September 22, 2025 – The global news landscape is dominated today by significant shifts in international diplomacy, a major policy overhaul impacting the tech sector, and ongoing conflicts and natural disasters. Major European powers have formally recognized the State of Palestine, a move that signals a substantial change in long-standing foreign policy, while the United States has enacted a drastic fee increase for H-1B visas, drawing concern from the tech industry. Meanwhile, Nepal has established a probe panel to investigate recent deadly protests, as other critical global news unfolds.
European Powers Shift Stance on Palestine
A coordinated wave of diplomatic recognition for a Palestinian state has emerged, with the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally announcing their stance on Sunday. This marks a significant departure from decades of policy for these major economies, who are now aligning with a growing international consensus on the need for a two-state solution. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK stated that the recognition aims to “revive hope for peace for the Palestinians and Israelis,” while emphasizing that Hamas must have no future role in governance or security. Similar sentiments were echoed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who stressed the importance of a two-state solution.
These recognitions are occurring ahead of anticipated discussions at the United Nations General Assembly, where France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, San Marino, and Andorra are also expected to announce similar moves. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the decisions as a crucial step towards lasting peace. However, the moves have drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who characterized the recognition as a “reward for terror”. The United States State Department dismissed the actions as “performative,” focusing instead on “serious diplomacy”. These recognitions do not grant Palestine full UN nationhood status without Security Council approval, a move the U.S. has the power to veto.
US Imposes Drastic $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas
The U.S. Administration, under President Donald Trump, has implemented a significant overhaul of the H-1B visa program by introducing a new $100,000 fee for new applications. This one-time fee, effective September 21, 2025, aims to discourage companies from replacing American workers with foreign labor and curb perceived abuses of the system. The proclamation also directs the Department of Labor to raise prevailing wage levels, further increasing costs for employers.
This policy change is expected to heavily impact technology companies, including giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta, as well as Indian IT firms such as TCS and Infosys, which have relied on the H-1B program to recruit skilled foreign talent. Economists and industry analysts warn that the increased costs could slash IT margins, diminish competitiveness, and potentially hinder U.S. economic growth. The Indian government has voiced concerns over potential “humanitarian consequences” and disruptions for families. White House officials have clarified that the fee applies only to new petitions and does not affect current visa holders or renewals, easing some immediate anxieties.
Nepal Forms Probe Panel Amidst Protest Violence
Nepal’s interim government, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, has established a three-member probe committee to investigate the violence and deaths that occurred during recent anti-corruption protests. The protests, initially a Gen Z-led movement against corruption and unemployment, escalated into the country’s deadliest unrest in decades, resulting in an estimated 72-74 fatalities and over 2,100 injuries. This period of unrest ultimately led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
The probe panel, headed by retired judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, has been tasked with completing its investigation within three months. Its mandate includes examining the loss of life and property, as well as any excesses committed by protesters or authorities. Former Prime Minister Oli has denied ordering police to fire on demonstrators and suggested that the protests were infiltrated.
Other Trending Global News
In other significant global developments, an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Sunday killed five people, including a father and three children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military stated it was targeting a Hezbollah member but acknowledged civilian casualties and is reviewing the incident. Separately, Germany deployed fighter jets to intercept a Russian reconnaissance aircraft that entered neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea without communication or a flight plan, heightening tensions amid ongoing NATO alerts.
Pakistan continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath of severe monsoon rains and flash floods, with the National Disaster Management Authority reporting over 1,000 deaths and millions affected nationwide. The intensity of military operations in Gaza has led to an estimated 550,000 Palestinians evacuating Gaza City, with aid agencies warning of overcrowding in displacement areas. These multifaceted events underscore a day of significant global news, highlighting complex geopolitical shifts, economic policy impacts, and ongoing humanitarian challenges.
