Indian AI engineer Prayut Jain, a founding engineer at a San Francisco-based startup, says he was fired while in India caring for his critically ill father, just weeks before his equity cliff. Jain, who has worked in the US since 2022 on an H-1B visa, flew home on July 12 after his father developed severe pneumonia, ARDS and required a ventilator and ECMO. Despite continuing to work remotely, Jain said he was informed by phone on July 30 that his employment would end in 15 days. He had no formal termination letter at the time. Jain questioned the ethics of the decision and said he hopes to remain in the US, while remaining open to opportunities in India. (PC: HT)

A viral video shows a Punjabi Sikh youth in Mexico tearfully warning people against using the illegal “donkey” route to reach foreign countries. Lying on a bed, he alleges he was assaulted after attempting to escape the network and says his injuries have left him struggling to walk. The unidentified youth claims he travelled to Mexico through the route and warns others against agents promising safe passage abroad. He admits he “made a mistake” and says he has already paid the price. The 33-second video, reportedly uploaded August 13, also carries social-media claims that several youths remain stranded in Mexico. The illegal route can cost ₹20-70 lakh and exposes migrants to exploitation, violence, extortion and detention.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stressed mutual respect in diplomatic discourse after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit referred to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India-Italy ties have expanded and strengthened “in every way” and should continue deepening through mutual understanding and respect. Gandhi had mocked Modi’s “hug diplomacy” at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, questioning the role of personal relationships in foreign policy. Dikshit then made a remark referring to Meloni, prompting political criticism. The BJP accused Gandhi of crossing political discourse limits. Gandhi also criticised Modi over India’s role in the US-Iran conflict, while the MEA focused on strengthening India-Italy relations.

A video circulating online shows a Sikh youth in Mexico warning Indians against using the illegal “dunki” route to enter the US. The man is seen crying and lying on a bed. He claims he was beaten after trying to escape and is now unable to walk properly. He also warns people against agents who promise safe travel through illegal routes. The man urges others not to repeat his mistake. However, India Today could not independently verify the video or his claims. The “dunki” route involves illegal travel through several countries and dangerous border crossings to reach the US.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has spoken publicly about Operation Sindoor for the first time since India’s military action against Pakistan in May 2025. In Discovery’s upcoming documentary, “Declassified: Operation Sindoor”, Doval said Pakistan’s support for terrorism cannot be accepted. He said India is ready to go as far as needed to protect its sovereignty. Doval also warned that India’s tolerance should not be seen as weakness. Operation Sindoor was launched after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. The documentary will premiere on August 15 and will detail the decisions behind India’s 88-hour military response.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in September, Iranian sources said on Friday. India is hosting the summit under its 2026 BRICS chairship. The event will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Pezeshkian last met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in Russia in October 2024. Iran became a full BRICS member in 2024. Earlier in June, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited India for a BRICS meeting. He said India could play a bigger role in reducing tensions in West Asia and welcomed any constructive role by New Delhi.

A new Pew Research Centre survey has examined how people in 36 countries view India. The survey, conducted between February and May 2026, included more than 42,000 people. A median of 45% had a positive view of India, while 41% had a negative view. Sri Lanka gave India its highest rating, with 79% viewing it positively. Kenya and the UK followed with 71% each. In Pakistan, 91% had a negative view of India. In the US, views were almost evenly split, with 45% positive and 50% negative. The survey also found strong support for India in Japan, Singapore and Indonesia.

A Punjabi Sikh youth has shared a tearful video from Mexico, claiming he was trapped after travelling through the illegal “donkey route” to seek opportunities abroad. He alleges that he was severely beaten after attempting to escape the network and says he is struggling to walk. The unidentified youth, reportedly speaking from inside a room, warned others not to trust agents promising safe passage through illegal migration routes. He admitted making a mistake and urged people not to follow his path. The incident highlights the risks of illegal migration, including exploitation, violence, extortion, detention and threats to migrants’ safety. 

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong warning to India during Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations, declaring that every drop of Pakistan’s water is a “red line.” He said Islamabad would give a direct response if New Delhi did not change course over the suspended Indus Waters Treaty. Sharif also warned that any future threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty or security would receive a stronger response than the May 2025 conflict. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and stressed that Islamabad wants peace but will not interpret peace as weakness. Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s newly signed defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Indian-origin strategist and former BBC executive Gautam Rangarajan as Expert Adviser on Structure and Process at 10 Downing Street. Rangarajan, who spent more than three decades at the BBC, brings extensive experience in corporate strategy, organisational transformation and public-service broadcasting. His new role comes as Burnham undertakes major changes to the UK government’s structure, including establishing a new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet and expanding regional devolution. Rangarajan is expected to advise on improving government structures and processes, although specific responsibilities have not yet been fully disclosed. (PC: Linkedin)