Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Elon Musk discussed strengthening India-US collaboration in technology and innovation during a phone call, revisiting their earlier meeting in Washington DC. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the US, especially in emerging tech sectors. Musk, who leads Tesla, SpaceX, X, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is pursuing major business ventures in India, including Starlink's satellite internet rollout and Tesla’s entry. The conversation comes amid growing trade tensions with the US and ahead of Vice-President JD Vance’s visit to India on April 21 to bolster economic and geopolitical ties. (PC: Getty Images)

On April 17, 2025, UNESCO inscribed two iconic Indian texts—the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra—into its prestigious Memory of the World Register. This recognition celebrates their global cultural, philosophical, and artistic significance. The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is revered for its spiritual guidance, while the Natyashastra is an ancient treatise on drama, dance, and music. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a proud moment for India, highlighting their timeless contributions to civilization. With this, India now has 14 entries in the UNESCO register, which preserves invaluable documentary heritage worldwide. (PC: The Indian Express)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has sharply rebuked Bangladesh for its comments on the communal violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, stating, “Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.” The response follows remarks from Bangladesh’s chief adviser’s office urging India to “fully protect” its Muslim population and denying any Bangladeshi link to the April 11 unrest. The MEA called it a “disingenuous attempt” to draw parallels. The Calcutta High Court continues to monitor the situation and has directed all parties to avoid provocative statements. (PC: PTI)

Kevin Patel, a 28-year-old Indian-American man, was shot in the chest in Chicago’s Lincoln Park on April 16 around 9:20 PM. He was found wounded by a resident, Garret Moores, who rushed him to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses reported seeing a man and a woman fleeing the scene, but no suspects have been identified or arrested. The incident has shaken residents of the typically safe neighborhood. Chicago Police have increased patrols, and local leaders are urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue. (PC: Tom Bakritzes)

India has strongly responded to Bangladesh's condemnation of recent communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal. After Bangladesh’s interim government criticized the attacks on Muslims, India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the remarks "unwarranted" and urged Dhaka to prioritize protecting its own minorities. India highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Hindus and other communities in Bangladesh. The Murshidabad violence, linked to protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulted in three deaths and over 200 arrests. New Delhi emphasized that internal matters should not be politicized and stressed its commitment to maintaining law and order. (PC: The Print)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on X that he spoke with Elon Musk, discussing the immense potential for collaboration in technology and innovation. This conversation revisited topics from their earlier meeting in Washington, D.C., where they explored areas like space, mobility, and governance reforms. Musk, who leads Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has shown significant interest in entering the Indian market, particularly in electric vehicles and satellite internet services. Their dialogue aligns with ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations and precedes an upcoming visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India. Modi emphasized India's commitment to advancing partnerships with the U.S. in these domains. (PC: Rediff & BBC)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Elon Musk, revisiting topics from their earlier Washington DC meeting. The discussion centered on enhancing collaboration in technology and innovation. Modi emphasized India's commitment to reforms and the principle of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.' The conversation also touched upon potential cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance. While specific details of the conversation's timing remain undisclosed, the dialogue underscores the ongoing engagement between India and Musk's ventures. (PC: X/ Narendra Modi)

In a rare public appearance at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir delivered a fiery speech emphasizing the ideological and cultural differences between Pakistan and India. He declared Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" and underscored the two-nation theory, stating, "We are two nations. We are not one nation." These remarks come amid internal challenges, including a recent train hijacking by Baloch militants and terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Analysts suggest Munir's aggressive rhetoric aims to project strength and divert attention from domestic issues. India responded sharply, questioning the characterization of Kashmir as a "jugular vein" and highlighting the ideological divide. (PC: Wikipedia)

India has firmly rejected Bangladesh's remarks on recent violence in West Bengal, advising Dhaka to focus on safeguarding its own minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the protection of all citizens, including minorities, is Bangladesh's responsibility. India expressed serious concern over the surge in extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence in Bangladesh, particularly against Hindus. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges has further strained relations. India expects that legal processes will be fair and transparent. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging Bangladesh to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of its minority communities. (PC: Mint & PTI)

Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, a U.S.-based gangster, has been detained in the U.S. He is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case and 16 grenade attacks across Punjab. Authorities claim that Passia, in collaboration with Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, orchestrated these attacks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has issued a non-bailable warrant against him and announced a ₹5 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. Passia is accused of using burner phones and international networks to evade capture, while recruiting local youth for terror activities. His detention marks a significant development in India's efforts to curb cross-border terrorism. (PC: PTI)