Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath called dividing society by caste, region, or language “nothing less than treason.” Speaking at Maha Kumbh 2025, he praised PM Modi for ensuring the rights of underprivileged groups in the last decade. Adityanath said schemes like free ration, housing for the poor, and electricity connections reflect the government’s commitment to unity and development for all. He warned against political attempts to divide people and urged followers of Sanatan Dharma to stay vigilant. Adityanath emphasised the need to strengthen India by ensuring justice for Dalits and backward communities without discrimination.

An Indian couple visiting their children in the US was denied entry at Newark Airport for not having return tickets. The couple, holding B-1/B-2 visitor visas, planned to stay for five months. However, under new 2025 regulations, immigration officials said a return ticket is now mandatory for entry. Despite explaining their situation, the parents were sent back to India. The sudden enforcement of this rule has raised concerns among travellers. Many are now advised to ensure all documentation, including return tickets, is in order before travelling to the US.

The Rolling Stones are set to perform in the UK for the first time in three years. The band will play four dates at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of a European tour this summer. Their last UK performance was in 2022 at Hyde Park. The upcoming tour, continuing their Hackney Diamonds tour, will also include stops in cities like Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, and Paris. The band, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, is excited to perform again. Their previous tour set new revenue records, surpassing Taylor Swift's.

London’s iconic G-A-Y Bar, owned by Jeremy Joseph, is up for sale as Soho faces a decline in vibrancy as an LGBTQ+ hub. Joseph called the decision “tough,” citing financial and mental strain after the temporary closure of his nightclub Heaven last year, following an alleged rape incident involving a staff member. He criticized Westminster Council and the Met Police for resistance to nightlife-friendly measures like late licences. Joseph also lamented Soho's fading identity as an “LGBT capital.” Despite the sale, Joseph hopes G-A-Y Bar will remain an LGBTQ+ venue, possibly via franchising. The Met pledged ongoing support for nightlife safety.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against England due to a side strain injury. He will receive treatment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Rinku Singh, who suffered a back spasm, will miss the second and third matches of the series. Shivam Dube and Ramandeep Singh have been called up as replacements. India has had a strong record in T20Is this year, winning previous series under Suryakumar Yadav. India won the first T20I against England easily, chasing down 133 in 13 overs.

The US Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, convicted in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The decision dismissed his final legal plea against extradition. Indian prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam called it a "big win for India." Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is linked to David Coleman Headley, a key planner of the attacks that killed 166 people. Rana is currently held in Los Angeles. India seeks his extradition for forgery and conspiracy charges tied to the attacks. Victims have expressed hope for justice and harsh punishment for the convict.

The US State Department has paused most foreign aid after President Trump’s executive order for a 90-day review. Emergency food aid and military funding for Israel and Egypt are exceptions. The halt affects global development and military assistance programs, including water and sanitation projects. The review aims to ensure aid aligns with Trump’s policy of making America "stronger, safer, or more prosperous." Critics warn of severe impacts, with projects worldwide at risk. Former USAID officials say this pause is unprecedented in scale, potentially affecting humanitarian efforts in Gaza and Ukraine. A full review is expected within 85 days.

Rohit Sharma was named captain of the ICC T20I Men's Team of the Year 2024. Three other Indians—Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh—also made the list. Despite his match-winning knock in the T20 World Cup final, Virat Kohli was excluded. The team includes stars like Babar Azam, Rashid Khan, and Sikandar Raza. India’s pace attack dominated the lineup after their World Cup win. Rohit’s stellar performance, including 378 runs in the tournament, earned him this honour. The announcement highlights India’s successful year in cricket, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.

Hamas released four Israeli women soldiers as part of a second exchange under a ceasefire deal. The soldiers, captured during the October 7, 2023 attack, were handed over to the Red Cross and reunited with their families in Israel. Crowds gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, cheering and crying with joy. In return, Israel is expected to release 200 Palestinian prisoners. The fragile ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aims to end the war in Gaza. However, displaced Gazans returning home found their houses destroyed. Talks for a permanent ceasefire and Gaza’s reconstruction are ongoing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, calling him a liar who breaks promises. Speaking at a press conference, Shah said Kejriwal’s government failed to deliver on clean water, cleaning the Yamuna, and other promises. He accused Kejriwal of opening liquor shops near schools and temples and being involved in scams like the Liquor Scam and the Delhi Jal Board scam. Shah compared Kejriwal with PM Modi, saying the BJP works on fulfilling promises. He also mocked Kejriwal for not taking a promised dip in the Yamuna after claiming he would clean the river.