A new bill pushed by US President Donald Trump, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill," proposes a 3.5% tax on all outbound remittances, sparking concerns in India. With $129 billion in remittances received in 2024, India—home to the world’s largest diaspora—faces a potential financial blow. The tax, passed by a slim margin in the US House, could hit states like Kerala and Bihar hard. Elon Musk criticized the bill, joking it can't be both “big” and “beautiful.” The move is part of broader legislation supporting Trump's 2024 campaign promises, with cuts to student aid and green energy incentives. (PC: AFP )

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Tharoor said, “Mediation is not a term we are particularly willing to entertain… it implies an equivalence that doesn't exist.” Tharoor, who is in the US leading the multi-party Operation Sindoor delegation, stressed that talks cannot occur "between terrorists and their victims." India maintains that the May 10 understanding to end hostilities followed direct military talks between the two nations, not U.S. intervention as Trump has suggested. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed he will attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, later this month, following an official invite from Canada's newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney. This marks their first interaction since Carney's election victory. The announcement comes amid tension between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Former PM Justin Trudeau had accused India of involvement, a claim New Delhi denied as baseless. Despite earlier speculation of Modi skipping the summit, his participation reaffirms India's commitment to global diplomacy and engagement with the world’s top economies. (PC: Reuters)

On June 6, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his acceptance of an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the 51st G7 Summit, to be held from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. The invitation was extended during a phone conversation between the two leaders. PM Modi shared the news on social media, expressing his anticipation for the summit. His participation highlights India’s active role in global diplomacy and international policymaking, reaffirming its engagement with major global economies and multilateral forums like the G7. (PC: News 18)    

In a recent four-hour podcast with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya addressed the allegations against him for the first time in nine years. Facing fraud and money laundering charges amounting to over ₹9,000 crore, Mallya acknowledged his status as a fugitive since 2016 but contested being labeled a "chor" (thief), stating, "Where is the chori?" He expressed willingness to return to India if assured of a fair trial and dignified treatment, citing concerns over detention conditions. Mallya also claimed that banks have recovered ₹14,100 crore from him, exceeding the ₹6,203 crore debt, and questioned the continued targeting against him. (PC: Instagram)  

A light-hearted meme storm has taken over social media, with users jokingly urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mediate a "ceasefire" between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The viral trend follows a heated exchange between the two global figures over trade policies, political ideologies, and electric vehicle subsidies. Drawing a tongue-in-cheek reference to Trump's previous claim of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire, users on X (formerly Twitter) are posting humorous calls for Modi to step in, blending current geopolitics with pop culture satire. (PC: Reuters)    

Indian rock band Girish and the Chronicles from Sikkim delivered a sensational performance on America’s Got Talent, earning global praise for their electrifying cover of Adele's hit song. The band’s powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence left judges stunned, marking a historic debut for Indian rock music on the world stage. Known for fusing classic rock with modern flair, the band’s AGT performance has gone viral, igniting pride among Indian music fans. This moment is seen as a breakthrough for indie rock from India, putting Sikkim on the international music map and setting the stage for more global recognition.

A 21-year-old MBBS student from Telangana, Arshid Ashrith, died in a tragic bike accident in Can Tho City, Vietnam. CCTV footage showed Ashrith's 150cc motorcycle crashing at high speed into a house wall, flinging both him and a friend riding pillion. Ashrith, a third-year student and son of a cloth merchant from Komaram Bheem Asifabad, died on the spot. His friend sustained serious injuries and is under medical care. The fatal crash occurred early Wednesday morning. The devastating news has left Ashrith’s family in deep shock and mourning, as arrangements begin to bring his body back to India. (PC: India Today)

During a diplomatic event in the U.S., Congress MP Shashi Tharoor forcefully countered Pakistan’s portrayal of itself as a terror victim. Responding to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s outreach efforts, Tharoor cited Hillary Clinton’s famous quote—"You can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours"—to underscore Pakistan’s long-standing support for terror groups. He pointed to the irony that Pakistan now suffers from terrorism bred by its own policies. Tharoor emphasized India’s commitment to development over rivalry, while exposing Islamabad’s global image management as deeply flawed and misleading. (PC: ANI)

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari admitted Pakistan's repeated failures in raising the Kashmir issue at the UN, stating that "hurdles still exist." Leading a parliamentary delegation to the US, Bhutto aims to counter India's global outreach post-Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The Pakistani team met UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres, and representatives of key Security Council nations. Their visit coincides with an Indian delegation led by Shashi Tharoor in Washington. Both sides are presenting opposing narratives to the global community. While Pakistan highlights regional tensions, India emphasizes its stance on terrorism and sovereignty in a post-attack diplomatic blitz. (PC: NDTV )