Indian-origin chefs Sujan Sarkar and Arvinder Vilkhu are finalists for the prestigious Best Chef award by the James Beard Foundation. Sarkar, of Chicago's Michelin-starred Indienne, offers progressive Indian cuisine, while Vilkhu, founder of Saffron Nola in New Orleans, boasts four decades in F&B. Winners will be revealed on June 10, 2024, at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago. Sarkar's culinary journey spans from Mumbai to London, while Vilkhu's expertise flourished at New Delhi's Institute of Hotel Management. Both chefs represent a vibrant fusion of Indian flavors and international culinary excellence.

India increases exports of essential commodities like river sand and stone aggregates to Maldives, reaching highest quota since 1981. Decision follows Maldivian government's request amidst strained ties. Quotas raised by 25% for construction materials and 5% for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal. Indian mission highlights commitment to Maldives' development under 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Despite global restrictions, India continued exporting rice, sugar, and onions to Maldives last year. Tensions rise as Maldives potentially shifts towards Beijing post-Muizzu government election. India implements export curbs on food items ahead of its general election.

India refutes claims that its intelligence agency RAW orchestrated nearly 20 assassinations in Pakistan since 2020. The Guardian report alleges covert operations conducted through sleeper cells in the UAE. RAW denies involvement in extrajudicial killings, citing false propaganda. Allegations coincide with previous accusations by US and Canada regarding Khalistan separatist leaders. RAW purportedly shifted focus to dissidents abroad post-Pulwama attack in 2019. Operatives allegedly used a "murder-for-hire scheme," posing as journalists. India denies involvement in previous similar accusations. Pakistan and India remain embroiled in longstanding hostility over Kashmir dispute.

An Indian national, convicted of child sex offenses, was arrested in Ellicott City, Maryland, after being released with light sentences. The 32-year-old, unidentified individual, entered the US in 2019 and was apprehended in 2021 for sex abuse charges. Despite convictions, he received lenient sentences, with substantial terms suspended. ICE Baltimore emphasized the threat posed by non-citizen sex offenders and prioritized public safety. The arrest underscores concerns over judicial leniency towards serious crimes, prompting ICE's vigilance in apprehending such offenders to ensure community safety.

Indian officials refute claims by The Guardian of ordering killings in Pakistan, labeling the report as "false and fabricated". They accuse Pakistan's spy agency of carrying out the assassinations. The Guardian cited almost 20 killings since 2020, allegedly orchestrated by India, sparking tensions. India stresses its focus on eliminating terrorists within its borders and dismisses accusations of orchestrating killings abroad. The report suggests India's RAW developed sleeper cells in the UAE for the assassinations. Amidst denial and diplomatic tensions, India demands Pakistan address terrorism concerns and hand over wanted criminals like Dawood Ibrahim.

In response to UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, S Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, rebuffed concerns over the fairness of Indian elections. Asserting confidence in the electorate's integrity, Jaishankar emphasized that the people of India will ensure free and fair polls. The statement comes amidst opposition allegations of bias and electoral malpractice, including the recent arrest of Delhi's Chief Minister and freezing of opposition party bank accounts. The UN, along with the US and Germany, have expressed hopes for transparent elections. 

Michael Dewayne Smith, 41, convicted of fatally shooting Indian store clerk Sharath Pulluru and Janet Moore in separate incidents in Oklahoma in 2002, was executed by lethal injection at McAlester's Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed condolences to the victims' families, emphasizing their innocence. Smith's execution followed his request to attorney Mark Henricksen to file no further appeals despite claiming new evidence. Relatives of Pulluru, including his brother Harish, urged denial of Smith's clemency, citing ongoing impact and loss.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK has commenced the 'Fair Visa, Fair Chance' campaign, aiming to safeguard the post-study Graduate Route visa in the UK. Concerns have arisen due to an ongoing review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), raising fears of potential changes to the visa system. Leaders stress the importance of the visa in attracting international students and bolstering the UK economy. The campaign seeks to maintain the two-year work opportunity for graduates, emphasizing its role in providing financial support and fostering professional growth. As Indian students form a significant proportion of visa recipients, NISAU urges policymakers to prioritize the preservation of post-graduation work opportunities.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation's milestone of providing four billion meals was celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters. Indian Prime Minister Modi commended the foundation's efforts, emphasizing the cultural importance of nutrition. Founded in 2000, Akshaya Patra reached its first billion meals in 2012 and achieved subsequent milestones in 2016 and 2019. Notable figures like Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and N R Narayana Murthy praised the foundation's dedication to combating hunger and ensuring education for all. The event underscored the significance of nourishment in achieving sustainable development goals.

India has called on Israel to safeguard the well-being of Indian construction workers deployed under a bilateral mobility agreement. The External Affairs Ministry emphasized pre-existing safety measures and engagement with Israeli authorities following reports of potential recruitment amid the Israel-Hamas conflict aftermath. Around 18,000 Indian caregivers currently work in Israel, with the Indian embassy actively liaising with them. India reiterates its focus on citizen safety in Israel, especially in light of recent security incidents.