India has issued a fresh travel advisory asking its citizens to postpone travel to Iran as tensions continue to rise in West Asia. The Indian Embassy in Tehran said people planning to visit Iran should wait until the security situation improves. Indians already in Iran have been advised to consider leaving the country using available flights. Those staying back should remain alert, avoid areas with military activity, and closely follow local news. The embassy also asked unregistered Indian nationals to register immediately. Emergency helpline numbers and email support have been shared for citizens needing consular assistance.

A 26-year-old woman from Hyderabad has alleged that she was abused after going to Oman for a housemaid job. Shabnam Begum said she travelled to Muscat on March 26 after a local agent promised her a monthly salary of 200 Omani riyals. She claimed she worked 12 to 15 hours every day but was not paid for more than three months. “They made me work day and night and did not pay me,” she said in a video. Shabnam later escaped and reached the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The embassy said it has taken up the matter and is working on it.

India-UK relations are expected to remain strong as Andy Burnham prepares to take office as Britain's new prime minister on July 20. Burnham, 56, was elected unopposed as Labour leader and succeeds Keir Starmer. Experts believe recent progress, including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), will continue under his leadership. Burnham has long supported stronger ties with India through trade, education, innovation and regional partnerships. Diplomats and analysts expect his focus on economic growth, investment, defence cooperation and regional engagement to deepen bilateral relations. Business leaders also hope for greater stability to boost trade and investment between both countries. (PC: HT)

Sonam Wangchuk’s wife has spoken publicly after the activist was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following the deterioration of his health during a prolonged hunger strike. She said that no medical treatment should be administered without Wangchuk’s informed consent, stressing his right to decide on his care. Her statement came amid growing concern over his condition and questions surrounding his transfer from Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, supporters and several public figures have renewed calls for dialogue between the government and protesters, while authorities maintain that the hospitalisation was necessary to ensure Wangchuk’s safety and medical well-being. (PC: X)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its Rafale fighter jets to Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat exercises. Scheduled from July 20 to August 7, the exercise will bring together air forces from 19 nations to conduct complex combat missions, strengthen interoperability, and enhance operational cooperation. The Indian contingent will train alongside allied air forces in realistic scenarios, showcasing the IAF's advanced capabilities and reinforcing India's growing defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment highlights India's commitment to strengthening international military collaboration and combat readiness.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected allegations by former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara that India was responsible for delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the remarks as an "individual opinion" that was "at considerable variance with facts." He reaffirmed that India and Japan continue to work closely and that discussions on the high-speed rail project are progressing smoothly. The MEA also clarified that the first section is expected to open in 2027 using Indian high-speed trains, while Japan's next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains remain under development for future deployment. (PC: X)

Former Japanese Justice Minister Hideki Makihara blamed Indian authorities for delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, alleging poor coordination, missed commitments, and bureaucratic hurdles. He claimed these issues slowed the implementation of Japan's Shinkansen technology in India. Responding swiftly, India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected the remarks, calling them an individual opinion with "considerable variance with facts." The MEA reaffirmed that the flagship India-Japan high-speed rail project is progressing well through continued bilateral cooperation and regular discussions. Both governments remain committed to completing India's first bullet train corridor despite earlier land acquisition and implementation challenges. (PC: X)

Helle Lyng, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, urged Indian media organisations to give greater coverage to Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike, saying the issue deserves wider public attention. Speaking amid Wangchuk's indefinite fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Lyng stressed the importance of an informed public debate and highlighted the media's role in covering matters of public interest. Wangchuk has been on hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks and broader education reforms. His deteriorating health has triggered growing concern from doctors, courts, public figures and political leaders, intensifying calls for dialogue and immediate intervention. (PC: Maharashtra Times)

A bipartisan group of 60 US Senators has backed the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, proposing tariffs of up to 100% on India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan for purchasing Russian oil or gas. Supported by President Donald Trump, the bill could pass before August and would authorize the US Trade Representative to determine tariff rates. The proposal includes exemptions for certain European countries reducing dependence on Russian gas and for US imports of low-enriched uranium. India's Russian crude imports surged 34% in June, making it Russia's second-largest buyer after China. The bill also allows the US President to waive tariffs if deemed in America's national interest. (PC: Inventiva)

Pakistan is reportedly bearing both its own arbitration expenses and India’s share in the ongoing Indus Waters Treaty dispute after New Delhi boycotted the proceedings and placed the treaty in abeyance. Under the treaty’s dispute resolution mechanism, both countries are required to share arbitration costs. However, Islamabad has continued paying the full amount to prevent proceedings before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) from stalling. According to a report, Pakistan has already spent more than $600,000, with costs expected to increase as the case continues. The development raises fresh questions over the future of the Indus Waters Treaty and the arbitration process despite India’s decision to stay away. (PC: Mint)