An India-bound liquefied natural gas tanker was among the final ships to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz before Iran issued a new closure order amid escalating regional tensions. The vessel's transit highlighted the growing risks to global energy supplies and maritime trade, particularly for countries like India that depend heavily on Gulf imports. The renewed restrictions have raised concerns over oil and gas shipments, insurance costs, and shipping security. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the narrow waterway could trigger fresh volatility in global energy markets and complicate supply chains worldwide. 

India increased crude oil imports from Russia and the United Arab Emirates in June as it worked to strengthen energy supplies. Imports from Russia rose to 2.66 million barrels per day, making it India's largest oil supplier. Shipments from the UAE also remained close to record levels. The move comes as uncertainty continues over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Experts say India has reduced risks by diversifying its energy sources and supply routes. Analysts expect the reopening of the strait to improve energy flows, especially for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports. (PC: The Hindu)

3 Indian-flagged crude oil tankers carrying more than 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are heading to India. The ships — Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald — have 94 Indian crew members on board. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessels completed the transit safely and are expected to arrive at Indian ports between June 24 and July 1. “The government is working on the highest priority to secure India's maritime interests,” Sonowal said. Authorities continue to monitor the security situation in the region. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “very tough cookie” and a “great leader” who has provided stability to India for more than 12 years. In an interview, Trump said he admired Modi’s leadership style, noting that India had experienced frequent political changes before Modi’s long tenure. He also praised Modi for keeping India away from wars and named him among the world leaders he most respects. Trump’s remarks came amid efforts to strengthen India-US ties following their recent meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India’s rich cultural heritage, traditional wellness knowledge and regional excellence during the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France, by presenting carefully curated gifts to global leaders. The selection included Nagauri Ashwagandha from Rajasthan, Ramban Honey from Jammu and Kashmir, Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya and a Banarasi Silk Stole from Varanasi. Each gift highlighted India’s biodiversity, sustainable farming practices, Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products and centuries-old craftsmanship. The offerings reflected India’s commitment to preserving traditional knowledge while promoting rural livelihoods and global wellness. During the summit, Modi also advocated ethical, human-centric artificial intelligence and stressed stronger cooperation with the Global South to advance inclusive growth, innovation and shared global prosperity. (PC: X)

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s reaction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 Summit has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention online. A brief moment captured on camera showed Jaishankar smiling as Modi and Meloni exchanged greetings and engaged in conversation on the sidelines of the summit. The clip quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with users sharing memes, humorous interpretations and comments about the minister’s expression. While the interaction itself was part of routine diplomatic engagements at the G7 gathering, the viral video became a talking point online, highlighting how even small moments between global leaders can capture public attention and spark widespread discussion.

Indian construction worker Vipin Kumar has been awarded honorary Romanian citizenship after rescuing a five-year-old girl who fell through ice at Nicolae Romanescu Park in Craiova in January. Kumar, who had moved from India for construction work, was walking with a friend when he saw the child plunge into a frozen lake after the ice cracked beneath her. Without waiting for emergency services, he jumped into the freezing water and kept the girl afloat for nearly 30 minutes until rescue teams arrived. Doctors said his swift action prevented a fatal outcome. The rescue drew nationwide admiration, with Romanian officials praising Kumar’s courage, selflessness and humanity beyond borders.

Two Indian airports have been featured in a global list of the world’s most beautiful airports, highlighting India’s growing excellence in aviation infrastructure and design. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Kempegowda International Airport earned recognition for their modern architecture, passenger-friendly facilities, and integration of cultural and natural design elements. The Mumbai airport is praised for its artistic interiors and heritage-inspired aesthetics, while the Bengaluru airport stands out for its green design, spacious terminals, and sustainability-focused construction. The recognition reflects India’s rapid transformation in airport infrastructure, improved global standards, and increasing focus on combining functionality with visual appeal. It also highlights the country’s rising presence in global aviation rankings and passenger experience quality. (PC: X)

French President Emmanuel Macron bid farewell to Prime Minister Narendra Modi using a Hindi greeting, “Priye Mitr” (dear friend), during Modi’s visit to France, highlighting the warmth in India–France relations. The gesture came at the end of high-level talks focused on defence cooperation, trade expansion, climate action, and global security challenges. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and increasing collaboration in technology and space sectors. The use of Hindi by Macron was widely seen as a diplomatic gesture symbolizing personal rapport and deepening cultural ties between the two nations amid evolving global geopolitics.

Reports about Elon Musk’s alleged $60 billion acquisition of AI coding platform Cursor have gone viral, with attention focused on its founders, including Aman with Indian roots and Asif from Pakistan. According to unverified claims circulating online, the deal could make each founder eligible for nearly $27 billion in payouts, depending on equity structure and final terms. The development has sparked widespread discussion across tech and startup communities about AI valuation bubbles and massive wealth creation in the sector. However, official confirmation of the acquisition details and payout structure remains limited, and experts urge caution until verified statements are released. (PC: India Today)