Tue Oct 21 12:54:52 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
Delhi Chokes on Post-Diwali Pollution; US Clarifies H-1B Visa Fee Rule, Other Top News
New Delhi, October 21, 2025: The Indian capital is grappling with severe air pollution this morning, a direct consequence of widespread firecracker use during Deepavali celebrations on Monday night. Despite a ban on non-“green” firecrackers and a designated 8 PM to 10 PM window, many Delhi residents flouted the rules, resulting in air quality levels exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by a factor of 15, according to official data.
In international news, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued clarifying guidelines concerning President Trump’s recent proclamation regarding H-1B visa fees. The $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B petitions will not apply to applicants seeking a “change of status” or “extension of stay.”
Domestically, political tensions are escalating in Bihar. Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has accused the ruling NDA coalition of intimidating candidates from his Jan Suraaj Party to withdraw their nominations in the upcoming Bihar elections. Kishor claims that democracy is being murdered and has called upon the Election Commission to provide security to the candidates.
Meanwhile, Haryana Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Mohammad Mustafa, former Director General of Police (DGP) for Punjab, his wife Razia Sultana, and two others, for the alleged murder and criminal conspiracy related to the death of their son. In Kerala, an interim report was submitted to the High Court regarding alleged irregularities leading to the reduction in the weight of gold-clad copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple since 2019.
A controversy has erupted in Pune after a video surfaced showing three unidentified women offering namaz on the premises of the historic Shaniwar Wada. A case has been registered against them for allegedly violating restrictions applicable to protected monuments.
On the international front, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has arrived in Israel to reinforce the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. Back in the United States, President Trump has recently criticised India’s import of oil from Russia, disagreeing with the MEA’s denials of any conversation in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised stopping Russian oil imports.
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