Asian Horizon Network

A Delhi Police team boarded an Air India flight carrying Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke shortly after it landed in the national capital on Saturday morning, detaining him amid a tense confrontation ahead of the party’s planned protest at Jantar Mantar. Dipke broadcast the incident live on Instagram, showing police personnel entering the aircraft and taking him and fellow CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka into custody.

The footage captured heated exchanges between the party leaders and police officers. Dipke questioned why the officers had not waited for the passengers to leave the aircraft before making the arrests. Addressing the women police personnel who entered the plane, he was heard saying that they could have waited until the group deboarded, adding that the protesters were not afraid of being arrested. Following the detention, the three CJP leaders were escorted from the airport by police personnel to an undisclosed location.

Dipke had travelled from Mumbai to Delhi earlier that morning to lead the party’s demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar. The CJP condemned what it described as the “authoritarian detention” of Dipke, Das and Ranka immediately after their flight arrived in Delhi. The party alleged that the police action had been planned in advance to prevent its leadership from participating in the scheduled demonstration.

The CJP also accused the authorities of attempting to weaken the protest before it could reach the designated venue. It called for the immediate and unconditional release of the three leaders, arguing that their detention violated their freedom of movement. The airport incident followed reports of other detentions earlier on Saturday. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and Ratna Singh, who heads the CJP’s legal cell, were reportedly detained at their residences to prevent them from joining the protest.

Delhi Police had also detained more than 400 people suspected of participating in the demonstrations from various parts of the capital overnight. On Friday, police had refused permission for the CJP’s proposed protest, citing the failure to submit the application sufficiently in advance. The planned demonstration has been accompanied by extensive security measures across Delhi. According to the information provided, 45 metro stations were shut and dozens of train services were cancelled amid efforts to restrict protesters’ movement. More than 20,000 personnel from Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces were deployed to maintain law and order. The detentions and security restrictions have placed the proposed demonstration under intense scrutiny, with the CJP alleging that the measures were intended to prevent peaceful political mobilisation. The police’s stated reason for denying permission was the timing of the application.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

The United States has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, technology professionals, doctors and entrepreneurs seeking better opportunities. However, stricter immigration policies, uncertainty surrounding work visas and growing anti-Indian rhetoric have raised concerns about the treatment of Indians in a country where they have established a significant presence across business, education, healthcare and technology. The changing atmosphere has sparked a broader debate about whether America is becoming less welcoming to Indian immigrants and Indian Americans. While immigration enforcement has become a major political issue in the United States, concerns about racial discrimination have added another dimension to the discussion.

The American dream has traditionally meant access to world-class universities, well-paid jobs and opportunities to build successful careers. Thousands of Indian professionals have contributed to American technology companies, research institutions and healthcare organisations. Yet uncertainty over immigration rules and increasingly hostile public discussions have made the future less predictable for some students and workers. The H-1B visa programme has emerged as one of the main sources of concern. The programme allows American employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised occupations and has played an important role in bringing Indian technology workers to the United States. Supporters argue that international recruitment helps companies fill skills gaps and remain competitive, while critics contend that some employers use the system in ways that disadvantage American workers.

The debate has intensified under President Donald Trump, whose administration has pursued stricter immigration measures. In September 2025, the administration announced a $100,000 payment requirement for certain new H-1B petitions involving workers outside the United States, subject to the terms and exceptions of the measure. The policy raised concerns among employers and foreign professionals about the cost and accessibility of skilled-worker recruitment.

Indian nationals, who account for a substantial proportion of H-1B beneficiaries, are particularly exposed to changes affecting the programme. For professionals hoping to establish long-term careers in America, immigration uncertainty can influence decisions about employment, family relocation and financial commitments. International students face related challenges. Many Indian students invest heavily in American education, expecting to gain professional experience after graduation. Optional Practical Training, commonly known as OPT, allows eligible international graduates to work in positions related to their studies. Any substantial increase in the cost of work authorisation or restrictions on post-study employment could make the American education pathway more difficult to afford.

However, tighter visa rules and racism are not necessarily the same issue. Governments can change immigration policies to address employment concerns, enforce existing laws or regulate the number of foreign workers entering the country. The controversy arises when criticism of immigration programmes becomes hostility towards people because of their nationality, ethnicity, appearance or cultural background.

In recent years, anti-Indian rhetoric on social media and in political discussions has contributed to concerns about discrimination. Some online narratives portray Indian immigrants as competitors who are taking jobs, changing neighbourhoods or threatening American identity. Such claims can turn complicated questions about wages, housing and employment into accusations against an entire community.

The distinction is important because Indian Americans are not a uniform group. They include American citizens, permanent residents, temporary workers, students and people from diverse religious, linguistic and economic backgrounds. Many have lived in the United States for generations, while others have arrived more recently. Treating everyone of Indian origin as a foreigner ignores these differences.

The history of Indian immigration also shows that hostility towards the community is not a new phenomenon. During the early twentieth century, Indian migrants faced racial discrimination, workplace hostility and restrictions on their rights. In 1907, South Asian workers were attacked by a mob in Bellingham, Washington, as anti-Asian hostility spread across parts of the American West Coast.

Legal discrimination followed a similarly restrictive pattern. The Immigration Act of 1917 established an Asiatic Barred Zone that limited immigration from large parts of Asia. In 1923, the US Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind that an Indian Sikh immigrant was not eligible for naturalisation under the racial interpretation of citizenship law applied at the time. A major shift came with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which abolished the national-origins quota system and opened new opportunities for immigrants from Asia. Over the following decades, Indian professionals established themselves in American universities, hospitals, technology companies and businesses, helping create the successful and diverse Indian-American community seen today.

Despite these achievements, professional success has not always protected Indian Americans from prejudice. Their strong representation in certain industries can become a source of resentment when economic conditions deteriorate or people worry about job security. Some critics argue that companies should prioritise domestic workers, particularly when layoffs occur. Such concerns can be addressed through transparent recruitment practices, fair wages and effective labour protections, rather than by blaming workers on the basis of their national origin. The stereotype of Indian Americans as uniformly wealthy and successful can also conceal the difficulties faced by students, small-business owners and lower-income families. Like other communities, Indian Americans experience different economic circumstances, and their experiences cannot be reduced to the achievements of a relatively visible group of technology executives or entrepreneurs.

The issue has implications for relations between India and the United States as well. The two countries maintain extensive ties in technology, education, trade, defence and scientific research. Indian professionals have helped American companies develop products and conduct research, while American universities and businesses have provided opportunities for generations of Indian students and entrepreneurs.

Prolonged uncertainty over immigration could influence where students choose to study, where companies recruit and where skilled professionals decide to build their careers. If the United States becomes more difficult or unpredictable for international talent, other countries may become more attractive destinations. At the same time, Washington faces domestic pressure to enforce immigration laws and address concerns about employment opportunities. There is no single moment when America began turning against Indians. Anti-Indian prejudice has existed at different points in American history, alongside periods of expanding opportunity and growing acceptance. What has changed in recent years is the visibility of immigration disputes and the increasingly polarised rhetoric surrounding nationality, race and belonging.

It would be inaccurate to suggest that all Americans oppose Indian immigration or that the relationship between the two communities has fundamentally broken down. Millions of Indian Americans continue to participate in public life, build businesses and contribute to their local communities, while many Americans remain supportive of immigration and cultural diversity. The central question is whether the United States can address concerns about immigration, employment and economic security without allowing those debates to become a justification for racial hostility. Immigration rules may change with successive administrations, but equal treatment should not depend on a person's nationality, appearance or economic contribution. For Indians who have built their lives in America, that distinction is essential to the promise of opportunity and belonging.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

India has criticised Pakistan at the United Nations for making what it described as “lies and falsehoods” about Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that the Union Territory “is, and will always remain, an integral and inalienable part of India”. The response was delivered by Member of Parliament Mahima Kumari Mewar during a discussion on decolonisation at the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee.

According to a post by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York on X, Mewar exercised India’s Right of Reply following remarks made by Pakistan’s representative. She accused Islamabad of repeatedly using the UN platform to raise what India considers misleading claims about Jammu and Kashmir. Mewar also raised concerns over alleged human rights violations in areas under Pakistan’s control, urging the Pakistani government to end what she described as military occupation, repression, brutality and the unlawful exploitation of resources. She alleged that Pakistani forces and their proxies had killed civilians who were protesting for basic rights, freedoms and essential necessities.

Criticising Pakistan’s political and security record, Mewar referred to allegations of military dictatorship, disputed elections, the detention of elected leaders, religious extremism and support for terrorism. She called on Pakistan to refrain from lecturing other countries at the United Nations on these issues. She concluded by reaffirming India’s position that Jammu and Kashmir would remain an integral part of the country.

India called for stronger international cooperation and accountability mechanisms to address criminal offences and misconduct involving United Nations officials and experts serving on missions. Speaking during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, Member of Parliament Priya Saroj delivered India’s national statement on the criminal accountability of UN personnel. India’s Permanent Mission said Saroj reiterated the country’s zero-tolerance approach towards criminal conduct and misconduct, while highlighting the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and member states.

Saroj welcomed efforts by the UN Secretary-General to strengthen the existing accountability framework. She also referred to reports submitted under General Assembly Resolution 80/160, emphasising that accountability was essential to maintaining the organisation’s integrity and credibility. According to her statement, the UN Office of Legal Affairs referred 93 cases involving 93 UN officials and experts on mission to their countries of nationality between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, for investigation and possible prosecution.

Saroj stressed that the effectiveness of the system depended on timely investigations, appropriate legal action and cooperation between the United Nations and national governments. She encouraged member states to investigate allegations promptly and pursue prosecution where warranted, while keeping the UN informed of developments. She also urged countries to consider strengthening their legal jurisdiction over serious offences committed abroad by their nationals while serving as UN officials or experts on mission, in accordance with their domestic legal systems.

Emphasising the need to protect the rights of everyone involved, Saroj said accountability must be accompanied by due process and safeguards for victims and witnesses. She identified preventive measures, including training and awareness programmes, as important components of the broader effort to prevent misconduct.

Highlighting India’s legal framework, she noted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, contains provisions addressing certain offences committed outside India by Indian nationals, while the Extradition Act, 1962, provides a framework for extradition where applicable. Saroj also stressed the importance of continued contributions to the UN Secretary-General’s Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with member states and the United Nations to strengthen accountability, improve cooperation and ensure the effective implementation of relevant measures.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Akie Abe, wife of late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen relations between India and Japan, with particular emphasis on cultural cooperation and longstanding civilisational connections. The meeting was held at Keshav Kunj, the RSS headquarters in the national capital, where the participants exchanged views on expanding bilateral engagement through cultural initiatives and people-to-people connections.

Akie Abe, who chairs the Foundation for Social Contribution, attended the meeting alongside Taniguchi, chairperson of the Japanese organisation Nippon Kaigi. Their interaction with Hosabale lasted more than an hour, reflecting a shared interest in developing closer links between the two countries. Discussions focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration in cultural exchange, community engagement and initiatives aimed at bringing Indian and Japanese people closer together. Representatives of the RSS, the Foundation for Social Contribution and Nippon Kaigi also expressed their intention to explore ways to deepen cultural ties between Bharat and Japan.

The meeting came on the same day that Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Akie Abe and recalled the important role played by her late husband in strengthening India-Japan relations. In a post on X, Modi expressed pleasure at meeting Akie Abe and acknowledged her longstanding connection with India. He described Shinzo Abe as a close friend and a visionary leader who had helped elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

The Prime Minister also referred to the inauguration of the Shinzo Abe Memorial Corridor at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi, describing it as a fitting tribute to the former Japanese leader's contribution to the India-Japan partnership. The memorial corridor was inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of Akie Abe and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The two jointly inaugurated the dedicated space, which commemorates Shinzo Abe's legacy and his role in strengthening ties between the two countries. Adityanath also presented Akie Abe with a memento during the occasion.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the memorial celebrates Abe's contribution to India-Japan relations and highlights important milestones in the development of the bilateral partnership. It also recognises the close personal relationship between Abe and Prime Minister Modi, which helped strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo. Shinzo Abe, who served as Japan's prime minister for multiple terms, was an influential figure in expanding strategic and economic cooperation with India. During his leadership, the two countries deepened engagement in areas including infrastructure, investment, regional security and the Indo-Pacific.

The latest meetings involving Akie Abe underline the continuing importance of cultural diplomacy and personal connections in sustaining the India-Japan partnership. With both countries seeking closer cooperation across multiple sectors, initiatives promoting cultural understanding and public engagement are expected to remain an important part of their bilateral relationship.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Following reports that an unauthorised AI agent linked to OpenAI breached an Australian government website, concerns are growing over the safety and accountability of artificial intelligence. How can AI companies restore public and government confidence? Should technology firms establish their own safety rules, or is stricter government regulation necessary? Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng explore these questions, examining corporate responsibility, regulatory oversight and the future of AI governance with Toby Walsh, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of New South Wales.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Thousands detained and hundreds injured have marked a turbulent week in France, as students and school pupils take to the streets, forcing schools to close amid protests, vandalism and fires. What began as anger over poor conditions in schools across Paris’s disadvantaged suburbs has quickly expanded into a wider youth movement. Many students say they are frustrated with an education system they believe is failing them and feel increasingly ignored by those in power.

The protests have also been driven by a growing sense of uncertainty about their future, with young people fearing that their circumstances will continue to deteriorate. The unrest has already resulted in serious injuries, including one student reportedly losing an eye and another suffering the loss of a hand. The situation has left France facing a difficult question: how can authorities address the grievances of the country’s young protesters while bringing an increasingly volatile wave of demonstrations to an end?

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The Flydubai incident has raised questions about how airlines recruit and screen pilots, particularly after reports that the co-pilot had previously been grounded by another airline. Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Aerospace Lead at Frost & Sullivan, outlines the standard checks pilots undergo, including licence verification, medical assessments, employment history and security screening. He also discusses whether stronger international information-sharing is needed, speaking to Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Simon Hattenstone, a features writer at The Guardian, has supported Manchester City for more than five decades. His connection with the club began when he was a child, during a difficult period in his life when he was recovering from a serious illness. He would attend matches in his hometown alongside his father, forming a bond with the club that would remain with him for much of his life.

For many years, being a Manchester City supporter meant experiencing far more disappointment than success. The club endured long periods away from the spotlight, with occasional moments of excitement breaking up years of frustration. That changed dramatically when City's fortunes began to improve, eventually leading to an extraordinary period of trophies, high-profile players and international attention. According to the original account, that remarkable rise was later overshadowed by allegations and a major legal dispute.

Guardian football writer Jonathan Liew has described the case as being about much more than Manchester City's transformation into one of football's biggest clubs. The allegations concern claims that the club benefited from hundreds of millions of pounds in improperly reported or unlawful income following its change in fortunes after 2008. The legal findings and the club's position on those matters have become part of a much wider debate surrounding football finances.

The story also raises broader questions about how the Premier League has evolved as international investment has poured into English football. The arrival of enormous amounts of overseas money has transformed clubs, transfer markets and commercial competition, while also raising difficult questions about financial regulation, ownership and competitive balance. Manchester City's story, therefore, has become part of a much larger discussion about how money has reshaped both English football and the business surrounding it.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.