Two rare 10-rupee banknotes from a 1918 shipwreck are being auctioned in London. The notes were on board the SS Shirala when it sank on its way from Bombay to London. Dated May 25, 1918, they are expected to fetch between £2,000 and £2,600. Only a few of these notes remain in private hands, making them highly valuable. The auction also features a signed 1 Rupee note from the same shipwreck. The notes were previously unknown until the Bank of England highlighted the shipwreck on social media. The auction will take place at Noonans Mayfair's World Banknotes sale next Wednesday.

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the Indian-origin truck driver responsible for a tragic bus crash in Canada that claimed the lives of 16 members of a junior hockey team in 2018, has been ordered to be deported to India. Sidhu, a permanent resident of Canada, caused the accident by disregarding a stop sign, colliding with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team's bus in Saskatchewan Province. The decision was made at an Immigration and Refugee Board hearing in Calgary. Sidhu, who received eight years for dangerous driving, faces potential months or years before deportation due to legal procedures.

In the year ending March 2024, UK Home Office data reveals a significant drop in Indian student applicants for Master’s degrees, down by 16%. With 21,717 fewer Indian nationals granted study visas, representing a 26% decrease, concerns arise for universities reliant on overseas student fees. The decline follows a visa clampdown earlier this year and impacts the Graduate Route scheme, crucial for post-study work opportunities. While Indian nationals still dominate visa grants for work-related reasons, long-term net migration sees a provisional decrease, prompting questions about future trends in Indian student enrollment.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'s sharp rise in H-1B visa fees is posing significant financial challenges for Indian IT service providers. The registration fee increased by 2050%, from $10 to $215, and the application fee by 70%, from $460 to $780. An additional $600 asylum fee further strains budgets. Industry experts warn that these hikes could force Indian IT firms to reconsider their participation in the H-1B program, crucial for filling high-demand specialty positions in the US. The increased costs, estimated to exceed $33,000 per petition, contrast starkly with less frequent filings by major product companies.              

India has jumped 15 spots to 39th place in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, as global tourism recovers to pre-pandemic levels. India ranks highest in South Asia and among lower-middle-income economies, with the US topping the list. The country excels in price competitiveness, air transport, and natural and cultural resources, driving travel demand. Despite a decline in sustainability, India still scores well due to longer, more sustainable stays by inbound visitors. This marks a significant improvement from 54th place in 2021, showcasing India's growing appeal as a tourist destination.

Kamal Kishore, a top Indian official, has begun his term as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). He succeeds Mami Mizutori of Japan. Kishore emphasized the crucial role UNDRR plays in global efforts to reduce disaster risks, especially amidst increasing vulnerabilities. He expressed enthusiasm for building on the progress made so far, stating, "UNDRR's ambition matches the scale of the problem." His appointment was announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on March 27.

Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar, missing since May 13, was murdered in Kolkata. The West Bengal CID arrested Jihad Hawaldar, an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant, who admitted to the killing. Hawaldar revealed that Akhtaruzzaman, a US citizen of Bangladeshi origin, masterminded the murder. Anar was smothered, dismembered, and his body parts were disposed of in plastic bags around the city. Bloodstains and plastic bags were found in a Newtown apartment. Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan confirmed Anar’s murder and the arrest of three suspects. Police believe Anar was strangled before being cut into pieces.

Shri Belem Atchyuth, an Indian student from Andhra Pradesh studying at The State University of New York (SUNY), tragically passed away in a bike accident in New York. The Consulate General of India expressed deep condolences to his family and pledged assistance in repatriating his mortal remains to India. The incident marks a somber reminder of the risks faced by students studying abroad and highlights the importance of safety measures. Efforts are underway to support the bereaved family during this difficult time.

The Czech Constitutional Court rejected Indian national Nikhil Gupta's bid to halt his extradition to the US over a conspiracy to murder a Khalistani lawyer. Gupta's plea, claiming political charges, was dismissed, affirming legal protocol adherence. The US indictment alleges Gupta's involvement in targeting Sikh lawyer Hardeep Singh Nijjar, citing instructions from an Indian official. The court's decision, devoid of oral proceedings, awaits final approval from the Czech Justice Minister. Gupta's arrest last year at Prague's airport, based on US prosecutors' request, initiates the legal tug-of-war between nations over extradition.              

In a significant milestone for India-UK defence cooperation, Lieutenant Commander N Dinesh Anand became the first Indian Navy officer to conduct training at the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, UK. He took charge as Divisional Training Officer, training Royal Naval Officer Cadets in crucial skills. This marks the first time an Indian officer has worked at BRNC, strengthening India-UK naval ties. Captain Andrew Bray of BRNC welcomed Lt Cdr Anand, saying, "Thrilled to welcome Lt Cdr Dinesh...making history, building bonds, stronger together." This assignment highlights the growing defence cooperation between India and the UK.