A new study called "The Modi Mirage" says that India's reputation abroad has gotten worse since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. The study asked people in the US, UK, and France what they think about India. Many are worried about human rights and democracy in India. They think it's important for India to protect these rights if they want good relationships with other countries and investments. People are also concerned about India's actions towards US and Canadian citizens and a law that makes it hard for Muslims to become citizens. The study was done by experts from universities in the Netherlands and the UK.

A 26-year-old Indian student, Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics at Concordia University, Wisconsin, has been missing in Chicago since May 2nd. Last seen leaving his residence to meet someone from Texas, he hasn't been in touch since. Despite filing a missing complaint and seeking help from authorities and the Indian Consulate, there's been little progress. Family and officials are deeply concerned, urging for assistance in locating him. The Indian Consulate in Chicago is actively involved, coordinating with local authorities and the Indian diaspora to find Rupesh and reestablish contact.

A man, Pravin Mishra, has been arrested in Gujarat's Bharuch district for allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Mishra, a resident of Ankleshwar, was honey-trapped by an ISI operative posing as a woman named Sonal Garg. He was tricked into sharing classified information about the Indian Armed Forces and defence research firms, including details on DRDO-manufactured drones. The ISI operative also attempted to install malware on Mishra's office server. The investigation began after a tip-off from Military Intelligence in Udhampur. Mishra's arrest highlights the ongoing threat of espionage and cyber attacks on India's defence establishments.

Canada's intelligence agency, CSIS, has accused India of spying and interfering in Canadian affairs. In its 2023 report, CSIS named India, China, Russia, and Iran as major perpetrators of foreign interference and espionage. The agency also linked India to the murder of a pro-Khalistan activist in British Columbia last year. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to protect Canadian sovereignty and hold those responsible accountable. The accusation has sparked tensions between Canada and India, with potential diplomatic implications.

A group of doctors under the Awaken India Movement (AIM) have expressed concern over the safety of Covishield, the Covid vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India. This comes after AstraZeneca admitted in a UK court that its Covid vaccine can cause blood clots in rare cases. The doctors urged the government to review the science behind all Covid vaccines and implement a monitoring mechanism to identify adverse events early. They criticized the government for promoting vaccines as "safe and effective" without scientific investigation, despite rising cases of post-vaccination deaths.

A chartered flight from Dubai with 253 foreigners, including 75 from Gujarat and some from Punjab, was sent back from Kingston, Jamaica, due to security concerns. The tourists, who had prior hotel bookings, were deemed not to be genuine tourists by local authorities. The flight was ordered to return to Dubai, and the passengers left on May 7. Central agencies are investigating the matter, suspecting that the tourists may have been planning to illegally immigrate to the US through the Mexico border.

Iran has released five Indian sailors who were detained on an Israel-linked cargo ship. The ship, MSC Aries, was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guard on April 13. The sailors were among 17 Indians on board. One sailor was released earlier in April. The Indian Embassy in Iran confirmed the release and thanked Iranian authorities for their cooperation. The ship remains in Iranian custody. The sailors' release brings relief to their families and the Indian government, which had been working for their freedom.

In a tragic incident, two Palestinians were killed in northern Gaza when an aid pallet crashed into a warehouse after its parachute failed to open during an airdrop. This has prompted Hamas to call for an immediate halt to such airdrops, citing the "real danger" they pose to civilians. With a looming famine in the besieged territory, several countries had resorted to airdrops to deliver aid amid severe restrictions on ground access. However, Hamas insists that opening land crossings is the only viable solution to alleviate the humanitarian crisis gripping northern Gaza.

In a partial relief, Iran has freed seven crew members, including five Indians, from the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries seized in the Gulf on April 13. However, 17 Indians still remain in custody. The release came after Portugal demanded the "immediate release" of all crew. Iran had alleged the ship had Israeli links while seizing it amid tensions with Israel following the Gaza conflict. The freed crew includes a Filipino and an Estonian apart from the Indians. The move has raised hopes for the safe return of the remaining captive Indians.

In Bharuch, Gujarat, Pravin Mishra was apprehended for allegedly divulging classified information on DRDO's drones to Pakistan's ISI. Mishra, employed by a DRDO-affiliated organization in Hyderabad, fell prey to a honey-trap scheme orchestrated by an ISI agent posing as an IBM employee named Sonal Garg. Gujarat CID's ADGP Rajkumar Pandian disclosed that Mishra's phone led to the revelation, prompting charges under IPC section 123 and the IT Act. The ISI, targeting individuals linked to defense establishments, exploited Mishra's role in an organization collaborating with DRDO. Mishra confessed to sharing sensitive data, indicative of a broader espionage campaign.