Delhi Chokes Under ‘Severe’ Air Pollution, 15 Times WHO Limit Post-Deepavali
Following Deepavali celebrations, Delhi recorded air pollution levels 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Despite a ban allowing only green firecrackers within a specific two-hour window, residents widely defied regulations, igniting various firecrackers both before and after the permitted time. Investigations revealed that non-green firecrackers were readily available in the city leading up to the festival.
USCIS Clarifies: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Excludes Status Changes and Extensions
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidelines clarifying that the substantial $100,000 fee, introduced by the Trump administration for new H-1B visa applications, will not affect individuals seeking a “change of status” or an “extension of stay.” These exemptions come after President Donald Trump’s September 19 proclamation, ‘Restriction on entry of certain nonimmigrant workers,’ which significantly increased the cost for new H-1B visas to approximately ₹88 lakhs.
Bihar Elections: Prashant Kishor Claims BJP Pressure Led to Jan Suraaj Candidates’ Withdrawals
Political strategist-turned-leader Prashant Kishor publicly accused the BJP on Tuesday of coercing three candidates from his Jan Suraaj Party to withdraw their nominations for the Bihar Assembly elections. During a press conference, Kishor claimed that the ruling NDA, fearful of electoral defeat, resorted to threatening opposition candidates to drop out. He passionately declared that “Democracy is being murdered,” asserting that such tactics are unprecedented in the nation and called upon the Election Commission to guarantee the safety of all candidates.
Former Punjab DGP and Wife Face FIR in Son’s Mysterious Death
Haryana Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Mohammad Mustafa, former Director General of Police (Human Rights) for Punjab, his wife Razia Sultana, a former PWD Minister, and two other individuals. The charges include murder and criminal conspiracy, stemming from the perplexing circumstances surrounding the death of their son, Aqil Akhtar.
Sabarimala Gold Scam: SIT Delivers Interim Report to Kerala High Court
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with examining the alleged reduction of 4.5 kg in the gold-clad copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple since 2019 has submitted an interim report to the Kerala High Court. The confidential report was presented in a sealed cover by S. Sasidharan, the Superintendent of Police who was appointed by the High Court to lead the investigation earlier this month.
Namaz at Shaniwar Wada: Three Women Booked After Viral Video Sparks Pune Protests
Pune City Police have registered a case against three unidentified women after a video depicting them performing namaz within the historic Shaniwar Wada complex circulated widely on social media. The incident ignited protests from BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and various organizations. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Rules, 1959, alleging a violation of regulations governing protected monuments.
U.S. Vice President Vance Visits Israel to Bolster Shaky Gaza Ceasefire
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday, aiming to reinforce the delicate U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. The truce has been unstable in recent days, marked by outbreaks of deadly violence and ongoing uncertainties about establishing lasting peace.
Congress: Trump Ignored MEA’s Denials on India’s Russian Oil Imports
The Congress party criticized the government on Tuesday, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly brought up India’s oil imports from Russia three times in five days. The party claimed that Trump has disregarded the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) attempts to deny any discussions where Prime Minister Narendra Modi might have pledged to halt Russian oil imports.