Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, has stated that India–China relations have progressed from a “reset” and “fresh start” to a “new level” following sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Speaking at The Huddle, he highlighted improvements in bilateral communication, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges after years of tensions along the border. The envoy expressed optimism about further strengthening ties through dialogue and mutual trust. His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by both governments to stabilize relations, enhance cooperation, and manage differences through diplomatic channels while maintaining regional peace and stability. (PC: The Hindu)

A 23-year-long divorce battle in the UK has ended with Indian-origin woman Varsha Gohil securing a £6.6 million (around ₹85 crore) payout. The dispute began in 2002 when she divorced Bhadresh Gohil, accepting a settlement of about £270,000 while suspecting undisclosed assets. Her doubts gained credibility after Bhadresh was convicted in 2011 for money laundering, forgery and conspiracy to defraud in a case linked to associates of former Nigerian governor James Ibori. Subsequent investigations uncovered millions in previously hidden assets. After years of litigation, UK courts ruled that part of the wealth constituted marital property, awarding Varsha £6.6 million. (PC: NDTV)

India and Venezuela have agreed to deepen strategic cooperation, with energy security emerging as the central focus during Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez’s visit to India. Officials highlighted Venezuela’s rise as India’s third-largest crude oil supplier, underscoring the importance of a long-term energy partnership spanning upstream and downstream sectors. Beyond oil, both countries explored opportunities in mining, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and animal husbandry. Discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rodriguez also covered trade, investment, healthcare and global issues. Both sides described the talks as substantive and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations while advancing the interests and priorities of the Global South. (PC: X)

Indian Army officer Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to gender equality in peacekeeping missions. Serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Barak was recognized for her efforts in engaging with women and adolescent girls, promoting community outreach, and conducting gender-sensitization training for peacekeepers. She also served as Commander of the Female Engagement Team and is the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army. The honor highlights India's significant role in global peacekeeping and women's empowerment initiatives. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez on strengthening long-term energy cooperation between the two countries. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in oil and gas, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy. India, which has recently increased crude oil imports from Venezuela, views the South American nation as a key partner in diversifying energy supplies amid global market uncertainties. Both sides emphasized deeper engagement in upstream and downstream energy projects and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and economic cooperation. (PC: X)

More than 1,600 people from nearly a dozen countries attended India Week London 2026, the UK's largest independently organised UK-India forum.   Held from May 26 to 30, the event featured nine sold-out programmes across London, bringing together leaders from business, public policy, media, film and culture.   One of the biggest attractions was a journalism summit organised by Talk Journalism. Leading Indian journalists Rajdeep Sardesai, Smita Prakash, Suhasini Haider, Saurabh Dwivedi and Kamlesh Singh discussed the changing media landscape in India before packed audiences.   The flagship Ideas for India conference focused on India's place in a changing world, entrepreneurship and UK-India cooperation. New initiatives were also launched to strengthen business ties and support Indian exporters looking to expand in the UK market.   The week concluded with a black-tie awards dinner attended by more than 250 guests. Manish Tiwari, Founder and Chairman of Here&Now 365, was honoured with the Achievement in Business award for his contribution to entrepreneurship and media.   London Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Karim Fatehi said India Week is "the leading platform for UK-India trade and investment."   India Week curator Pratik Dattani said, "In a difficult geopolitical reality, the role of India on the global stage is changing." He added that India Week aims to "bring India to the world" through conversations on business, policy, journalism, literature and film.

An Indian national was killed and 63 others were injured after drones struck a passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, causing significant damage and briefly disrupting operations. The airport had only recently reopened after a month-long closure linked to the ongoing Iran-US conflict.   Kuwaiti authorities released CCTV footage showing the moment the drones hit the terminal from multiple directions. Several passengers and airport workers were among the injured, with some reported to be in serious condition.   The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed the death of the Indian citizen. While Kuwaiti officials blamed the attack on Iranian drones, Tehran denied responsibility for the strike. The incident has renewed concerns over regional security amid a fragile ceasefire.  

Indian national Tarsem Singh, 33, could face deportation from the United States after the conclusion of his criminal case linked to a fatal crash in Ohio that killed a pregnant teenager and her unborn child.   Singh has been charged with vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. Authorities allege he led police on a high-speed chase in February before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into another car.   The victim, 17-year-old Ashlee Holmes, died from her injuries, while her unborn child also did not survive. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer against Singh, who remains in custody. A jury trial is scheduled for August. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Union Cabinet, led by Narendra Modi, has reportedly approved an ordinance to amend the Income Tax Act and eliminate capital gains tax on investments made by foreign portfolio investors in Indian government securities, pending Presidential approval. The move aims to attract foreign capital, strengthen forex inflows and cushion the economy from uncertainties linked to the Iran conflict. Currently, foreign investors pay 12.5% long-term capital gains tax on eligible assets and a 20% withholding tax on government bond interest. The decision follows significant foreign outflows from Indian markets and comes amid indications that additional measures may be introduced to boost investment and market confidence. (PC: NDTV)

At least 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals and 9 Indians, were killed in a devastating fire at the six-storey Flourish Stay B&B in Delhi’s Hauz Rani area. More than 40 people were rescued as thick smoke engulfed the building, prompting several occupants to jump from upper floors. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated in a ground-floor restaurant. The guest house allegedly had only one exit, raising serious fire safety concerns. Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj has been arrested. The tragedy is Delhi’s deadliest fire since the 2022 Mundka blaze. Authorities have ordered citywide fire safety inspections and announced a review of all establishments operating under Delhi's B&B policy.