent authority well in advance.&nbsp;Police said that any unauthorised flying of drones or UAVs will be dealt with under relevant legal provisions, and such equipment may also be seized.&nbsp;The public is requested to report any suspicious drone activity to the nearest police station or on the district police helpline 9419051940, 019322-2222870, the advisory added. The authorities further emphasised that citizens’ cooperation is vital in maintaining peace, safety, and security across the district.&nbsp;WATCH: Israel-Hamas war: Gaza towers demolished as Netanyahu pledges to destroy Hamas<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-gaza-towers-demolished-as-netanyahu-pledges-to-destroy-hamas-1758389760837/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-gaza-towers-demolished-as-netanyahu-pledges-to-destroy-hamas-1758389760837/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Jammu and Kashmir Police temporarily impose a ban on the flying of drones during key events or at times considered crucial to ward off any problem or security threat.Earlier, in June, the flying of drones was temporarily banned in areas along the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra route, including the stretch from the Landing Strip to Pujtang, GDC Khanabal to the Holy Cave, and all base camps at Nunwan, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni, and the Holy Cave, which are marked as “Red Zones”.

Police said that any unauthorised flying of drones or UAVs will be dealt with under relevant legal provisions, and such equipment may also be seized. Police temporarily ban the flying of drones during key events or at times considered crucial to ward off any problem or security threat.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district have banned the flying of drones, UAVs, or other aerial devices in view of security considerations. The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag district issued a public advisory on Saturday saying that flying drones, UAVs, or any other similar aerial devices is strictly prohibited within the jurisdiction of Anantnag district without prior permission from the competent authority given the prevailing security considerations. The police stated in the advisory that individuals, institutions, media personnel, and event organisers intending to use drones must seek prior approval from the competent authority well in advance. Police said that any unauthorised flying of drones or UAVs will be dealt with under relevant legal provisions, and such equipment may also be seized. The public is requested to report any suspicious drone activity to the nearest police station or on the district police helpline 9419051940, 019322-2222870, the advisory added. The authorities further emphasised that citizens’ cooperation is vital in maintaining peace, safety, and security across the district. WATCH: Israel-Hamas war: Gaza towers demolished as Netanyahu pledges to destroy Hamas https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-gaza-towers-demolished-as-netanyahu-pledges-to-destroy-hamas-1758389760837/embed The Jammu and Kashmir Police temporarily impose a ban on the flying of drones during key events or at times considered crucial to ward off any problem or security threat. Earlier, in June, the flying of drones was temporarily banned in areas along the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra route, including the stretch from the Landing Strip to Pujtang, GDC Khanabal to the Holy Cave, and all base camps at Nunwan, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni, and the Holy Cave, which are marked as “Red Zones”.

Police said that any unauthorised flying of drones or UAVs will be dealt with under relevant legal provisions, and such equipment may also be seized. Police temporarily ban the flying of drones during key events or at times considered crucial to ward off any problem or security threat.

Authorities ban flying of drones, UAVs in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district

On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 (ICC-2025), which is observed globally on the third Saturday of September, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)led the coastal cleanup efforts of Government agencies and over 26,000 volunteers across all Coastal States and Union Territories.&nbsp;The ICC is observed under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). It seeks to combat marine pollution through mass community participation.&nbsp;The ICG has been the national coordinator for this vital initiative since 2006, consistently fostering public awareness and environmental stewardship.Across India, participation by enthusiastic NCC cadets, NSS, school and college students highlighted the level of awareness among the young generation and their commitment towards clean beaches.&nbsp;Participants were engaged in extensive beach cleanup drives, removing litter and marine debris to restore coastal health. Beyond physical cleaning, the event also focused on sensitizing citizens about the adverse effects of marine pollution and the need for sustainable practices to protect fragile marine ecosystems.&nbsp;Commending the collaborative efforts, the ICG lauded the enthusiasm and commitment of all stakeholders whose contributions made ICC-2025 a grand success. The event reaffirmed a collective resolve to protect India’s more than 11,000 km long coastline and advance the goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan(Clean India Mission).&nbsp;The ICG continues to urge citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices and actively participate in environmental conservation initiatives, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and sustainable marine environment for future generations.

The ICC is observed under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). It seeks to combat marine pollution through mass community participation.

On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 (ICC-2025), which is observed globally on the third Saturday of September, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)led the coastal cleanup efforts of Government agencies and over 26,000 volunteers across all Coastal States and Union Territories. The ICC is observed under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). It seeks to combat marine pollution through mass community participation. The ICG has been the national coordinator for this vital initiative since 2006, consistently fostering public awareness and environmental stewardship. Across India, participation by enthusiastic NCC cadets, NSS, school and college students highlighted the level of awareness among the young generation and their commitment towards clean beaches. Participants were engaged in extensive beach cleanup drives, removing litter and marine debris to restore coastal health. Beyond physical cleaning, the event also focused on sensitizing citizens about the adverse effects of marine pollution and the need for sustainable practices to protect fragile marine ecosystems. Commending the collaborative efforts, the ICG lauded the enthusiasm and commitment of all stakeholders whose contributions made ICC-2025 a grand success. The event reaffirmed a collective resolve to protect India’s more than 11,000 km long coastline and advance the goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan(Clean India Mission). The ICG continues to urge citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices and actively participate in environmental conservation initiatives, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and sustainable marine environment for future generations.

The ICC is observed under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). It seeks to combat marine pollution through mass community participation.

India: Coast Guard leads nationwide efforts on Int'l Coastal Cleanup Day

After US President Donald Trump's sudden announcement regarding the H-1B visa, it has been said that Indians holding the particular visa do not need to rush back &nbsp;to America by Sunday (September 21). The fee amount is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition and is only applicable on new visas, not renewals or current visa holders. It will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle. It does not apply to 2025 lottery winners. Trump slaps $100,000 fee on H-1B visas &nbsp;US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The ruling is likely to impact Indians at large, as the majority of them are H-1B visa holders.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-recognition-for-palestinian-state-late-but-important-step-says-palestine-ambassador-shawesh-1758302327916">Western recognition for Palestinian State late but important step, says Palestine Ambassador Shawesh</a>&nbsp;The H-1B program allows American companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers, many of them from countries like India. Now, every visa application will cost employers $100,000 a year on top of existing filing fees and salaries. "They (US-based companies) need workers, we need great workers. This proclamation ensures that America will now get good workers," said Trump as he signed the proclamation in the Oval Office on Friday.&nbsp;Companies on board with the $100,000 visa fee?&nbsp;US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that "all the big companies are on board" with the plan and insisted that this would mean more jobs for Americans. "They have to pay the government $100,000, then they have to pay the employee. So it's just not economic. If you're going to train somebody, you're going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land, train Americans, stop bringing in people to take our jobs," he added.&nbsp;‘Enough already. We’re full’&nbsp;Donald Trump's close ally, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10 in Utah, said just days before he was killed that America does not need more visas for Indians. His controversial remark has surfaced on social media in which he said America was “full" and it was time to put “our own people first".&nbsp;Via multiple posts and podcasts, Kirk had shown he had a controversial take on immigration from India, which is mostly that of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech sector.&nbsp;“America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first," Kirk wrote on X on September 2. &nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The ruling is likely to impact Indians at large, as the majority of them are H-1B visa holders.

After US President Donald Trump's sudden announcement regarding the H-1B visa, it has been said that Indians holding the particular visa do not need to rush back to America by Sunday (September 21). The fee amount is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition and is only applicable on new visas, not renewals or current visa holders. It will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle. It does not apply to 2025 lottery winners. Trump slaps $100,000 fee on H-1B visas US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The ruling is likely to impact Indians at large, as the majority of them are H-1B visa holders. Also read: Western recognition for Palestinian State late but important step, says Palestine Ambassador Shawesh The H-1B program allows American companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers, many of them from countries like India. Now, every visa application will cost employers $100,000 a year on top of existing filing fees and salaries. "They (US-based companies) need workers, we need great workers. This proclamation ensures that America will now get good workers," said Trump as he signed the proclamation in the Oval Office on Friday. Companies on board with the $100,000 visa fee? US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that "all the big companies are on board" with the plan and insisted that this would mean more jobs for Americans. "They have to pay the government $100,000, then they have to pay the employee. So it's just not economic. If you're going to train somebody, you're going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land, train Americans, stop bringing in people to take our jobs," he added. ‘Enough already. We’re full’ Donald Trump's close ally, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10 in Utah, said just days before he was killed that America does not need more visas for Indians. His controversial remark has surfaced on social media in which he said America was “full" and it was time to put “our own people first". Via multiple posts and podcasts, Kirk had shown he had a controversial take on immigration from India, which is mostly that of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech sector. “America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first," Kirk wrote on X on September 2.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The ruling is likely to impact Indians at large, as the majority of them are H-1B visa holders.

Do you have H-1B visa? US official says Indians DON’T NEED to rush. Here’s why

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is all set to lead a delegation to the United States on September 22 for meetings to take forward talks for an early bilateral trade agreement between India and the US amid the ongoing trade tensions since the imposition of tariffs. India’s Chief Trade Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal and other senior officials will be part of the delegation headed to the US. Goyal and his team will hold discussions with the US side to arrive at an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement, said an official statement issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.&nbsp;The Indian delegation’s visit follows the recent meeting of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in India on September 16, where positive discussions were held on various aspects of the proposed trade deal.&nbsp;During the meeting, both sides agreed to intensify efforts to reach an agreement, the statement added. The delegation will take forward discussions with American counterparts for the “early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.”The discussions will cover a wide range of issues, including market access, digital trade, intellectual property rights, and tariff barriers, among others.&nbsp;The visit comes at a time when India is engaging with other global partners to diversify its trade ties and boost its manufacturing and technology sectors under the Make in India initiative.&nbsp;WATCH: Breaking: India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal to visit US On September 22, for key trade talks<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-india-s-trade-minister-piyush-goyal-to-visit-us-on-september-22-for-key-trade-talks-1758385231058/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-india-s-trade-minister-piyush-goyal-to-visit-us-on-september-22-for-key-trade-talks-1758385231058/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Our main enemy is dependence on other nations’: PM Modi</h2>&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday at a rally in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, that India’s biggest enemy is its dependence on other countries.&nbsp;The prime minister reiterated the need for self-reliance while addressing a rally in Bhavnagar and said, “Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of ‘Vishwabandhu’. We have no major enemy in the world. Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries. This is our biggest enemy, and together we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country’s failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world’s largest population must become Atmanirbhar. If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others,” the PM added.“There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India,” he said.

The Indian delegation’s visit follows the recent meeting of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in India on September 16, where positive discussions were held on various aspects of the proposed trade deal.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is all set to lead a delegation to the United States on September 22 for meetings to take forward talks for an early bilateral trade agreement between India and the US amid the ongoing trade tensions since the imposition of tariffs. India’s Chief Trade Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal and other senior officials will be part of the delegation headed to the US. Goyal and his team will hold discussions with the US side to arrive at an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement, said an official statement issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Indian delegation’s visit follows the recent meeting of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in India on September 16, where positive discussions were held on various aspects of the proposed trade deal. During the meeting, both sides agreed to intensify efforts to reach an agreement, the statement added. The delegation will take forward discussions with American counterparts for the “early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.” The discussions will cover a wide range of issues, including market access, digital trade, intellectual property rights, and tariff barriers, among others. The visit comes at a time when India is engaging with other global partners to diversify its trade ties and boost its manufacturing and technology sectors under the Make in India initiative. WATCH: Breaking: India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal to visit US On September 22, for key trade talks https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-india-s-trade-minister-piyush-goyal-to-visit-us-on-september-22-for-key-trade-talks-1758385231058/embed ‘Our main enemy is dependence on other nations’: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday at a rally in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, that India’s biggest enemy is its dependence on other countries. The prime minister reiterated the need for self-reliance while addressing a rally in Bhavnagar and said, “Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of ‘Vishwabandhu’. We have no major enemy in the world. Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries. This is our biggest enemy, and together we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence.” “The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country’s failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world’s largest population must become Atmanirbhar. If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others,” the PM added. “There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India,” he said.

The Indian delegation’s visit follows the recent meeting of officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in India on September 16, where positive discussions were held on various aspects of the proposed trade deal.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to visit US on September 22, push for early India-US trade deal

After US President Donald Trump announced an annual $100,000 fee for H-1B skilled worker visas, India’s leading trade body Nasscom said on Saturday (Sep 20) expressed concerns over the timeline for implementing the new order that affects high-tech workers in the United States. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the full implications of the move were being studied, warning of humanitarian consequences. This comes after the US president announced that the fee will come into effect from Sunday (Sep 21). The move will likely result in major repercussions for the tech industry, where this permit is widespread.In a statement on Saturday (Sep 10), MEA said, “The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program.”It added that, “Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps, taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our statement regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa program⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/fkOjHIxEu9">https://t.co/fkOjHIxEu9</a> <a href="https://t.co/1rM9W3GYqC">pic.twitter.com/1rM9W3GYqC</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1969394602282045798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What Nasscom said on new US visa regulations?</h2>“A one-day deadline creates considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world,” Nasscom said in a statement. It added that the changes in policy of such scale were best “introduced with adequate transition periods, allowing organisations and individuals to plan effectively and minimise disruption.”It is expected that the new measure, which was announced in Washington on Friday, will face legal challenges. Trump also announced the introduction of a $1 million “gold card” residency programme that he had previewed months earlier.As he signed the order in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters, “The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying.”Nasscom said that tech companies would be hit as “business continuity will be disrupted for onshore projects” after Trump’s new regulations come into effect, especially given the short one-day headline.The H-1B visas allow companies to sponsor workers from abroad with specialised skills, including scientists, engineers, and computer programmers, to work in the United States. The visa permits workers to be in the US for three years initially, although it can be extended to six.About 85,000 individuals are awarded H-1B visas every year based on a lottery system, with Indians accounting for about three-quarters of the recipients.<h2>Tech industry warns not enough talent in US</h2>Tech entrepreneurs in the US, including billionaire Elon Musk, have warned against the new order, saying that the US does not have enough talent in the country to fill vacancies for important jobs in the tech sector. Major tech firms rely on Indian workers for such jobs.However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, claimed, “All the big companies are on board.”Meanwhile, tech giants including Amazon, Microsoft and Meta have urged H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the US before the deadline.&nbsp;

It is expected that the new measure, which was announced in Washington on Friday, will face legal challenges. Trump also announced the introduction of a $1 million “gold card” residency programme that he had previewed months earlier.

After US President Donald Trump announced an annual $100,000 fee for H-1B skilled worker visas, India’s leading trade body Nasscom said on Saturday (Sep 20) expressed concerns over the timeline for implementing the new order that affects high-tech workers in the United States. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the full implications of the move were being studied, warning of humanitarian consequences. This comes after the US president announced that the fee will come into effect from Sunday (Sep 21). The move will likely result in major repercussions for the tech industry, where this permit is widespread. In a statement on Saturday (Sep 10), MEA said, “The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program.” It added that, “Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps, taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. This measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. Government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.”

It is expected that the new measure, which was announced in Washington on Friday, will face legal challenges. Trump also announced the introduction of a $1 million “gold card” residency programme that he had previewed months earlier.

‘A one-day deadline creates…’: What India’s MEA, Nasscom said on Trump’s $100,000 fee order for H-1B visa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed Congress' economic policies, saying that the party ignored India's potential. Addressing a public meeting in Gujarat's Bhavnagar, PM Modi criticised the license-quota raj before 1991 and Congress' focus on imports after opening India's market. Reiterating his call for self-reliance, he said, "India must become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and stand strong before the world. India has no shortage of potential, but after independence, Congress ignored all of India's potential." "Therefore, even after 6-7 decades of independence, India has not achieved the success it deserved. There were two major reasons for this. For a long time, the Congress government kept the country entangled in the license-quota raj, isolating it from the world market. And then, when the era of globalisation arrived, the only path to import was taken," the Prime Minister added. He took a dig at Congress over the scams under the UPA government and said that their policies prevented India's true strength from being revealed. "Scams worth thousands, lakhs, and crores were committed. The policies of the Congress governments caused great harm to the country's youth. These policies prevented India's true strength from being revealed," PM Modi said. Further, he said that the nation's "biggest enemy" is dependence on other countries. Prime Minister said, "Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of 'Vishwabandhu'. Duniya mein koi hamara bada dushman nahi hai. Agar hamara koi dushman hai toh woh hai dusre deshon par hamari nirbharta (We have no major enemy in the world. Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries). This is our biggest enemy, and together we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence. We must always reiterate this." He added that to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the coming generations, India cannot afford to have major foreign dependence. He stated, "The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country's failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world's largest population must become Atmanirbhar. If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others. We cannot leave the resolution for the country's development to the dependence of others. We cannot put the future of the coming generations at stake." "There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India," the Prime Minister added. PM Modi has been reiterating his call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Earlier, in Assam, he emphasised that India has embarked on the path to becoming "self-reliant" in the energy sector, highlighting the country's dependence on other countries for importing crude oil and gas. "We have been dependent on foreign countries for these things. We import huge quantities of crude oil and gas from foreign countries, and in return, India has to give lakhs of crores of rupees to other countries every year. Our money creates jobs abroad. The income of the people there increases. It was necessary to change this situation. That is why India has embarked on the path of becoming self-reliant for its energy needs," the Prime Minister said. Meanwhile, today, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore at the 'Samudra se Samriddhi' event in Bhavnagar.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

PM Modi has been reiterating his call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Earlier, in Assam, he emphasised that India has embarked on the path to becoming "self-reliant" in the energy sector, highlighting the country's dependence on other countries for importing crude oil and gas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed Congress' economic policies, saying that the party ignored India's potential. Addressing a public meeting in Gujarat's Bhavnagar, PM Modi criticised the license-quota raj before 1991 and Congress' focus on imports after opening India's market. Reiterating his call for self-reliance, he said, "India must become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and stand strong before the world. India has no shortage of potential, but after independence, Congress ignored all of India's potential." "Therefore, even after 6-7 decades of independence, India has not achieved the success it deserved. There were two major reasons for this. For a long time, the Congress government kept the country entangled in the license-quota raj, isolating it from the world market. And then, when the era of globalisation arrived, the only path to import was taken," the Prime Minister added. He took a dig at Congress over the scams under the UPA government and said that their policies prevented India's true strength from being revealed. "Scams worth thousands, lakhs, and crores were committed. The policies of the Congress governments caused great harm to the country's youth. These policies prevented India's true strength from being revealed," PM Modi said. Further, he said that the nation's "biggest enemy" is dependence on other countries. Prime Minister said, "Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of 'Vishwabandhu'. Duniya mein koi hamara bada dushman nahi hai. Agar hamara koi dushman hai toh woh hai dusre deshon par hamari nirbharta (We have no major enemy in the world. Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries). This is our biggest enemy, and together we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence. We must always reiterate this." He added that to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the coming generations, India cannot afford to have major foreign dependence. He stated, "The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country's failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world's largest population must become Atmanirbhar. If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others. We cannot leave the resolution for the country's development to the dependence of others. We cannot put the future of the coming generations at stake." "There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India," the Prime Minister added. PM Modi has been reiterating his call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Earlier, in Assam, he emphasised that India has embarked on the path to becoming "self-reliant" in the energy sector, highlighting the country's dependence on other countries for importing crude oil and gas. "We have been dependent on foreign countries for these things. We import huge quantities of crude oil and gas from foreign countries, and in return, India has to give lakhs of crores of rupees to other countries every year. Our money creates jobs abroad. The income of the people there increases. It was necessary to change this situation. That is why India has embarked on the path of becoming self-reliant for its energy needs," the Prime Minister said. Meanwhile, today, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore at the 'Samudra se Samriddhi' event in Bhavnagar. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

PM Modi has been reiterating his call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Earlier, in Assam, he emphasised that India has embarked on the path to becoming "self-reliant" in the energy sector, highlighting the country's dependence on other countries for importing crude oil and gas.

‘Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries’: PM Modi slams Congress on economic policies

US President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to increase the fee for H-1B visas to $100,000 (Rs 88 lakh) with an abruptly short implementation deadline of September 21 has resulted in a sharp hike in fares of flights to the US, while airports in the US, Dubai, and India witnessed chaos as Indian techies started disembarking from aircraft on getting the intimation. Tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon told their employees outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid denial of reentry and urged all their H-1B visa holders to not leave the US for at least 14 days.During this time of the year, several Indians working abroad come home for Durga Puja, which starts next week.&nbsp;Meanwhile, those already in India saw fares of the direct flights to the US shoot up massively as airlines looked eager to cash in on the chaos unleashed by Trump. Since Indians account for about 70% of all H-1B visa recipients, the move hits them hard.The rules are quite evidently clear—enter the US before 12.01 am EDT (9.31 am IST) on September 21. After that, no H-1B worker will be allowed to enter the US unless the sponsoring employer pays the $100,000 fee.&nbsp;<h2>Short Sept 21 deadline sparks chaos</h2>&nbsp;Top tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan acted swiftly and advised their employees holding H-1B visas not to leave the US and asked those currently abroad to return to the US immediately.However, H-1B visa holders on a vacation or business trip to India have already missed the deadline.&nbsp;H-1B visa holders who are out of the US on business or vacation will get stranded unless they get in before midnight on September 21. H-1Bs still in India have already missed the deadline, as there is no way for them to arrive in time.Direct flights from Delhi or Mumbai to New York take 15–16 hours, and with India nearly 10 hours ahead of Eastern Time, even travellers boarding on the morning of September 20 IST would land after the US deadline.&nbsp;<h2>Airfares shoot up massively&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;A one-way flight fare from New Delhi to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York jumped to Rs 70,000-80,000 from around Rs 37,000 within two hours of Trump’s announcement as people scrambled to return before the cut-off time.H-1B holders disembark from aircraftThe impact on H-1B holders was visible even at the US airports. Several H-1B visa holders flying out of the US chose to disembark from the aircraft after getting intimation about the September 21 deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH: Nasscom On H1B Visa Fee Hike: US Will Feel A 'Ripple Effect'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasscom-on-h1b-visa-fee-hike-us-will-feel-a-ripple-effect-1758368126063/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasscom-on-h1b-visa-fee-hike-us-will-feel-a-ripple-effect-1758368126063/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;An Emirates flight was delayed for hours at the San Francisco International Airport when several Indian passengers insisted on disembarking.“It was complete chaos… many H-1B visa holders just refused to fly once the news broke,” posted a traveller Masud Rana on X.Similar scenes played out in Dubai and other transit hubs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Extremely sad situation😪 An international flight packed with Indians(coming for Durga Puja)from Bay Area had completed boarding &amp; was due to leave SFO Airport,when the news about H1 B visa new rules just broke out. Indians aboard panicked,pleaded to get off the plane,but alas😪&mdash; CA Kaustav Majumdar (@KaustavMaj94587) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaustavMaj94587/status/1969309141609935221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kaustav Majumdar, a chartered accountant, described how “an international flight packed with Indians from the Bay Area had completed boarding… when panic erupted and people pleaded to get off.”Another eyewitness in Dubai said 10–15 passengers disembarked within 20 minutes after hearing about the re-entry deadline. Trump’s sudden move disrupted personal plans in the short term but will also severely impact teams in the US tech industry.

H-1B visa holders in India have already missed the deadline, as there is no way for them to arrive in time. Trump’s sudden move disrupted personal plans in the short term but will also severely impact teams in the US tech industry.

US President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to increase the fee for H-1B visas to $100,000 (Rs 88 lakh) with an abruptly short implementation deadline of September 21 has resulted in a sharp hike in fares of flights to the US, while airports in the US, Dubai, and India witnessed chaos as Indian techies started disembarking from aircraft on getting the intimation. Tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon told their employees outside the US to return within 24 hours to avoid denial of reentry and urged all their H-1B visa holders to not leave the US for at least 14 days. During this time of the year, several Indians working abroad come home for Durga Puja, which starts next week. Meanwhile, those already in India saw fares of the direct flights to the US shoot up massively as airlines looked eager to cash in on the chaos unleashed by Trump. Since Indians account for about 70% of all H-1B visa recipients, the move hits them hard. The rules are quite evidently clear—enter the US before 12.01 am EDT (9.31 am IST) on September 21. After that, no H-1B worker will be allowed to enter the US unless the sponsoring employer pays the $100,000 fee. Short Sept 21 deadline sparks chaos Top tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan acted swiftly and advised their employees holding H-1B visas not to leave the US and asked those currently abroad to return to the US immediately. However, H-1B visa holders on a vacation or business trip to India have already missed the deadline. H-1B visa holders who are out of the US on business or vacation will get stranded unless they get in before midnight on September 21. H-1Bs still in India have already missed the deadline, as there is no way for them to arrive in time. Direct flights from Delhi or Mumbai to New York take 15–16 hours, and with India nearly 10 hours ahead of Eastern Time, even travellers boarding on the morning of September 20 IST would land after the US deadline. Airfares shoot up massively A one-way flight fare from New Delhi to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York jumped to Rs 70,000-80,000 from around Rs 37,000 within two hours of Trump’s announcement as people scrambled to return before the cut-off time. H-1B holders disembark from aircraft The impact on H-1B holders was visible even at the US airports. Several H-1B visa holders flying out of the US chose to disembark from the aircraft after getting intimation about the September 21 deadline. WATCH: Nasscom On H1B Visa Fee Hike: US Will Feel A 'Ripple Effect' https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasscom-on-h1b-visa-fee-hike-us-will-feel-a-ripple-effect-1758368126063/embed An Emirates flight was delayed for hours at the San Francisco International Airport when several Indian passengers insisted on disembarking. “It was complete chaos… many H-1B visa holders just refused to fly once the news broke,” posted a traveller Masud Rana on X. Similar scenes played out in Dubai and other transit hubs.

H-1B visa holders in India have already missed the deadline, as there is no way for them to arrive in time. Trump’s sudden move disrupted personal plans in the short term but will also severely impact teams in the US tech industry.

India-US flight fares soar after Trump’s sudden H-1B visa fee hike; airports witness chaos

In the early hours of Saturday (September 20), residents across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed a stunning yet mysterious display in the sky—fiery streaks of light that left many wondering if it was a meteor shower or space debris. The sighting, which took place around 1:20am, was reported by people in areas like Gurugram, Noida, and Jaipur, among other places. The unusual phenomenon quickly caught the attention of social media users, with various theories being shared online.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Rare <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteorlights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteorlights</a> up <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Noida?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Noida</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ghaziabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ghaziabad</a>, &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurgaon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurgaon</a> skies on September 19, 2025, likely part of the Perseid shower. Bright bolide observed, possibly fragmenting, as reported by the American Meteor Society. No space debris or rocket re-entry confirmed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiNCR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiNCR</a> <a href="https://t.co/k86fYsfMZJ">pic.twitter.com/k86fYsfMZJ</a>&mdash; Thepagetoday (@thepagetody) <a href="https://twitter.com/thepagetody/status/1969243987845234961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One user on X posted, “Just witnessed this incredible fire streak in the night sky… Looks like a meteor or maybe part of a rocket burning up in the atmosphere. Nature’s own light show from my rooftop. Did anyone else spot it too?” Another shared visuals from Gurugram, calling it a "meteor shower": “Meteor showers over Sector 77, Gurgaon at 1:25 AM. It was a bright streak of light… Extremely beautiful and fortunate to watch.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Anyone Knows What is this? A Meteor or Re-Entry of a Space Vehicle?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiSky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiSky</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeteorShower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeteorShower</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceVehicle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceVehicle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Suspicious?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Suspicious</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceVehicle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceVehicle</a> <a href="https://t.co/QIVBPO1T2B">pic.twitter.com/QIVBPO1T2B</a>&mdash; मानस (@manas_6646) <a href="https://twitter.com/manas_6646/status/1969142295678103728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Other users also shared similar experiences. A resident from Greater Noida said, "Midnight spectacle in Greater Noida! Around 1:22 AM, a blazing asteroid lit up the Noida sky, a rare cinematic moment witnessed by locals.” Some reports came from commuters as well. One user wrote that they saw the streak over Bhikaji Kama Place in Delhi around 1:25 AM. "I was coming from the office with a colleague, and we stopped the scooty to record this. Not sure if it’s a meteor shower or something else,” they shared. While many were excited by the rare sight, some took to Reddit to suggest the streaks might not be meteors. One user pointed out, “This isn't a meteor lol. There aren’t even any around in September! This was just space debris and still kind of rare to see (unless it wasn’t Starlink).”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I was coming a while ago from my office with one of my colleague and around 1:25 am we saw a meteor shower above delhi sky , near bhikaji kama place , we stopped the scooty and started recording this, not sure if it&#39;s a meteor shower or something else , and we can&#39;t find in news. <a href="https://t.co/RiymC7qdkO">pic.twitter.com/RiymC7qdkO</a>&mdash; Rohit Pathak (@still__mortal) <a href="https://twitter.com/still__mortal/status/1969135531222086110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One X user cited a potential explanation based on the perseid meteor shower. Citing the American Meteor Society, they wrote, “Rare #meteorlights up #Delhi, #Noida #Ghaziabad, &amp; #Gurgaon skies on September 19, 2025, likely part of the Perseid shower. Bright bolide observed, possibly fragmenting, as reported by the American Meteor Society. No space debris or rocket re-entry confirmed.” As of now, experts have not confirmed whether the fiery streaks were indeed meteors or space debris, leaving many in the region awaiting official word.

Meteor shower or rocket debris? Social media buzzes as Delhi-NCR residents reacts to mysterious fiery streaks in sky

In the early hours of Saturday (September 20), residents across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed a stunning yet mysterious display in the sky—fiery streaks of light that left many wondering if it was a meteor shower or space debris. The sighting, which took place around 1:20am, was reported by people in areas like Gurugram, Noida, and Jaipur, among other places. The unusual phenomenon quickly caught the attention of social media users, with various theories being shared online.

A fiery streak was spotted over Delhi-NCR on Saturday which left several residents puzzled. While some speculated it was a meteor shower, others suggested space debris

Meteor shower or rocket debris? Social media buzzes as Delhi-NCR residents react to mysterious fiery streaks in sky

Anuradha Varma, the loan recovery agent, appeared in a great deal of distress in a subsequent call recording that went viral. She apologised to the CRPF personnel for her previous abusive behaviour. She broke down in tears while seeking forgiveness. &nbsp;In a broken and whimpering voice, she said that she was not herself and in immense work and family pressure.&nbsp;<h2>The emotional apology call</h2>‘Hello, Sir, Anuradha. Actually, I don’t know how this happened. I don't recall what the frustration was, whether it was anger or family pressure or work pressure. I had made a mistake knowingly or unknowingly. But I had no such intention ( sobbing), to hurt the sentiments of Indian security personnel… I can't take back the words I have uttered. Yes, but I can apologise. I want to beg your forgiveness. I know I had committed a mistake. Please forgive me. And if possible, please refrain from sending me these inappropriate messages, calls, and video calls. Please, I beg you with humility and with my hands folded. Once again, I want to reiterate that I had no intentions to hurt you. Please consider me a younger sister and forgive me. If you want to punish me, please tell me. My job is hanging in the fray now,' said Anuradha in another viral phone call.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update: She&#39;s apologising 💀 <a href="https://t.co/Yj5S6E9kls">https://t.co/Yj5S6E9kls</a> <a href="https://t.co/DDUck2CeAh">pic.twitter.com/DDUck2CeAh</a>&mdash; Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/gharkekalesh/status/1969030559281356871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How did it all start?</h2>The saga started with a phone call that went viral on Thursday, in which Anuradha Varma, a Mumbai-based loan recovery agent, could be heard abusing the CRPF personnel and their family with harsh words during a phone call for loan recovery. &nbsp;The call recording shows the use of derogatory remarks such as “gawar ho, tabhi border pe bhej diye gaye ho” (you’re illiterate, that’s why you were sent to the border), and it also showed her making offensive comments about his children being born disabled.The lady was earlier identified as an HDFC banker, but the bank had issued a statement clarifying any such connection with the lady. In a Twitter post, the bank said that the lady in the conversation is not an employee of the HDFC Bank, and the bank does not support this kind of conduct, and it does not reflect the values of the organisation.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Clarification. <a href="https://t.co/YjS1F17Zf3">pic.twitter.com/YjS1F17Zf3</a>&mdash; HDFC Bank (@HDFC_Bank) <a href="https://twitter.com/HDFC_Bank/status/1969037356545261986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The incident highlights the immense pressure loan recovery agents face, and the imminent need to scrutinise the practices of the banks.&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hdfc-bank-denies-link-banker-abuses-army-jawan-loan-call-1758257249142">'You're illiterate that's why you're in army' - Mumbai banker abuses a soldier</a>

Anuradha Varma, who went viral over her remark to a CRPF personnel, has apologised in a subsequent phone call, which apparently also went viral.

Anuradha Varma, the loan recovery agent, appeared in a great deal of distress in a subsequent call recording that went viral. She apologised to the CRPF personnel for her previous abusive behaviour. She broke down in tears while seeking forgiveness. In a broken and whimpering voice, she said that she was not herself and in immense work and family pressure. The emotional apology call ‘Hello, Sir, Anuradha. Actually, I don’t know how this happened. I don't recall what the frustration was, whether it was anger or family pressure or work pressure. I had made a mistake knowingly or unknowingly. But I had no such intention ( sobbing), to hurt the sentiments of Indian security personnel… I can't take back the words I have uttered. Yes, but I can apologise. I want to beg your forgiveness. I know I had committed a mistake. Please forgive me. And if possible, please refrain from sending me these inappropriate messages, calls, and video calls. Please, I beg you with humility and with my hands folded. Once again, I want to reiterate that I had no intentions to hurt you. Please consider me a younger sister and forgive me. If you want to punish me, please tell me. My job is hanging in the fray now,' said Anuradha in another viral phone call.

Anuradha Varma, who went viral over her remark to a CRPF personnel, has apologised in a subsequent phone call, which apparently also went viral.

Mumbai loan recovery agent Anuradha Varma breaks down in tears apologises to CRPF personnel in viral call

In a significant move concerning India's maritime and shipbuilding sectors, government companies Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) have inked MoUs with the Tamil Nadu government to invest a total of Rs 30,000crore ($3.4bn) in the Southern state. Making the announcement, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Dr. TRB Rajaa said that investment is for establishing of shipbuilding hub in Thoothukudi district, about 600kms south of the state capital city Chennai. "This is going to be important for national security amid the present geopolitical situation," Rajaa said.&nbsp;CSL is the builder of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which has been serving the Indian Navy since 2022. CSL also builds a wide range of commercial ships and tugs for foreign Governments and private entities. MDL is known for building under licence, the French-origin Scorpene diesel-electric stealth submarines that are in service with the Indian Navy. MDL has also build India's frontline destroyer warships of the Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stay-in-the-country-for-now-amazon-advises-h-1b-and-h-4-visa-holders-amid-100k-fee-rule-and-new-us-immigration-policies-1758354459671">'Stay in the country for now': Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders amid $100K fee rule and new US immigration policies</a>&nbsp;Elaborating on the investments, TRB Rajaa said that both firms have inked an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to invest Rs15,000cr each, and that these investments would create a total of 55,000 direct and indirect jobs. On the overall development that this project would bring to Thoothukudi, Rajaa said that shipbuilding isn't only about iron and steel, and it involves a host of other allied industries, all of which would flourish in the region. He also acknowledged that the Tamil Nadu government worked closely with the Central government to get these investments.&nbsp;On the planned start of the project, he said without elaborating further, "work will commence soon, important CEOs and international delegates are to come". He added that while Tamil Nadu is a leader in sectors such as automobiles, automobile parts, electronics manufacturing, leather, the state government is looking to diversify and facilitate investments from diverse sectors. &nbsp;Already, L&amp;T operates their Kattupalli shipbuilding and ship repair facility near Chennai, where vessels for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard are built. Further, the facility also has agreements with the US Navy to repair their ships. Auxiliary ships of the UK Royal Navy have also undergone repairs at the Kattupalli facility. The addition of the shipbuilding hub in Thoothukudi is expected to increase the significance of the region.

Indian government to setup shipbuilding hub for $3.4bn in Tamil Nadu

In a significant move concerning India's maritime and shipbuilding sectors, government companies Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) have inked MoUs with the Tamil Nadu government to invest a total of Rs 30,000crore ($3.4bn) in the Southern state. Making the announcement, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Dr. TRB Rajaa said that investment is for establishing of shipbuilding hub in Thoothukudi district, about 600kms south of the state capital city Chennai. "This is going to be important for national security amid the present geopolitical situation," Rajaa said. CSL is the builder of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which has been serving the Indian Navy since 2022. CSL also builds a wide range of commercial ships and tugs for foreign Governments and private entities. MDL is known for building under licence, the French-origin Scorpene diesel-electric stealth submarines that are in service with the Indian Navy. MDL has also build India's frontline destroyer warships of the Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class, among others. Also Read: 'Stay in the country for now': Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders amid $100K fee rule and new US immigration policies Elaborating on the investments, TRB Rajaa said that both firms have inked an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to invest Rs15,000cr each, and that these investments would create a total of 55,000 direct and indirect jobs. On the overall development that this project would bring to Thoothukudi, Rajaa said that shipbuilding isn't only about iron and steel, and it involves a host of other allied industries, all of which would flourish in the region. He also acknowledged that the Tamil Nadu government worked closely with the Central government to get these investments. On the planned start of the project, he said without elaborating further, "work will commence soon, important CEOs and international delegates are to come". He added that while Tamil Nadu is a leader in sectors such as automobiles, automobile parts, electronics manufacturing, leather, the state government is looking to diversify and facilitate investments from diverse sectors. Already, L&T operates their Kattupalli shipbuilding and ship repair facility near Chennai, where vessels for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard are built. Further, the facility also has agreements with the US Navy to repair their ships. Auxiliary ships of the UK Royal Navy have also undergone repairs at the Kattupalli facility. The addition of the shipbuilding hub in Thoothukudi is expected to increase the significance of the region.

Cochin Shipyard Limited is the builder of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which has been serving the Indian Navy since 2022

Tech giant Amazon has instructed its H-1B and H-4 visa-holding employees to stay in the United States in light of recent immigration policy changes. According to a note accessed by Reuters, the company said, “If you're in the US on an H-1B visa, please remain here for now.” The advisory also emphasised that visa holders should return to the US before midnight on September 21 to avoid potential complications. This guidance follows similar advisories from other major corporations like Microsoft and JP Morgan, after US President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation.&nbsp;&nbsp;This policy, set to be implemented on September 21, imposes a $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa application. The rule will remain in effect for a year, with the possibility of extension. Microsoft has echoed Amazon’s message, urging H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the US before the deadline. In a note, the company said, “We strongly recommend that visa holders return before tomorrow to avoid disruption.” Likewise, JPMorgan’s immigration counsel advised its employees on H-1B visas to stay in the country and refrain from international travel until further updates.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-just-made-it-nearly-impossible-for-indians-to-work-in-the-us-here-s-how-us-hikes-h-1b-fee-to-100-000-or-90-lakh-1758336080621">Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how</a>&nbsp;Since taking office, President Trump has initiated a comprehensive immigration reform, including measures that target even legal immigration. A key focus of the reform is the H-1B visa program, which enables US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields like technology. The new rule, which requires companies to pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B worker, is expected to create challenges, particularly for the tech industry, which relies on skilled workers from countries like India and China.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-us-media-calls-negative-coverage-illegal-after-jimmy-kimmel-show-suspension-stirs-free-speech-debate-1758343869435">Trump slams US media, calls negative coverage 'illegal' after Jimmy Kimmel show suspension stirs free speech debate</a>&nbsp;India, which received the most H-1B visa approvals last year, accounted for 71% of the total, while China was second with 11.7%. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick voiced support for the changes, saying that the goal is to prioritise training US graduates over foreign workers. According to Lutnick, companies will be required to pay the $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa over its three-year term, though specifics of the policy are still under discussion. Currently, H-1B applicants pay only a small fee to participate in the visa lottery. If selected, additional charges are much lower than the new proposed fee, making the new rule a significant shift in US immigration policy.

Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders to stay in the US due to new immigration rules imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications

Tech giant Amazon has instructed its H-1B and H-4 visa-holding employees to stay in the United States in light of recent immigration policy changes. According to a note accessed by Reuters, the company said, “If you're in the US on an H-1B visa, please remain here for now.” The advisory also emphasised that visa holders should return to the US before midnight on September 21 to avoid potential complications. This guidance follows similar advisories from other major corporations like Microsoft and JP Morgan, after US President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation. This policy, set to be implemented on September 21, imposes a $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa application. The rule will remain in effect for a year, with the possibility of extension. Microsoft has echoed Amazon’s message, urging H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the US before the deadline. In a note, the company said, “We strongly recommend that visa holders return before tomorrow to avoid disruption.” Likewise, JPMorgan’s immigration counsel advised its employees on H-1B visas to stay in the country and refrain from international travel until further updates. Also Read: Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how Since taking office, President Trump has initiated a comprehensive immigration reform, including measures that target even legal immigration. A key focus of the reform is the H-1B visa program, which enables US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields like technology. The new rule, which requires companies to pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B worker, is expected to create challenges, particularly for the tech industry, which relies on skilled workers from countries like India and China. Also Read: Trump slams US media, calls negative coverage 'illegal' after Jimmy Kimmel show suspension stirs free speech debate India, which received the most H-1B visa approvals last year, accounted for 71% of the total, while China was second with 11.7%. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick voiced support for the changes, saying that the goal is to prioritise training US graduates over foreign workers. According to Lutnick, companies will be required to pay the $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa over its three-year term, though specifics of the policy are still under discussion. Currently, H-1B applicants pay only a small fee to participate in the visa lottery. If selected, additional charges are much lower than the new proposed fee, making the new rule a significant shift in US immigration policy.

Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders to stay in the US due to new immigration rules imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications

'Stay in the country for now': Amazon advises H-1B and H-4 visa holders amid $100K fee rule and new US immigration policies

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has raked up a controversy after he suggested that nuclear capabilities may be extended to Saudi Arabia under a new mutual defence agreement that was signed between both the countries on Wednesday (Sept 17). Asif made the statement in a TV talk show on Thursday night (Sep 18).&nbsp;"Let me make one point clear about Pakistan's nuclear capability: that capability was established long ago when we conducted tests. Since then, we have forces trained for the battlefield. What we have, our capabilities, will absolutely be available under this pact," he said, during the talk show to Geo TV.&nbsp;Asif retracts from statement&nbsp;Later, in an interview to news agency Reuters, Asif retracted from his comment and said that nuclear weapons were “not on the radar”. The Foreign Office, however, chose to remain silent on the issue. When asked about Asif's remarks on whether the pact alters Pakistan's doctrine that says the warheads are for use only against India, the Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan chose a cautious approach.&nbsp;“The doctrine has evolved and continues to do so. I am not here to comment on the specificity of the doctrine, but our position is well known," said Khan, as reported by Dawn.&nbsp;What is the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence deal?&nbsp;Pakistan and it's close ally Saudi Arabia signed a defence agreement on Wednesday (Sept 17) under which both countries have agreed to defend each other in situation of an external aggression. The “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” between both the Islamic nations was signed by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement clearly states that an attack on either of them would be considered "an aggression against both".&nbsp;The agreement between both the countries was sealed during &nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh and the announcement was made through a joint statement reported Reuters.&nbsp;The development comes after the recently held Doha summit that was attended by 40 Islamic nations including Pakistan. During the meet it was decided by these nations to form a Nato-like alliance after Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week. Interestingly Pakistan is the only Islamic nation that has nuclear capabilities. &nbsp;

When asked about Asifs remarks on whether the pact alters Pakistans doctrine that says the warheads are for use only against India, the Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan chose a cautious approach.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has raked up a controversy after he suggested that nuclear capabilities may be extended to Saudi Arabia under a new mutual defence agreement that was signed between both the countries on Wednesday (Sept 17). Asif made the statement in a TV talk show on Thursday night (Sep 18). "Let me make one point clear about Pakistan's nuclear capability: that capability was established long ago when we conducted tests. Since then, we have forces trained for the battlefield. What we have, our capabilities, will absolutely be available under this pact," he said, during the talk show to Geo TV. Asif retracts from statement Later, in an interview to news agency Reuters, Asif retracted from his comment and said that nuclear weapons were “not on the radar”. The Foreign Office, however, chose to remain silent on the issue. When asked about Asif's remarks on whether the pact alters Pakistan's doctrine that says the warheads are for use only against India, the Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan chose a cautious approach. “The doctrine has evolved and continues to do so. I am not here to comment on the specificity of the doctrine, but our position is well known," said Khan, as reported by Dawn. What is the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence deal? Pakistan and it's close ally Saudi Arabia signed a defence agreement on Wednesday (Sept 17) under which both countries have agreed to defend each other in situation of an external aggression. The “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” between both the Islamic nations was signed by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement clearly states that an attack on either of them would be considered "an aggression against both". The agreement between both the countries was sealed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh and the announcement was made through a joint statement reported Reuters. The development comes after the recently held Doha summit that was attended by 40 Islamic nations including Pakistan. During the meet it was decided by these nations to form a Nato-like alliance after Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week. Interestingly Pakistan is the only Islamic nation that has nuclear capabilities.

When asked about Asif's remarks on whether the pact alters Pakistan's doctrine that says the warheads are for use only against India, the Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan chose a cautious approach.

Pakistan-Saudi defence deal: Nuclear weapons available for Saudi Arabia, says Pak defence minister, retracts later

The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted coordinated raids and searches at approximately eight locations across seven districts in the Kashmir division on Saturday (Sep 20). The operations targeted sites in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara, Handwara, Pulwama, and Shopian. CIK stated that the searches were executed pursuant to a search warrant issued by a competent court in connection with an ongoing terror-related investigation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-building-concrete-underground-bunkers-deep-within-the-dense-forests-1758277407410">Terrorists building concrete underground bunkers in Jammu and Kashmir forests</a>The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their operations in the last twelve hours. An encounter is underway in the Kishtwar district of the Jammu division. The operation began when security forces had a tip off about the presence of terrorists in the area, after which a cordon and search operation was launched. During the search operation, terrorists fired on security forces, resulting in a gun battle. Forces believe that three to four terrorists are holed up at the operation site.''In an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Kishtwar, alert troops of #WhiteKnightCorps established contact with terrorists at around 8 pm on 19 Sep 25. Exchange of fire took place. Operations are currently in progress, '' said Indian Army's WhiteKnightCorps.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jem-front-plans-peshawar-rally-to-honor-masood-azhar-s-family-killed-in-operation-sindoor-1758301771944">JeM front plans rally to honor Masood Azhar’s family Killed in Operation Sindoor</a>

They further updated and added '' Contact Site of the ongoing operation is Doda-Udhampur border. Operation continues''.The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, successfully dismantled a terrorist hideout in the Poonch sector of Jammu division. The operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. The recovery included one weapon (AK Series), four AK magazines, 20 Hand Grenades and other war like stores.''Alert #WhiteKnightCorps troops while carrying out an intelligence based joint search operation with #JKP, recovered one weapon (AK Series), four AK magazines, 20 Hand Grenades and other war like stores in Poonch Sector, '' said Indian Army.

The CIK conducted raids in eight locations across seven districts as an encounter with terrorists is underway in Kishtwar. A separate operation in Poonch has meanwhile dismantled a hideout, with officers seizing a large cache of weapons.

The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted coordinated raids and searches at approximately eight locations across seven districts in the Kashmir division on Saturday (Sep 20). The operations targeted sites in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara, Handwara, Pulwama, and Shopian. CIK stated that the searches were executed pursuant to a search warrant issued by a competent court in connection with an ongoing terror-related investigation. Also read | Terrorists building concrete underground bunkers in Jammu and Kashmir forests The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their operations in the last twelve hours. An encounter is underway in the Kishtwar district of the Jammu division. The operation began when security forces had a tip off about the presence of terrorists in the area, after which a cordon and search operation was launched. During the search operation, terrorists fired on security forces, resulting in a gun battle. Forces believe that three to four terrorists are holed up at the operation site. ''In an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Kishtwar, alert troops of #WhiteKnightCorps established contact with terrorists at around 8 pm on 19 Sep 25. Exchange of fire took place. Operations are currently in progress, '' said Indian Army's WhiteKnightCorps. Also read | JeM front plans rally to honor Masood Azhar’s family Killed in Operation Sindoor

The CIK conducted raids in eight locations across seven districts as an encounter with terrorists is underway in Kishtwar. A separate operation in Poonch has meanwhile dismantled a hideout, with officers seizing a large cache of weapons.

J&K terror crackdown: Coordinated raids across 7 districts, encounter underway in Kishtwar

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000, a move that could deal a major blow to Indian tech workers and the firms that hire them. For Indians, this massive visa fee hike translates to a whopping ₹90 lakh. Through the H-1B program, American companies bring in highly skilled foreign workers, most of them from countries like India. However, now, for every visa application, employers will have to cough up $100,000 a year on top of existing filing fees and salaries. Singing the order in the Oval Office, Trump announced, "They (US-based companies) need workers, we need great workers. This proclamation ensures that America will now get good workers."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slaps-100-000-fee-on-h-1b-visas-indian-tech-workers-to-be-hit-hardest-1758334806893">Trump slaps $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, Indian tech workers to be hit hardest</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> signs a Proclamation to restrict the entry of certain H-1B aliens into the U.S. as nonimmigrant workers, requiring a $100,000 payment to accompany or supplement H-1B petitions for new applications. AMERICA FIRST! <a href="https://t.co/AzAUJzXawV">pic.twitter.com/AzAUJzXawV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1969155493701571049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How many Indians will be affected?</h2>According to Pew Research, India remains the top beneficiary of the H-1B visa programme. In 2023, Indians accounted for roughly three-quarters (around 73 per cent) of the total H-1B visa applicants. This translates to hundreds of thousands of Indians every year. The impact of Trump's proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas was immediate on markets. Shares of Cognizant dropped nearly 5 per cent, while US-listed Indian IT majors Infosys and Wipro fell between 2 per cent and 5 per cent. Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, which collectively secured tens of thousands of H-1B approvals this year, are also likely to face higher costs.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-boasts-us-forces-blasted-another-boat-with-drug-traffickers-en-route-to-poison-americans-three-narcoterrorists-killed-watch-1758329745438">Trump says US blasted 3rd boat with drugs ‘en route to poison Americans’. Watch</a><h2>Trump's immigration crackdown</h2>The fee hike comes on top of a growing list of visa hurdles, from stricter background checks to new rules forcing applicants to face screening for "anti-Americanism." In August 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that immigration officers have now been instructed to weigh whether a green card applicant has "endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused" anti-American, terrorist, or antisemitic views.Additionally, starting October 2025, citizenship applicants will also face a tougher civics test. Under this, applicants will have to answer at least 12 out of 20 oral questions correctly from a pool of 128 questions.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation that dramatically raises the annual fee for H-1B visas to a whopping $100,000 or ₹90 lakh. The move may make the Indian techies' US dream nearly impossible. Here's All You Need To Know.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000, a move that could deal a major blow to Indian tech workers and the firms that hire them. For Indians, this massive visa fee hike translates to a whopping ₹90 lakh. Through the H-1B program, American companies bring in highly skilled foreign workers, most of them from countries like India. However, now, for every visa application, employers will have to cough up $100,000 a year on top of existing filing fees and salaries. Singing the order in the Oval Office, Trump announced, "They (US-based companies) need workers, we need great workers. This proclamation ensures that America will now get good workers." Also read | Trump slaps $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, Indian tech workers to be hit hardest

President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation that dramatically raises the annual fee for H-1B visas to a whopping $100,000 or ₹90 lakh. The move may make the Indian techies' US dream nearly impossible. Here's All You Need To Know.

Trump just made it nearly impossible for Indians to work in the US — Here's how

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The H-1B program allows American companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers, many of them from countries like India. Now, every visa application will cost employers $100,000 a year on top of existing filing fees and salaries. "They (US-based companies) need workers, we need great workers. This proclamation ensures that America will now get good workers," said Trump as he signed the proclamation in the Oval Office on Friday.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-elect-a-rapist-expect-to-get-fu-ed-britons-troll-trump-as-windsor-castle-lights-up-with-epstein-images-1758075915188">'Elect a rapist, expect to get fu**ed': Britons troll 'dick-tator' Trump, light up Windsor Castle with Epstein images</a><h2>Companies on board with the $100,000 visa fee?</h2>US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that "all the big companies are on board" with the plan and insisted that this would mean more jobs for Americans. "They have to pay the government $100,000, then they have to pay the employee. So it's just not economic. If you're going to train somebody, you're going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land, train Americans, stop bringing in people to take our jobs," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-boasts-us-forces-blasted-another-boat-with-drug-traffickers-en-route-to-poison-americans-three-narcoterrorists-killed-watch-1758329745438">Trump says US blasted 3rd boat with drugs ‘en route to poison Americans’. Watch</a>Calling the 'H1-B non-immigrant visa programme' the "most abused visa system,' Trump's Trump'sWhite House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said that the step would allow only "highly skilled labourers who work in fields that Americans don't work in to come into the United States of America"."This will ensure that the people they're bringing in are actually very highly skilled and that they're not replaceable by American workers," he said.Since taking office in January, Trump has implemented several measures to crack down on immigration. However, the decision to raise the H-1B visa fee is one of his most notable efforts that significantly revamps the temporary employment visa system.

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that imposes a new annual fee of $100,000 on H-1B visa applications. Here's all you need to know.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 19) signed a proclamation hiking the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The H-1B program allows American companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers, many of them from countries like India. Now, every visa application will cost employers $100,000 a year on top of existing filing fees and salaries. "They (US-based companies) need workers, we need great workers. This proclamation ensures that America will now get good workers," said Trump as he signed the proclamation in the Oval Office on Friday. Also read | 'Elect a rapist, expect to get fu**ed': Britons troll 'dick-tator' Trump, light up Windsor Castle with Epstein images Companies on board with the $100,000 visa fee? US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that "all the big companies are on board" with the plan and insisted that this would mean more jobs for Americans. "They have to pay the government $100,000, then they have to pay the employee. So it's just not economic. If you're going to train somebody, you're going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land, train Americans, stop bringing in people to take our jobs," he added. Also read | Trump says US blasted 3rd boat with drugs ‘en route to poison Americans’. Watch Calling the 'H1-B non-immigrant visa programme' the "most abused visa system,' Trump's Trump'sWhite House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said that the step would allow only "highly skilled labourers who work in fields that Americans don't work in to come into the United States of America". "This will ensure that the people they're bringing in are actually very highly skilled and that they're not replaceable by American workers," he said. Since taking office in January, Trump has implemented several measures to crack down on immigration. However, the decision to raise the H-1B visa fee is one of his most notable efforts that significantly revamps the temporary employment visa system.

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that imposes a new annual fee of $100,000 on H-1B visa applications. Here's all you need to know.

Trump slaps $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, Indian tech workers to be hit hardest

Two jawans of the Assam Rifles were killed and five others injured after their vehicle was ambushed by a group of heavily armed terrorists on the outskirts of Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Friday evening. Those injured have been taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. A defence spokesperson said in a statement that the attack took place at around 5.50 pm, when a column of the 33 Assam Rifles was moving along National Highway 2 in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area. “In the ensuing action, two personnel of Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured, who have since been evacuated to RIMS (Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal) and are currently stable,” the statement said.&nbsp;The terrorists fired at the 407 Tata vehicle of paramilitary forces travelling from Patsoi company operating base to Nambol base.The ambush on the road Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken during his recent visit to Manipur a week ago.&nbsp;“In the general area, Nambol Sabal Leikai, the column was ambushed by unidentified terrorists on the highway in the denotified area of Manipur. In the ensuing action, two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured,” said the official statement.The Assam Rifles unit was moving on NH-2 when it was ambushed, it added.&nbsp;WATCH: Britain’s secret service MI6 opens hidden portal on dark web<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/britain-s-secret-service-mi6-opens-hidden-portal-on-dark-web-1758306060436/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/britain-s-secret-service-mi6-opens-hidden-portal-on-dark-web-1758306060436/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Search operations are underway to catch the armed men involved in the incident.The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is in force in the entire state of Manipur, except in 13 police station areas of five districts in the valley. Nambol comes under the Bishnupur district, which is not under AFSPA coverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Governor of Manipur has strongly condemned the attack on security forces this evening, in which two brave jawans of the Assam Rifles made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The Governor expressed profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved…&mdash; RAJ BHAVAN, MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajBhavManipur/status/1969044206921326626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There are nine banned Meitei terrorist groups in Manipur that have been responsible for attacks on the Assam Rifles in the past.Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned the attack, expressed profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were killed in the line of duty, and conveyed prayers for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the incident. Bhalla said that such acts of violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances and warned that they will be met with the strongest resolve to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

The terrorists fired at the 407 Tata vehicle of paramilitary forces travelling from the Patsoi company operating base to the Nambol base. The ambush on the road Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken during his recent visit to Manipur a week ago.

Two jawans of the Assam Rifles were killed and five others injured after their vehicle was ambushed by a group of heavily armed terrorists on the outskirts of Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Friday evening. Those injured have been taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. A defence spokesperson said in a statement that the attack took place at around 5.50 pm, when a column of the 33 Assam Rifles was moving along National Highway 2 in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area. “In the ensuing action, two personnel of Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured, who have since been evacuated to RIMS (Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal) and are currently stable,” the statement said. The terrorists fired at the 407 Tata vehicle of paramilitary forces travelling from Patsoi company operating base to Nambol base. The ambush on the road Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken during his recent visit to Manipur a week ago. “In the general area, Nambol Sabal Leikai, the column was ambushed by unidentified terrorists on the highway in the denotified area of Manipur. In the ensuing action, two personnel of the Assam Rifles were martyred and five were injured,” said the official statement. The Assam Rifles unit was moving on NH-2 when it was ambushed, it added. WATCH: Britain’s secret service MI6 opens hidden portal on dark web https://www.wionews.com/videos/britain-s-secret-service-mi6-opens-hidden-portal-on-dark-web-1758306060436/embed No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Search operations are underway to catch the armed men involved in the incident. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is in force in the entire state of Manipur, except in 13 police station areas of five districts in the valley. Nambol comes under the Bishnupur district, which is not under AFSPA coverage.

The terrorists fired at the 407 Tata vehicle of paramilitary forces travelling from the Patsoi company operating base to the Nambol base. The ambush on the road Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken during his recent visit to Manipur a week ago.&nbsp;

2 Assam Rifles personnel killed, 5 injured in Manipur ambush

A front of the United Nations Security Council-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), operating under the alias Al-Murabitun, is set to hold a rally in Peshawar on September 25 to honor Yusuf Azhar, the brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar, killed during India’s counter-terrorism Operation Sindoor. According to an Indian intelligence dossier, the event, organised in the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), is expected to serve as a recruitment drive, with senior JeM leaders in attendance.&nbsp;The rally follows the devastating Indian strikes on JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur, where Masood Azhar lost several family members. Indian strikes, under operation Sindoor, came after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistani-trained terrorists. Pamphlets circulating for the event signal a major attempt by JeM to rally support and radicalise youth. The name Al-Murabitun is also of another terror group in West Africa that has links with al-Qa`ida.&nbsp;The rally comes days after JeM hosted a major recruitment drive in Garhi Habibullah town of Mansehra district, KPK. The rally that took place just hours before the India-Pakistan cricket match in Dubai on 14th September was led by Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, alias Abu Mohammad, a key figure in JeM’s operational restructuring. Wanted in India for being the mastermind in the 2018 Sunjuwan Army Camp attack in Jammu, he has been on NIA’s chargesheet, along with Masood Azhar and Abdul Rauf Asghar, for the terror attack.&nbsp;He made a fiery speech at the gathering, guarded by both JeM cadres armed with M4 rifles and local police officers, according to the intel dossier. In the over 30-minute speech, he glorified Osama bin Laden, reminding the audience that following the Kandahar hijack of IC-814, when Masood Azhar was freed from Delhi’s Tihar Jail and he returned to Pakistan. In the videos that have emerged on social media, he spoke about India’s operation Sindoor and how family members of Masood Azhar’s family were “turned to mince” during the Indian strikes. He also said that “Chief of Army Staff (now elevated to Field Marshal Asim Munir) personally ordered GHQ to direct military commanders to attend the funerals of JeM terrorist” killed in Indian strikes.&nbsp;Terror hubs moved to KPK&nbsp;Indian intelligence assessments indicate that Pakistan’s terrorist groups, including JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), are shifting operations to KPK due to the vulnerability of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Indian strikes. The assessment from the Indian side is that movements are being conducted with “full awareness and direct facilitation of Pakistan's state structures” as “evidenced by overt JeM gatherings held under police protection”.&nbsp;Terror structures are also being expanded and built in the northwestern Pakistani province. JeM’s training facility at Mansehra has been undergoing expansion since Operation Sindoor, has emerged. Additionally, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) is building a new training facility named “HM 313” in the Bandaai area of Lower Dir, KPK, overseen by ex-Pakistani commando Khalid Khan. Land was purchased in August 2024, and construction resumed in Post Operation Sindoor.

Pamphlets circulating for the event signal a major attempt by JeM to rally support and radicalise youth. The name Al-Murabitun is also of another terror group in West Africa that has links with al-Qa`ida.

A front of the United Nations Security Council-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), operating under the alias Al-Murabitun, is set to hold a rally in Peshawar on September 25 to honor Yusuf Azhar, the brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar, killed during India’s counter-terrorism Operation Sindoor. According to an Indian intelligence dossier, the event, organised in the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), is expected to serve as a recruitment drive, with senior JeM leaders in attendance. The rally follows the devastating Indian strikes on JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur, where Masood Azhar lost several family members. Indian strikes, under operation Sindoor, came after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistani-trained terrorists. Pamphlets circulating for the event signal a major attempt by JeM to rally support and radicalise youth. The name Al-Murabitun is also of another terror group in West Africa that has links with al-Qa`ida. The rally comes days after JeM hosted a major recruitment drive in Garhi Habibullah town of Mansehra district, KPK. The rally that took place just hours before the India-Pakistan cricket match in Dubai on 14th September was led by Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, alias Abu Mohammad, a key figure in JeM’s operational restructuring. Wanted in India for being the mastermind in the 2018 Sunjuwan Army Camp attack in Jammu, he has been on NIA’s chargesheet, along with Masood Azhar and Abdul Rauf Asghar, for the terror attack. He made a fiery speech at the gathering, guarded by both JeM cadres armed with M4 rifles and local police officers, according to the intel dossier. In the over 30-minute speech, he glorified Osama bin Laden, reminding the audience that following the Kandahar hijack of IC-814, when Masood Azhar was freed from Delhi’s Tihar Jail and he returned to Pakistan. In the videos that have emerged on social media, he spoke about India’s operation Sindoor and how family members of Masood Azhar’s family were “turned to mince” during the Indian strikes. He also said that “Chief of Army Staff (now elevated to Field Marshal Asim Munir) personally ordered GHQ to direct military commanders to attend the funerals of JeM terrorist” killed in Indian strikes. Terror hubs moved to KPK Indian intelligence assessments indicate that Pakistan’s terrorist groups, including JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), are shifting operations to KPK due to the vulnerability of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Indian strikes. The assessment from the Indian side is that movements are being conducted with “full awareness and direct facilitation of Pakistan's state structures” as “evidenced by overt JeM gatherings held under police protection”. Terror structures are also being expanded and built in the northwestern Pakistani province. JeM’s training facility at Mansehra has been undergoing expansion since Operation Sindoor, has emerged. Additionally, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) is building a new training facility named “HM 313” in the Bandaai area of Lower Dir, KPK, overseen by ex-Pakistani commando Khalid Khan. Land was purchased in August 2024, and construction resumed in Post Operation Sindoor.

Pamphlets circulating for the event signal a major attempt by JeM to rally support and radicalise youth. The name Al-Murabitun is also of another terror group in West Africa that has links with al-Qa`ida.

JeM front plans Peshawar rally to honor Masood Azhar’s family Killed in Operation Sindoor

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated American firm Equinix’s Data Centre near the Southern Indian city of Chennai. He was accompanied by State Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, top government officials, and company representatives. Situated in the SIPCOT IT park in Siruseri, the data centre has been established at a cost of Rs. 574 crore ($65 million). This comes at a time when several multinational firms are setting up their Global Capability Centre (GCCs) and data centres across major cities in India.&nbsp;Headquartered in the US, Equinix is a digital infrastructure company that provides connectivity solutions to global businesses. With the aim of providing an optimal infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence and new generation technologies, the firm has established and operates data centre in multiple nations.&nbsp;According to the Tamil Nadu government, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project was signed during the Investors’ Meet held in July 2022, and the foundation stone for this project was laid back then by Chief Minister MK Stalin.&nbsp;As per the Indian Government’s revised 2024-25 GDP estimate, Tamil Nadu has recorded 11.19%, the highest growth rate in the country. Notably, this double-digit growth has returned to the southern Indian state after a period of 14 years. The Tamil Nadu Government has set a target of making the state a $1 trillion economy by the end of this decade.&nbsp;WATCH: Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists building concrete underground bunkers deep within the dense forests<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-building-concrete-underground-bunkers-deep-within-the-dense-forests-1758290766760/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-building-concrete-underground-bunkers-deep-within-the-dense-forests-1758290766760/embed</a>&nbsp;

The MoU for this project was signed during the Investors’ Meet held in July 2022, and the foundation stone for this project was laid back then by Chief Minister MK Stalin. The Tamil Nadu Government has set a target of making the state a $1 trillion economy by the end of this decade.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated American firm Equinix’s Data Centre near the Southern Indian city of Chennai. He was accompanied by State Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, top government officials, and company representatives. Situated in the SIPCOT IT park in Siruseri, the data centre has been established at a cost of Rs. 574 crore ($65 million). This comes at a time when several multinational firms are setting up their Global Capability Centre (GCCs) and data centres across major cities in India. Headquartered in the US, Equinix is a digital infrastructure company that provides connectivity solutions to global businesses. With the aim of providing an optimal infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence and new generation technologies, the firm has established and operates data centre in multiple nations. According to the Tamil Nadu government, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project was signed during the Investors’ Meet held in July 2022, and the foundation stone for this project was laid back then by Chief Minister MK Stalin. As per the Indian Government’s revised 2024-25 GDP estimate, Tamil Nadu has recorded 11.19%, the highest growth rate in the country. Notably, this double-digit growth has returned to the southern Indian state after a period of 14 years. The Tamil Nadu Government has set a target of making the state a $1 trillion economy by the end of this decade. WATCH: Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists building concrete underground bunkers deep within the dense forests https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-building-concrete-underground-bunkers-deep-within-the-dense-forests-1758290766760/embed

The MoU for this project was signed during the Investors’ Meet held in July 2022, and the foundation stone for this project was laid back then by Chief Minister MK Stalin. The Tamil Nadu Government has set a target of making the state a $1 trillion economy by the end of this decade.

Tamil Nadu CM inaugurates American firm’s $65 million data centre in Chennai

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander has admitted that the Markaz Taiba terror camp in Muridke, in Pakistan’s Punjab province, was destroyed in India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, contradicting Pakistan’s claims till now and confirming that India’s precision strikes hit the intended target. The Muridke camp is the headquarters of the LeT in Pakistan. In a video that has gone viral on social media, LeT commander Qaasim is seen standing amidst the rubble of the erstwhile camp in Muridke while two excavators are seen working in the background. Qaasim also admitted that many ‘big’ terrorists, whom he called Mujahideen, got trained in the camp and achieved ‘faiz’, thereby validating and justifying India’s precision strike on the camp, said a Hindustan Times report.&nbsp;“I am standing in front of the Markaz Taiba in Muridke... It was destroyed in the attack [during Operation Sindoor]. We will be rebuilding it and making it even bigger... From here, big names in the Mujahideen got trained here and achieved Faiz [Victory],” he said in the video.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 🇵🇰👺 After Jaish commander ilyas kashmiri now Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Qaasim has torn apart Pakistan’s lies on Muridke terror camps. 👉 Standing in front of the demolished Markaz E Taiba camp, which destroyed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a>, he admits that many terrorists… <a href="https://t.co/S80p9wLSFy">pic.twitter.com/S80p9wLSFy</a>&mdash; OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsintTV/status/1968865125567226361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Qaasim’s admission comes just days after Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Ilyas Kashmiri made similar remarks about the destruction of JeM’s Bahawalpur base and added that India’s air strikes had ‘torn apart’ group chief Masood Azhar’s family.The LeT commander’s admission on camera contradicts the denials by Pakistan’s authorities so far and confirms that the Markaz-e-Taiba was indeed destroyed in Operation Sindoor. WION could not verify the authenticity of the social media video.&nbsp;<h2>Lashkar’s Qaasim urges young to join Daura-e-Suffa training</h2>&nbsp;In another video, Qaasim is seen urging young people to join the Daura-e-Suffa training programme, and highlighting the significance of Markaz-e-Taiba. He said the training programme includes basic combat training and jihadi indoctrination, further exposing the real purpose of the camp.Markaz Taiba was established in Muridke in the year 2000 and is the most crucial training centre of LeT in Pakistan. The complex holds arms and physical training facilities, as well as dawa’h and radicalisation for terror entities, both from within Pakistan and abroad.&nbsp;<h2>Who is funding the reconstruction of LeT’s headquarters?</h2>&nbsp;An earlier report by ANI news agency, citing intelligence inputs, said that Pakistan is directly funding the reconstruction of the LeT headquarters Markaz-e-Taiba in Muridke.It said LeT has already been allocated PKR 4 crore by the government, while the estimated total cost of the reconstruction will be around PKR 15 crore.A dossier prepared by agencies said, “LeT cadres have launched fundraising campaigns under the guise of “flood relief”, repeating a historical pattern where humanitarian aid was diverted to terror infrastructure. In 2005, nearly 80% of earthquake relief funds collected by LeT’s front, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, were channelled into building militant camps.”&nbsp;WATCH: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Slams US, Says Threats to India And China Won't Work | WION<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-slams-us-says-threats-to-india-and-china-won-t-work-wion-1758283536601/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-slams-us-says-threats-to-india-and-china-won-t-work-wion-1758283536601/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;India had launched precision strikes on the key strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba under Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 innocent lives.

Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Qaasim’s admission comes just days after Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Ilyas Kashmiri made similar remarks about the destruction of JeM’s Bahawalpur base and added that India’s air strikes had ‘torn apart’ group chief Masood Azhar’s family.

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander has admitted that the Markaz Taiba terror camp in Muridke, in Pakistan’s Punjab province, was destroyed in India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, contradicting Pakistan’s claims till now and confirming that India’s precision strikes hit the intended target. The Muridke camp is the headquarters of the LeT in Pakistan. In a video that has gone viral on social media, LeT commander Qaasim is seen standing amidst the rubble of the erstwhile camp in Muridke while two excavators are seen working in the background. Qaasim also admitted that many ‘big’ terrorists, whom he called Mujahideen, got trained in the camp and achieved ‘faiz’, thereby validating and justifying India’s precision strike on the camp, said a Hindustan Times report. “I am standing in front of the Markaz Taiba in Muridke... It was destroyed in the attack [during Operation Sindoor]. We will be rebuilding it and making it even bigger... From here, big names in the Mujahideen got trained here and achieved Faiz [Victory],” he said in the video.

Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Qaasim’s admission comes just days after Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Ilyas Kashmiri made similar remarks about the destruction of JeM’s Bahawalpur base and added that India’s air strikes had ‘torn apart’ group chief Masood Azhar’s family.

Lashkar commander confirms Indian strikes wrecked Muridke terror camp in Pakistan

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are confronting a formidable new challenge in their fight against terrorism. Terrorists infiltrating the region with the intent to attack security personnel have significantly altered their tactics. Moving away from their earlier practice of hiding in residential areas, they are now constructing sophisticated underground bunkers deep within the dense forests and rugged high peaks of the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;This strategic shift reflects the terrorists' response to intensified operations by security forces, which have disrupted their traditional methods of operation. By leveraging the challenging terrain of remote forests and mountainous regions, these groups aim to evade detection and sustain their activities, posing a complex challenge to the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.&nbsp;In a series of decisive operations, security forces in Jammu &amp; Kashmir have dismantled multiple terrorist hideouts across South Kashmir in recent days, dealing a significant blow to terror networks in the region.&nbsp;Following a fierce encounter in the Guddar area of Kulgam district, security forces uncovered and destroyed a sophisticated terrorist hideout nestled in a dense forested and mountainous region. The operation showcased the forces' precision and determination in tackling terrorism in challenging terrains.&nbsp;In another significant breakthrough, a second hideout was demolished in the Churat Qazigund area of Kulgam district. This operation further disrupted the operational capabilities of terror groups in the region, highlighting the relentless efforts of the security forces.&nbsp;This change in tactics reflects diminishing local support for terrorists, compelling them to establish bases in the remote jungles and mountains of the Kashmir Valley. The move underscores the growing pressure on terror groups as security forces intensify their operations.During these operations, security forces recovered a range of items from the underground hideouts, including rations, gas stoves, utensils, weapons, and ammunition. These findings indicate that the hideouts were designed for prolonged use, further highlighting the evolving strategies of terror outfits.&nbsp;Terrorists are increasingly seeking refuge in the dense forests and high-altitude terrains of Kashmir, particularly in the Pir Panjal range, which has emerged as a new hub for such activities.Security forces remain on high alert, working tirelessly to dismantle the terror infrastructure across Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Joint operations involving the Indian Army, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police, and other agencies have led to multiple recoveries, including arms, ammunition, and other logistical supplies critical to terrorist operations.&nbsp;Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are harnessing cutting-edge technology to locate and dismantle terrorist hideouts concealed within the dense forests of the region. Advanced tools such as high-resolution CCTV systems, state-of-the-art drones, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems are being deployed to detect sophisticated underground bunkers hidden in remote and rugged terrains. This strategic use of technology enhances the precision and efficiency of operations, enabling forces to effectively counter the evolving tactics of terrorists and disrupt their networks in challenging environments. &nbsp;

This strategic shift reflects the terrorists response to intensified operations by security forces, which have disrupted their traditional methods of operation.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are confronting a formidable new challenge in their fight against terrorism. Terrorists infiltrating the region with the intent to attack security personnel have significantly altered their tactics. Moving away from their earlier practice of hiding in residential areas, they are now constructing sophisticated underground bunkers deep within the dense forests and rugged high peaks of the Kashmir Valley. This strategic shift reflects the terrorists' response to intensified operations by security forces, which have disrupted their traditional methods of operation. By leveraging the challenging terrain of remote forests and mountainous regions, these groups aim to evade detection and sustain their activities, posing a complex challenge to the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. In a series of decisive operations, security forces in Jammu & Kashmir have dismantled multiple terrorist hideouts across South Kashmir in recent days, dealing a significant blow to terror networks in the region. Following a fierce encounter in the Guddar area of Kulgam district, security forces uncovered and destroyed a sophisticated terrorist hideout nestled in a dense forested and mountainous region. The operation showcased the forces' precision and determination in tackling terrorism in challenging terrains. In another significant breakthrough, a second hideout was demolished in the Churat Qazigund area of Kulgam district. This operation further disrupted the operational capabilities of terror groups in the region, highlighting the relentless efforts of the security forces. This change in tactics reflects diminishing local support for terrorists, compelling them to establish bases in the remote jungles and mountains of the Kashmir Valley. The move underscores the growing pressure on terror groups as security forces intensify their operations. During these operations, security forces recovered a range of items from the underground hideouts, including rations, gas stoves, utensils, weapons, and ammunition. These findings indicate that the hideouts were designed for prolonged use, further highlighting the evolving strategies of terror outfits. Terrorists are increasingly seeking refuge in the dense forests and high-altitude terrains of Kashmir, particularly in the Pir Panjal range, which has emerged as a new hub for such activities. Security forces remain on high alert, working tirelessly to dismantle the terror infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir. Joint operations involving the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and other agencies have led to multiple recoveries, including arms, ammunition, and other logistical supplies critical to terrorist operations. Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are harnessing cutting-edge technology to locate and dismantle terrorist hideouts concealed within the dense forests of the region. Advanced tools such as high-resolution CCTV systems, state-of-the-art drones, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems are being deployed to detect sophisticated underground bunkers hidden in remote and rugged terrains. This strategic use of technology enhances the precision and efficiency of operations, enabling forces to effectively counter the evolving tactics of terrorists and disrupt their networks in challenging environments.

This strategic shift reflects the terrorists' response to intensified operations by security forces, which have disrupted their traditional methods of operation.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists building concrete underground bunkers deep within the dense forests

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Terrorists building concrete underground bunkers in Jammu and Kashmir forests