H-1B Lottery May Be Replaced By Selection Process; Kolkata Crippled By Unprecedented September Rain; And More

Kick-start your morning with Swarajya’s Morning Brief – your news fix, curated for clarity and insight.

NIA Files Case Against Khalistani Terrorist Pannun Over Independence Day Threat

The National Investigation Agency has registered a case against US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for announcing an Rs 11 crore reward to "Sikh soldiers" to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day.

Pannun, general counsel of banned outfit "Sikhs For Justice" (SFJ), made the threat during an August 10 "Meet the Press" event at Lahore Press Club in Pakistan, addressing journalists via video link from Washington. He declared, "Rs 11 crore reward to Sikh soldiers who will stop Modi from unfurling the tricolour at the Red Fort in Delhi."

The terrorist also unveiled a proposed Khalistan map incorporating Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, claiming SFJ had formed a "Shaheed Jatha" to fight against India. The FIR states Pannun engaged in activities disrupting India's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security while spreading disaffection among Sikhs.

The case is filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act provisions. Meanwhile, Pannun's aide was arrested in Canada on firearm charges.

US Proposes Major H-1B Visa Overhaul Favouring Higher-Paid Workers

The US Administration has proposed replacing the current H-1B visa lottery system with a wage-based selection process, prioritising higher-paid applicants for the 85,000 annual slots.

A Department of Homeland Security draft states that registrations should favor "beneficiaries earning the highest wages" relative to their job classifications and intended employment areas. This change, combined with a new $100,000 fee for fresh applications announced last Friday, signals a clear shift toward limiting lower-paid foreign workers while preserving access for premium talent.

The proposal benefits Silicon Valley giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, which hire specialized engineers at higher salaries for niche roles in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. However, it could significantly impact Indian IT services companies like Infosys, Cognizant, and TCS that traditionally use H-1B visas for cost-effective onsite staffing, potentially forcing more work offshore.

Other developments

Centre Directs All Ministries To Stop Using Public Funds For Diwali And Festival Gifts

The Centre has directed all ministries and departments not to use public funds for Diwali or any other festival gifts.

The Finance Ministry’s Department of Expenditure issued an order last week, reinforcing its policy of cutting non-essential expenditure.

Signed by Joint Secretary PK Singh, the notification underlined that such restrictions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure “prudent and judicious use of public resources.”

“The Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, has been issuing instructions from time to time aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and curbing non-essential expenditure. In continuation of these efforts…it has been decided that no expenditure shall be incurred on gifts and related items for Diwali and other festivals by Ministries/Departments and other organs of the Government of India,” the order stated.

TRAI Proposes Major Overhaul of TV Distributor Audit Framework

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed comprehensive changes to audit regulations for television distributors like Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, and Hathway Digital. The draft regulations shift audit cycles from calendar to financial year, requiring annual audits of subscriber management and digital rights systems.

Key changes include allowing broadcasters to depute representatives during audits, mandatory 30-day advance notice of audit schedules, and exemptions for distributors with under 30,000 subscribers.

A structured dispute resolution mechanism has also been introduced, limiting broadcasters' previous audit powers.

The regulations maintain penalty structures of Rs 1,000-2,000 daily for non-compliance, capped at Rs 2 lakh. Comments are open on the draft regulations until October 6.

India Receives ICAO Certificate for Aviation Safety Progress

India has been awarded the ICAO Council President Certificate for establishing an effective aviation safety oversight system. DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai received the recognition at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal on Tuesday from Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. The certificate, part of the 'No Country Left Behind' initiative, acknowledges India's progress in implementing ICAO standards and improving safety oversight based on Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme evaluations.

Gold Hits Record High Above Rs 1.14 Lakh on Festive Demand

Gold prices reached a fresh record high above Rs 1,14,000 per 10 grams, driven by festive and safe-haven demand. Prices held steady at Rs 1,14,360 according to India Bullion Association. Chennai recorded the highest rates at Rs 1,14,490 while Delhi saw Rs 1,13,960. Market experts remain optimistic about long-term prospects.

From the states

Kolkata Records Third-Wettest September Day Since 1978

Kolkata experienced its third-highest single-day September rainfall since 1978, recording 251.4mm in 24 hours on Tuesday.

The deluge ranks as the city's sixth-highest single-day total ever recorded across all months.

A low-pressure system over the coastal Gangetic West Bengal triggered the intense downpour, authorities say.

Mayor Firhad Hakim called the flooding "unprecedented," noting even well-draining neighborhoods near Adiganga were overwhelmed due to the canalised river's overflow preventing natural water runoff. Authorities opened school shelters for displaced residents from low-lying areas.

The Indian Meteorological Department warns of another low-pressure area forming over Bay of Bengal around September 25, potentially intensifying into a depression and bringing widespread rainfall to South Bengal districts through early October.

Notably, Kolkata and the rest of India is in the middle of marking and celebrating Durga Puja.

Karnataka CM Seeks Wipro's Help to Ease Bengaluru Traffic Congestion

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Wipro Chairman Azim Premji requesting support to tackle Bengaluru's traffic problems along the Outer Ring Road corridor.

In his September 19 letter, Siddaramaiah proposed allowing limited vehicular access through Wipro's campus to reduce congestion at the busy Iblur junction. Traffic experts estimate this measure could cut congestion by 30 per cent during peak hours.

You’re all caught up—until next time.