An Indian woman was caught shoplifting at a US Target store in a viral video from January 15. The Gujarati-speaking woman was visibly distressed, shaking and sobbing during police interrogation. She admitted limited English proficiency and nodded when asked if she intended to resell stolen items. Officers assured her she wouldn't be jailed if cooperative but must appear in court and was permanently banned from Target. CCTV showed her walking past checkout with unpaid merchandise. Social media users criticized her behavior, with some calling it "acting." This follows similar cases involving Indian nationals shoplifting at Target stores, raising concerns about immigration consequences including potential deportation and impact on visa applications.

Arijit Singh's London concert ended abruptly when organizers cut power due to a strict 10:30 PM curfew, leaving fans shocked mid-performance. The Bollywood singer, who recently surpassed Taylor Swift as Spotify's most-followed artist, was performing a soulful version of "Saiyaara" when lights suddenly dimmed. A viral video shows Singh still singing as confused fans exit the venue. The Instagram clip caption read: "London stadium allegedly cut power without letting him say goodbye or finish the song." Fan reactions were mixed - some criticized the abrupt ending while others defended venue rules, noting noise pollution regulations in the UK. Despite the chaos, Singh's "Saiyaara" performance has gone viral across social media platforms. (PC: X)

India has provided detailed assurances to Belgian authorities regarding humane detention conditions for businessman Mehul Choksi if extradited in the PNB scam case. The Ministry of Home Affairs specified Arthur Road Jail's Barrack No. 12 in Mumbai, guaranteeing three square meters personal space per detainee, 24/7 medical care, adequate food, daily exercise, and legal access. The facility houses non-violent economic offenders with CCTV monitoring and oversight by human rights commissions. Choksi faces charges including criminal conspiracy and corruption under various Indian laws. Belgian courts will evaluate these assurances against international human rights standards before deciding on extradition. Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April following India's formal extradition request. (PC: The New Indian Express)

A 26-year-old man from Haryana's Jind district, Kapil, was fatally shot in the US after confronting someone for public urination. Working as a security guard, Kapil objected to an individual urinating outside premises when the accused shot him dead on Saturday. The sole son of a farming family from Barah Kalan village had paid Rs 45 lakh to enter America through the illegal "donkey route" in 2022. Initially arrested upon entry, he was later released through legal proceedings. His family learned of the tragedy through a US-based relative. Kapil leaves behind two sisters, one married. The grieving family has requested government assistance to repatriate his body to India. (PC: The Financial World)

A Nigerian man, Pascal Olaleye, has gone viral after sharing reasons why he will never return to the West. Olaleye, who moved to India in 2021, posted a video on Instagram titled Why I'm NEVER Moving Back to the West After Living in India. He listed 10 reasons, including peace, safety, cheaper rent, natural food, and freedom from discrimination. He said he feels respected in India and safer walking at night compared to the US. The video gained over 2 million views, with many users praising his words and welcoming him warmly to India.

A private FM radio network in Canada has raised $2 million in just two days to help flood-hit families in Punjab. Red FM stations in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto led the drive through Radiothons. Vancouver listeners pledged $1 million, Calgary added $460,000, and Toronto raised nearly $500,000. The donations will go to SAF International, a Surrey-based non-profit working in India. Funds will provide emergency aid, rehabilitation, and rebuilding support. Punjab’s floods have submerged over 1,900 villages, displacing thousands. Red FM president Kulwinder Sanghera said the South Asian community in Canada has once again shown strong support for people in need. (PC: https://vancouver.redfm.ca/)

Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian said US President Donald Trump is starting to realise his tough trade moves against India have failed. Trump had imposed 50% tariffs, including on oil imports from Russia, but Fabian said these “did not produce the desired outcome.” Recently, Trump praised ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling them “very special.” Modi responded warmly, saying the feeling is mutual. Fabian warned against reading too much into Trump’s softer words, calling the tariffs “Trumped-up.” He added India is a civilisational state that “wants friends and business but cannot take dictation.” Talks on a trade deal remain stalled. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump’s senior trade adviser, Peter Navarro, accused India of “profiteering” from Russian oil imports. Social media platform X fact-checked his post, saying India’s oil trade is for “energy security” and does not break sanctions. X also noted that the US itself continues to import Russian goods, exposing “a clear double standard.” Navarro reacted angrily, saying, “That crap note below is just that. Crap.” He also accused Elon Musk of allowing propaganda. Navarro has often attacked India over oil imports, but Trump and PM Modi have both stressed their “special relationship” despite ongoing tariff tensions. (PC: NDTV)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called for tougher sanctions on Russia and countries buying its oil, including India. He said more tariffs could collapse Russia’s economy and push President Vladimir Putin to peace talks with Ukraine. Bessent stressed that the US needs Europe’s support to increase pressure. India, facing 50% tariffs on many exports, has defended its Russian oil trade as a matter of national interest. The remarks come even as US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi recently showed signs of friendship. The war escalated Sunday after Russia bombed a key Ukrainian government complex. (PC: AFP)

Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian suggests Trump is softening his stance toward India after realizing aggressive trade tactics haven't worked. Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including additional 25% over Russian oil purchases, failed to produce desired outcomes. Despite calling US-India ties "very special" and affirming friendship with PM Modi, Fabian remains skeptical about ending what he calls "Triple T - Trumped-up Trump Tariff." He emphasizes India as a "civilisational state" that wants global friendship and business but "cannot take dictation." Modi reciprocated Trump's positive remarks about their "Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership." Trade talks remain stalled as India maintains red lines on US firm entry into agriculture and key sectors. Another diplomat, Jawed Ashraf, advocates India avoiding alignment with competing global power camps. (PC: Hindustan Times)