The United States has intensified its action against alleged transnational organised crime networks by seeking the extradition of key figures linked to jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria. The move follows a sweeping FBI-led operation, codenamed Operation Hard Ball, targeting organised crime activities including alleged extortion, drug trafficking, and violent offences. US authorities have also accused a Punjab police officer of assisting an extortion scheme and are pursuing extradition proceedings against him. The investigation involved coordinated raids across the US, Canada, and Europe, leading to multiple arrests and highlighting growing international cooperation against cross-border organised crime. 

Indian couturier Rahul Mishra captivated audiences at Paris Haute Couture Week with his latest collection, “Devi: The Eternal Muse.” Inspired by celestial sculptures from India’s ancient temples and the Ajanta caves, the collection transformed architectural motifs into wearable couture through intricate embroidery, sculptural silhouettes, and handcrafted embellishments. Mishra described the designs as a tribute to India’s artistic legacy, blending spirituality, craftsmanship, and contemporary fashion. The showcase reaffirmed his reputation for elevating Indian heritage on the global couture stage while celebrating the skill of traditional artisans and the timeless beauty of temple architecture. 

    India's passport has slipped to 125th place in a global passport mobility ranking, reflecting reduced visa-free and visa-on-arrival access for Indian travellers. The latest ranking places India behind countries including Namibia, the Philippines and Uzbekistan, highlighting challenges in international travel freedom. Passport rankings are based on the number of destinations citizens can enter without obtaining a visa in advance or by receiving a visa on arrival. The report has renewed discussions on India's global mobility, diplomatic engagement and travel access, while experts note that such rankings can change as countries revise visa policies and bilateral agreements. (PC: X)

India and Indonesia have strengthened defence ties with agreements in principle for the purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta. Indonesia is expected to procure two BrahMos batteries worth around $200 million, doubling its initial plan for a single battery. The two countries also agreed to jointly develop the strategic Sabang-Aceh port near the Malacca Strait, a key global shipping chokepoint. While the number of Astra missiles is yet to be finalised, they will be integrated into Indonesia's Su-30 fighter fleet, with contract negotiations expected to begin soon. (PC: Edition CNN)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian Parliament during his three-day visit to Indonesia. He said, "India doesn't believe in expansionism, but in prosperity." Modi added that India supports growth and development for all. He said India and Indonesia share strong ties based on history, democracy and culture. Modi also said the sea has always connected the two countries. Earlier, he held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in security, technology, education and culture. India will also help Indonesia develop electronic voting machines for its 2029 elections. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia is expected to deliver major strategic gains for India, with both countries strengthening defence and maritime cooperation. India is set to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia, deepening defence ties in the Indo-Pacific. The two nations are also expected to advance cooperation on the development of Indonesia’s Sabang port, located near the strategic Strait of Malacca, a key global shipping route. The agreements are aimed at enhancing regional security, boosting India’s defence exports and reinforcing its Act East policy while expanding bilateral economic and strategic partnerships. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his state visit to Jakarta. The award recognises Modi's contribution to strengthening India-Indonesia ties and expanding cooperation in trade, defence, connectivity and regional security. Accepting the honour, Modi dedicated it to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries. The honour comes as both nations seek to deepen their strategic partnership across the Indo-Pacific region.

An Indian-origin businessman, Gaurav Srivastava, allegedly posed as a CIA operative to gain access to Indonesia's top political and defence leadership and influence multibillion-dollar military deals, according to an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The report says Srivastava built close ties with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, including during his tenure as defence minister, while claiming links to the CIA. The allegations are based on civil lawsuits filed by his former business partner, who accused him of using the false identity to secure access to discussions involving fighter jets and other defence equipment worth nearly $13.9 billion. The claims have not been proven in court. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iran has thanked India for sending a high-level delegation to the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling it a "gesture of friendship." The message came as Iran's Tasnim News Agency claimed that US diplomatic pressure led 13 countries to withdraw or reduce their participation in the state funeral. The report alleged that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged governments to avoid attending, although Washington has not publicly confirmed the claims. India was among the countries that maintained representation at the ceremony in Tehran. (PC: India Today)

The UK's Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has officially recognised 9,909 previously forgotten soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during World War I. Their names were uncovered after years of research using historic Punjab Registers preserved at the Lahore Museum. The update is the CWGC's largest revision of casualty records in more than 80 years. Many soldiers had been left out under colonial-era policies because they died away from the battlefield. The recognition honours their sacrifice and acknowledges the contribution of soldiers from pre-Partition Punjab to the war. (PC: BBC)