Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may choose China over India for his first foreign visit since taking office in February, according to Bangladeshi media reports. Beijing has reportedly invited Rahman for a late June state visit, during which he could meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. The development comes amid expanding Bangladesh-China cooperation after the Yunus-led interim administration and growing Chinese involvement in infrastructure and economic projects. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Rahman to India earlier this year, Dhaka appears focused on strengthening ties with Beijing while simultaneously attempting to stabilise relations with New Delhi over trade, connectivity and regional security concerns. (PC: X)

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng sparked major controversy after questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi on press freedom during a joint media appearance in Norway. Lyng, associated with Dagsavisen, later defended her remarks online, citing Norway’s top press freedom ranking against India’s 157th position. The Indian Embassy invited her to a later briefing where MEA Secretary Sibi George responded sharply to her questions on India’s credibility and human rights. The incident triggered intense online trolling, allegations of being a “spy”, and scrutiny of Lyng’s social media activity and past writings on China, Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Tesla. Opposition leaders and BJP figures further amplified the political controversy nationwide.

Shashi Tharoor has gone viral after defending the Idli in a social media debate. The discussion began when an X user called Rasgulla "an idli dipped in sugar syrup." Tharoor replied that comparing the two was a "profound cosmological misunderstanding." He described idli as "a masterclass in biotechnology" and praised its fermentation process. His witty response won praise online and sparked a wider conversation about Indian food, regional pride, and the deep cultural meaning attached to iconic dishes.

Delhi recorded its hottest May day in two years on Tuesday as the temperature reached 45.1°C. The India Meteorological Department said Ridge was the hottest area at 46.5°C. Other parts of the city also crossed 45°C. Night temperatures stayed above 28°C, giving little relief. No rain was recorded during the day. The intense heat was caused by dry winds and strong sunlight. Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management imposed GRAP Stage 1 after Delhi’s Air Quality Index reached 208, which falls in the "poor" category.

Indian airlines have asked state-run oil companies to delay any increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet made the request as oil prices rise due to the conflict in West Asia. Fuel makes up about 40% of airline operating costs. Higher fuel prices could lead to more expensive air tickets. The government is discussing the matter and may take a decision before June 1. Airlines are also facing higher costs because of a weaker rupee and disruptions to international flight routes. (PC: AP)

The United States has approved a "$198.2 million" support package for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The deal includes spare parts, technical help, training, and logistics support. The helicopters are used by the Indian Air Force and the Army Aviation Corps. The US said the package will help India "meet current and future threats" and improve homeland defence. Boeing and Lockheed Martin will be the main contractors. The US also approved a "$230 million" support package for India’s M777 howitzers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a sharp question during his visit to Oslo. Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng called out, “Why don’t you take questions from the freest press in the world?” Modi did not reply and left the venue. Later, MEA Secretary Sibi George said, “We are proud to be a democracy,” while defending India’s human rights record. The tense exchange went viral online and sparked political reactions in India. Rahul Gandhi said, “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.” (PC: FB/@helle.l.svendsen)  

The World Health Organization has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo may be spreading faster than first thought. At least 131 people have died, and more than 513 suspected cases have been reported. One death has also been confirmed in neighbouring Uganda. WHO officials said the virus has spread to other provinces and across borders. There is no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain causing the outbreak. Health workers are sending medicines and protective equipment to affected areas. Governments in the region have tightened border checks and urged people to report symptoms quickly. (PC: BBC)

Delhi court on Tuesday rejected the interim bail plea of activist Umar Khalid in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Khalid had sought 15 days of bail to attend his uncle’s Chehlum ceremony and care for his mother, who is scheduled for surgery. The Karkardooma court said the reasons were not strong enough to justify temporary release. The judge noted that Khalid’s father and sisters could look after his mother and said the surgery was minor. Khalid is accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the larger conspiracy case linked to the riots, which killed 53 people and injured over 700. (PC: PTI)

25-year-old man from Odisha was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia, officials said. The victim, A Rameya, was from Madhabandha village in Ganjam district. He had gone to Russia in March in search of work and joined a company there in April. He died during a drone strike in the Moscow region on Sunday. His family was informed by a friend working with him. The Ganjam district administration has contacted the Resident Commissioner in Delhi and the Indian Embassy to bring his body back to Odisha. Rameya was reportedly planning to get married later this year.