West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced protests at Oxford University’s Kellogg College as students confronted her over the RG Kar rape case, Tata’s exit from Bengal, and Jadavpur University incidents. Banerjee defended her government, stating Tata had invested in Kharagpur and that the RG Kar case was under central investigation. She accused protesters of politicizing the event. The Students’ Federation of India – UK questioned her claims on development and women's empowerment. BJP leaders shared videos of the protest, amplifying criticism. Banerjee, on an official UK visit, is expected to return to India on March 28-29. (PC: Video Screengrab/@AITCofficial)

A course on Hinduism at the University of Houston has led to a controversy. An Indian-American student, Vasant Bhatt, accused the university of promoting "Hinduphobia." He claimed the course describes Hinduism as a "political tool" and links it to oppression. The university is reviewing the complaint. The course, taught online by Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey, has drawn criticism for its syllabus. Bhatt shared a quote stating that the term "Hindu" is recent and linked to nationalism. This comes as India rejected a US report on religious freedom, calling it biased and politically motivated. (PC: UHouston/X)

On March 27, 2025, security forces engaged in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Juthana area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation resulted in the elimination of two terrorists, while five security personnel, including Special Police Officer Bharat Chalotra, sustained injuries. The wounded officers were evacuated to Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu and are reported to be in stable condition. Intelligence reports suggest a larger infiltration attempt, with security forces continuing their combing operations to neutralize remaining threats. The encounter underscores heightened terrorist activity in border areas, prompting intensified security measures. (PC: PTI)  

Amit Gupta, a senior Indian technology executive and country head for Tech Mahindra in Kuwait and Qatar, has been detained in Doha since January 1 without any publicly disclosed charges. His family in India remains in distress, receiving only brief weekly calls where he insists on his innocence. Despite diplomatic engagement, the Indian government has yet to secure his release. His wife, Aakanksha Goyal, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention. This case follows a similar high-profile detention of Indian naval officers in Qatar, raising concerns about diplomatic and legal challenges for Indian professionals in the region. (PC: BBC News)

Indian PhD student Ranjani Srinivasan, accused of "supporting Hamas," says she feels betrayed after Columbia University failed to defend her when the U.S. revoked her visa. Srinivasan, who spent five years at Columbia in Urban Planning, left for Canada on March 11, fearing arrest. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled her a "terrorist sympathizer." Srinivasan still hopes Columbia will reinstate her enrollment, saying, "All the requirements for my PhD are complete." A viral video showed her leaving New York's LaGuardia Airport. She is currently staying with friends and family in Canada. (PC: X/@Sec_Noem)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India soon, marking his first trip since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that preparations are underway following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. The visit is expected to focus on the Ukraine conflict and global shifts after Donald Trump’s U.S. presidency. India, maintaining neutrality on Ukraine, continues strong defense and trade ties with Russia, especially in oil imports. Last year, Modi visited Moscow and Kyiv, strengthening diplomatic engagement. The two leaders aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion. (PC: India Today)

India and China have made progress in resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2025, following discussions between Indian and Chinese officials in Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides reviewed strategic agreements and focused on stabilizing ties, including resuming direct flights and people-to-people exchanges. The 33rd Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs also addressed border stability and cross-border cooperation. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese officials agreed to take further steps for diplomatic engagement. The next high-level meeting will be held in India later this year. (PC: x/Rahulgandhi)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India-China competition should not turn into conflict as both nations work to mend ties. Speaking after talks in Beijing under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on Border Affairs, Jaishankar said the 2020 Galwan clash was "very traumatic" and damaged relations. He noted some improvement since October 2024, with efforts to resume direct flights and Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. India and China are also working on step-by-step dialogue mechanisms. "It is in our mutual interest to rebuild relations," he stated. The MEA affirmed discussions on restoring stability and predictability. (PC: X/S Jaishankar)

The Trump administration has asked universities to provide names and nationalities of students involved in campus protests, sparking fears of deportation. With 331,602 Indian students in the US, legal experts warn this could lead to surveillance and immigration crackdowns. Columbia University student Ranjani Srinivasan self-deported after her visa was revoked. Critics call it a “witch hunt,” while officials claim it's to assess antisemitism cases. The Education Department has warned 60 universities of sanctions. Civil rights attorneys argue the request could violate legal protections for international students. (PC: Getty Images)

India has strongly criticized the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for its latest report. The report accuses India of religious intolerance and suggests sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, R&AW. India’s foreign ministry called the report biased and politically motivated. It said USCIRF misrepresents facts and ignores India's diverse and pluralistic society. India also accused the US body of having a hidden agenda. Despite USCIRF's recommendations, it is unlikely that the US government will impose sanctions on India. The Indian government said attempts to damage India’s democratic image will not succeed. (PC: IANS)