A recent BBC Eye investigation has uncovered that Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals is illicitly manufacturing and exporting unlicensed, addictive opioids to West Africa, exacerbating a significant public health crisis. The company produces pills combining tapentadol, a potent opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant banned in Europe due to its high addictiveness. These dangerous drugs, packaged to resemble legitimate medications, have been found on the streets of Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. Undercover footage reveals Aveo's director, Vinod Sharma, acknowledging the harmful effects of these pills, stating, "This is very harmful for their health—but nowadays, this is business." Local authorities in affected countries report widespread addiction among youth, with efforts underway to combat the illegal distribution of these substances. The Indian drug regulator has pledged immediate action against firms involved in such malpractice.     

President Donald Trump recently claimed that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to boost voter turnout in India, suggesting an attempt to influence Indian elections. However, investigations reveal this funding was designated for Bangladesh. The Indian Express reported that the $21 million grant supported Bangladesh's "Amar Vote Amar" program, later renamed the "Nagorik (Citizen) Program," aimed at promoting youth civic engagement ahead of Bangladesh's January 2024 elections. USAID records confirm no such projects have been funded in India since 2008. This discrepancy has sparked political debates in India regarding foreign interference. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Australian and French counterparts, Penny Wong and Jean-Noel Barrot, in Johannesburg during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. They discussed shared interests in the Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen cooperation. Jaishankar also met EU Vice President Kaja Kallas to talk about India-EU trade, security, and the Ukraine conflict. He held talks with China’s Wang Yi on border issues and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Other meetings included discussions with Angola, Algeria, and Ireland. Jaishankar highlighted the G20’s role in tackling global challenges like economic pressures, climate change, and food security.

India strongly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments on Kashmir. The external affairs ministry said a protest was lodged with Turkey’s envoy in Delhi. Erdogan, during his visit to Pakistan, called for Kashmir’s resolution through UN resolutions and dialogue. India called his remarks "unacceptable" and said Kashmir is an internal matter. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan should focus on stopping cross-border terrorism. India also dismissed Pakistan’s call for a plebiscite in Kashmir. The government reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and no other country has the right to comment on it.

Kashyap 'Kash' Patel has been confirmed as the first Indian-origin FBI Director. The US Senate approved him in a 51-49 vote. Patel is a close ally of President Donald Trump. After his confirmation, he promised to rebuild trust in the FBI. Trump’s aide Dan Scavino congratulated him with a Bollywood-style video featuring a song from Bajirao Mastani. Patel thanked Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their support. Born to Gujarati parents, Patel studied law in New York and London. He has also worked in national security and intelligence. Patel says he aims to make the FBI transparent.

India has called the US funding claim for voter turnout "deeply troubling." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is looking into the matter. US President Donald Trump alleged that USAID gave $21 million to influence India's elections. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revealed this funding, later saying it was canceled. Trump called it a "kickback scheme." His remarks sparked a political row in India. BJP's Amit Malviya claimed the money was used to support hidden networks. Congress' Pawan Khera questioned how such funds entered India under the Modi government. The MEA has promised further updates.

US President Donald Trump recently criticized the $21 million USAID fund allocated to India for 'voter turnout,' calling it a "kickback scheme" during a meeting with the Republican Governors Association. Trump questioned why taxpayer money was spent on India's election turnout, suggesting that the funds were misused. His remarks have sparked a political firestorm in India, with BJP officials accusing the money of supporting "deep-state assets," while Congress questioned the Modi government's handling of foreign aid. This controversy has reignited tensions between the BJP and Congress.  

Veena Reddy, ex-USAID India director, is under scrutiny after BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani demanded a probe into a $21 million grant allegedly aimed at increasing voter turnout. Former US President Donald Trump claimed the Biden administration sought to influence India’s elections through USAID funding. Reddy, born in Andhra Pradesh, led USAID India from 2021 to 2024, overseeing a sharp rise in disbursements. She previously served in Cambodia and Haiti. USAID denied allegations of election interference, citing its focus on health, education, and development. Calls for investigation continue.

India is working closely with Panama to ensure the safety of Indian migrants deported from the US. The Indian embassy confirmed that they are staying in a hotel with basic facilities.   “Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from the US. They are safe and secure at a hotel with all essential facilities," the embassy said.   This comes after some deportees were seen holding signs at the hotel windows reading “Help” and “We are not safe in our country.” Panama is coordinating their return home.

The Indian government has started an investigation into USAID funding, checking if it influenced the 2024 elections. Officials have sent questions to some recipients and are reviewing foreign transactions. The US cancelled a $21 million grant meant for voter turnout efforts in India. The Modi government sees this as outside interference in elections. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked for a white paper on USAID’s past funding in India. Opposition leaders argue they had no reason to take foreign money. Both Indian and US officials are studying a list of NGOs, influencers, and scholars linked to the funds