Three Indian nationals—Yogesh Panchal from Maharashtra, Mohammad Sadeeque, and Sumeet Sud—have gone missing in Iran after traveling separately for business purposes between December 2024 and January 2025. Panchal, a first-time international traveler, last contacted his family on December 7, mentioning he was in a crowded area; his phone was unreachable thereafter. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has raised the issue with Iranian authorities, seeking assistance in locating the missing individuals and ensuring their safety. The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains in touch with Iranian officials and the families of the missing men. (PC: NDTV)  

Rohit K. Dasgupta, originally from Kolkata, has been elected Chair and First Citizen of the London Borough of Newham, becoming the first person of Bengali-Indian origin to hold this position. An alumnus of St. James’ School and Jadavpur University, Dasgupta moved to London in 2009 for higher studies and is now an Associate Professor of Gender Studies at the London School of Economics. A Labour Party councillor since 2018, he has been re-elected and is known for his activism in trade unions, anti-racism, and LGBTQ+ rights. Dasgupta aims to strengthen cultural ties between Newham and Kolkata, emphasizing inclusivity and support for marginalized communities amid rising global anti-migrant sentiments. (PC: The Telegraph)

Pakistan has reportedly contacted India twice, requesting a cessation of hostilities following Operation Sindoor, which resulted in 160 casualties on the Pakistani side. The operation was launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting strategic locations across Pakistan-administered regions. The Indian government emphasized that the strikes were precise and non-escalatory, aiming to reset deterrence dynamics. The cessation of fire was proposed by Pakistan through the United States, acting as an intermediary. Indian leadership views the current halt not as a retreat but as a strategic pause, contingent on Pakistan's future conduct and continued diplomatic engagements. The situation remains tense, with both nations monitoring developments closely. (PC: Mint & India Today)

Newly released high-resolution satellite images indicate that India's Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 10, 2025, targeted a fortified sub-complex at Pakistan's Murid Air Base. The imagery shows a three-meter-wide crater approximately 30 meters from the entrance of a heavily secured section, believed to contain an underground facility. This area is protected by double fencing and watchtowers, suggesting strategic importance. Analysts, including geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon, believe the strike aimed to disrupt critical assets, possibly linked to command-and-control or drone operations—marking a sharp escalation in India's counterterrorism military strategy. (PC: NDTV)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes a 3.5% tax on remittances sent abroad by non-citizens, including H-1B visa holders and green card residents. This measure, pending Senate approval, could significantly affect Indian immigrants, who sent $32 billion to India in FY 2023–24. Critics argue the tax is economically unjustified, as remittances are personal funds already taxed in the U.S., and such levies are rare globally. The policy may prompt India to consider reciprocal taxes on U.S. companies and investors, potentially straining bilateral economic relations. Experts warn the tax could deter skilled immigrants and push remittance flows into informal channels, undermining financial transparency. (PC: The Print)    

During an all-party delegation visit to Panama, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor delivered a resolute message regarding India's response to terrorism. Addressing Panama's assembly, Tharoor highlighted that India's launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 was a direct consequence of Pakistan's inaction following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. He emphasized that while India seeks peace, it cannot tolerate unpunished terrorist acts. Tharoor underscored the nation's unity across political lines in combating terrorism and appealed to the international community to pressure Pakistan into prosecuting perpetrators. He reiterated India's determination to defend its sovereignty and citizens against cross-border terrorism. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully facilitated the publication of two Silver Notices through Interpol, aiming to identify two unidentified deceased individuals. Silver Notices are international alerts issued to seek assistance in identifying unknown bodies, particularly when there is a suspicion of criminal activity. This initiative is part of the CBI's broader efforts to enhance international cooperation in criminal investigations. The notices were disseminated via Interpol's global network, enabling law enforcement agencies worldwide to contribute information that may aid in the identification process. This development underscores the CBI's commitment to leveraging international resources to resolve complex cases involving unidentified victims. (PC: First Post)

In a recent operation, Delhi Police detained a Bangladeshi family of four—Mohammad Asad Ali (44), his wife Nasima Begum (40), their son Mohammad Naim Khan (18), and their 13-year-old daughter—residing illegally in Delhi Cantt for 12 years. Acting on a tip-off, the Anti-Auto Theft Squad found them without valid Indian documents but in possession of Bangladeshi identification photocopies. They admitted to crossing the border illegally from Kurigram district, Bangladesh. The family was transferred to a deportation centre via the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. This action is part of a broader initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs to deport illegal immigrants. (PC: Wikipedia)    

The US has paused student visa interviews worldwide amid plans by the Trump administration to introduce stricter social media screening for foreign applicants, citing national security risks. A State Department cable issued by Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the directive, impacting F-1 and M-1 visa applicants, including thousands from India. This move aligns with the administration's wider campaign to tighten immigration, particularly targeting academic institutions like Harvard, accused of promoting “woke” ideologies. The administration is also considering canceling $100 million in federal contracts with Harvard. Critics warn the policy threatens the future of international students and academic freedom in the US. (PC: Reuters)

New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has ignited controversy by stating that she "almost regards as spam" the unsolicited emails she receives from Indians seeking immigration advice. The remark, made while defending her use of a personal email for official work, drew criticism from Indian-origin Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan. Radhakrishnan condemned the comments as reinforcing negative stereotypes and unfairly targeting one ethnic group. Stanford later clarified she doesn’t consider them actual spam but reiterated she has no responsibility to respond. The incident has sparked debate amid New Zealand's focus on strengthening ties with India and maintaining respectful people-to-people connections. (PC: X/ Erica Stanford)