The article discusses the international reaction to Donald Trump's rhetoric during the Republican presidential primary race. Trump has been criticized for his comments on Muslims, Mexicans, and Asians, which have sparked concern and outrage among various groups and individuals worldwide. Nancy Landa of Los Otros Dreamers, Jordan's King Abdullah, and Chilean Finance Minister Rodrigo Valdes are among those who have expressed disapproval. The British Parliament debated banning Trump from the UK, and Dubai entrepreneur Mohamed Parham al Awadhi has banned Trump-related content from his businesses. Despite the backlash, Trump has found support from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Dutch politician Geert Wilders. The article also touches on the impact of Trump's proposed policies on immigrants in the U.S., particularly skilled workers on temporary visas. Infosys executive Sandeep Dadlani suggests that extreme rhetoric is common in elections and expects sensible policies to prevail eventually.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who came to power in 2014 with promises of economic reform and improving India's global image, is facing criticism for not delivering on his promises and for stoking sectarian tensions with his pro-Hindu stance. Despite a positive start, his popularity is waning, with recent polls showing a decline in his approval ratings. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lost key state elections, and upcoming elections in Assam and West Bengal are seen as crucial. The BJP's control of the lower house is contrasted by the opposition's control of the upper house, which has stalled Modi's reforms. India's economy has shown growth, but investors are hesitant without tax reform. Modi's image as a Hindu nationalist is also causing concern, with reports of violence against minorities and controversial beef bans in BJP-led states. High-profile incidents, such as the lynching of a Muslim man over beef consumption rumors, have not been promptly addressed by Modi, leading to criticism from various quarters.

The article discusses the Indian government's crackdown on non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly those that are Western and Christian, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. Greenpeace India is highlighted as it battles for survival after the government seized its accounts and withdrew its license. The government accuses these NGOs of illegal foreign funding and mismanagement, but critics argue that the real reason for the crackdown is to suppress dissenting voices and promote Hindu nationalism. The article also mentions other NGOs under scrutiny, such as the United Theological College and the Salve Regina Charitable Trust, and contrasts the government's actions with its lack of action against Hindu nationalist groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The article suggests that the government's policy towards NGOs is hypocritical, as it welcomes foreign business investment but is hostile to foreign donations to NGOs.

The article reports on the aftermath of a magnitude-7.5 earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan and Pakistan, which was felt from Kabul to New Delhi. The earthquake resulted in over 260 deaths, with the toll expected to rise. The quake highlighted the vulnerability of buildings in the region, many of which are poorly constructed and not earthquake-resistant. First responders and neighbors worked to rescue those trapped in the rubble, while survivors expressed fear of aftershocks and recounted their experiences. The article also touches on the need for better preparedness and government action to ensure safer building structures. Personal accounts from various individuals, including a farmer, a folk singer, and a homemaker, are included to illustrate the human impact of the disaster.

India is experiencing a severe heat wave, with the death toll surpassing 1,800. The states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are among the worst affected, with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees since mid-May. The heat wave is the fifth-deadliest in recorded history globally and the second-deadliest in India. The majority of the victims are outdoor laborers and the elderly. Despite warnings, many continue to work outside due to economic necessity. The Indian meteorological department predicts the heat will persist, with some relief expected from the monsoon season, although drought-like conditions are already present in some states. Power cuts and a rise in air pollution levels are exacerbating the crisis. Health issues such as dehydration, heatstroke, and hypertension are increasing, leading to more fatalities.

The article discusses the controversial issue of forced religious conversions in India, where Muslim individuals, such as Abdul Rahman Gazi, were unwittingly converted to Hinduism during a ceremony organized by Hindu nationalists. Hindu activists, including those from the Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, refer to these conversions as 'homecomings'. The events have sparked political controversy and pose a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose party, the BJP, is linked to these groups. Modi's silence on the issue has been criticized, and the conversions are seen as a test of India's secularism. The article also touches on Modi's past, including the 2002 Gujarat riots and his pro-business stance, and notes the recent U.S. critiques of his social agenda.