Shazeb Khalid, a 25-year-old man of Pakistani heritage, has been convicted of murdering Indian restaurant manager Vignesh Pattabhiraman, 36, in Reading, UK, on Valentine’s Day 2024. Khalid used a stolen Range Rover to fatally hit Pattabhiraman, who was cycling home from his workplace. Despite pleading guilty to manslaughter earlier, Khalid was convicted of murder after a 28-day trial. Thames Valley Police revealed Pattabhiraman died from a head injury. Khalid’s accomplice, Soiheem Hussain, was found guilty of assisting him, while Mya Reilly was acquitted. Khalid's sentencing is scheduled for October 10.

During a rally in Kashmir's Doda, PM Modi criticized Congress for allegedly assaulting an India Today journalist in the U.S. He accused the party of "indulging in brutality" despite advocating love and free speech. The journalist, Rohit Sharma, claimed he was manhandled by Rahul Gandhi's team while interviewing Sam Pitroda. Modi highlighted the incident as an insult to India's reputation abroad. Pitroda, however, assured he would investigate the matter and expressed his support for press freedom.

Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a terrorist outfit affiliated with al-Qaida, has made inflammatory remarks in a viral video. Released from prison recently, Rahmani urged West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee to declare independence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, threatening the country's stability and security. He also sought help from Pakistan and Afghanistan to "liberate Kashmir". The video has sparked concerns about regional security and India-Bangladesh relations. Rahmani's comments are seen as a provocative attempt to fuel tensions between India and Bangladesh, and his call for foreign intervention in Kashmir has raised alarm bells in security circles.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while speaking at an event in Geneva, appeared to take a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi. Referring to Gandhi's frequent use of the term "khata-khat" during the 2019 elections, Jaishankar remarked that life and governance are not as simple as “khata-khat,” emphasizing the need for hard work and diligence. Gandhi had used the phrase while promising swift financial transfers to women if Congress came to power. Jaishankar’s comments came as he highlighted the infrastructural development undertaken by the Narendra Modi-led government, contrasting it with promises made by opposition leaders like Gandhi.

Mohd Sufiyan, a 22-year-old from Telangana, returned home after being deceived into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. He and three others from Karnataka were tricked by a fraudulent agent promising jobs in Russia, but were instead forced into a private army. The men were subjected to inhumane conditions, working 15-hour days, and received military training with weapons like Kalashnikovs and hand grenades. Sufiyan described their treatment as "slaves". At least 60 Indian youth fell victim to this job fraud, with many still stranded abroad. Sufiyan's return comes seven months after a video of him pleading for rescue surfaced.

India and China have agreed to advance disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and enhance bilateral relations. During a recent meeting in St Petersburg, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed progress on border issues, emphasizing the need for peace and stability. Both sides pledged to maintain communication and work on resolving remaining friction points. The agreement follows years of military standoff and aims to restore normalcy in their ties, which were severely strained after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus has caused diplomatic friction with India by criticizing New Delhi’s handling of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay. Yunus, who leads Bangladesh's caretaker government after Hasina’s ouster, urged India to prevent Hasina from making political statements while in Delhi. His remarks, viewed as “megaphone diplomacy,” reflect rising tensions between the two nations. India, previously aligned with Hasina, is now cautious, awaiting clarity on her return and dealing with internal political shifts in Bangladesh. Relations are strained further by Yunus’ public comments on India’s engagement with Bangladeshi opposition parties.

For the first time in five years, Kolkata's fish lovers will miss out on 'Padmar ilish' (hilsa from the Padma) during Durga Puja. Bangladesh's interim government has rejected a request from Kolkata's Fish Importers' Association to export the delicacy, prioritizing domestic demand. The move ends 'hilsa diplomacy' initiated by former PM Sheikh Hasina in 2019, which allowed export of over 1,000 tonnes of hilsa to India annually. The association's plea to continue the limited trade has been turned down, leaving fish enthusiasts in Kolkata disappointed

Following a period of high fares, ticket prices for UAE-India flights have significantly dropped, with Economy class rates now around or below Dh1,000. This reduction comes after a summer of elevated prices, offering relief to travelers with upcoming plans. The fare decrease affects popular routes between the UAE and India, where prices have fallen by Dh1,000 to Dh1,500. This change is expected to benefit those looking for more affordable travel options between the two countries.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Saint Petersburg on the sidelines of the BRICS national security advisors' conclave. The two officials discussed unresolved border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and agreed to work with urgency for full disengagement in disputed areas. Both sides emphasized peace and bilateral agreements as crucial for stabilizing relations. Doval also met Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit, discussing India-Russia security cooperation and preparing for the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan this October.