Trump visa curbs push US firms towards India
United States President Donald Trump’s hike in H-1B visa costs to US$100,000 (S$128,830) is accelerating American firms’ shift of key operations to India, reported Reuters.
Experts say the move will boost India’s 1,700 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), already handling research and development and finance for global firms.
“GCCs are uniquely positioned to absorb strategic, innovation-led mandates,” said Deloitte India’s Rohan Lobo, noting rising activity across tech and financial services as US companies reassess workforce strategies.
India, Bhutan to build first cross-border railway
India and Bhutan will construct their first cross-border railway, connecting Assam’s Kokrajhar with Bhutan’s Gelephu by 2029, reported AFP. The US$454 million project will boost trade and connectivity.
“This will hugely benefit Bhutan’s people,” said India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. A second 20km line will link Samtse to Banarhat.
India, Bhutan’s top trading partner, continues to modernise the Himalayan nation’s infrastructure, reinforcing bilateral economic and strategic ties.
Mega-dam plans in Arunachal amid China water concerns
India plans its largest dam in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China’s mega Yarlung Tsangpo project in Tibet, reported AFP. Officials say the dam will stockpile water and prevent “weaponised” releases.
Locals, however, vow to resist. “We will fight till the end,” said villager Tapir Jamoh. The reservoir, equal to four million Olympic pools, highlights tensions as both nations race to harness Himalayan rivers for strategic advantage.
Nine killed at Chennai power plant site
Nine workers died after a steel arch collapsed at the Ennore SEZ Supercritical Thermal Power Project in Chennai on Sept 30, reported Reuters.
Tamil Nadu Power Secretary J. Radhakrishnan confirmed one injury and nine deaths. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin mourned the victims, all from Assam.
The under-construction thermal plant is part of Tamil Nadu’s major energy expansion plans.
Indian mini-sub rescues ‘stranded’ crew in South China Sea
India’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) Tiger X executed its first overseas rescue drill during Singapore’s Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, reported NDTV.
Operating from INS Nistar, it docked with allied submarines under simulated distress.
The multinational event saw 40 nations join sea and harbour phases, enhancing cooperation and showcasing India’s growing submarine rescue capability beyond the Indian Ocean.
Chennai’s Aravind Srinivas becomes youngest billionaire
Mr Aravind Srinivas, 31, CEO of Perplexity AI, is now India’s youngest billionaire with an estimated net worth of Rs21,190 crore (S$307.69 million), according to Hurun’s 2025 list.
The Chennai-born entrepreneur’s conversational AI startup rivals ChatGPT and Gemini.
Hurun said his success marks India’s deep-tech rise. Other young billionaires include Zepto’s Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, and OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal.
75-year-old dies day after marrying 35-year-old
A 75-year-old man from Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh died a day after marrying 35-year-old Manbhavati.
The groom, Sangruram, had remarried after losing his first wife and was seeking companionship, reported NDTV.
He died suddenly the next morning, sparking local suspicion. Family members paused funeral rites, demanding an investigation into the circumstances.
Rs40 lakh elephant stolen, sold for Rs27 lakh
A female elephant worth Rs40 lakh ($58,000) was stolen from Jharkhand and sold for Rs27 lakh in Bihar before being rescued, reported NDTV.
Owner Narendra Shukla filed a police report on Sept 12. Acting on a tip-off, police found the elephant in Chapra. No arrests have been made as investigation continues.
Russian woman found living in cave returns home
Ms Nina Kutina, a Russian national found living in a Karnataka cave with her daughters, has returned to Russia after court approval, reported the BBC.
She had overstayed her visa since 2018, claiming she sought “spiritual solitude”.
Found near Gokarna in July, Ms Kutina said the family lived happily off-grid, cooking and crafting in the forest.
Kota builds 67m rainproof Ravana effigy
Organisers in Kota, Rajasthan, unveiled a 67-metre rainproof Ravana effigy for the Dussehra festival, made entirely of fiberglass and velvet.
Designed by specialist Tejinder Singh’s team, it withstands heavy rain and was set ablaze at 25 sensor points on Oct 2, reported NDTV.
The colossal effigy, featuring an 18m crown and 12m shoes, symbolises good’s victory over evil.
Dowry cases rise 14% in 2023; 6,100 deaths
Dowry-related crimes in India rose 14 per cent in 2023, with 15,489 cases and over 6,100 deaths, latest National Crime Records Bureau data shows.
Uttar Pradesh led with 7,151 cases, followed by Bihar and Karnataka. Thirteen states, including Goa and Sikkim, reported none.
