😠 Congress slams Centre over Trump's H-1B fee hike 😠

Congress criticized the Modi government for seemingly appeasing Donald Trump regarding US visa rules. The US extended the USD 100,000 H-1B visa payment requirement for another year, alongside tighter scrutiny. This move, confirmed by the White House, aims to protect American workers and improve program integrity. Congress warned this could severely impact Indian IT firms, students, and professionals. The opposition suggested this highlights India's political disadvantage in the current situation.

😠 YSRCP slams AP govt over Ganesh immersion issues

Former YSRCP leader Vellampalli Srinivas heavily criticized the TDP-led coalition government regarding Ganesh immersion arrangements. This criticism surfaced after reports showed Ganesh idols were left in dry canals near Bukkarayasamudram and Yellanur in Anantapur district. Srinivas demanded an unconditional apology from CM N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan on September 19, 2026. He also reignited the Tirumala Laddu controversy, claiming investigations cleared the prasadam of alleged impure ingredients. Srinivas insisted the government must plan better for religious events, especially amid water shortages. 💧

🧐 SIT probes fake fighter certificates in Uttarakhand MBBS admissions

The Dehradun police SIT has started investigating the alleged use of fake freedom fighter dependent certificates for MBBS admissions in Uttarakhand. This probe is happening in Uttarakhand, involving registrations at two police stations amid ongoing medical counseling. The investigation is looking into around 350 candidates' certificates and requires an inquiry report within a week. The issue brings up broader concerns about domicile and quota documents used in state medical admissions. Authorities are now questioning the role of officials responsible for verification and approval processes. 🧐

🖥️ 4 Google Maps tasks better on PC

Google Maps offers several features that are easier to manage on a computer screen. Users can measure distances and trace routes accurately using the PC interface. Planning complex trips becomes smoother with a larger view to organize multiple stops. Before visiting a spot, PC allows immersive exploration via Street and Satellite View. Finally, Gemini can suggest ideas which are then mapped out on the bigger screen. 🗺️

🚨 Metro barricade falls on biker in Mumbai, one dead

A heavy iron barricade used at a metro construction site unexpectedly fell on a biker on Friday. The victim, Wasim Haidar Rizvi, was traveling on his Honda Unicorn near Rossary Biotech on LBS Road. The incident occurred in Mumbai, and he was rushed to Rajawadi Hospital but was later pronounced dead. The Parksite Police have registered a case and are currently investigating the accident circumstances. This is one of several recent safety incidents reported at Mumbai's metro construction areas.

🤝 Kerala education council chats with German center chief

The Kerala State Higher Education Council had preliminary talks with Dirk Fröhling, the general coordinator of the Indo-German Centre for Higher Education. This meeting took place at the council office during his visit on Saturday. The discussions covered strengthening academic links between Kerala and German institutions. Key areas included developing joint academic programs and promoting short-term courses. They also explored a framework for sustained collaboration between the two regions.

🚨 Fake Archana Tickets Exposed Before Dasara Fest

A woman devotee reported a fake online ticket racket related to the Srichakra Archana for the Dasara Utsavams. This incident occurred at the temples atop Indrakeeladri, involving a ticket bought for ₹3,500 on October 18. Temple officials discovered that an old ticket had been sold after its date was fraudulently altered. Executive Officer V. K. Seena Naik confirmed that official tickets for Navarathri Utsavams were not yet released. He has asked the police to thoroughly investigate and arrest those involved.

🎬 31 films denied censor pass at Kerala festival

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denied censor exemption for 31 films at the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK). This decision was made in Thiruvananthapuram, mirroring past restrictions at the 30th IFFK last year. These films include 18 officially selected, nine from the International Non-Fiction section, and others like Malayalam film Globe. Films need this exemption, even if they don't require a full censor certificate for festivals. The Ministry reviewed detailed synopses after the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy submitted a list of 347 films.

🏛️ BJP says no Akali Dal alliance; wants equal terms

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that the BJP will not currently ally with the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab. Puri made it clear that any future partnership would require an equal seat-sharing arrangement between the two parties. He also mentioned the Centre is working on a war footing to create jobs for unemployed youth in the state. Furthermore, he criticized the current situation, blaming the 'misrule' of Bhagwant Mann for the bad state of Punjab. The BJP aims to form a 'double engine' government in Punjab by 2027 with public support.

🚨 Rape case shakes up Punjab politics

A rape case has surfaced against senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Amarjit Singh Chawla, putting the Akali Dal and SGPC under intense scrutiny. The FIR was registered at Sri Anandpur Sahib police station on August 21 by a woman from Sangrur district who is based in Bahrain. The complaint details allegations of captivity and rape at a serai, alongside claims about vulgar messages from other figures. Chawla has strongly denied all the allegations made against him in the case. Meanwhile, Manpreet Singh Ayali has demanded resignations and a full, impartial investigation into the matter. 😔

🌾 Mann backs farmers against smog accusations 🌾

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended farmers against stubble burning charges ahead of the smog season. He made this statement at a Kisan Mela in Ludhiana, while criticizing the BJP-ruled Centre and Pakistan's Maryam Nawaz. The Centre suggested FIRs, despite Punjab contributing 180 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Mann insisted on financial incentives instead of legal action, stating farmers don't want the smoke. He reiterated his stance to the Centre regarding farmer concerns.