Indian-origin jazz musician Pritesh Walia has spoken about his 14-day detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement after he was allegedly accused of overstaying his visa. Walia said he was unexpectedly detained after returning to Los Angeles on August 2 and was later transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Centre. After being released on bond, he described the experience as frightening, saying he felt “scared, hopeless, and completely broken.” Born and raised in New Delhi, Walia began studying Indian classical music at 13 before moving to the US for higher education. He thanked his family, girlfriend, lawyer and the music community for their support.  

Bangladesh has said it does not want its friendly relations with India to deteriorate over the long-pending Teesta water-sharing dispute. Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee urged New Delhi to consider Bangladesh’s interests while protecting its own. Dhaka is also pushing a proposed Teesta River restoration and management project with Chinese support to address floods, erosion and dry-season water shortages in northern districts. Anee said Bangladesh urgently needs a water-sharing agreement but would proceed with the project regardless of whether it is called a treaty or master plan. India has said the issue should involve all relevant stakeholders, including West Bengal. (PC: IndiaToday)

An emotional farewell between an American woman and her Indian neighbours has gone viral on Instagram. In the video, Vijay Kokkeragadda is seen outside his home before leaving for Detroit Airport to return to India. His American neighbour walks up, hugs him tightly and breaks down in tears. Vijay smiles and comforts her as the emotional goodbye unfolds. According to Vijay’s Instagram post, he did not know the farewell was being recorded. A friend secretly filmed the moment and later shared the video with him. Vijay said he was glad to have the recording because it captured genuine emotions, friendship and affection between neighbours. (PC: NDTV)

Lakshmanan Meyyappan, 16, has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male Chartered Accountant at 16 years and 141 days. Based in Dubai, Meyyappan began studying for the ACCA qualification at 15 and completed it in about a year. He later earned the CFA charter and is now pursuing an MSc in Finance. He also works as a Senior Research Analyst at Century Financial, focusing on investments, research and financial markets. His interest in accounting began during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced by his mother, who is also an ACCA. Meyyappan says curiosity, rather than speed, drove his achievements. (PC: NDTV)

Taliban-appointed Afghan Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, speaking in New Delhi on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, called for deeper engagement between Afghanistan and India while portraying Afghanistan as stable and moving beyond war. Addressing an audience including MEA Joint Secretary Dr. Anand Prakash and foreign diplomats, Noor described August 15 as the start of a “new chapter” focused on stability, reconstruction, economic growth and expanding global relations based on mutual respect. He credited the Taliban government with implementing Sharia, strengthening security and independent decision-making. Noor argued that a peaceful, stable and responsible Afghanistan could create opportunities for regional connectivity, trade, investment and economic cooperation. (PC: X)

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that the US administration’s $100,000 H-1B fee could drive skilled workers and jobs overseas. He said the high cost may discourage companies from hiring foreign professionals in specialised fields. Instead, firms could choose to move some work outside the US. Krishnamoorthi said H-1B workers from India, China and other countries play an important role in the US economy. He also noted that some foreign workers later start companies and create jobs. The fee is facing a legal challenge. A US appeals court has refused to pause a ruling that blocked the charge.

Nandan Thakur, a Microsoft Research postdoctoral researcher, has returned to India after completing his PhD in Canada. He said the decision was based on personal and professional reasons. Thakur missed his family, friends, Indian food and important events back home. He also faced loneliness and stress linked to immigration and visa rules. Despite Canada offering higher salaries and a clear path to permanent residency, he chose to return. Thakur said India’s growing AI sector also influenced his decision. He joined Microsoft Research India in Bengaluru. He said he and his wife wanted to build their future closer to family and contribute to India’s AI ecosystem.

American tourist Mike, an international filmmaker, praised India’s healthcare system after receiving free treatment at a rural government hospital in Odisha. On his fifth day in India, Mike fell ill after overeating local food and said he was vomiting every 15 minutes for around 12 hours. Doctors treated him with IV fluids, anti-nausea medication and injections. Mike clarified he did not believe it was food poisoning, blaming overindulgence instead. He said similar treatment in the US could cost thousands of dollars, but the Odisha hospital charged him nothing. His humorous Instagram video drew praise online, with users highlighting free healthcare, offering recovery wishes and suggesting ways to adjust to Indian food. 

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army by Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel at a ceremony in Kathmandu on Monday. The honour continues a tradition that began in 1950, with India and Nepal conferring honorary general ranks on each other’s army chiefs. During his 4-day visit, General Seth met Nepal Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel to discuss ways to strengthen military ties. He also received a guard of honour, handed over military and medical equipment to the Nepal Army and visited its headquarters. Officials said the visit would further strengthen trust and cooperation between the 2 armies. (PC: NDTV)

Public opinion of India is largely positive across Europe, with the United Kingdom ranking first at 71% favourable, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Germany follows at 63%, while Italy and Sweden record 56% and 55%. France stands at 50%, the Netherlands at 49%, Spain at 37%, Poland at 37%, Greece at 39% and Hungary at 40%. The findings come from Pew’s Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey, which interviewed 42,092 adults across 36 countries between February 9 and May 13, 2026, with surveys designed to represent the adult population in each country. Pew said European views of India generally lean more positive than negative. Compared with 2025, favourable views rose 11 points in the UK and 6 points in Germany, while Sweden and the Netherlands also recorded increases. Since 2023, Germany’s favourable rating has climbed from 47% to 63%, while France’s rose from 39% to 50%.