Thousands of students joined Gen Z-led protests in Leh, Ladakh, supporting climate activist and social worker Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike for constitutional protection and full statehood. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, with clashes against police, arson at the BJP office, and a CRPF vehicle set on fire. Five people were killed and around 70 injured. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew as protesters vowed to continue their struggle until demands were met, asserting the movement is independent of any political party.

Ladakh is witnessing violent protests over the long-standing demand to restore its statehood. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike and hospitalization of other protesters intensified tensions, leading to clashes, tear gas, and vehicles set ablaze in Leh. Locals blame the BJP for breaking its promises and insist the movement will continue until statehood is restored. Delhi is monitoring the situation closely, with high-level talks scheduled, but public anger remains high, leaving the BJP politically cornered.

In a disturbing incident in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim imam was allegedly assaulted by Hindu extremists after refusing to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”
The victim, identified as Imam Mustaqim, claimed he was targeted because of his beard and cap while riding a bicycle. He said a group stopped him, forced him to chant the slogan, and when he refused, they beat him with sticks for nearly two hours, threatening to bury him on the spot.
Police, however, downplayed the incident, labeling it a case of “general assault” rather than communal violence.
According to reports, the attack stemmed from a prior dispute involving local children and another individual named Zeeshan.

The U.S. has announced a staggering increase in H-1B visa application fees, raising the cost to $100,000 per applicant—a 60-fold jump—under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The revised fee takes effect from Sunday.

India, whose nationals account for over 70% of all H-1B visas issued in 2024, has strongly criticized the decision, calling it a matter of “deep humanitarian concern” that would cause severe disruption to family lives.

“The exchange of skilled professionals between India and the United States is mutually beneficial. We hope policymakers consider the foundation of our bilateral ties when making such decisions,” India’s statement read.

Meanwhile, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is set to depart for Washington on Monday for discussions with U.S. counterparts.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said it is carefully assessing the implications of the reported strategic mutual defense pact signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted India’s deepening strategic partnership with Riyadh in recent years and expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would remain mindful of “mutual interests and sensitivities.”

“We have seen reports of a Pakistan-Saudi defense pact. Its implications for our national security, as well as for regional and global stability, will be considered,” Jaiswal said.

Under the reported pact, an attack on either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia would be treated as an attack on both, prompting a joint response.

The United States has canceled the visas of several Indian businesspeople and corporate executives over allegations of trafficking raw materials used in the production of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic drug.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi confirmed that not only were their visas revoked, but any future visa applications from these individuals have also been denied. However, the embassy declined to release their names.

Fentanyl precursors—core chemical substances used to manufacture the drug—are considered the primary driver behind America’s opioid overdose crisis. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the United States.

The embassy also stated that Washington is working closely with the Indian government to combat narcotics trafficking. It is worth noting that during his administration, Donald Trump had imposed tariffs of up to 50% on imports from India.

The Congress has accused the Modi government of handing 1,050 acres of land in Bihar’s Bhagalpur to the Adani Group on a 33-year lease for just ₹1 annually. The site, with nearly one million trees, will host a 2,400 MW thermal power plant. Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged Adani would use free land, coal, and water but sell power at ₹6.75 per unit, calling it “double loot.” He also claimed farmers lost land without fair compensation. No government response yet.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on Saturday for the first time since ethnic clashes erupted two years ago, leaving nearly 250 people dead.

His arrival was met with protests, with crowds chanting “Go Back Modi.” Tensions flared within hours of his visit, as police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse demonstrators, injuring several.

Modi is on a three-day tour that also covers Assam and Bihar. Violence in Manipur broke out in May 2023 between the largely Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki population, displacing thousands, many of whom still live in government-run camps.

Addressing the state, Modi said, “The Government of India is making every effort to restore normal life in Manipur. I am here with you today—the people of Manipur are not alone.” He urged all sides to pursue peace.

Arjun Singh, former BJP MP, has called for a mass uprising in West Bengal similar to the recent youth-led revolt in Nepal.
Referring to Nepal’s ongoing unrest, Singh said: “The way Nepal’s young generation has stood up against corruption is a powerful example. Bengal’s youth must also rise with similar courage.”
His remarks have sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of making inflammatory statements that could incite violence in the state and even issuing threats against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

India’s former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has issued a stern warning against Jamaat-e-Islami, saying the group remains a threat to regional stability.

Speaking at a seminar in New Delhi, Shringla said: “A leopard does not change its spots, and Jamaat will not change its character.” He emphasized that while India is committed to working with any neighboring government, vigilance is necessary against forces hostile to India’s core interests.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has alleged massive vote-buying in India’s recent Vice Presidential election, claiming each vote cost ₹15–20 crore. He stated that MPs, not ordinary citizens, were targeted with money, raising concerns about the integrity of democracy. Political circles are abuzz with questions about the source and process of such huge sums. Analysts warn that if true, this intertwining of money and politics threatens state credibility and could erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Manipur continues to reel from the scars of over two years of violent conflict, which has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on September 13, local communities, including Kuki and Zo groups, oppose cultural celebrations, insisting that justice and lasting solutions are needed instead of music and dance. Victims and displaced committees say their mourning is far from over, and question the delayed attention from the government, seeing the visit as too little, too late.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP government of economically depriving Bengal and humiliating Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other states by branding them “Bangladeshis.”
Speaking at a public rally, Banerjee said, “No one will be criminalized for their language. If speaking Bengali makes one a Bangladeshi, we will never accept that.” She added that even Adivasi women are facing NRC-related harassment.
She claimed the Centre has withheld funds for 100-day employment schemes, education, road repairs, and flood control. “We don’t need Delhi’s mercy,” she said. “Bengal will rise on its own.” Taking a dig at Prime Minister Modi, she added, “Those who divide by caste can never be true leaders. Bengal will never become Gujarat. As long as I live, I will say Joy Bangla.”

As Israeli bombardment continued in Gaza, India and Israel signed a bilateral investment treaty in New Delhi during the visit of Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The Modi government described the deal as a step toward deepening ties with Israel, highlighting sectors such as cybersecurity, defense, innovation, and high technology. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the moment was “crucial for expanding cooperation,” while Smotrich posted on X that the agreement reflected “mutual prosperity, innovation, and new opportunities for investors.” India’s finance ministry hailed it as a “historic milestone.”

Voting for India’s Vice Presidential election is set for September 9. The ruling NDA has nominated former Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, while the opposition has fielded former Andhra Pradesh judge B. Sudarshan Reddy.

On the eve of the vote, Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM party declared support for Reddy. Owaisi said, “At the request of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, we are backing the opposition candidate to strengthen the fight against the Centre.”

Reddy already has backing from Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), AAP, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). Though parliamentary arithmetic favors the NDA candidate, analysts say the opposition’s campaign is more about sending a political message than securing victory.