On March 23, 2025, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district engaged in an encounter after spotting a group of militants in the Hiranagar sector's Saida Sukhal village. The operation began when intelligence inputs indicated the presence of ultras in the area. As forces cordoned off the village, militants opened fire, leading to a gunbattle. The encounter resulted in the elimination of two militants, identified as Pakistani nationals affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit. One CRPF personnel was martyred, and two police officers sustained injuries during the operation. This incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the region, especially with upcoming local elections. (PC: The Tribune)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to an 'India First' approach in trade negotiations with the US, EU, and UK. Speaking at Business Today Mindrush 2025, he emphasized balancing the costs of action and inaction, especially regarding access to sensitive technologies. "We have to carefully assess their costs and benefits, as well as weigh the price of action versus inaction," he said. He highlighted India’s strategy to expand beyond Asian economies, engaging Gulf and Western markets. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed ongoing discussions with Washington for a mutually beneficial agreement.(PC: India Today)

In Accomack County, Virginia, a tragic shooting occurred at a convenience store on Lankford Highway, resulting in the deaths of 56-year-old Pradipkumar Patel and his 24-year-old daughter. Deputies responded to reports of a shooting victim shortly after 5:30 am on March 20. Upon arrival, they found Mr. Patel deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. His daughter was discovered injured and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Authorities arrested 44-year-old George Frazier Devon Wharton of Onancock in connection with the incident. He faces charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. (PC: The Indian Express & NDTV)

In a tragic incident, 48-year-old Saritha Ramaraju has been charged with the murder of her 11-year-old son, Yatin, following a three-day Disneyland trip. On March 19, 2025, Ramaraju called 911 from a Santa Ana motel, confessing to killing her son and attempting suicide by ingesting pills. Authorities found Yatin's body on the bed, surrounded by Disneyland souvenirs, with a large kitchen knife nearby. The boy appeared to have been dead for several hours before the call. Ramaraju, who had moved out of California after a 2018 divorce, was visiting Yatin during a custody arrangement and was scheduled to return him to his father that day. She faces charges of murder and personal use of a weapon, with a potential sentence of 26 years to life if convicted. (PC: Los Angles, Theme Park Database & India Today)

Amit Gupta, Tech Mahindra's Country Head in Doha and a resident of Vadodara, Gujarat, has been detained by Qatari authorities since January 1, 2025, on allegations of data theft. His family, asserting his innocence, has sought intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office and approached Tech Mahindra's chairman, Anand Mahindra, for assistance. During a month-long visit to Qatar, they were permitted a single half-hour meeting with Gupta, during which his mother reported he had been deprived of food and water for 48 hours and remains confined. The Indian Embassy in Doha is actively engaging with Gupta's family, legal representatives, and Qatari officials to facilitate his release. (PC: NDTV & India Lawyers)

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, implicated in the $2-billion Punjab National Bank fraud, has been located in Belgium, where he reportedly sought medical treatment. Indian authorities, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), have initiated extradition proceedings to bring him back to India. Choksi, who had been residing in Antigua and Barbuda since fleeing India in 2018, obtained a Belgian "F residency card" in November 2023, facilitated by his wife, a Belgian national. This development raises concerns about potential mobility within Europe, complicating extradition efforts. The Indian government is actively collaborating with Belgian authorities to expedite Choksi's return to face charges related to the massive bank fraud.   (PC, Zee Business & Fashion Express)

India has raised concerns with U.S. authorities regarding the inhumane treatment of Indian nationals during deportation. The issue emerged after 104 Indian deportees were reportedly shackled and handcuffed during a 40-hour flight back to India in February 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the importance of dignity and safety for deportees, while opposition lawmakers criticized the government's response, calling the treatment degrading. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged the issue, noting it had been a practice since 2012, but assured that India is actively engaging with U.S. authorities to ensure better treatment of its citizens during deportation.    

On March 22, 2025, India strongly opposed China’s decision to establish two new administrative counties in Hotan Prefecture, parts of which include areas illegally occupied in Ladakh. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, reaffirmed in the Lok Sabha that India has never accepted China’s illegal claims or occupation of its territory. He stated that the move does not change India’s stance on its sovereignty. The Indian government has lodged a formal diplomatic protest, asserting its commitment to protecting territorial integrity against any unilateral attempts by Beijing to alter the status quo.  

The US has deported 388 Indians under Donald Trump’s second term, with 295 more set to return soon, the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) informed Parliament. Deportations soared to 6,135 during Trump’s first term (2017-2021) but dropped to 3,652 under Joe Biden (2021-2025). Protests erupted in Parliament over reports that deportees were shackled, including women. The MEA said concerns were raised with US authorities, leading to policy changes. Nearly 40% of those deported last month were from Punjab and 34% from Haryana. Trump’s administration continues a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration, impacting Indian nationals disproportionately.

  Elon Musk's social media platform X has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, alleging that the country's IT ministry unlawfully expanded its censorship powers. The lawsuit claims that the new mechanism allows easier removal of online content without the stringent legal safeguards previously required, such as harm to sovereignty or public order. X argues that countless government officials now have the authority to issue content removal orders, bypassing the oversight of top officials. In response, India's IT ministry referred Reuters’ request for comment to the home affairs ministry, which has yet to respond.