Digest for 30 September, 2025
US Unveils Gaza Peace Plan; India and Arab Nations Welcome Initiative
The White House has released a comprehensive peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war, announced by US President Donald Trump alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages within 72 hours. It has received broad international support, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming it as a "viable pathway to long-term peace." A joint statement from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt also welcomed the effort.
Canada Designates Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as a Terrorist Entity
Canada has officially listed the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity under its criminal code, citing its engagement in murder, extortion, and creating a climate of fear within diaspora communities. The designation empowers Canadian law enforcement to freeze or seize the transnational crime syndicate's assets and prosecute individuals knowingly providing funds or resources to the group. The move follows growing concerns over the gang's violent activities and comes weeks after talks between the Indian and Canadian National Security Advisers.
US to Impose 100% Tariff on All Foreign-Made Films
US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. In a social media post, Trump stated the move was necessary to combat the "stealing" of the American movie-making business by other countries offering production incentives. The policy is expected to significantly impact global film industries that rely on the lucrative US market, including India's prolific Bollywood and other regional film sectors, which are popular among the Indian diaspora.
Ladakh Leaders Suspend Talks With Centre Following Deadly Protests
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has announced it will not participate in scheduled talks with the Union Home Ministry until normalcy is restored in Ladakh. The decision follows violent clashes on September 24 where four protesters were killed. The LAB is demanding a judicial inquiry into the deaths and the creation of a conducive atmosphere before resuming dialogue. The talks were intended to address long-standing demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the Union Territory.
Karur Stampede Death Toll Rises to 41; FIR Blames Overcrowding
The death toll from the stampede at a political rally held by actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has risen to 41. An FIR has been registered against three key party functionaries, citing overcrowding and restlessness after Vijay remained in his vehicle for an extended period. The TVK has moved the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe into the tragedy, alleging it was a conspiracy by the ruling DMK party.