An investigation has raised concerns over the functioning of VFS Global visa centres as record numbers of Indians apply for Schengen visas to Europe. More than a million Indians seek Schengen visas annually, with applications more than doubling since the pandemic due to rising incomes and increased international travel. At the centre of the process is VFS Global, the Zurich-and-Dubai-headquartered visa outsourcing giant handling applications for most European countries. The concerns emerged after 150 inspection reports by European authorities, covering VFS Global centres across 20 EU member states between 2020 and 2025, reportedly flagged operational lapses. The findings have triggered scrutiny over issues including handling of personal data, transparency in service charges, and broader operational standards at visa processing centres. (PC: X)

A 22-year-old Indian-origin student from Gujarat’s Anand district was stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region on May 15, triggering concern among Indian families with children studying abroad. Vidhi Megha, originally from Borsad, had been living in Canada for three years to pursue higher education while working part-time to support herself. She was reportedly attacked in broad daylight by an unidentified assailant and later succumbed to fatal stab injuries at a nearby hospital. Canadian police have launched an investigation but have not disclosed details about the suspect or motive. Vidhi’s family has appealed to the Indian government to expedite the return of her body to India for final rites and funeral ceremonies.

A 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat, identified as Vidhi Megha from Anand district’s Borsad town, was stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region in a shocking daylight attack. Vidhi had been living in Canada for four years, pursuing law studies while working part-time and preparing to apply for permanent residency. The attack reportedly took place on May 15 after she left her residence. Locals rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Canadian authorities suspect a robbery attempt may have led to the murder, and one suspect has been arrested. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of Indian students abroad. (PC: India Today)

The third edition of London Mahotsav will be held on June 27 and 28, 2026, at the Sattavis Patidar Centre in Wembley, London. Organisers said the two-day festival will celebrate Bengali culture through music, dance, literature, cinema, fashion and food. The event is expected to bring together the Indian Bengali diaspora from across the United Kingdom. Performers and brands from Kolkata are also set to participate in the festival. After successful editions in 2024 and 2025, organisers said London Mahotsav 2026 will be the biggest edition so far, featuring cultural performances, exhibitions and culinary experiences. (PC: T2)

A viral video showing an American man confronting an Indian couple and telling them to “go back to India” has sparked widespread criticism online. The clip, shared on X by a user named Tone, showed the man questioning the couple about their nationality and asking whether India or the United States was better. Although the couple responded calmly, saying both countries had positives, the interaction turned hostile when the man told them, “We don’t want you here” and “Get out of my country.” Social media users condemned the remarks as racist and discriminatory, with many defending immigrants who legally live and work in the US and contribute to society through taxes and skilled labour.

A United States delegation led by its chief trade negotiator will visit India from June 1 to 4 for discussions on the proposed interim trade agreement and the broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The talks follow earlier negotiations held in Washington DC in April and will focus on market access, customs facilitation, non-tariff barriers, investment promotion and economic security cooperation. Both countries had announced the trade framework in a joint statement on February 7, 2026, aimed at strengthening reciprocal trade ties. The upcoming negotiations also come amid tariff recalibration challenges and ongoing US investigations under Section 301. Separately, India and the US recently strengthened cooperation on critical minerals and strategic supply chains. (PC: X)

An Indian couple faced an alleged racist confrontation in the United States after a stranger aggressively told them to “leave the country” in a viral video circulating online. The man questioned the couple about their Indian origin and asked why they were in the US despite praising India. Remaining calm throughout the exchange, the couple said they were visiting to “explore the world.” The incident has reignited debates around racism and xenophobia faced by immigrants and Indians abroad. Social media users widely praised the couple’s composure, while others called for stronger responses against such discriminatory behaviour. 

India has strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent China-Pakistan joint statement issued after meetings between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, stating that no external party has the locus standi to comment on the issue. New Delhi also reaffirmed its opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, arguing that some projects pass through territory it claims as sovereign. India additionally rejected references to China-Pakistan trans-boundary water cooperation and reiterated its non-recognition of the 1963 boundary agreement. (PC: X)

The latest Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi concluded without announcing a date or host confirmation for the next Quad leaders’ summit, raising questions about the grouping’s future trajectory. Previous Quad statements typically identified the next summit host, but the latest joint statement only expressed anticipation for a future meeting. The talks involved S. Jaishankar, Marco Rubio, Penny Wong and Toshimitsu Motegi. With scheduling challenges involving the leaders of India, the United States, Japan and Australia, speculation has emerged that the Quad could temporarily revert to ministerial-level engagements or hold meetings alongside larger international gatherings. (PC: X)

India has strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent China-Pakistan joint statement, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said no foreign country has the locus standi to comment on the matter. India also reiterated its opposition to projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in territories it considers its sovereign land, stating that such activities infringe upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, New Delhi rejected references to China-Pakistan trans-boundary water cooperation, citing its non-recognition of the 1963 boundary agreement.