Two Chinese nationals have been charged in the US for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus classified as a potential agro-terrorism weapon. This alarming case spotlights the rising global threat of agro-terrorism — the deliberate use of biological agents to harm agriculture. India, with over 55% of its population reliant on farming, has faced similar threats. In 2016, a wheat-blast fungus believed to be introduced from Bangladesh forced a wheat ban in parts of West Bengal. Bordering hostile nations like Pakistan and China, India’s farmland remains vulnerable to such covert biological attacks aimed at crippling its agri-economy. (PC: India Today)

In response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, BJP leader Anurag Thakur reaffirmed India's identity as a peace-loving nation but warned of a strong retaliation against any provocation. He directly criticized Pakistan for allegedly supporting terrorism and warned that India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could lead to severe water scarcity in Pakistan. Thakur also accused the Congress party of aligning with Pakistan’s stance and questioned their national loyalty. His remarks reflect India's firmer diplomatic and strategic posture in ongoing regional tensions. (PC: ANI)    

Three Indian nationals reported missing in Iran have been rescued by local Iranian police, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy. The trio had gone missing under unclear circumstances, prompting diplomatic intervention. The embassy, in coordination with Iranian authorities, ensured their safety and confirmed their well-being. Efforts are ongoing to locate and secure the third individual. The Ministry of External Affairs had been actively pursuing the matter with Tehran to ensure all three Indians were found. Further details regarding their disappearance and rescue remain undisclosed. (PC: Getty Images)

Pakistan’s plan to bring India to its knees within 48 hours collapsed in just 8, revealed Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Speaking at Pune University, Chauhan said Pakistan launched multiple attacks on May 10, expecting rapid dominance. However, India’s precision response under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps post-Pahalgam attack, forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire. “They picked up the phone within 8 hours,” Chauhan noted. India had warned of stronger retaliation if provoked. While a temporary truce holds, Chauhan emphasized: “Operation Sindoor is not over yet. There is a need to keep our guard up.” (PC: India Today)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has dismissed Pakistan’s claim that China could cut off Brahmaputra’s water to India. He said the river mostly depends on Indian monsoon rains, not China. Only 30–35% of the water comes from China, while the rest is from India. Mr Sarma added that during monsoon, the river’s flow rises sharply in Assam. He also said China has never threatened to block the river. Even if it did, it might help reduce floods in Assam. Mr Sarma called Pakistan’s fear “baseless” and said India is taking control of its water rights with facts and confidence. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian-origin man, Gaurav Kundi (42), is in a coma with severe brain damage after an Australian police officer allegedly knelt on his neck during an arrest in Adelaide, echoing the George Floyd case. Video footage shows Kundi crying out, "I’ve done nothing wrong," as his partner Amritpal Kaur pleads with officers. Kundi reportedly lost consciousness after his head hit a police vehicle. Authorities claim he resisted arrest but have launched a Commissioner's inquiry due to the critical injuries. Kaur says doctors are uncertain if he will recover. The case has sparked outrage and demands for justice. (PC: India Today)

In a high-stakes diplomatic push, India and Pakistan have dispatched rival delegations to Washington, D.C., following India's Operation Sindoor. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor leads India’s all-party team—including BJP and Shiv Sena MPs—to brief US lawmakers on India’s anti-terror stance after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari heads Islamabad’s delegation, countering India's narrative and protesting the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Both nations aim to influence American policymakers amid rising tensions. Tharoor reiterated India’s message: Pakistan will face escalating consequences if it continues sheltering terrorism. (PC: Reuters)

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism over a forthcoming trade deal with India, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and his strong rapport with President Donald Trump. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Lutnick said both nations are close to finalizing a mutually beneficial agreement. He highlighted Trump’s respect for India and the willingness to include allies like India in the AI revolution. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed ongoing talks, despite rising US tariffs on steel and aluminium. The two sides aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, has advised his son to rest and visit India. He told NDTV that Elon, now 53, works non-stop and needs a break. A planned India trip in April was delayed due to Tesla issues. Errol said Elon should not miss visiting India, calling it a big mistake if he does. He also praised Neuralink, saying it could help the blind see and the paralysed use computers. On India's future, he said the country is heading for strong economic growth and big opportunities. He also urged people to study space, gravity, and time travel. (PC: NDTV)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation abroad, strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. The incident, involving Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower, injured six elderly victims near a courthouse during a pro-Israel event. The attacker, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” and has been charged in what the FBI calls a targeted, ideologically driven terror attack. Tharoor echoed U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s sentiments, stating that “terror has no place in our countries.” The Indian delegation, currently in Brazil, is set to visit the U.S. next. Investigations are ongoing, with FBI treating the case as terrorism. (PC: PTI)