Prema Wangjom Thongdok, from Arunachal Pradesh and living in the UK, was held for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong airport while transiting from London to Japan. Chinese officials claimed her Indian passport was “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She said officers mocked her, told her “Arunachal is not part of India,” and suggested she apply for a Chinese passport. Thongdok said she had “no access to food, couldn’t use Google” and was denied boarding despite a valid visa. She contacted the Indian consulate, who helped her leave via Thailand. India lodged a strong protest, calling it humiliating and a challenge to its sovereignty. (PC: HT)

Former US Representative and economist Dr Dave Brat has claimed large-scale fraud in the H-1B visa system. He said on a podcast that Chennai alone received 220,000 H-1B visas, far above the annual US cap of 85,000. Brat argued the system has been taken over by “industrial-scale fraud” and warned that this hurts American workers. His remarks revived older claims by former US diplomat Mahvash Siddiqui, who said most H-1B applications she saw in India involved fake or forged documents. The issue comes as the Trump administration increases scrutiny, even as Trump says skilled workers are still needed. (PC: India Today)

During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attempted to target India’s Uri hydroelectric plant, but the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) successfully foiled the attack, according to a CISF statement. CISF said 19 of its personnel, under Commandant Ravi Yadav, neutralised hostile drones, reinforced bunkers, redistributed weapons, and evacuated about 250 civilians from nearby residential areas. Thanks to their vigilance and preparation, there were no casualties or major damage to the plant. (PC: HT)

India strongly protested after a UK-based Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Chinese immigration officials reportedly declared her Indian passport “invalid” because her birthplace was listed as Arunachal Pradesh, claiming it is part of China. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal demarche, calling the incident a violation of international aviation norms and China’s own 24-hour visa-free transit policy. India also reaffirmed its position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, rejecting China’s territorial claim. (PC: The Hindu)

Former US Representative Dr Dave Brat has alleged massive fraud in the H-1B visa system, claiming Chennai's consulate processed 220,000 visas exceeding the nationwide statutory cap of 85,000. Speaking on Steve Bannon's podcast, Brat stated 71 percent of H-1B visas originate from India, calling it "industrial-scale fraud." Former US diplomat Mahvash Siddiqui corroborated these claims, alleging 80-90 percent of Indian H-1B visas involved fake degrees or forged documents between 2005-2007. She identified Hyderabad's Ameerpet as a fraud hotspot where shops sold fake employment letters and certificates. Chennai consulate handles applications from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana. Despite criticism, President Trump recently expressed support for H-1B visas, emphasizing America's need for global talent.

A pulmonologist quit her £50,000 annual NHS job in the UK to accept a ₹36 lakh position in India, prioritizing quality of life over higher salary. Despite the pay cut, she saves ₹26 lakhs annually in India compared to ₹11.6 lakhs in the UK due to lower living costs. She gained a spacious 3BHK apartment versus a cramped 1BHK, home-cooked meals, household help, and proximity to family. However, she lost NHS pension benefits, career progression clarity, better work regulations, and cleaner air quality. The doctor acknowledged her privilege, including partner's income, supportive family, transferable skills, and no student loans, which facilitated her relocation decision. (PC: Vasant Kunj Medical Centre) 

A Pakistani couple was intercepted by BSF personnel along Gujarat's Kutch border in the early hours of Monday, marking the second such incident in two months. The duo, identifying themselves as Popatkumar Nathu Bhil and Gauri Gulab Bhil, were spotted between border pillars 523 and 524 around 2:50 am and handed over to Balasar police station. They carried only 100 Pakistani Rupees and no formal identification, claiming to be from Tharparkar district in Sindh Province. The couple alleged their families opposed their relationship, prompting them to cross the border. They will be questioned by security agencies at Bhuj's Joint Interrogation Centre. Previously, another Pakistani couple was detained in October under similar circumstances. (PC: Osint TV)

Pema Wang Thongdok, an Arunachal Pradesh woman harassed at Shanghai airport, has responded to trolls emphasizing national unity. She was detained for 18 hours during a layover from London to Japan when Chinese officials refused to recognize her Indian passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh was "part of China." In her post, Thongdok thanked supporters and clarified she works full-time in financial services with no time for trolls. She stressed that any Indian government action benefits all Indians and Arunachalis, not just her personally. Chinese officials confiscated her passport, denied boarding, and mocked her, suggesting she apply for a Chinese passport. India's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.

Israel is coordinating with Indian authorities to reschedule Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's postponed India visit, originally planned for December. The visit was delayed following the Delhi Red Fort blast that claimed 15 lives. Israel's PMO emphasized strong bilateral ties, stating they have "full confidence in India's security under PM Modi" and are already working on new dates. Netanyahu's last official visit to India was in January 2018. Recently, Union Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a successful three-day Israel visit, meeting Netanyahu and signing Terms of Reference to launch Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The meeting focused on strengthening innovation ties, combining Israel's hi-tech expertise with India's scale and talent across agriculture, water, defense, and technology sectors.(PC: Dawn & India Today)

India has firmly rejected China’s claim that an Arunachal Pradesh woman was not detained at Shanghai airport. Pema Wangjom Thongdok said officials told her that her passport was “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. China denied any detention or harassment. India hit back, calling Arunachal Pradesh an “integral and inalienable part of India” and an “indisputable reality.” The MEA said China’s actions violated international air travel rules and its own transit norms. Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu also condemned the treatment, calling it racial mockery. (PC: X)