Digest for 04 October, 2025
Hamas and Israel Move Towards US-Brokered Gaza Peace Deal
Hamas has accepted elements of a US-led peace plan, agreeing to release all Israeli hostages, while Israel prepares to implement the first stage. The plan, brokered by US President Donald Trump, calls for an immediate halt to Israeli bombing to facilitate hostage release. The deal would see Hamas disarm and cede power in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and an influx of aid. While key disagreements remain, the development is a significant step towards ending the nearly two-year conflict in the region.
States Ban Cough Syrups After 11 Child Deaths
Following the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to contaminated cough syrups, state governments have taken swift action. Rajasthan suspended its drug controller and halted distribution of all medicines from Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma. Tamil Nadu has banned the sale of 'Coldrif' syrup. The Union Health Ministry has also issued an advisory against prescribing cough and cold medications to children under two. Investigations are underway to determine the cause, with diethylene glycol contamination suspected.
US Healthcare Providers and Academics Sue to Block $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
A coalition of US healthcare providers, universities, and religious groups has filed a federal lawsuit to block the Trump administration's new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. The lawsuit argues the "exorbitant" fee is illegal, was implemented chaotically, and will cripple their ability to hire essential skilled workers from abroad, including doctors, teachers, and researchers. The H-1B program is a critical pathway for Indian professionals seeking to work in the United States, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors.
IAF Chief: Pakistan Lost at Least 12 Aircraft in 'Operation Sindoor'
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that Pakistan lost at least a dozen military aircraft, including F-16 jets and an early warning aircraft, during 'Operation Sindoor' in May. Addressing the media, he said Indian strikes also damaged multiple Pakistani military installations like radar sites and command centres. The IAF Chief dismissed Pakistan's claims of inflicting heavy losses on India as "fanciful tales," asserting that the operation successfully demonstrated India's long-range strike capabilities.
Putin Orders Measures to Reduce Trade Imbalance with India
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his officials to devise measures to correct the significant trade imbalance with India, which is largely driven by India's substantial crude oil imports from Russia. Speaking ahead of a December visit to India, Putin suggested that Russia could increase purchases of Indian agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized the need to resolve financing, logistics, and payment bottlenecks to unlock the full potential of the bilateral economic partnership between the two strategic allies.