India and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to promoting and protecting human rights during the 12th EU-India Human Rights Dialogue in New Delhi. Officials reviewed progress since the previous meeting in 2025 and discussed civil, political, economic and cultural rights, gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, child rights and freedom of expression. Both sides also exchanged views on trustworthy artificial intelligence, humanitarian assistance and global cooperation. While the EU reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, India stressed that the Right to Development should be recognised as a universal human right. The next dialogue is scheduled for 2027. (PC: NDTV)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace on June 22 while executing a go-around during landing at Amritsar airport. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft crossed into Pakistan’s airspace during radar vectoring after commencing its approach. The regulator has initiated interim action against both the Amritsar air traffic controller and the airline’s operating crew for failing to report the incident. Air India acknowledged that flight AI479 “marginally infringed” Pakistani airspace while manoeuvring during the aborted landing attempt. The incident has triggered regulatory scrutiny, with authorities examining procedural compliance and reporting lapses surrounding the airspace violation. (PC: X)

India and the United States concluded multiple rounds of ministerial-level negotiations on an interim trade deal, with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reporting “substantial progress” toward a broader bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Discussions focused on finalising an interim pact as a stepping stone to the comprehensive BTA envisioned under “Mission 500,” which targets bilateral trade of $500 billion by 2030. While most issues have reportedly been resolved, negotiators are still working on a tariff framework for Indian exports to the US market. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to deepening economic cooperation in technology, AI, manufacturing and trade, despite no agreement being signed yet.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is showing signs of recovery, with 30 India-bound ships successfully crossing the strategic waterway while 26 vessels of Indian interest remain in the Persian Gulf awaiting transit. According to shipping ministry sources, nearly half of the ships that crossed were carrying LPG and LNG, alongside crude oil and bulk cargo. Officials attributed the improvement to easing tensions following the Iran-US memorandum of understanding. Of the vessels still awaiting passage, three carry energy cargo, ten transport fertilisers, and thirteen carry other goods. As nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, uninterrupted shipping remains crucial for India’s energy security. (PC: Reuters)

A London court has ordered fugitive businessman Nirav Modi to pay $10.7 million (around ₹100 crore) to Bank of India. The case relates to loans given to Dubai-based Diamond FZE, a company owned by Modi. Judge Simon Tinkler ruled that Modi was liable under a personal guarantee he signed for the loans. The court rejected Modi’s arguments that the guarantee was not enforceable. Modi is currently lodged in a UK prison and is fighting extradition to India. He is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case and other financial crime investigations. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for expressing condolences after the Ras Laffan industrial complex explosion that killed 13 people, including 12 Indians. The two leaders spoke by phone and shared their grief over the loss of lives. Modi also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident. He appreciated the support and medical care provided by Qatari authorities to the victims. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and well-being of their citizens. They also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and ties between India and Qatar. (PC: ANI)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace during a go-around manoeuvre on June 22, the airline said. Flight AI479 was approaching Amritsar when Air Traffic Control instructed it to hold due to a runway inspection after a bird strike incident. During the manoeuvre, the aircraft crossed the international border and entered Pakistan's airspace for a short time. The incident was coordinated with Pakistani air traffic authorities, according to the DGCA. The aircraft was later diverted to Delhi. Air India has removed the pilot from duty pending an investigation and informed aviation regulators. (PC: Reuters)

A new book has revealed that US President Donald Trump believed India charged 175% tariffs on American goods. The claim was made during meetings with business leaders before his major tariff plan in 2025. According to the book Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, Trump repeatedly questioned official US data on tariffs. During one meeting, he said, “China tariffs us over 150 to 200 percent, India 175 percent.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tried to explain the official figures, but Trump rejected them. The discussions took place before the US imposed tariffs on several countries, including India, as part of its trade policy. (PC: AP)

A three-year-old boy from Kashmir, Lukman, has successfully recovered from a rare and life-threatening immune disorder, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), following a stem cell transplant at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar. After losing their daughter to the same disease due to the absence of a suitable donor, Lukman’s family found hope through an international donor search. A matched unrelated donor was identified via a Germany-based registry, with stem cells sourced from a donor in Poland and transported to Srinagar. SKIMS described the procedure as its first matched unrelated donor transplant. Doctors said Lukman recovered well and has been discharged from hospital.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral and burial ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. According to the report, Khamenei, 86, was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on February 28 after leading Iran for 36 years. Funeral ceremonies will begin on July 4, include events in Qom on July 7, and conclude with burial in Mashhad on July 9. Iranian authorities expect nearly 20 million mourners. The invitation comes as Iran and the United States pursue a peace framework and long-term negotiations in Switzerland following months of regional conflict. (PC: Business Standard)