1. PM Modi Launches GST 2.0, Promises ‘Double Bonanza’ for Middle Class
2. White House Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee is One-Time, Not Annual
3. Two Detained After Ambush on Assam Rifles Convoy in Manipur
4. India, Canada Begin Thaw in Ties—Key Dialogues and Diplomats to Return
5. India Steps Up Diplomatic Push: Trade, UNGA, and Defence Plant in Africa

What Else

1. Nepal Ex-PM Oli Warns of Threat to Sovereignty After Ouster Amid Gen Z Protests
2. India Raises Voice at UNHRC Against Pakistan’s Role in Cross-Border Terrorism
3. ED Raids Uncover Imperial Group’s ₹80 Crore Overseas Assets
4. Taliban Rejects Trump’s Demand to Reclaim Bagram Air Base
5. US, UK, France Block Pakistan’s Bid to Label Balochistan Liberation Army as Terrorists at UN
6. Shehbaz to Meet Trump, Address UNGA; Gaza, Kashmir in Focus
7. AJK Leaders Praise Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Defence Agreement
8. Italy Funds Advanced Research Labs to Boost Science in Gilgit-Baltistan
9. Security Forces Killed 7 Militants in Dera Ismail Khan Operation
10. Pakistan: Imran Khan Accuses Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir of Mental Torture
11. Global Plot to Topple Sheikh Hasina? Lawyer Alleges Domestic and Foreign Forces Behind Last Year’s Uprising
12. Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus Departs for UNGA, Set to Address on Sept 26

PM Modi Launches GST 2.0, Promises ‘Double Bonanza’ for Middle Class

• On the eve of Navratri, PM Modi addressed the nation to announce the rollout of GST 2.0, calling it a “Bachat Utsav” or festival of savings.
• The reform simplifies the tax structure into two slabs—5% and 18%—bringing most goods into lower brackets.
• Nearly all items once taxed at 12% will now be at 5%, and most from the 28% slab will move to 18%, though luxury and sin goods will still attract a cess.
• Modi linked the reform to this year’s budget decision making incomes up to ₹12 lakh tax-free, calling it a double bonanza for the middle class.
• The government claims the twin measures will save households over ₹2.5 lakh crore annually.
• Emphasizing swadeshi, Modi urged citizens to prefer Made-in-India goods.
• The BJP will also run a week-long “GST Bachat Utsav” campaign to popularize the reforms, framing GST 2.0 as a unifying economic milestone.
• [There is no notable precedent—either in India or globally—where a head of state addressed the nation simply for relaxing or reducing a tax that their own administration previously imposed after a span of about eight years.]

White House Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee is One-Time, Not Annual

• The White House clarified on Sat that the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced earlier will be a one-time payment applied only to new applicants, not an annual charge.
• Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the fee does not affect renewals or current visa holders, including those currently outside the U.S. who plan to re-enter.
• The clarification came after initial confusion from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s statement suggesting the fee would be annual and apply broadly, sparking panic among visa holders and tech companies.
• Reports said some workers even deboarded planes fearing re-entry issues.
• The executive order, signed by President Trump, took effect on Sunday. Indian nationals, who account for nearly three-quarters of H-1B allocations, are expected to be most impacted.
• Critics, including Amitabh Kant, warned the hike could choke U.S. innovation and push patents and tech talent to India. Legal challenges to the order are anticipated. (more)

Two Detained After Ambush on Assam Rifles Convoy in Manipur

• Two suspects have been detained in connection with the ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, which resulted in the deaths of two personnel and injuries to five others.
• The attack occurred on Sept 19 in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area, where unidentified armed men opened fire on the convoy vehicle.
• Security forces recovered a silver-blue van suspected to have been used in the attack from Mutum Yangbi, approximately 10 km from the ambush site.
• Preliminary investigations have identified multiple owners of the van, and efforts to uncover further details are ongoing.
• The Assam Rifles personnel killed were Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap.
• The state has witnessed ethnic violence since 2023, creating opportunities for militants to exploit the unrest.
• Security forces have intensified search operations in the area to apprehend the assailants and strengthened checkpoints to prevent further attacks. (more)

India, Canada Begin Thaw in Ties—Key Dialogues and Diplomats to Return

• India and Canada have agreed to reinstate their suspended bilateral dialogue mechanisms and restore diplomatic staff, marking a significant improvement after two years of strained relations.
• The decision was announced after pre-Foreign Office Consultations in Delhi, where both countries pledged to take steps toward cooperating in trade, defense, energy, civil nuclear, security and law enforcement, critical minerals, and more.
• Diplomatic relations had deteriorated in 2023 following Canadian accusations—under former PM Trudeau—of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to the mutual expulsion and reduction of diplomats and a freeze in trade talks.
• The recent meetings, including between national security advisors and during PM Modi’s G7 summit with Canada’s PM Mark Carney, reaffirmed cooperation based on shared democratic values and addressing concerns about Khalistani activities in Canada. (more)

India Steps Up Diplomatic Push: Trade, UNGA, and Defence Plant in Africa

• India is mounting a major diplomatic and economic push this week.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in New York for the UN General Assembly, where he will hold a face-to-face meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss bilateral ties amid elevated US tariffs on Indian goods.
• In parallel, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in the US leading talks for an early conclusion of a key India-US trade deal, accelerated after recent tariff hikes and months of negotiation.
• Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in Morocco to inaugurate India’s first-ever defence manufacturing facility on the African continent, signaling deeper strategic partnerships.
• These coordinated visits highlight India’s effort to advance interests in diplomacy, trade, and security across global geographies while navigating a shifting international economic landscape (more)

Nepal Ex-PM Oli Warns of Threat to Sovereignty After Ouster Amid Gen Z Protests

• Following his ouster, triggered by large-scale Gen Z-led anti-corruption protests in Nepal, Ex PM K.P. Sharma Oli issued a strong statement warning of dangers to Nepal’s sovereignty.
• While not naming India directly, he referenced the 2015 southern border blockade blamed on India and highlighted efforts during his tenure to reduce Nepal’s dependence on a single neighbor by expanding ties with China through infrastructure deals.
• Oli condemned infiltration and conspiracies in the recent protests, which escalated to violence involving attacks on government offices and national symbols after his resignation.
• He called for unity across generations to defend Nepal’s constitution and sovereignty, cautioning that failure to recognize the gravity of the situation could leave Nepal’s sovereignty a thing of the past.
• The protests were sparked by a controversial social media ban amid deep-rooted frustrations over corruption, governance failures, and economic instability, resulting in Oli’s resignation and widespread unrest across the country. (more)

India Raises Voice at UNHRC Against Pakistan’s Role in Cross-Border Terrorism

• At the 60^th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Indian human rights activist Javed Ahmed Beigh denounced Pakistan for its ongoing sponsorship of terrorism, highlighting the brutal Pahalgam attack where 26 Hindu pilgrims were killed by Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), a UN-designated terrorist group backed by Pakistan.
• Beigh called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for harboring and funding terror outfits that fuel violence not only in India but also in POK regions.
• He emphasized that cross-border terrorism is a global threat requiring urgent intervention.
• Beigh expressed pride in representing victims of terrorism and the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir’s people on a global stage. (more)
• Separately, India’s diplomat Kshitij Tyagi slammed Pakistan for misusing international forums like the UNHRC and OIC to deflect attention while financing terror networks.
• Tyagi recalled major attacks including Pulwama and Mumbai, accusing Pakistan of hypocrisy for sheltering terrorists like Osama bin Laden.
• He called Pakistan a “terror sponsor” and likened their UNHRC presence to a “dump truck” spreading recycled falsehoods.
• India affirmed its resolve to protect its citizens, defend sovereignty, and expose Pakistan’s deception at the global stage. (more)
• Concurrently, human rights activist Arif Aajakia spotlighted abuses against religious minorities and enforced disappearances in Pakistan, urging UN action and a fact-finding mission in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to address systemic human rights violations. (more)
• These speeches highlight India’s strong condemnation of Pakistan’s terrorism and human rights abuses internationally.

ED Raids Uncover Imperial Group’s ₹80 Crore Overseas Assets

• The Enforcement Directorate raided premises linked to Imperial Group chairman Manavinder Singh and his wife, Sagri Singh, in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, uncovering over ₹80 crore in undisclosed foreign assets.
• Evidence revealed interests in offshore companies in Singapore and Dubai, a villa in Thailand, and a Dubai-based helicopter purchased for a Himachal real estate project.
• ED found parallel accounts showing ₹29 crore collected in cash from flat buyers, which was allegedly moved abroad via hawala routes and round-tripped into India.
• Seized assets included ₹50 lakh in cash, $14,700 in foreign currency, and frozen lockers. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Taliban Rejects Trump’s Demand to Reclaim Bagram Air Base

• The Taliban govt firmly dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for the US to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, 4 years after its withdrawal left the strategic facility in Taliban hands.
• Trump claimed the U.S. was negotiating for the base and issued veiled threats about “bad things” if Afghanistan refused, citing Bagram’s importance for American strategic interests near China, anti-terror operations, and rare earth minerals.
• Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid responded by urging the U.S. to maintain realism and respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty, referencing the Doha Agreement prohibiting U.S. force against Afghan territorial integrity.
• Other Afghan officials declared that “not even one meter of land” would be ceded to the U.S..
• The Taliban reiterated openness to economic ties, but rejected any foreign military presence, emphasizing Afghanistan’s independence and the finality of U.S. withdrawal. (more)

US, UK, France Block Pakistan’s Bid to Label Balochistan Liberation Army as Terrorists at UN

• The US, UK, and France have put a “technical hold” on Pakistan’s effort to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as terrorist groups at the United Nations Security Council’s 1267 sanctions committee.
• Pakistan, backed by China, submitted the request but faced opposition from other permanent Security Council members who said the BLA lacks links to Al Qaeda or ISIL, crucial for listing under the 1267 regime.
• Pakistan hoped to build on the US designation of the BLA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization earlier this year, but the sanctions committee requires proof linking them to global terror groups.
• The BLA has claimed responsibility for numerous violent attacks in Pakistan, including a major 2024 hijacking and suicide bombings.
• India is closely monitoring the situation, rejecting Pakistan’s allegations of its support for the BLA.
• The technical hold may last about six months, delaying any official UN listing. (more)

Shehbaz to Meet Trump, Address UNGA; Gaza, Kashmir in Focus

• Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will join six key Muslim leaders for a joint meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this week.
• Shehbaz, leading the Pakistani delegation from Sept 22–26, is also slated to address the UNGA on Sept 26, focusing his speech on the grave crisis in Gaza and calling for decisive international action.
• He will highlight the issues of prolonged occupation in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, demand the right to self-determination for affected peoples, and discuss Pakistan’s perspective on regional security, climate change, Islamophobia, terrorism, and sustainable development.
• Shehbaz’s packed agenda also includes participation in UNSC, climate action summits, bilateral meetings with leaders from Qatar, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Austria, and global institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
• The visit showcases Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and international peace. (more)

AJK Leaders Praise Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Defence Agreement

• Leaders from various political parties in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have warmly welcomed Pakistan’s strategic defence pact with Saudi Arabia, hailing it as a strong response to India’s aggression in May 2025.
• During a public gathering celebrating Pakistan’s military successes in Ma’araka-e-Haq and Op Bunyan Marsus, AJK PML-N President Shah Ghulam Qadir extended congratulations to Pakistan’s government, military leadership, PM Shehbaz Sharif, and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
• Other prominent leaders, including AJK Muslim Conference President Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan and former prime ministers, saluted the bravery of local heroes and reaffirmed unwavering support for Pakistan.
• The recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic mutual defence agreement, signed in Riyadh on Sept 17, commits both countries to treat any aggression against either as aggression against both, including the sharing of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities with Saudi Arabia under certain conditions.
• AJK leaders regard this pact as a key milestone, enhancing regional security and Pakistan’s diplomatic stature on the world stage. (more)

Italy Funds Advanced Research Labs to Boost Science in Gilgit-Baltistan

• The Italian government has funded state-of-the-art laboratories at Karakoram International University (KIU) in Gilgit and the University of Baltistan (UOB) in Skardu, significantly enhancing scientific research infrastructure in northern Pakistan.
• These labs, part of the “Water for Development” project implemented with UNDP and EvK2CNR Italy, aim to advance studies in water quality, glaciology, agriculture, and livestock, critical for a region vulnerable to climate change.
• KIU’s labs focus on analyzing drinking and agricultural water and glacier systems, while UOB’s facilities target agricultural productivity, wildlife research, and livestock disease diagnosis.
•  A four-day training program led by Italian university experts equipped students, faculty, and officials with skills in water assessment and livestock management.
• This initiative strengthens higher education research capacity, promotes sustainable resources management, and supports Pakistan-Italy collaboration toward inclusive development and environmental resilience in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region. (more)

Security Forces Killed 7 Militants in Dera Ismail Khan Operation

• Security forces conducted a successful intelligence-based operation in Kulachi area, Dera Ismail Khan district, KP, neutralizing seven militants affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), including three Afghan nationals and two suicide bombers.
• The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) termed the terrorists as “Indian-sponsored khwarij” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism from the country.
• A sanitization operation is ongoing to root out any remaining militantshiding in the area.
• Earlier, in another incident in Upper South Waziristan, six militants, including a foreigner, died when explosives in their hideouts detonated, injuring several others.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for the security forces’ efforts, stressing national unity in the fight against terrorism.
• The operation highlights the rising militant activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with security forces intensifying efforts to counter terror threats along the Afghan border. (more)

Pakistan: Imran Khan Accuses Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir of Mental Torture

• Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, imprisoned for over two years, accused Army Chief Gen Asim Munir of inflicting “mental torture” on him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in jail to break their spirit and force submission.
• Khan likened Munir’s regime to historical tyrants, vowing resistance.
• He alleged Munir is fostering lawlessness and fascism, manipulating the army to extend his rule for a decade.
• Khan further accused Munir of souring Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan through threats, expelling Afghan nationals, and drone strikes, aiming to provoke conflict and portray himself as a terrorism fighter to Western powers.
• He criticized Pakistan’s faltering economy, citing record-low investment and doubled national debt in three years under Munir’s rule.
• Khan called on his party to mobilize for a significant rally in Peshawar on Sept 27, emphasizing the need to establish a government reflecting the people’s will to resolve Pakistan’s crises (more)

Global Plot to Topple Sheikh Hasina? Lawyer Alleges Domestic and Foreign Forces Behind Last Year’s Uprising

• In 2024, “massive student-led” protests erupted in Bangladesh over the controversial quota system for government jobs, which the Supreme Court had reinstated.
• Testimonies suggested Muhammad Yunus was proposed as interim leader, with talk of global backing for regime change.
• Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s long-serving prime minister, have been compelled to “leave for India” following the mass protests, not by resignation but forced exit, according to her legal team.
• State-appointed defence counsel Md Amir Hossain, who is also representing former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, said, “We do not intend to involve Muhammad Yunus, but this point was raised only in reaction to witness statements.
• Authorities responded with crackdowns, but Hasina’s defenders insist she did not sanction extreme force.
• Ultimately, Hasina left after security forces declared they could no longer contain the protests.
• The military then named Yunus the interim leader and dissolved parliament.
• Hasina is now reportedly in India at an undisclosed location. (more)

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus Departs for UNGA, Set to Address on Sept 26

• Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, leading Bangladesh’s interim government, left Dhaka early Monday for New York to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.
• He is accompanied by political leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party, with additional delegates joining from the US.
• Yunus is slated to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 26, focusing on the interim government’s reform agenda, the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising, and commitment to free, fair elections planned for February 2026.
• The visit is significant as the UN will host its first-ever High-Level Conference on the Rohingya and other minority issues in Myanmar on September 30, following a proposal from Yunus.
• He will also participate in key discussions on youth action programs, peacekeeping, climate justice, and global challenges, besides bilateral meetings with world leaders and attending receptions hosted by the UN Secretary-General and US President Donald Trump.
• Yunus is scheduled to return to Dhaka on October 2. (more)