Canada-US Tensions, H-1B Fee Proposal, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Adani & India Space Sector

Canada’s Prime Minister has said, “We cannot trust America,” drawing criticism over his alleged personal ties to the United States. Critics claim his wife lives there, all four children study there, about 91% of his investments remain linked to the country, and he owns a US home. They called his remarks hypocritical. US Vice President J.D. Vance also accused Canada of acting as a “backdoor for Chinese goods” entering American markets. Vance urged Ottawa to stop taking advantage of the United States and demanded fairer trade. The allegations and counterclaims have intensified tensions between the two North American neighbours.

The US government has proposed an additional $103,265 fee for new H-1B cap-subject petitions. The charge would apply only to lottery-selected applications and would come on top of existing visa fees. Applicants would pay the proposed amount when filing their petitions. The measure has not yet been finalised, but it has raised concerns among businesses and skilled professionals, including thousands of Indian workers who depend on the H-1B programme. Companies warn that the sharp increase could raise hiring costs, discourage international recruitment and affect technology firms that rely on specialised foreign talent.

Jaish-e-Mohammed has reportedly rebuilt its Markaz Subhanallah headquarters in Bahawalpur after India’s Operation Sindoor damaged the site in May 2025. The operation targeted locations allegedly linked to terrorist attacks, including the April Pahalgam assault that killed 26 tourists. Indian media reports claim Pakistan’s government provided PKR 25 crore for reconstruction, with PKR 11 crore spent on renovating the central hall using imported marble and new plaster. Reports also say leadership has shifted to Masood Azhar’s brothers amid his reported illness. Indian analysts have raised concerns about continued state support for the designated terror group and its infrastructure.

Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani met Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at his residence in Bengaluru on August 23, shortly after Adani Enterprises emerged as the lowest bidder for the city’s proposed tunnel road. The 16.75-kilometre twin-tube project would connect Hebbal with Central Silk Board and aims to reduce Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. Adani Enterprises quoted ₹22,267 crore, exceeding the government’s ₹17,698 crore estimate. The contract still requires cabinet approval amid debates over construction costs and tolls. The meeting reportedly focused on the tunnel project and possible investments, highlighting Karnataka’s infrastructure priorities amid political criticism of the Adani Group.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Indian space startups at Seva Teerth in New Delhi during National Space Day celebrations and praised the private sector’s ambition. He highlighted the need for stable policies to support innovation in rockets, satellites, propulsion, space-debris removal and AI-based climate tools. Modi urged startups to apply space technology to agriculture, livestock, dairy and environmental protection. He also suggested linking the sector with Atal Tinkering Labs to inspire students. The meeting showcased India’s growing private space industry, which has expanded since the 2020 reforms and 2023 Space Policy, attracting hundreds of startups and rising investment.