Fri Sep 26 12:42:26 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the key events from The Hindu’s reporting on September 26, 2025, with an Indian perspective:

**The Hindu – National and International Roundup: Ladakh Arrest, US Trade Talks, and Political Scuffles Dominate Headlines**

**New Delhi, September 26, 2025** – A day of significant developments unfolded across India and abroad, as reflected in reports compiled by The Hindu.

**Ladakh Statehood Protests Intensify: Activist Arrested**

Tensions remain high in the Union Territory of Ladakh as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the ongoing protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, was arrested by Ladakh police today. Director General of Police (DGP) S.D. Jamwal led the team executing the arrest, reportedly preventing Mr. Wangchuk from addressing the media. The specific charges against him are currently unconfirmed, but the arrest is likely to further fuel the ongoing agitation. Public gatherings have been banned.

**India-US Trade Talks: Progress Reported, Dates Unconfirmed**

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s delegation concluded a series of meetings with U.S. government officials in New York this week. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released a statement describing the talks as “constructive,” highlighting discussions on a potential Bilateral Trade Agreement. However, the statement lacked details on concrete progress, failing to announce a date for the next round of formal negotiations, leading some analysts to question the immediate prospects for a comprehensive trade deal.

**Political Opposition Slams Government Over Paper Leaks**

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi voiced strong support for student protestors in Uttarakhand demonstrating against a recent examination paper leak. Mr. Gandhi directly accused the ruling BJP of prioritizing political power over job creation for young people, alleging “vote theft” and claiming the BJP should be referred to as “paper chor” (“paper thief”).

**Supreme Court Intervenes in Temple Ghee Probe**

The Supreme Court stayed an Andhra Pradesh High Court order that had criticized the CBI Director’s appointment of an officer to assist the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams temple offerings. The Supreme Court questioned whether the SIT had abdicated its responsibilities.

**India Refutes NATO Chief’s Claim of Modi-Putin Call**

The Ministry of External Affairs vehemently refuted claims made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin to inquire about Moscow’s strategy on Ukraine, supposedly in response to the impact of U.S. tariffs on India. The ministry spokesperson called such remarks “entirely baseless,” “speculative or careless,” and “unacceptable.”

**Delhi High Court Questions Defamation Suit Against Netflix Series**

The Delhi High Court raised questions about the maintainability of a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede against the Netflix series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood,’ directed by Aryan Khan and produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. The court’s skepticism casts doubt on the future of the case.

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