Rajasthan Police arrested Pathan Khan, a Jaisalmer resident, for allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) over 12 years. Khan reportedly visited Pakistan in 2013, where he was recruited and trained by ISI operatives. Operating under the alias "Ravi Kishan," he posed as a farmer near the Indo-Pak border, collecting and transmitting sensitive information about India's border security, including BSF deployments and infrastructure details. He allegedly used social media platforms and forged SIM cards to communicate with Pakistani handlers, receiving financial incentives and gifts in return. Authorities are investigating the extent of the information compromised and potential links to a broader espionage network. (PC: Hindustan)

According to the 2025 World Wide Threat Assessment by the U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency, India perceives China as its primary strategic adversary, while Pakistan is considered a secondary security concern. The report indicates that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s defense strategy focuses on countering China's influence and enhancing military capabilities. Conversely, Pakistan views India as an "existential threat" and is expected to continue military modernization, including tactical nuclear weapons development, to counterbalance India's superior conventional forces. Pakistan's military advancements are significantly supported by China, reinforcing the strategic alliance between Islamabad and Beijing. This assessment underscores the complex security dynamics in South Asia, with India's primary focus on addressing challenges posed by China. (PC: East Asia Forum & Nikkei Asia)

In 2024, Indian applicants lost over ₹136 crore due to rejected Schengen visa applications, ranking third globally after Algeria and Turkey. Out of more than 11 lakh applications, over 1.65 lakh were denied, reflecting a rejection rate of approximately 15%. Each application cost €90 (around ₹8,500), a non-refundable fee. France accounted for the highest number of rejections for Indian travelers, leading to losses of about ₹25.8 crore. These figures highlight the significant financial impact of visa denials on Indian citizens seeking to travel to Europe. The data underscores the need for improved visa application processes and better guidance for applicants to mitigate such substantial monetary losses. (PC: AFP)

A US global threat assessment report has highlighted Pakistan’s growing nuclear ambitions, stating Islamabad views India as an “existential threat.” The report asserts that Pakistan is modernizing its nuclear arsenal, including battlefield nukes, to counter India’s conventional military edge. It also reveals that China is a key supplier of weapons-related materials and technology. Despite receiving IMF support, Pakistan spent $1 billion maintaining its nuclear stockpile in 2023. Meanwhile, India continues its military modernization and sees China as its primary threat. The report notes India’s strategic military advancements, including nuclear tests and regional defense partnerships, amid ongoing border tensions. (PC: Reuters)

A recent US Department of Defense intelligence report reveals that Pakistan continues to view India as an "existential threat," prompting Islamabad to pursue significant military modernization, including the development of battlefield nuclear weapons, to counterbalance India's conventional military superiority. In contrast, India perceives Pakistan as a secondary security concern. This asymmetry in threat perception underscores the enduring tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The report also notes Pakistan's reliance on China for economic and military support, further complicating regional stability. These dynamics highlight the challenges in achieving lasting peace and security in South Asia. (PC: Firstpost)

In 1957, a historic overland bus service connected London to Kolkata (then Calcutta), operated by Albert Travel. The journey, aboard a double-decker bus named ‘Albert,’ took around 50 days and covered over 10,000 miles through 15 countries including France, Germany, Turkey, Iran, and India. Passengers paid £85 for the luxurious ride, which featured sleeping bunks, a kitchenette, and onboard entertainment. The service ran until 1976, completing about 15 round trips before geopolitical tensions led to its end. A recently resurfaced photo of the bus has gone viral, reigniting fascination with this epic travel route. (PC: News 18)

An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, visited New York's 9/11 Memorial to honor terror victims and emphasize global unity against terrorism. Tharoor described the visit as a “very moving moment,” linking it to the recent Pahalgam attack in India. He stressed terrorism as a shared global issue requiring united action. The delegation, including MPs Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Deora, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Ganti Harish Madhur, and former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, laid white roses at the memorial. Their tour, part of India's diplomatic outreach, will continue to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil, aiming to garner international support against terrorism and highlight India's stance on the issue. (PC: India Today & Indian Community)

A recent U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report reveals Pakistan is actively modernizing its nuclear arsenal, heavily relying on China for economic and military support. China remains Pakistan's primary military supplier, providing materials and technology for weapons of mass destruction, often through intermediaries in Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE. Despite internal tensions, including terrorist attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, the alliance persists. Pakistan continues to view India as an existential threat, prioritizing cross-border skirmishes and nuclear modernization. The report underscores Pakistan's procurement of WMD-applicable goods from foreign suppliers, highlighting concerns over regional stability and the security of nuclear materials and command structures. (PC: Sputnik India & Getty Images)

On May 21, 2025, India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted a special event titled "Tea for Livelihoods, Tea for SDGs" at the UN Headquarters in New York to commemorate International Tea Day. Ambassador P. Harish highlighted tea's role in promoting rural employment, women's empowerment, and sustainable development. The event featured insights from representatives of countries like Vietnam, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and China, emphasizing tea's contribution to Agenda 2030. Attendees enjoyed a curated tasting of Indian teas, including Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and Masala Chai, celebrating India's rich tea heritage.  (PC: New India Abroad)

During an international outreach, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declared that India has established a new norm following the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that any cross-border aggression from Pakistan will incur consequences. Speaking in New York, he emphasized that India’s response to terrorism is measured but resolute: “We didn't want to start anything... If you stop, we stop.” Tharoor leads a multi-party delegation visiting Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and the US to highlight India's firm stance against terrorism and expose Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terror activities. He reiterated that India is not interested in warfare but will respond decisively to protect its citizens. (PC: The Daily Star & Hindustan Times)