Digest for 17 October, 2025
US Chamber of Commerce Sues Trump Administration Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration's recent proclamation to impose a $100,000 fee on all new H-1B visa petitions. The business body argues the move is "plainly unlawful" and circumvents Congress's authority. The lawsuit states the exorbitant fee would make the program cost-prohibitive for many US employers, especially smaller businesses, harming American innovation and competitiveness. The H-1B program is particularly crucial for Indian tech professionals, who receive the majority of these visas annually.
Home Minister Proposes Special Jails for Fugitives to Meet International Standards
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged all states to create special prisons for fugitives that comply with international human rights standards. The proposal aims to counter arguments made by fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi in foreign courts that poor prison conditions in India would violate their rights, thereby stalling extradition. Shah also suggested automatically cancelling the passports of individuals against whom an Interpol red notice is issued to restrict their international travel and expedite their return to face justice.
Punjab Police DIG Arrested by CBI in Corruption Case; Rs 5 Crore Cash Seized
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar in an alleged corruption case. The arrest followed a complaint from a scrap dealer who claimed Bhullar demanded bribes to settle an FIR. During searches at the DIG's residence, the CBI recovered approximately ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold, luxury watches, and property documents. Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer, was serving as the DIG of the Ropar Range.
Karnataka to Regulate RSS Activities in Public Spaces and Government Institutions
The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to issue an order regulating the activities of private organisations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on public properties. The move will restrict events and marches in government-run schools, colleges, parks, and other public venues without explicit permission. The decision follows a request from IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge to ban RSS activities on government premises to prevent ideological influence. The government stated the new rules aim for proper management of public properties and will be framed within constitutional bounds.
Air India Crash Probe Challenged as Pilot's Father Petitions Supreme Court
The father of the deceased pilot-in-command of the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad in June has petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking a court-monitored judicial inquiry. The plea, also supported by the Federation of Indian Pilots, alleges the official probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is biased and technically unsound. It claims the preliminary report unfairly blamed the pilots while overlooking potential technical, software, or design failures in the Boeing aircraft, and calls for an independent committee to ensure a fair investigation.