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Dr. Adarsh Swaika will serve as India’s next High Commissioner to Kenya

diplomats

Shasi Kumar

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September 10, 2025

Dr. Adarsh Swaika will serve as India’s next High Commissioner to Kenya

New Delhi, India – Dr. Adarsh Swaika (IFS:2002), presently Ambassador of India to Kuwait, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Kenya.

The Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment on Thursday, confirming that Dr. Swaika, a seasoned diplomat, will soon take up his assignment in Nairobi.

Kenya is a key partner of India in East Africa, with strong cooperation in trade, investment, education, and development partnership. The Indian High Commission in Nairobi also represents India’s interests at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, one of the four major UN headquarters globally.

Dr. Swaika’s appointment is expected to further strengthen the longstanding ties between India and Kenya, building on shared values of democracy, cultural connections, and mutual economic interests.

Ambassador Dr. Adarsh Swaika brings over two decades of diplomatic experience, having served in several Indian missions abroad, including in France, the United States, and Bangladesh, and has also held senior positions in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. He is known for his focus on investment, economic reforms, and international cooperation in the fields of energy and innovation.

His move to Nairobi is expected to bolster India’s relations with Kenya, particularly in light of the growing interest on both sides in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, technological innovation, and maritime security

Karisma Kapoor’s Kids Move Delhi HC Over Sunjay Kapur’s R30,000 Cr Estate, Allege Stepmother Forged Will

Entertainment

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September 10, 2025

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Karisma Kapoor’s Kids Move Delhi HC Over Sunjay Kapur’s R30,000 Cr Estate, Allege Stepmother Forged Will

New Delhi, India – Karisma Kapoor’s children, Samaira and Kiaan Kapoor, have approached the Delhi High Court seeking a share in their late father Sunjay Kapur’s ₹30,000 crore estate.

The siblings, represented by their mother Karisma Kapoor, have urged the court to formally recognise them as Class I legal heirs to Sunjay Kapur’s personal assets.

In their petition, Samaira and Kiaan accused their stepmother, Priya Sachdev Kapur — Sunjay’s third wife — of usurping “full control” of their father’s assets by allegedly “forging” his will following his sudden demise in the UK in June this year.

“The present suit is not with respect to the assets forming part of the trust, and the plaintiffs reserve their rights in connection with the matters relating to the Trust,” the petition clarified, noting that their claim is distinct from any inheritance tied to the RK Family Trust.

Dispute Deepens Following Sunjay Kapur’s Death

Sunjay Kapur passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2025, while playing polo in Windsor, UK. Media reports noted that his children, Samaira and Kiaan, performed the final rites, with Kiaan lighting the funeral pyre in Delhi on June 19.

Tensions quickly escalated thereafter, as Priya Kapur was accused of limiting access to key trust-related documents. Samaira and Kiaan further claimed they were pressured to sign legal papers connected to Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd. (Sona Comstar) without being given complete clarity on their contents.

The filing further alleged: “The entire charade created by defendant No.1 (Priya Kapur) in collusion and conspiracy with the two individuals, along with the alleged executor, Defendant No.4, coupled with the obstinate refusal to provide a copy of the alleged purported will, only shows that the alleged will is shrouded by suspicious circumstances.”

According to the suit, the purported will is not valid, is allegedly forged and fabricated, and remains hidden from the rightful heirs. “Neither the original of the alleged will has been shown to the plaintiffs nor a copy of it has been provided. Since it was not disclosed to the plaintiffs whether the purported will was registered or not, the plaintiffs verily believe that it was not registered,” the filing stated.

The children’s legal team also pointed out that the will surfaced only recently, allegedly from individuals close to Priya Kapur, further deepening suspicions about its authenticity.

The Delhi High Court has admitted the petition and will begin hearings in the coming weeks. Legal experts say the case could become one of India’s most closely watched inheritance battles, not only because of the vast wealth involved but also due to the celebrity spotlight on the Kapoor family.

Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry for Indians, Launches Digital Nomad Visa Scheme

India
Travel

Shasi Kumar

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September 10, 2025

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Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry for Indians, Launches Digital Nomad Visa Scheme

Manila, Philippines – The Philippines has updated its entry regulations for Indian nationals, offering new visa-free travel options as well as a digital nomad visa programme designed to attract remote workers. The Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi confirmed that the changes took effect in May 2025.

Under the revised rules, Indian travellers can now enter the Philippines without a visa under two short-term categories:

14-Day Visa-Free Entry:

This category is open to Indian nationals visiting the country for tourism. Travellers may stay for up to 14 days without applying for a visa in advance. Eligibility requires:

A passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay.

Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations.

Confirmed return or onward travel ticket.

Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements or employment certificates).

No negative immigration record with Philippine authorities.

The 14-day entry is strictly limited to tourism, non-extendable, and cannot be converted into other visa types. Entry is permitted through major airports, secondary international airports, and seaports, including for cruise passengers.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry:

A more generous option applies to Indian nationals who already hold valid visas or permanent residency permits from countries such as the United States, Japan, or Schengen states. This category allows a stay of up to 30 days, subject to meeting documentation requirements.

In addition, all travellers—including those eligible for visa-free entry—must register on the eTravel system at least 72 hours before arrival.

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Alongside the updated visa-free entry rules, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 86 authorising the issuance of digital nomad visas earlier this year. The visa allows remote workers to live and work in the Philippines for up to one year, with an option to extend for another year.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, employed outside the Philippines, financially self-sufficient, and pose no threat to national security. Required documents include proof of remote employment, income statements, a valid health insurance policy, and a clean criminal record.

The digital nomad visa is available in three tiers:

Single-entry (3 months): USD 65 (approx. ₹5,503)

Multiple-entry (6 months): USD 105 (approx. ₹8,890)

Multiple-entry (1 year): USD 145 (approx. ₹12,275)

Officials hope the visa will attract global professionals seeking a balance of work and leisure against the backdrop of the Philippines’ beaches, islands, and vibrant culture.

Looking Ahead

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will oversee visa issuance through its embassies, consulates, and the official e-visa portal. Analysts say the dual-track policy—short-term visa-free entry and the new digital nomad programme—reflects Manila’s effort to boost tourism while tapping into the fast-growing market of location-independent workers.

Indian Travelers Face Delays as US Updates Visa Rules, know new rules

India
Travel

Diplomat Times

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September 10, 2025

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Indian Travelers Face Delays as US Updates Visa Rules, know new rules

New Delhi, India – The United States has revised its non-immigrant visa rules, ending a practice that allowed Indian travelers to secure quicker interview appointments in third countries, the Economic Times reported.

Under the new policy, applicants must schedule their interviews in their country of citizenship or legal residence. Exceptions will apply only if the US is not conducting routine non-immigrant visa operations in that country.

The move eliminates a critical workaround that many Indians used during the Covid-19 pandemic, when wait times at US consulates in India stretched up to three years. At that time, travellers were able to book faster appointments in locations such as Dubai, Bangkok, or Singapore.

Non-immigrant visas include categories for tourism, business, students, temporary workers, and fiancés of US citizens. The revised rules roll back a measure that had been introduced to ease pandemic-era backlogs.

Immigration experts warn the change will have significant consequences. Gnanamookan Senthurjoti, founder of immigration platform The Visa Code, told News18 that applicants who filed for student (F-1) or visitor (B1/B2) visas in destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will now have to reapply in India. He added that the rule also affects some work visa renewals, leaving many applicants uncertain about their status.

For Indian tourists and business travellers, the change complicates planning. Analysts note that booking faster appointments abroad had been especially useful for professionals needing last-minute travel to the US. The Hindustan Times reported that the new rules could disrupt corporate schedules as well as personal trips, since urgent departures will be harder to arrange.

Travel executives say the new restrictions may reshape demand. A senior Delhi-based travel services executive told the Indian Express that clients will now need to plan US-bound trips months in advance. “For leisure travellers, many families may choose alternative destinations if they cannot secure timely appointments,” the executive said. “For corporate travellers, this raises the cost of doing business with the US.”

The United States remains one of the top destinations for Indian students and visitors. According to the US Department of Commerce, India was the second-largest source of international students in the US in 2024, while more than 1.4 million Indians visited for business and leisure.

Whether the impact of the new rules eases will depend on how quickly US consulates in India can cut backlogs. The State Department has deployed additional officers to speed up processing, but consultancies caution that demand continues to far exceed pre-pandemic levels.

For now, Indian applicants are being urged to plan far ahead of travel dates, with industry observers noting that the era of quick overseas visa appointments for Indians is effectively over.

Alaska Airlines and Icelandair to Expand Codeshare to Europe-Bound Flights

Travel

Diplomat Times

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September 10, 2025

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Alaska Airlines and Icelandair to Expand Codeshare to Europe-Bound Flights

Reykjavík, Iceland – Alaska Airlines and Icelandair announced plans to expand their codeshare agreement to include flights to Europe, though the carriers have not yet specified which destinations will be part of the arrangement or when it will take effect.

The expansion follows Alaska’s recent announcement that it will begin summer-only daily service between Seattle and Reykjavik on May 28. Currently, the two airlines codeshare on Icelandair flights between Reykjavik and Seattle and Portland, as well as on select Alaska Airlines services from those cities. The expanded agreement will also bring additional Alaska Airlines routes along the U.S. West Coast and beyond into the partnership.

In a joint statement, the airlines said: “Icelandair and Alaska Airlines are pleased to announce the expansion of their longstanding partnership through an enhanced bilateral codeshare agreement. This expansion will allow customers to enjoy seamless connections between Icelandair’s extensive network of destinations across Europe and Alaska Airlines’ strong presence along the U.S. West Coast.”

The expanded codeshare will allow travelers to book itineraries that combine flights from both airlines under a single ticket, offering greater convenience, flexibility, streamlined baggage handling, and frequent flyer point accrual and redemption across both carriers.

This development also marks 15 years of cooperation between the two airlines, underscoring what they described as a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and customer service.

“The expansion of our longstanding partnership with Alaska Airlines reinforces our commitment to providing seamless travel options for our customers,” said Helgi Mar Bjorgvinsson, head of Airline Partnerships and International Relations at Icelandair. “By combining Icelandair’s comprehensive network of multiple destinations across Europe with Alaska’s strong presence along the U.S. West Coast, we are creating even more opportunities for convenient and flexible connections between North America and Europe.”

Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances, and sales at Alaska Airlines, added: “For 15 years, Alaska and Icelandair have worked together to connect our guests to more of the world. Today, we’re building on that partnership with even more opportunities and seamless connectivity guests have come to expect from our two airlines – from easy access to Europe through Icelandair to seamless travel across the West Coast, Hawaii and Asia with Alaska Airlines. Together with Icelandair, we’ve achieved a milestone worth celebrating and are excited to make global travel even more accessible and convenient.”

The airlines said further details on European destinations and the timeline for the expanded agreement will be shared in the coming months.

Apple holds down new iPhone prices amid threats of Trump tariffs

Diplomat Times

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September 10, 2025

0

Apple holds down new iPhone prices amid threats of Trump tariffs

California, USA – Apple on Tuesday introduced an upgraded line of iPhones, including a slimmer iPhone Air, while holding prices steady despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs that have weighed on the company’s profits.

The iPhone Air, starting at $999, features a high-density battery and a new A19 Pro processor designed for improved energy efficiency and performance in a thinner design. Apple called it the most durable iPhone yet, with CEO Tim Cook declaring it “the biggest leap ever for iPhone.” Rivals such as Samsung already market ultra-thin devices, placing the new model in direct competition.

Alongside the iPhone Air, Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, updates to its flagship series, as well as a new Apple Watch with a blood pressure monitor and the AirPods Pro 3 wireless headphones. A 256GB version of the iPhone 17 will start at $799, double the storage of the iPhone 16 at the same price. The iPhone 17 Pro will begin at $1,099 for 256GB, dropping the lower-priced 128GB option available in the previous generation.

Apple kept prices unchanged across the iPhone lineup, the new watch, and AirPods. Analysts said the strategy signals the company’s willingness to absorb tariff-related costs in order to maintain competitiveness against Samsung, Google, and rising Chinese brands. Apple shares fell 1.6 percent after the pricing announcements.

“They’re leveraging their scale to try to keep prices where they are,” said Tom Mainelli of IDC’s Device & Consumer Research Group. “Apple knows tariffs will affect consumer spending, especially in the U.S., so they want to make upgrades affordable at last year’s prices.”

Analysts also see the iPhone Air as a possible stepping stone toward foldable devices, where Samsung dominates. “This new device brings a sense of newness to the iPhone, which has remained the same for too long,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore. “The improved lineup positions Apple strongly across different segments.”

Apple introduced other notable features at the event. The new AirPods Pro 3 will offer live language translation, including real-time conversations if both people wear the earbuds. The Apple Watch will add a blood pressure monitor, pending regulatory approval. The iPhone 17 includes a brighter, scratch-resistant screen and an upgraded front-facing camera designed for improved horizontal selfies.

On the hardware side, Apple revealed a new N1 Wi-Fi chip and a C1X modem for cellular data, replacing components previously supplied by Broadcom and Qualcomm, whose shares dipped following the announcement. “This is MacBook Pro levels of compute in an iPhone,” said Apple chip executive Tim Millet during the launch event in Cupertino. The iPhone Air will also feature two cameras and remove the physical SIM card slot to allow for greater battery capacity.

While the event emphasized hardware improvements, Apple offered little detail on its artificial intelligence roadmap. The company continues to partner with OpenAI for device-level AI features, but analysts noted it sidestepped the competitive push from Google’s Gemini-powered smartphones. “Apple is positioning itself as an innovator in AI hardware integration, even if it’s not leading the software arms race,” said eMarketer analyst Gadjo Sevilla.

No need to temper aggression, Suryakumar say before India-Pakistan clash

India
Sports

Diplomat Times

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September 10, 2025

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No need to temper aggression, Suryakumar say before India-Pakistan clash

Dubai, UAE – India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan counterpart Salman Agha said they would not instruct their players to tone down their aggression when the two rivals face off in a highly anticipated Asia Cup match in Dubai on Sunday.

The clash comes just months after four days of military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors in May, adding political weight to one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.

At the captains’ pre-tournament press interaction on Tuesday, both leaders dismissed suggestions that players should curb their natural on-field intensity.

“Aggression is always there when we take the field,” said Suryakumar, looking relaxed ahead of the contest. “Without some degree of aggression, I don’t think you can play the sport. I’m really excited to take the field.”

Salman echoed a similar sentiment, stressing that aggression was a vital part of cricket, particularly for fast bowlers.
“You don’t need to say anything to any player because every individual is different,” he said. “If someone wants to be aggressive in the field, they are more than welcome. When it comes to fast bowlers, they are always aggressive and you can’t stop them because that’s what keeps them going. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as it stays in the ground.”

India, the reigning T20 world champions, head into the tournament as firm favorites, while Pakistan arrive with momentum after winning a tri-series final against Afghanistan in Dubai last Sunday.

Despite not playing a T20 international since their home series against England in February, Suryakumar dismissed concerns that India might be underprepared.
“If your preparations are great then you are certainly confident when you take the field,” he said. “Yes, we are playing after quite a while but we came here three-four days back and we had a good time as a team together. Really looking forward to this tournament.”

The India-Pakistan fixture is expected to draw packed stands in Dubai and millions of viewers worldwide, with cricket once again serving as a backdrop to tense geopolitics between the two nations.

At Least 10 Dead, 60 Injured as Passenger Bus Hit by Freight Train in Mexico

Diplomat Times

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September 10, 2025

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At Least 10 Dead, 60 Injured as Passenger Bus Hit by Freight Train in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico – At least 10 people were killed and more than 60 others injured on Monday when a double-deck passenger bus collided with a freight train in central Mexico, in one of the country’s deadliest road accidents in recent months.

The crash occurred on the Atlacomulco-Maravatío federal highway in the municipality of Atlacomulco, in the State of Mexico, some 115 kilometers (71 miles) northwest of Mexico City. Local authorities said the collision took place in an industrial zone along the busy route that links Atlacomulco with Maravatío, in neighboring Michoacán state.

RELATED NEWS : Lisbon funicular accident leaves 3 dead, 20 injured

According to the State of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, the victims included seven women and three men. Officials said some of the injured were in critical condition and remained hospitalized, while others with less serious injuries were treated and released.

Images from the scene showed the top deck of the bus crushed, with its front section torn apart and its metal frame badly twisted. Emergency responders cordoned off the wreckage as paramedics, firefighters, and police worked to extract survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

The state’s civil protection agency said emergency teams were dispatched immediately after the crash, which was reported at around 8:30 a.m. local time. Authorities did not specify the exact time of the collision but confirmed that the highway was shut down in both directions to allow rescue and forensic operations.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico, the railway operator, confirmed the accident in a statement and offered condolences to the families of the victims. The company said it was fully cooperating with investigators on site and urged drivers to obey stop signs and traffic signals at railroad crossings to prevent further tragedies.

Bus operator Herradura de Plata, which owns and operates the double-decker involved in the crash, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A video posted online appeared to show the bus edging forward onto the tracks despite other vehicles waiting, before being struck at high speed by the train. The impact pushed the bus several meters along the railway, shattering windows and ripping open its upper deck.

The Attorney General’s Office said an investigation has been launched to establish the cause of the accident and determine responsibility. Authorities are also searching for the bus driver, who reportedly fled the scene before emergency crews arrived.

The tragedy has drawn renewed attention to safety at railway crossings in Mexico, where fatal accidents involving buses and trains have occurred in the past. Transportation experts noted that while freight operators and authorities regularly urge drivers to stop at crossings, enforcement is often lax, and some bus companies have been accused of pressuring drivers to meet strict schedules.

Local media reported that forensic specialists were working through the day to identify victims and notify families, while government officials pledged support for those affected.

Chinese President Xi Meets Portuguese Prime Minister in Beijing

Asia

Diplomat Times

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September 10, 2025

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Chinese President Xi Meets Portuguese Prime Minister in Beijing

Beijing, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping met Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in Beijing on Tuesday, marking a key moment in bilateral ties as the two countries celebrate the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi highlighted the shared history and cultural traditions of China and Portugal, noting that the two nations had “appropriately resolved” the Macao issue through friendly consultations. He praised recent achievements in bilateral cooperation, describing them as a model of mutual respect and mutual benefit between countries with different social systems and national conditions.

The Chinese leader called for strengthening strategic communication, expanding cooperation in innovation, green development, maritime affairs, and healthcare, and promoting cultural and educational exchanges. Xi also underscored Macao’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and urged both sides to leverage forums such as the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum to achieve higher-level outcomes.

Amid global uncertainties, Xi stressed the importance of China and Europe working together to enhance communication and deepen cooperation. He expressed hope that Portugal would continue to support the broader China-EU partnership. Xi also reaffirmed China’s readiness to cooperate with Portugal in multilateral affairs, safeguard the authority of the UN, defend free trade, and promote a fairer global governance system.

Prime Minister Montenegro, delivering greetings from Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to the one-China policy. He emphasized that Macao’s successful governance over the past 25 years demonstrated the correctness of Portugal’s decision, adding that China’s support during Portugal’s past economic hardships would not be forgotten.

Montenegro expressed Portugal’s willingness to deepen political trust, strengthen trade ties, and expand cooperation with China. He welcomed Beijing’s contributions to global governance and said Portugal is ready to play a constructive role in promoting healthy and stable EU-China relations.

Iran backs Venezuela against U.S. threats, vows stronger ties

Latin America

Diplomat Times

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September 10, 2025

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Iran backs Venezuela against U.S. threats, vows stronger ties

Tehran, Iran – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pledged full support for Venezuela’s territorial integrity in a phone call with President Nicolas Maduro, his office said on Tuesday, amid U.S. threats of military action against Caracas under the pretext of fighting drug cartels.

Pezeshkian said Iran “strongly condemns any aggression against countries’ territorial integrity” and voiced hope Venezuela would remain “victorious and proud” through unity and resilience.

The Iranian president said his country’s experience showed “U.S. and Israeli objectives failed due to our internal unity,” adding that Washington had long relied on “fake propaganda and false narratives” to justify violating international law. He expressed readiness to expand cooperation with Venezuela, calling it a “friend and ally.”

Maduro, for his part, praised Iran’s support and said Venezuela’s “exemplary” unity among government, people, and armed forces had strengthened its defenses. He accused Washington of running a propaganda campaign to damage his country’s reputation, but vowed Venezuela would “stand decisively” against any threat.

Maduro said Venezuela would use all its capacities to promote ties with Tehran.

The United States has deployed warships near Venezuela’s coast and stationed F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico. Earlier this month, the U.S. military killed 11 people in a strike on a Venezuelan vessel it said was carrying narcotics.

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