Renowned Assamese Singer Zubeen Garg Dies in Scuba Diving Accident
Zubeen Garg, a celebrated singer and cultural icon from Assam, has died at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore. Garg, known for his versatile voice and hit songs in multiple languages including the Bollywood track "Ya Ali", was in Singapore for the North East Festival. He reportedly experienced breathing difficulties during the dive and was declared dead at a hospital. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the music industry and among his vast fanbase across India.
Indian Software Engineer from Telangana Shot Dead by US Police
A 30-year-old software engineer from Telangana, Mohammed Nizamuddin, was shot and killed by police in Santa Clara, California. His family, who learned of the incident on Thursday, said it reportedly occurred on September 3 following a scuffle with his roommate, though details remain unclear. The family has requested assistance from India's External Affairs Minister to repatriate his body. The incident has added to growing concerns about the safety of Indians living and working in the United States.
Supreme Court Upholds Secularism, Rejects Plea Against Author Inaugurating Mysuru Dasara
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition that challenged the Karnataka government's decision to have Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim, inaugurate the historic Mysuru Dasara festivities. In a strong affirmation of constitutional values, the court reminded the petitioner of the Preamble, which enshrines secularism, liberty, and fraternity as cardinal national ideals. The ruling reinforces the principle that religious identity should not be a barrier to participation in cultural events, upholding the secular fabric of the nation.
SEBI Clears Adani Group of Hindenburg's Related-Party Transaction Allegations
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cleared Gautam Adani and Adani Group entities of allegations made by Hindenburg Research regarding illicit fund routing through related parties. In its final orders, SEBI concluded that the challenged transactions did not qualify as related-party dealings under the regulations applicable at the time. The regulator found no evidence of fraud or siphoning of funds, noting that loans were repaid with interest, and has consequently dropped all related proceedings against the conglomerate.
US Revokes Visas of Indian Executives Over Fentanyl Trafficking Links
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has revoked visas for several Indian business executives and corporate leaders allegedly involved in trafficking fentanyl precursors. This action is part of a broader U.S. effort to combat the flow of synthetic narcotics. The embassy stated that the individuals, their companies, and their families will face consequences, including being denied access to the United States. The move follows the indictment of two Indian chemical companies by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Mutual Defence Pact, India to Study Implications
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, stipulating that any aggression against one nation will be considered an attack on both. The pact was signed in Riyadh during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit. It aims to formalize and strengthen long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it is aware of the development and will study its implications for national security and regional stability, remaining committed to protecting India's interests.
India's New Online Gaming Law to Take Effect From October 1
The Indian government has announced that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act will be implemented from October 1. The law, passed last month, effectively bars all forms of online games involving real money while promoting e-sports. Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the date, noting that the government has finalized the rules after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. The move is set to significantly reshape India's burgeoning online gaming industry, which has already seen major platforms halt real-money offerings.
Rahul Gandhi Accuses Election Commission of Shielding 'Vote Theft'
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting those who are “destroying” democracy by failing to act on alleged voter list manipulation. Citing investigations in Karnataka's Aland and Maharashtra's Rajura constituencies, Gandhi claimed thousands of votes were systematically deleted or added using automated software. He stated the Karnataka CID has sent 18 letters to the EC seeking IP addresses and other data, but has received no response, alleging this inaction amounts to defending electoral fraud.
Maruti Suzuki Slashes Car Prices By Up to 24% to Boost Demand
Maruti Suzuki, India's largest automaker, has announced significant price reductions across its vehicle lineup, effective until December 31. The cuts, which go beyond recent GST reductions, are aimed at stimulating demand and encouraging two-wheeler owners to upgrade to cars. Prices for entry-level models like the S-Presso and Alto K10 have been slashed by up to 24%, while popular SUVs like the Fronx and Brezza also see substantial reductions. This aggressive pricing strategy is expected to impact the entire Indian auto market.
Bangladesh Election Commission Bars Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina From Voting
Bangladesh's Election Commission has effectively barred deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family from voting in the upcoming February general elections by "locking" their national identity cards. The move follows the ousting of Hasina's government in August 2024 after a student-led uprising. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has suspended her Awami League party, and Hasina is currently being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity, with prosecutors seeking capital punishment.
Families of Air India Crash Victims Sue Boeing in US Court
The families of four passengers killed in the June Air India crash in Ahmedabad have filed a lawsuit in a U.S. court against Boeing and parts manufacturer Honeywell. They allege that a faulty and poorly designed fuel cutoff switch led to the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which killed 260 people. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, claims both companies were aware of the switch's defect but failed to alert airlines, and it seeks compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful death.
Indian Stock Markets Surge After US Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade, propelled by strong buying in IT stocks. The rally followed the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points, its first reduction of the year. The Fed also signalled the possibility of two additional cuts in 2025, which boosted global investor sentiment. The move is expected to attract more foreign capital to India, potentially strengthening the rupee and further benefiting the stock market.
US President Trump Designates Antifa Movement a 'Major Terrorist Organisation'
U.S. President Donald Trump announced he is designating the left-wing, anti-fascist Antifa movement as a "major terrorist organisation." The move follows the recent assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk. It is unclear how the U.S. administration will apply the designation to what is a decentralised movement rather than a structured organisation. Critics, including Trump's former FBI Director, have previously stated that Antifa is an ideology, not a formal group, posing legal challenges to such a classification.
Cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Chamoli District Leaves Seven Missing
A cloudburst in the Nandanagar Ghat area of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has left at least seven people missing. The incident on Wednesday night triggered heavy rainfall and destruction, burying six residential houses under debris. According to the district administration, two people have been rescued so far. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and district officials are conducting search and rescue operations amid the debris as relief efforts continue in the affected region.
Delhi Court Stays Order Directing Journalists to Remove Content Critical of Adani
A Delhi district court has issued an interim stay on a previous order that had directed several journalists and media outlets to take down allegedly defamatory content about Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL). The judge noted that the defendants should have been heard before such a sweeping ex parte injunction was passed. The original order had been cited by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to issue takedown notices to multiple news portals, raising concerns about press freedom and corporate influence.