Senior advocate Harish Salve has supported the Ministry of External Affairs’ clarification that a passport is a travel document and not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship, describing the government’s position as legally correct. Speaking amid the ongoing debate, Salve said citizenship is determined by law and not by possession of a passport. Referring to Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, he noted that passports can be issued in specific circumstances even to non-citizens, which does not automatically confer citizenship. He stressed that citizenship is governed by legal provisions and that passports remain valid proof for practical purposes unless legally challenged. He also dismissed concerns about international credibility. (PC: X)

India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, formally assumed office in Dhaka and announced the resumption of travel visas for Bangladeshi nationals. Visa applications will be accepted from June 28, marking a significant step in restoring people-to-people exchanges between the two neighbouring countries. The announcement came after Trivedi presented his credentials to Mohammed Shahabuddin, officially beginning his diplomatic tenure. The 76-year-old BJP leader’s appointment signals a renewed focus on bilateral engagement. The Union government has also accorded Trivedi the status of a Union Minister for ceremonial functions, underscoring the importance attached to India-Bangladesh relations and cooperation.

Indian football fans faced a difficult path to securing Canadian visas for the FIFA World Cup, with only 355 of 1,225 applications approved, resulting in a 29% success rate. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada covering applications processed between November 15 and March 31 showed India was the fourth-largest source of World Cup-related visa requests. Canada processed nearly 17,000 tournament-linked visitor visa applications overall, approving just 41%. Pakistan recorded an approval rate below 9%, while Colombia saw nearly 70% approvals. Canadian authorities stressed there is no special FIFA visa category and warned applicants against fraudulent agents promising guaranteed approvals, immigration benefits, work opportunities, or permanent residency through World Cup travel. (PC: Sports Travel)

The Indian government has announced the first major passport fee revision in nearly 14 years, with the new rates taking effect from July 1, 2026. A fresh or reissued 36-page passport for adults will now cost Rs 2,500 under the normal scheme and Rs 5,000 under Tatkaal, up from Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,500 respectively. The fee for a 60-page passport has risen to Rs 3,500 and Rs 6,000. Charges for replacing lost or damaged passports have also increased significantly across categories. The revised structure, notified through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, applies to all applications submitted on or after July 1 nationwide. (PC: Pinterest)

Venezuela has been devastated by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, leaving at least 164 people dead and 971 injured. The back-to-back tremors, among the strongest to hit the country in more than a century, caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and trapping many people beneath the rubble. Authorities have declared a state of emergency as rescue teams continue intensive search operations in the hardest-hit regions, including areas near Caracas. The United States has announced disaster assistance and humanitarian support, while several countries have offered aid. Officials warn that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue. (PC: X)

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has filed an FIR in connection with the alleged theft and misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The action follows findings from an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into suspected financial irregularities involving temple offerings and donation funds. Investigators are examining allegations of embezzlement, missing cash, and possible lapses in financial oversight. The case has sparked political debate and renewed calls for greater transparency in the management of religious donations. Authorities have assured devotees that a thorough investigation is underway and that appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible. (PC: AP)

Young Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made a strong impression on Ireland’s cricketers before his anticipated international debut. Several Irish players admitted they are eager to watch and compete against the teenage sensation, whose performances in domestic and age-group cricket have generated significant attention. One player said he would like to see what Sooryavanshi can do at the highest level after hearing so much about his talent. The excitement surrounding the youngster highlights his growing reputation in world cricket. Fans and experts alike are closely following his journey as he prepares to take another major step in his promising career. (PC: X)

The Government of India has announced a revised passport fee structure that will come into effect on July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, a fresh ordinary passport application will cost ₹2,500, while applicants seeking expedited Tatkaal service will have to pay ₹5,000. The revised fees are part of an update to passport service charges and are expected to apply across Passport Seva Kendras nationwide. Officials said the changes aim to streamline service delivery and operational costs. Citizens planning to apply for new passports, renewals, or urgent travel documents are advised to check the updated fee schedule before submitting applications. 

India will resume issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi nationals from June 28, marking a significant step toward normalising relations between the two neighbouring countries. The announcement was made in Dhaka by newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, who recently assumed office and was also granted Cabinet-rank status for ceremonial protocol. Tourist visa applications will be accepted through multiple visa centres across Bangladesh, while urgent medical visas will continue on humanitarian grounds. The decision follows months of limited visa operations and is expected to boost tourism, family visits, medical travel, and people-to-people exchanges, further strengthening India-Bangladesh diplomatic and cultural ties. (PC: ANI)

Seven endangered golden langurs rescued from a wildlife trafficking network have been released into Assam’s Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park after receiving veterinary care and rehabilitation. The primates were among eight langurs recovered during a joint operation by the Assam Police Special Task Force and local authorities in Chirang district. One langur died after the rescue, while the remaining seven were treated and prepared for release. Nine suspects, including a Bangladeshi national, were arrested in connection with the trafficking case. Officials believe the animals were illegally captured from forest areas in western Assam. The successful release marks a significant step in protecting the endangered species and combating wildlife trafficking. (PC: The Hindu)