Chinmay Deore, an Indian student at Wayne State University, has joined three others in suing the Trump administration after their student visas were abruptly revoked. Filed by the ACLU in Michigan, the lawsuit argues their SEVIS status was terminated without notice or legal grounds. The case highlights growing concerns as hundreds of international students, including many Indians, face deportation amid an alleged crackdown on campus activism. The students maintain they committed no crimes and weren't involved in protests. ACLU’s Loren Khogali accused the administration of using fear tactics: “They’re coming for international students to sow chaos and fear.” (PC: India Today)

China has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen ties with India amid rising tensions with the U.S. over trade tariffs. The Chinese Embassy highlighted streamlined visa procedures, reduced fees, and exemptions from biometric data for short visits. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong invited more Indians to experience China’s “open, safe, and friendly environment.” As U.S. President Trump ramps up tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing is encouraging India and other developing nations to unite against what it calls “tariff abuse.” The move signals China’s push to boost regional partnerships amid growing global trade friction. (PC: India Today)

India has strongly rebuked Pakistan’s criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling its remarks “motivated and baseless.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal affairs and should instead reflect on its own dismal record of protecting minorities. The amended law, effective from April 8, aims to modernise and regulate Waqf property management, ensuring transparency and preservation of heritage sites. Pakistan had accused India of dispossessing Muslims of religious properties—a claim India has firmly denied. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Pakistan to refrain from preaching to others. (PC: PTI)

Anurag Bajpayee, Indian-origin CEO of cleantech firm Gradiant, has been named in the high-profile Cambridge brothel scandal in the US. According to The Wall Street Journal, Bajpayee, along with other wealthy men, submitted IDs and references to access a secretive brothel offering a "girlfriend experience." The ring, busted in 2023, allegedly exploited Asian women through sex trafficking. Bajpayee, a Lucknow-born MIT graduate, is facing misdemeanour charges. Gradiant has expressed support, stating trust in the judicial process. The case has drawn attention for naming affluent clients, including public officials, shifting focus from traffickers to buyers in a rare legal move. (PC: Gradient)

A California Senate bill (SB 509), aimed at curbing "transnational repression," has ignited tensions between pro-Khalistani groups and Indian-Americans, including Sikhs and Hindus. Backed by Khalistan supporters, the bill would train police to recognize foreign government efforts to intimidate diaspora members. Critics argue the bill risks stigmatizing Indian-American communities as proxies of the Indian state, without evidence of such issues in California. Co-authored by Sikh-American lawmaker Jasmeet Bains, it cites cases involving Khalistani figures Pannun and Nijjar. Indian advocacy groups call it vague, politically motivated, and potentially harmful to free speech and peaceful activism. (PC: India Today)  

French YouTuber Victor Blaho was left traumatised after a grueling 46-hour train journey across India. Documenting his travels from Mumbai to Delhi via Varanasi and Agra, Blaho experienced multiple railway classes, encountering overcrowded coaches, noise, dirt, rats, and cockroaches. In a YouTube video titled “DO NOT Attempt a 46H Train Journey in India – It BROKE ME!”, he shared his ordeal, including sleepless nights and unwanted interactions. Expressing despair, Blaho urged travelers to avoid budget train classes and book premium options if possible. “I want to go home now,” he confessed, citing a need for peace, cleanliness, and rest. (PC: YouTube@samesamevic)

Veeraswamy, London's oldest Indian restaurant, faces closure just shy of its 100th anniversary due to a lease dispute with the Crown Estate. Established in 1926 by Edward Palmer, the restaurant has hosted notable figures like Winston Churchill and Marlon Brando. The Crown Estate plans to repurpose the building for office space, refusing to renew Veeraswamy's lease expiring in June. Co-owner Ranjit Mathrani is seeking a two-year extension to relocate without interruption. Since 1997, MW Eats has operated Veeraswamy, which earned a Michelin star in 2016. Mathrani criticizes the decision, stating the Crown Estate disregards the restaurant's historical significance. The case is currently under legal review. (PC: Foodaholic & Veeraswamy)

A brief gunfight erupted between terrorists and security forces in Lasana village, Surankote, Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday night. Acting on intelligence about terrorist presence, a joint operation by the Army and Police established contact with the militants. During the encounter, one Army personnel sustained injuries and was promptly hospitalized. The Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps confirmed the incident on X, noting that additional troops have been deployed, and search operations are ongoing to prevent the terrorists from escaping. The situation remains tense as security forces continue their efforts to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of the region. (PC: PTI)

Mehul Choksi, wanted in the PNB bank fraud case, was arrested in Belgium on Sunday. India has asked for his extradition. A team from India will visit Belgium before his bail hearing next week. Choksi’s lawyer says he will ask for bail, citing cancer treatment. The lawyer may also oppose extradition, claiming Indian jail conditions are inhuman. Choksi fled India in 2018 and got Belgian residency last year. He and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are accused of cheating PNB of over Rs 14,000 crore. India’s CBI issued two non-bailable warrants against him. The case may take time to resolve. (PC: IANS)

Saudi Arabia has reportedly slashed India's private Hajj quota by 80%, affecting approximately 52,000 pilgrims. This sudden move, involving the cancellation of Mina zones previously allocated to private tour operators, has sparked concern among Indian leaders. People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti labeled the development "disturbing" and urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene with Saudi authorities. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the distress faced by pilgrims who have already paid for the pilgrimage. Both leaders have called on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to engage with Saudi counterparts to resolve the issue and alleviate the uncertainty for affected pilgrims. (PC: Wikipedia & AFP)