Supreme Court Allows CBI to Widen Probe into Builder-Bank-Homebuyer Fraud
The Supreme Court has permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register six more cases in its expanding probe into an alleged nexus between real estate developers and banks that duped thousands of homebuyers. The investigation, which initially focused on the Delhi-NCR region, will now include projects in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mohali, and Prayagraj. The court's decision follows a CBI preliminary enquiry that revealed cognisable offences, signalling a major crackdown on systemic real estate fraud nationwide.
US Indicates Doctors May Be Exempted From $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
The White House has indicated that doctors and medical residents may be exempted from the new, steep $100,000 H-1B visa application fee. A spokesperson confirmed that the executive order contains provisions for waivers if hiring a foreign worker is deemed to be in the US "national interest." This potential policy shift follows widespread concern from medical organizations that the fee would deter international medical graduates, exacerbating physician shortages in underserved areas and significantly impacting Indian applicants.
Ayodhya Development Authority Rejects Plan for Mosque Construction
The Ayodhya Development Authority has rejected the construction plan for a mosque in Dhannipur village, which was to be built as part of the 2019 Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. According to a Right to Information (RTI) query, the application was rejected because the mosque trust failed to obtain mandatory no-objection certificates from several government departments, including fire services and public works. The trust secretary stated they had not received any official communication about the rejection.
Super Typhoon Ragasa Barrels Towards Southern China and Hong Kong
Southern China and Hong Kong are on high alert as Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the region's most powerful storms in years, approaches with sustained winds of 230 kph. The typhoon has already caused at least three deaths and displaced thousands in the Philippines. In anticipation of landfall, authorities in major Chinese cities like Shenzhen have ordered the closure of schools, businesses, and transport systems. Hong Kong has raised storm signals, preparing for significant flooding and disruption.
US-India Tensions Simmer Over Tariffs and Russian Oil Purchases
Tensions between the United States and India continue over trade and foreign policy, particularly New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that the recently imposed 25% punitive tariffs on India could be "fixed," even as President Trump publicly criticized India's energy policy. Despite the strain, US officials reiterated that the relationship with India is of "critical importance," and both sides continue to engage in trade negotiations to find a resolution.
Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji Win First National Film Awards; Mohanlal Honoured
At the 71st National Film Awards, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award for 'Jawan' and '12th Fail' respectively, while Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway'. This marked the first National Award for both Khan and Mukerji. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s '12th Fail' was named Best Feature Film. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema's highest honour, for his five-decade career.
Building Collapse in Indore Kills Two, Injures Over a Dozen
A three-storey residential building in Indore's Ranipura area collapsed following heavy rains, killing two people and injuring at least 12 others from a single family. Joint rescue teams, including the SDERF, worked for hours to pull survivors from the debris. Preliminary reports suggest the eight-year-old building may have had a weak foundation, which could have been compromised by water accumulation. An official investigation into the cause of the tragic collapse is now underway.
WhatsApp Launches Real-Time, On-Device Message Translation
Meta is rolling out a real-time translation feature for its WhatsApp messaging service, enabling users to instantly translate messages within chats. To use it, users can long-press a message and select "Translate." The feature, which will initially support a selection of languages on Android and iOS, is designed with privacy in mind, as all translations occur directly on the user's device rather than on Meta's servers. This ensures the content of the translated chats remains private.
Next-Generation GST Reforms Implemented, Slashing Rates on Essentials
The government has rolled out its next-generation GST reforms, consolidating most goods into two main slabs of 5% and 18%. This significant tax overhaul reduces or eliminates taxes on daily essentials like food and medicine, with many items previously taxed at 12% now in the 5% bracket. The government projects the reforms will boost household savings, simplify compliance for businesses, especially MSMEs, and encourage domestic manufacturing as part of a nationwide 'GST Savings Festival'.
India to Develop 'Bodyguard Satellites' to Protect Space Assets
India is launching a new strategic initiative to develop 'bodyguard satellites' designed to identify and counter threats to its orbiting spacecraft. The plan was reportedly accelerated after a dangerously close approach by a neighboring country's satellite earlier this year highlighted vulnerabilities. The project aims to create a defensive shield in space, potentially using LiDAR technology to detect threats and allow time for evasive manoeuvres, marking a significant step in bolstering India's national security and space-based capabilities.
Indian and US Foreign Ministers to Meet in New York Amid Trade Tensions
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The talks are set against a backdrop of fresh trade tensions, following the US imposition of steep tariffs on Indian exports over its energy trade with Russia. Discussions are expected to cover the trade dispute, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security challenges, with both nations seeking to stabilize economic and strategic ties.
Two Senior Maoist Leaders with ₹80 Lakh Bounty Killed in Encounter
In a major blow to the Naxal insurgency, security forces killed two top CPI (Maoist) Central Committee members in an encounter in the Abujhmad forest along the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border. The slain leaders, Katta Ramachandra Reddy and Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy, each carried a bounty of ₹40 lakh. They were reportedly masterminds behind numerous major attacks, including the 2010 Tadmetla ambush. Security forces recovered an AK-47, an INSAS rifle, and explosives from the site.
Trump and Musk Signal Reconciliation at Public Memorial
U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk were seen together at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, signaling a public reconciliation. This was their first notable public interaction since Musk's tense departure from a government advisory role, which was followed by sharp criticism of the administration. The friendly-appearing reunion between the two influential figures has sparked speculation about their renewed political and professional relationship after months of public estrangement.
Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Discuss Trade, Defence in New York
Amid high-level UN sessions, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York to discuss critical bilateral issues. The talks focused on trade, defence, energy, and critical minerals. This was their first in-person meeting since the US imposed new tariffs on India related to Russian oil purchases and introduced a steep H-1B visa fee, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue to navigate the complex relationship and advance mutual interests.
Supreme Court Seeks Delhi Police Response on Bail Pleas in 2020 Riots Case
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police regarding the bail petitions of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and three others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The petitioners, who have been incarcerated for over five years under the stringent UAPA law, challenged a Delhi High Court order that had denied them bail. The apex court has listed the matter for its next hearing on October 7, marking a key development in the high-profile case.