India and the United States are close to finalising the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. He said most issues have been resolved and only a few legal and technical matters remain.   A US delegation will visit India from June 2-4 for another round of talks. Goyal said discussions are focused on final details and how recent legal changes in the US will be reflected in the agreement.   The proposed deal aims to boost trade and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Officials from both sides expressed confidence that the agreement will be concluded and signed soon. (PC: PTI)

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing assured Narendra Modi that its territory would not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests during high-level talks in New Delhi. The discussions covered trade, investment, defence, border management, energy, education, health and emerging technologies. India reaffirmed support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while both sides stressed preventing the misuse of their territories for activities threatening national security. The visit also focused on strengthening economic ties, with bilateral trade exceeding $2.1 billion. Officials described the engagement as a reaffirmation of the long-standing India-Myanmar partnership and regional cooperation.

The success of the Bollywood film Dhurandhar has reportedly angered the Dawood Ibrahim-led D-Company, according to sources. The film features a character named Bade Saheb, who closely resembles Dawood and is shown on his deathbed. Sources claimed that D-Company later activated its network in Mumbai and began recruiting new members. The recruitment drive was allegedly handled by the Shakeel gang, while Pakistan's ISI was tasked with providing training and weapons. Sources also said the recruits were unaware of the larger plan and were allegedly motivated using local issues. Security agencies suspect the gang may be planning a major attack to regain influence. Recent arrests by Indian agencies have reportedly helped foil such plots.

An Indian-origin pilot working for Delta Air Lines was killed in a helicopter crash in Georgia, US, just hours after his wedding. Twenty-six-year-old Dave Fiji was travelling with his bride, Jessni, to begin their honeymoon when the Robinson R66 helicopter crashed near Dawsonville on Friday night.   Jessni survived the crash and is recovering in hospital after spending several hours trapped in the wreckage. Dave's father said his son had expressed concerns about poor visibility before takeoff. The helicopter pilot was also killed. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. (PC: NDTV)

Nepal has said it will involve the United Kingdom in discussions over the long-running Lipulekh Pass border dispute with India, arguing that the issue dates back to the British colonial era. Prime Minister Balendra Shah told Parliament that Kathmandu would pursue dialogue and diplomacy with India, China and the UK to resolve the matter.   The dispute has resurfaced following the announcement of the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the strategically important Lipulekh Pass. Nepal claims the area lies within its territory, while India maintains that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura are part of Uttarakhand. The disagreement remains a key irritant in bilateral relations. (PC: HT)

A 22-year-old man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was apprehended by the Indian Army after crossing the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of north Kashmir. According to sources, the man, identified as Zeeshan Ahmad from Haveli Kahuta, allegedly crossed into Jammu and Kashmir to meet a woman from Uri with whom he had developed a relationship through social media. Preliminary questioning reportedly revealed that the woman advised him to cross the border and surrender to Indian authorities to escape personal and family problems. While the woman has corroborated parts of his account, security agencies are investigating whether the claimed romance masks any other motive. (PC: The Indian Express)

The number of American students choosing India for higher education has fallen sharply over the past decade, dropping 65.6% from 4,583 in 2013-14 to 1,578 in 2023-24, according to data from the Institute of International Education. India now attracts just 0.52% of US students studying abroad. Education experts attribute the decline to low global rankings of Indian universities, rigid academic structures, limited campus housing, infrastructure concerns, and difficulties in transferring academic credits. The Covid-19 pandemic further disrupted enrolment trends, from which India has yet to recover. Meanwhile, Indian student migration to the US continues to rise, reaching more than 3.63 lakh students in 2024-25. (PC: HT)

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah triggered controversy after telling Parliament that Nepal, like India, has also occupied land across the bilateral border. Shah said he learned after taking office that cross-border occupation exists on both sides and stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also suggested involving the United Kingdom, citing its historical role in shaping regional boundaries. The remarks sparked criticism from opposition leaders, border experts and sections of Nepal’s political establishment, who argued the statement undermined national interests. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry later clarified that Shah was referring to occupation and land use issues in border areas, not territorial claims or formal boundary revisions whatsoever.

Indian-American teenager Shrey Parikh's victory at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee has sparked a wave of racist and anti-immigrant reactions on social media. The 14-year-old California student won the prestigious competition after correctly spelling 32 words in a record-breaking 90-second spell-off round. While many celebrated his achievement, some online users linked to the MAGA movement questioned the dominance of Indian-origin contestants and posted offensive comments targeting his ethnicity. Critics shared remarks such as, "This isn't an American, he's brown," and "Get these things out of the United States." The incident has reignited debate over immigration, identity and diversity in America. (PC: X)  

An Indian student in Canada has denied knowing that his friend was allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. During a deportation hearing, Jashandeep Singh said, "I didn't know if I held the gun, they would connect me with extortion."   Canadian authorities want to deport him over alleged links to organised crime. Jashandeep said he believed the gun shown by his friend, Arshdeep Singh, was not connected to any criminal activity.   Police later linked the weapon to shooting incidents in Canada. Jashandeep admitted handling the gun and travelling with Arshdeep but maintained that he had no knowledge of any gang-related activities. (PC: AP)