An Adelaide court has sentenced Indian-origin massage therapist Sumit Satish Rastogi to 13 years and 10 months in prison for sexually abusing 61 women at a massage parlour in Australia. Rastogi pleaded guilty to 97 offences, including aggravated indecent assault and indecent filming, committed between October 2021 and July 2022. South Australia District Court Judge Carmen Matteo described his conduct as “out of control” and said he exploited women who trusted him during treatment sessions. Several victims spoke about lasting trauma and loss of trust caused by the abuse. Rastogi is likely to be deported after completing his sentence. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh’s ruling BNP government on Saturday called for immediate talks with India on a new Ganges Water Sharing Treaty ahead of the current pact’s expiry in December 2026. BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Dhaka’s future relations with New Delhi would depend on a new agreement that meets Bangladesh’s “expectations and needs”. The remarks came days after Bangladesh approved a major Padma Barrage project aimed at reducing the impact of India’s Farakka Barrage. Water-sharing along the Ganges remains a sensitive issue, with Bangladesh raising concerns over dry-season water flow, agriculture and ecological impact downstream. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and the Netherlands have upgraded their relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” during delegation-level talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in The Hague. The two nations agreed to expand cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, water management, maritime security, and innovation. PM Modi highlighted the Netherlands as one of India’s key European partners and stressed combining India’s “speed and skill” with Dutch technological expertise. The visit also witnessed agreements aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and resilient supply chains between the two countries. (PC: PTI)

The Netherlands has formally returned the historic 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit. Known as the “Leiden Plates,” the artefacts are among the most valuable surviving records of the Chola Empire and had remained in Dutch custody for centuries. The collection includes 21 copper plates inscribed in Sanskrit and Tamil, documenting grants made during the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. India had sought their return since 2012 through diplomatic efforts. PM Modi called the repatriation a “joyous moment for every Indian,” highlighting India’s commitment to reclaiming its cultural heritage abroad. (PC: Instagram)

An Indian restaurant owner, Manish Kumar, has sparked emotional debate in Japan after authorities rejected his business manager visa renewal under stricter immigration rules. Kumar, who has lived in Japan for three decades and operated a restaurant in Saitama for 18 years, broke down while explaining that his children were born in Japan and only speak Japanese. The revised visa policy now requires much higher investment capital, local employment, and stricter business checks. Critics say the tougher rules are hurting long-time small foreign business owners and forcing many to shut down or leave the country.

The Netherlands has returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam Copper Plates, also known as the Leiden Plates, to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The copper plates date to the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I and record land grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. The artefacts had been kept at Leiden University for more than a century. Their return follows years of diplomatic efforts and marks an important step in restoring India’s cultural heritage. (PC: Wikimedia Commons, Prof Benoy K Behl)

Foreign ministers of BRICS on Friday reaffirmed support for an independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The decision was announced after a meeting in New Delhi. Members agreed on backing Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations. However, differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz prevented the release of a joint statement. Instead, BRICS issued a Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document. (PC: ANI)

US Senator Eric Schmitt criticised the H-1B visa programme and referred to Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad, popularly known as the “Visa Temple.” In posts on X, Schmitt said the system hurts American workers and called it a “Visa Cartel.” He claimed many Indians visit the temple to pray for US work visas. The temple is well known among students and professionals seeking visa approvals. India receives the largest share of H-1B visas issued by the United States each year.

Abbas Araghchi has urged India to continue investing in Chabahar Port despite US sanctions on Iran. Speaking in New Delhi, Araghchi called the port a “golden gate” for India to access Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe. He said progress had slowed because of American sanctions but expressed hope that India would complete the project. Chabahar gives India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without passing through Pakistan. Iran also asked India to play a bigger role in promoting peace in West Asia.

An Indian imam in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to life in prison for raping seven women and girls over nine years. Abdul Halim Khan used his position as a religious leader in London to gain the trust of victims from the Bangladeshi Muslim community. He falsely claimed he was possessed by a djinn and could remove evil spirits. Some victims were as young as 12. A court found him guilty of 21 offences, including rape and child sexual abuse. He must serve at least 20 years before being considered for release. (PC: London Metropolitan Police)