Senior BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed hope India will extradite former PM Sheikh Hasina, insisting it won't damage Delhi-Dhaka relations. Hasina has been in New Delhi since August 2024 after a mass uprising forced her resignation. In November 2025, a special tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia for crimes against humanity during the 2024 crackdown. Fakhrul stated extradition would follow due legal process and international rules, noting Bangladesh has formally requested her repatriation. His comments followed BNP's landslide victory in recent parliamentary elections, the first since the 2024 uprising. The Awami League was barred from contesting after interim government suspended party activities. (PC: X)

Two Canadian tourists experienced an unforgettable seven-hour sleeper class train journey in India after accidentally booking third-class tickets. Kim Greenwood and her companion found their cabin filled with curious local children who transformed the space into a community gathering. Instead of getting rest, they bonded with families who shared homemade food and snacks bought at stations. Greenwood praised the cooperation and family-like relationships among strangers, calling it inspiring. Despite zero sleep, she declared she "wouldn't change a thing" about the experience. The viral Instagram video garnered over 615,000 views, with users praising the Canadians' positive attitude and celebrating India's unique train culture where passengers become one big family.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he congratulated Tarique Rahman on the party’s election victory. In a post on X, the BNP said, “We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement.” The party added, “This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership.” It also said, “We look forward to engaging constructively with India.” Earlier, PM Modi praised Rahman’s win and said India would support a democratic and progressive Bangladesh. Unofficial results show the BNP-led alliance won 210 seats in Parliament. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh’s ruling party plans to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman. The move comes after the party won the national elections. Sources said regional leaders may also be invited to the event in Dhaka. A day earlier, PM Modi spoke to Rahman and congratulated him on his victory. He shared the message on X and wished him success. Modi also stressed strong ties between India and Bangladesh. There is no official date yet for the ceremony. Officials have not confirmed which foreign leaders will attend.

An Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been missing in California since February 9. He is a master’s student at University of California, Berkeley. He was last seen near the campus.   His backpack with his passport and laptop was later found near Tilden Regional Park. Police have launched a citywide search. Teams are checking Lake Anza and nearby hills.   The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said it is in touch with the family and authorities. Community volunteers are also helping in the search efforts.

The FBI said Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was a “target of transnational repression” after Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty in a murder-for-hire case. Gupta admitted in a New York court that he paid $15,000 to a man he believed was a hitman to kill Pannun in 2023. The FBI said, “He thought he could kill someone without consequence.” US officials said the plot was stopped by law enforcement. Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic. He may face up to 24 years in prison. The Indian government has denied any role in the case.

Indian national Nikhil Gupta, 54, has pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to a failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US‑based pro‑Khalistani activist and dual US‑Canadian citizen. Gupta admitted to charges including murder‑for‑hire, conspiracy to commit murder‑for‑hire, and money laundering, admitting he paid an undercover law‑enforcement officer he believed was a hitman to kill Pannun. Prosecutors allege Gupta acted at the direction of a former Indian government official, Vikash Yadav, and negotiated a $100,000 contract, handing over $15,000 as advance. Gupta, extradited from the Czech Republic in 2024, faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on May 29. India has denied government involvement. (PC: X)

A 22‑year‑old Indian student from Karnataka, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, enrolled in a postgraduate programme at the University of California, Berkeley, has been missing since February 9, last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley Hills. Local authorities and the Berkeley Police Department, which has classified him as “at‑risk,” are conducting extensive search operations, focusing around Tilden Regional Park after his backpack containing personal items was found nearby. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco says it is in contact with his family and U.S. officials to aid the search. Friends and community members are also helping spread information. (PC: LinkedIn)

Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy has pulled out of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) after jury president Wim Wenders and others said filmmakers should “stay out of politics” regarding the Gaza conflict. Roy, who was set to present her film in the festival’s Classics section, called their remarks “jaw-dropping” and “unconscionable.” She criticised the refusal to address humanitarian atrocities in Gaza and argued that artists have a responsibility to speak out against crimes against humanity. Her withdrawal highlights the growing debate over art, politics, and moral responsibility in global cinema. (PC: AFP)

Korean singer Aoora released 'Shiva Shivam,' a devotional tribute to Lord Shiva ahead of Maha Shivratri 2026, which has gone viral on social media. Marking his third anniversary in India, Aoora described the song as "not a song but a prayer" hoping to reach everyone's hearts. He dedicated it to those who supported his Indian journey, recalling his travels from Delhi to Mumbai and various cities where he gained experiences and received immense love. The viral video's caption expressed gratitude to God and desire to learn more. Social media users flooded comments with red hearts and praise, with one calling it "lovely" as Shivratri approaches, demonstrating music's power to unite cultures.