Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, during the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok—their first meeting since Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. After Hasina's ouster, who was seen as a reliable and trusted friend of India, the relationship between India and Bangladesh has been strained amid Delhi's concerns over the violence targeting minorities and a rise of hardline Islamist forces in the South Asian country. Yunus assured Modi of their protection. Observers view this dialogue as a potential step toward mending bilateral ties, given the countries' shared 4,000 km border and deep cultural and economic connections. External affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval also attended the meeting. (PC: Orfonline & The Indian Express)

India's Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, aiming to reform the management of Muslim charitable endowments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this as a "watershed moment" for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. The legislation introduces non-Muslim members into Waqf boards and increases governmental oversight. Supporters argue it will reduce corruption and enhance accountability, while critics contend it infringes upon Muslim property rights and could lead to the seizure of religious properties lacking formal documentation. The bills now await President Droupadi Murmu's approval to become law. (PC: ShutterStock)

The Indian National Congress plans to challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in the Supreme Court, as announced by party leader Jairam Ramesh. This bill, recently passed by both houses of Parliament, introduces significant changes to the management of Muslim charitable endowments, known as waqfs. It proposes including non-Muslim members in waqf boards and increases government oversight. Supporters argue these measures aim to enhance transparency and reduce corruption. However, critics, including the Congress party and various Muslim organizations, contend that the bill infringes upon the constitutional rights of Muslims and could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties. (PC: Wikipedia)

The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has urged the Indian government to withdraw from the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. This call follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. The SJM argues that TRIPS hampers India's ability to produce affordable generic medicines and advocates for policies prioritizing domestic interests over global trade obligations. They believe that exiting TRIPS would bolster India's pharmaceutical sector and ensure better access to essential medicines for its population. (PC: Mint)

In the wake of President Donald Trump's imposition of a 10% tariff on UK exports, the U.S. administration has signaled that the UK must permit imports of chlorine-washed chicken to secure tariff relief. This demand challenges the UK's longstanding ban on such products due to food safety and animal welfare concerns. The tariffs, part of broader measures affecting various countries, have prompted the UK to consider potential retaliatory actions, including tariffs on American goods. However, the UK government emphasizes a preference for negotiation over escalation, aiming to address these trade disputes while upholding domestic standards and protecting national economic interests. (PC: Business Standard)

A 24-year-old American, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, was arrested for illegally entering India's North Sentinel Island, home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. He approached the island with a coconut and a can of Diet Coke as offerings, attempting to make contact. Despite laws prohibiting travel within 5 km of the island to protect its inhabitants from external diseases, Polyakov landed briefly, left the items, collected sand samples, and recorded a video before returning. He is currently in police custody for further interrogation. This incident echoes the 2018 death of American missionary John Allen Chau, who was killed by the Sentinelese after illegally venturing onto the island. (PC: Chiang Rai Times)

Georgia Southern University has named Avinandan Mukherjee as its next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Mukherjee, a tenured marketing professor, has over 16 years of institutional leadership experience, most recently serving as provost at Marshall University. He previously held deanships at Marshall’s Lewis College of Business and Clayton State University’s College of Business.   University President Kyle Marrero praised Mukherjee’s leadership, global perspective, and commitment to academic excellence. Mukherjee expressed excitement for the role, emphasizing innovation and adaptability in higher education. He holds a doctorate from IIM Ahmedabad and an engineering degree from Jadavpur University. (PC: New India Abroad)

A Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai was diverted to Turkey's Diyarbakir Airport due to a passenger's medical emergency. Subsequently, the aircraft encountered technical issues, leaving over 250 passengers stranded for more than 39 hours. Many passengers, including vulnerable individuals, reported inadequate food and facilities. Due to visa restrictions, they were initially confined to the airport. Virgin Atlantic apologized, stating that passengers have been provided hotel accommodations and refreshments while awaiting aircraft inspections. The airline is exploring options to continue the journey, either by obtaining necessary approvals for the current aircraft or arranging alternative transportation. (PC: Business Today & Virgin)

President Donald Trump's recent imposition of a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with higher rates for key partners—34% for China and 20% for the European Union—has sparked global condemnation and fears of an escalating trade war. Financial markets reacted sharply, with U.S. stock indices experiencing their worst one-day losses since 2020. Economists warn that these tariffs could lead to increased consumer prices, with projections suggesting a high-end iPhone could cost nearly $2,300 if costs are passed on. Countries like China, the EU, and Canada have announced retaliatory measures, raising concerns about potential inflation, recession risks, and long-term damage to global trade cooperation. (PC: The New York Times)

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, following its earlier approval in the Lok Sabha. The bill received 128 votes in favor and 95 against in the Upper House. BJP Minister J.P. Nadda emphasized the government's commitment to genuine service, stating, "We believe in real service, not lip service." Opposition parties, including Congress, have criticized the bill as unconstitutional and discriminatory towards Muslims. The legislation aims to amend the management of Waqf properties, introducing non-Muslims into Waqf boards and increasing governmental oversight. Supporters argue it will enhance transparency and reduce corruption, while critics fear it may infringe upon the rights of the Muslim community. (PC: The Economic Times)