Indian PhD student Ranjani Srinivasan, accused of "supporting Hamas," says she feels betrayed after Columbia University failed to defend her when the U.S. revoked her visa. Srinivasan, who spent five years at Columbia in Urban Planning, left for Canada on March 11, fearing arrest. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled her a "terrorist sympathizer." Srinivasan still hopes Columbia will reinstate her enrollment, saying, "All the requirements for my PhD are complete." A viral video showed her leaving New York's LaGuardia Airport. She is currently staying with friends and family in Canada. (PC: X/@Sec_Noem)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India soon, marking his first trip since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that preparations are underway following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. The visit is expected to focus on the Ukraine conflict and global shifts after Donald Trump’s U.S. presidency. India, maintaining neutrality on Ukraine, continues strong defense and trade ties with Russia, especially in oil imports. Last year, Modi visited Moscow and Kyiv, strengthening diplomatic engagement. The two leaders aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion. (PC: India Today)

India and China have made progress in resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2025, following discussions between Indian and Chinese officials in Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides reviewed strategic agreements and focused on stabilizing ties, including resuming direct flights and people-to-people exchanges. The 33rd Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs also addressed border stability and cross-border cooperation. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese officials agreed to take further steps for diplomatic engagement. The next high-level meeting will be held in India later this year. (PC: x/Rahulgandhi)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India-China competition should not turn into conflict as both nations work to mend ties. Speaking after talks in Beijing under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on Border Affairs, Jaishankar said the 2020 Galwan clash was "very traumatic" and damaged relations. He noted some improvement since October 2024, with efforts to resume direct flights and Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. India and China are also working on step-by-step dialogue mechanisms. "It is in our mutual interest to rebuild relations," he stated. The MEA affirmed discussions on restoring stability and predictability. (PC: X/S Jaishankar)

The Trump administration has asked universities to provide names and nationalities of students involved in campus protests, sparking fears of deportation. With 331,602 Indian students in the US, legal experts warn this could lead to surveillance and immigration crackdowns. Columbia University student Ranjani Srinivasan self-deported after her visa was revoked. Critics call it a “witch hunt,” while officials claim it's to assess antisemitism cases. The Education Department has warned 60 universities of sanctions. Civil rights attorneys argue the request could violate legal protections for international students. (PC: Getty Images)

India has strongly criticized the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for its latest report. The report accuses India of religious intolerance and suggests sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, R&AW. India’s foreign ministry called the report biased and politically motivated. It said USCIRF misrepresents facts and ignores India's diverse and pluralistic society. India also accused the US body of having a hidden agenda. Despite USCIRF's recommendations, it is unlikely that the US government will impose sanctions on India. The Indian government said attempts to damage India’s democratic image will not succeed. (PC: IANS)

Millions of waste tyres from the UK, meant for recycling, are being burned in illegal Indian pyrolysis plants, causing severe health and environmental damage. Investigations revealed that 70% of UK-exported tyres end up in makeshift furnaces, releasing hazardous pollutants. Villagers near these sites report respiratory issues and toxic fumes. The UK government claims strict export controls, but campaigners demand stronger action. An explosion at one such Indian plant killed four people in January. Experts warn of cancer risks from exposure. Australia has banned tyre exports, but UK firms continue the practice for profit. (PC: Getty Images)

Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez, a Colombian couple who lived in the U.S. for 35 years, were deported despite having no criminal history. Their three U.S.-born daughters, devastated by the decision, described it as "cruel and unjust." The couple complied with immigration rules and sought legal pathways but fell victim to predatory immigration practices. They were detained by ICE on February 21 and deported on March 18. Their attorney criticized the abrupt deportation, saying they were not given time to say goodbye. The daughters have launched a GoFundMe campaign for support. (PC: GoFundme)  

India is considering reducing tariffs on $23 billion worth of U.S. imports to counter potential reciprocal tariffs from Washington, sources said. The move aims to shield $66 billion in Indian exports that could be impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade policies. India is willing to cut or scrap tariffs on 55% of taxed U.S. goods, ranging from 5%-30%. Talks between Indian and U.S. officials are ongoing, with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Brendan Lynch leading a delegation. Broader tariff reforms are also under discussion but remain in early stages. (PC: Reuters)

Senior Indian and Chinese officials met in Beijing to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) amid ongoing border tensions. Both sides agreed to expedite cross-border cooperation, including water management of trans-border rivers and resuming the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming Special Representatives’ meeting on the boundary issue, scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this year. The dialogue is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and enhance communication between the two nations following recent border stand-offs. Further high-level discussions are expected in the coming months. (PC: ETV Bharat)