Over 250 passengers aboard Virgin Atlantic flight VS358 from London to Mumbai were stranded for over 40 hours at Turkey's Diyarbakır Airport following an emergency landing due to a passenger's panic attack. The Airbus A350 encountered technical issues during the unscheduled stop, preventing continuation. Stranded travelers, including infants, diabetics, and a pregnant woman, reported limited food, a single functional toilet, and restricted mobility due to visa constraints. Virgin Atlantic apologized, citing ongoing aircraft inspections and efforts to arrange alternative flights. Diplomats processed 24-hour visas and arranged accommodations, though the timeline for reaching Mumbai remained uncertain. (PC: The Financial Express & The Mirror)

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)

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)

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)

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)

India and Thailand upgraded ties to a Strategic Partnership during PM Narendra Modi’s Bangkok visit. He met Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, signing MoUs on digital technology, maritime heritage, MSMEs, and renewable energy. Modi emphasized India’s 'Act East' policy complementing Thailand’s 'Act West' and stressed cooperation in trade, security, and fintech. “In the Indo-Pacific, we both support free, open, inclusive and rule-based order. We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism,” Modi said. He also expressed solidarity with Thailand after a recent earthquake. (PC: X/narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized Thailand’s crucial position in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision during the SAMVAD Global Hindu-Buddhist Initiative in Bangkok. He highlighted the synergy between India’s Act East and Thailand’s Act West policies, fostering regional growth and cooperation. Modi underscored the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations, citing shared reverence for the Ramayana and Buddhism. He also acknowledged the late Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s contributions to initiating the SAMVAD dialogue in 2015, promoting regional collaboration and historical understanding. (PC: ANI)

India is reviewing the impact of US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, which include a 27% duty on Indian imports. The Commerce Ministry is speaking with industry experts and exporters to assess the situation. A high-level meeting was held to discuss the issue, with top officials from the PM’s office, NITI Aayog, and other departments. India and the US are negotiating a new trade deal covering investments, supply chains, and technology. The US tariffs start on April 5 with a 10% duty, increasing to 27% for India by April 10. India aims for a fair solution. (PC: Reuters)

Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals, including Indian tourists, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering via air, land, or sea. The old paper-based TM6 form will no longer be accepted. Failure to complete the TDAC could lead to entry denial or long delays. Immigration officers will strictly enforce the new rule. Travelers must submit the TDAC online, receive a confirmation email, and present it at immigration for smooth entry. Officials urge tourists to check for updates before traveling to avoid complications. (PC: Instagram)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s long Bay of Bengal coastline and its commitment to BIMSTEC, countering Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Yunus, during his China visit, controversially stated that India's Northeast is landlocked and Bangladesh is the region’s "only guardian of the ocean." Jaishankar, at the BIMSTEC Summit, asserted that India has the longest Bay of Bengal coastline and plays a key role in regional connectivity. He warned against “cherry-picking” cooperation and stressed concerns over extremism and terrorism. India-Bangladesh ties have strained since Yunus’s rise to power. (PC: PTI)