India has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure the return of the 11th-century Goddess Vagdevi idol from the British Museum in London. The Madhya Pradesh government requested the Centre to seek the idol's repatriation, and the Union Culture Ministry has been pursuing the matter through diplomatic and institutional channels. The issue is expected to feature prominently during the BRICS Culture Working Group and Culture Ministers' meetings in Bhopal. The white-marble idol, linked to Dhar's Bhojshala, was acquired by the British Museum in 1909. India is also pushing for stronger international cooperation to recover cultural artefacts removed during the colonial period. (PC: NDTV)

Sripathi Deepa, a 42-year-old software professional from Hyderabad, died in a road accident in New Jersey while dropping her husband, Ramakrishna Reddy, at a metro station. The couple had been living in the US since 2008 and have 2 children. Police said another vehicle allegedly rammed into Deepa's car, and the other driver has been taken into custody. Originally from Telangana's Rangareddy district, Deepa was scheduled to return to India in just 2 days. Her sudden death has left her family and friends in deep shock. (PC: NDTV)

The number of US student visas issued to Indian applicants dropped sharply in 2025, according to a report by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). The report found that only 22,149 F-1 visas were issued to Indians between May and August 2025, down 62% from the same period in 2024. Chinese student visas also declined, though less steeply. Despite the drop, Indian and Chinese students remain the largest international student groups in US universities, accounting for 53% of all foreign enrolments in 2024-25. The report warns that fewer student visas could reduce international enrolment and shrink the pipeline of skilled graduates entering the US workforce through the Optional Practical Training programme. (PC: ANI)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "India has always been a great friend and will remain so," during a virtual press conference from Delhi. She said the friendship between India and Bangladesh would stay strong despite recent political developments. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 under full security after leaving Bangladesh. She also repeated her wish to return to her country. Ahead of the event, India's Ministry of External Affairs said the government had no role in the press conference and did not endorse any views expressed there. Bangladesh has raised concerns over her political activities from India.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to Bangladesh despite saying she could face arrest or imprisonment, declaring that "fear can't decide my duty." Speaking publicly for the first time since her 2024 ouster in a virtual address from New Delhi, Hasina alleged the July-August 2024 uprising was a "planned regime change" rather than a genuine student-led movement. She claimed the protests were orchestrated to remove her government outside the democratic process. The address came despite objections from Dhaka, while India reiterated that the event was organised by a private entity and did not reflect the Indian government's views or involvement. (PC: Reuters)

The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy Indian Navy assets to protect Indian merchant vessels operating in high-risk maritime zones after an India-flagged cargo ship was attacked in the Red Sea. The appeal follows the sinking of MSV Faize Noore Oliya 14 near Yemen's western coast after it was struck by a projectile. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indian seafarers, were rescued. Citing escalating missile, drone and maritime attacks in the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea, the union urged immediate naval protection, warning that Indian merchant mariners remain increasingly vulnerable amid widening regional conflicts. (PC: iStock)

India strongly rejected Pakistan's remarks on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, calling them "malicious propaganda" and reiterating that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh "are, have always been, and shall forever remain" integral parts of India. Responding to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's appeal for international intervention on Kashmir, the Ministry of External Affairs said the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, were entirely India's internal matter. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also criticised Pakistan over continuing violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), pointing to reports of civilian killings and urging Islamabad to address governance and human rights concerns in territories under its control. (PC: AP)

India and Myanmar are discussing a possible territorial exchange to resolve a long-pending undemarcated section of their border along Manipur, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed. Responding to reports of a proposed land swap, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions were underway to settle unresolved border sectors but stopped short of confirming any agreement. The reported proposal, first highlighted by The Diplomat, suggests exchanging about 1.4 square miles of territory between border pillars 65 and 68 to complete demarcation. The possibility has sparked opposition from civil society groups in Manipur, which have raised concerns over the state's territorial integrity and national sovereignty. (PC: Wikimedia Common)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made her first public media appearance in nearly two years, addressing journalists virtually from India at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) South Asia in New Delhi. Held on the second anniversary of her departure from Bangladesh, the interactive session focused on her plans to return, the future of the Awami League and questions from international media. The FCC defended hosting the event as an exercise in press freedom rather than political endorsement. The appearance came amid renewed concerns from Bangladesh, which has sought Hasina's extradition and urged India not to allow its territory to be used for her political activities. (PC: NDTV)

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have proclaimed August 15 as "India Day" to mark India's Independence Day and recognise the contributions of the Indian-American community. The proclamation highlights India's position as the country with the world's largest diaspora, with over 36 million people living abroad. It also acknowledges the growing cultural, economic and educational ties between India and Massachusetts. The move comes ahead of India's 79th Independence Day and celebrates the achievements of Indian-Americans across sectors, including healthcare, technology, business, education and public service. (PC: Tribune India)