A spike in bedbug sightings across Paris and other French cities has stirred public hysteria and raised concerns ahead of the 2024 Olympics. While experts confirm bedbugs are increasing due to globalization and pesticide resistance, they say the panic is exaggerated and psychological impact outweighs physical harm. Bedbugs do not transmit disease though their bites, shed skin and droppings repulse people. Despite unverified social media scare stories, officials are taking action to control the pests and protect Paris’ image pre-Olympics. However, France’s top entomologist insists while vigilance is important, the bedbug situation must be kept in perspective.

Archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Deotale secured India's 16th gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games by defeating South Korea in the compound mixed team event, marking India's 71st medal at the Hangzhou games, a historic achievement. Additionally, India clinched a bronze in the 35km race walk mixed team event. Anahat & Abhay claimed bronze in mixed doubles squash, while Dipika Pallikal & Harinder Singh advanced to the finals after a thrilling semi-final win against Hong Kong. Looking ahead, World Champion Neeraj Chopra is set to defend his men's javelin throw gold, and Lovlina Borgohain will face China's Li Qian in the women's 75kg boxing final.

The US government acknowledged the raids on journalists in India but refrained from commenting on the allegations of Chinese links. Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, stated that they were aware of concerns regarding an outlet's ties to China but couldn't verify the claims. Patel emphasized the US government's support for global media's role in democracies and highlighted the importance of respecting journalists' human rights. His comments followed Delhi Police's raid on journalists and employees of NewsClick, leading to the arrest of its founder Prabir Purkayastha, amid allegations of receiving funds for pro-China propaganda.

  Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has stated that the country wants private discussions with India to resolve an escalating diplomatic dispute. This comes after reports emerged that India asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its diplomats. As per reports, the government has also threatened to strip the diplomatic immunity of any Canadian diplomat who remains in the country after the deadline. Ties have frayed over Canada's accusations of Indian involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While neither Joly nor PM Justin Trudeau confirmed if India requested the diplomats' departure, Joly affirmed taking diplomats' safety seriously. She insisted diplomatic talks are best held privately. The tense relations follow Canada's claims that Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by India, was killed by India-backed agents.

A flash flood struck North Sikkim, triggered by a sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake. At least 23 Army officers are missing, and several Army establishments in Lachen valley were impacted. The flood, caused by water release from the Chungthang dam, submerged 41 Army vehicles and affected Bardang near Singtam. Rescue operations face challenges due to low internet connectivity, hindering communication between command officers and ground teams. Four NDRF teams are on-site, aiding in the rescue efforts. Sikkim Chief Minister is monitoring the situation, and search operations continue amidst difficult conditions.

The UK government's proposed visa fee hike, effective from Wednesday, will impact travelers worldwide, including Indians. Visit visas for under six months will cost GBP 15 more, and student visas will be GBP 127 more expensive. The UK Home Office defended the increase, stating it was necessary to fund public services and contribute to public sector pay. The fee rise, applicable to various visa categories, faced criticism from groups like the UK's Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, highlighting the financial strain on families and individuals amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

   India continues its medal spree at the Asian Games 2023, with Annu Rani making history as the first Indian woman to win gold in Javelin Throw, securing the 15th gold for India. Parul Chaudhary added the 14th gold in the women's 5000m event. Tejaswin Shankar (decathlon) and Mohammed Afsal (men's 800m) claimed silver, while Praveen Chithravel won bronze in Men's Triple Jump. Vithya Ramraj secured bronze in women's 400m hurdles. In squash, archers, and boxing, India assured multiple medals, with Lovlina Borgohain ensuring at least a silver. The medal count now stands at 15 gold, 26 silver, and 28 bronze. India is on track for the 100-medal milestone.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fondly reminisced about his Indian heritage during his speech at the Conservative Friends of India event. "I'm incredibly proud of where I come from, and I know that my parents are also very proud of me too. Although, I've got to be honest with you, they would have been a bit happier if I was the first doctor Prime Minister," Sunak said lightheartedly. Prime Minister Sunak fondly recounted gifting his mother's homemade barfi to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a previous meeting over chai at Chequers. When he told his mother that President Zelenskyy thoroughly enjoyed her barfi, "She insisted straight away. She made four more boxes to send to Ukraine, so that President Putin could eat it."  The event, attended by senior Tory leaders like Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Home Secretary Suella Braverman, aims to boost India-UK ties. The Conservative Friends of India group works to build links between the party, British Indians and India.

India continued their impressive performance in athletics at the Asian Games 2023 as Parul Chaudhary secured the 14th gold medal for the country in the women's 5000m event. Vithya Ramraj won bronze in the women's 400m hurdles, with Praveen Chitharavel securing a bronze in men's triple jump, and Mohammed Afsal claiming a silver in the men's 800m. In squash, medals were assured from Saurav Ghosal (men's singles), Dipika Pallikal/Harinder Pal Singh, and Abhay Singh/Anahat Singh (mixed doubles). Indian archers and boxers excelled, guaranteeing several medals. Lovlina Borgohain reached the women's 75kg boxing final, ensuring at least a silver, while archers Ojas Pravin and Abhishek Verma set up an all-Indian final in Men's Compound Individual event, ensuring India's first-ever individual gold in Asian Games archery. India's medal tally now stands at 14 gold, 25 silver, and 27 bronze.

The INDIA Coalition condemned the BJP-led central government for a 'fresh attack on media' following Delhi Police raids on journalists associated with NewsClick. The INDIA bloc criticized the government's actions, alleging that they target those who speak the truth while ignoring those spreading hatred. They accused the government of attempting to control media outlets, compromising democratic values. The Opposition expressed solidarity with the media, including outlets like BBC, Newslaundry, Dainik Bhaskar, and NewsClick, emphasizing their support for freedom of speech and expression.