The Trump administration has directed US embassies to halt new student visa appointments as it prepares stricter social media vetting for international students. A State Department memo from Secretary Marco Rubio instructed diplomatic posts to cancel unscheduled appointments, though existing ones may continue. The policy shift follows President Trump’s clash with top universities like Harvard, which he accuses of fostering antisemitism and left-wing bias. Universities rely heavily on international students, who pay higher tuition. Critics warn the move undermines academic freedom and infringes on free speech. The expanded vetting could significantly impact the ability of foreign students to study in the US. (PC: BBC)

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)  

On May 27, 2025, SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight ended in failure when the spacecraft lost control and disintegrated over the Indian Ocean. Launched from Starbase, Texas, the mission aimed to test orbital and reentry capabilities and deploy eight Starlink simulator satellites. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the upper stage began spinning uncontrollably due to a fuel leak, leading to loss of attitude control. The spacecraft ultimately broke apart during reentry. This incident follows two previous test failures earlier in 2025, underscoring the technical challenges SpaceX faces in developing its next-generation launch system.    

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)

Germany has issued its strongest condemnation yet of Israel's military actions in Gaza, signaling a significant shift in its traditionally unwavering support. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that Germany would not export weapons used to violate humanitarian law, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the Israeli airstrikes as "no longer comprehensible" and disconnected from legitimate counterterrorism efforts. This change reflects growing domestic and international disapproval, with recent polls indicating that over half of Germans oppose arms shipments to Israel. The German leadership emphasized that historical responsibility should not justify actions causing humanitarian harm, as the Gaza conflict has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread suffering. (PC: Reuters)  

  The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Moti Ram Jat, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence officers. The arrest highlights serious concerns regarding internal security breaches and espionage within India's security forces. Further investigations are likely underway to assess the extent of information leaked and whether others are involved. (PC: The Hindu)

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)    

India has moved a step closer to joining the elite club of nations with fifth-generation stealth fighters, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a Rs 15,000-crore execution plan for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The indigenous jet, equipped with stealth, supercruise, and multi-role capabilities, will be developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Indian industry. Prototype rollout is expected by 2029, with induction into the Indian Air Force by 2034. With tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific, AMCA is seen as a strategic game-changer, aimed at boosting India’s self-reliance and countering China's growing air dominance. (PC: AMCA)