Three Indian men were rescued by Thai police after they were allegedly held captive and "tortured for Rs 68.4 lakh ransom" by a gang of 4 Pakistani nationals and 1 Indian in Pattaya. Police said the victims, aged between 23 and 26, were lured to Thailand with a cheap tour package before being kidnapped at a rented house. The men alleged they were beaten, tied up, starved and forced to call their families to demand ransom. Thai police traced the location after receiving information from the victims' relatives. The accused fled before officers reached the house. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said it is giving the "highest priority" to the safety and security of 13 Indian seafarers stranded aboard cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Chornomorsk port. In a statement on X, the embassy said it is in constant touch with all concerned authorities. The Forward Seamen's Union of India warned that the crew is trapped in a "life-threatening situation" amid repeated drone and missile attacks near the Black Sea port. The development comes days after attacks on merchant vessels in the region killed several Indian seafarers and left others missing.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy after defending the use of force against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), reportedly describing them as "enemies like India." His remarks came amid escalating unrest and allegations that Pakistani security forces fired on demonstrators during protests demanding political and civil rights. Reports claimed multiple civilians were killed and many others injured, though casualty figures have not been independently verified. India condemned the reported violence, accusing Pakistan of oppressing civilians in PoJK. The developments have intensified international attention on the region, with protesters and activists demanding accountability, protection of fundamental rights and greater global scrutiny of the situation. (PC: Arab News)

The US Senate has voted to advance a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing significant purchases of Russian energy, placing India among those potentially affected. The legislation is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over the Ukraine conflict while granting the US President authority to impose tariffs under specified conditions. The bill must still clear additional legislative stages before becoming law. If enacted, it could have implications for India's trade and energy ties with Russia, alongside broader economic and diplomatic consequences. The proposed measure underscores Washington's tougher approach toward nations maintaining substantial energy commerce with Moscow. (PC: PTI)

India strongly condemned recent attacks on commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz during a United Nations Security Council meeting, stressing that targeting civilian vessels is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Calling the incidents deeply concerning, India urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. New Delhi reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the safety of international maritime trade, freedom of navigation and regional stability, while emphasizing respect for international law. India also reiterated support for peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic engagement, warning that prolonged conflict could seriously affect global security, energy supplies, commerce and economic stability. (PC: Instagram)

India is working with Ukrainian authorities to trace two Indian seafarers who went missing after the merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar was hit at Ukraine's Odesa port on July 25. Four Indians were on board the ship, with two confirmed safe while search operations continue for the missing crew members. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is in touch with local authorities and the families of the missing sailors. India has also urged all sides to avoid attacks on commercial ships and civilian seafarers, stressing that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. (PC: HT)

Thirteen Indian sailors are stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port as drone and missile attacks continue near the Black Sea, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) said. The ship has 15 crew members, including 13 Indians, who are reportedly living under constant fear as the conflict escalates. The union has urged the Indian government, shipowners and other authorities to arrange their immediate evacuation. The appeal comes after recent attacks on merchant ships near Odesa, where Indian crew members were killed, injured or reported missing, raising serious concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers. (PC: India Today)

The CJP has alleged that protesters were attacked and threatened after Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit from his position. According to the party, several demonstrators faced intimidation despite assurances that no action would be taken against them. CJP claimed that the incident violated previous commitments and demanded accountability from authorities. The party warned that continued action against protesters could lead to renewed demonstrations. The allegations have intensified political debate, while authorities have not yet provided a detailed response to the claims.

Former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has said India is "hugely angry" over the continued delay in extraditing fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, despite her signing the extradition order in 2021. Speaking on a podcast, Patel said the prolonged legal process had strained UK-India ties and complicated talks on the return of illegal migrants. Nirav Modi, wanted in India in the alleged $2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud and related money laundering cases, remains in a London prison. He has exhausted most legal options in the UK, and his extradition to India is widely expected after years of court proceedings. (PC: NDTV)

A 25-year-old Uber driver from Punjab has been arrested in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, over allegations of sexually assaulting a female passenger. According to local police, the incident occurred after the woman hired the ride, and investigators launched an inquiry following her complaint. The accused has been taken into custody and faces charges related to sexual assault. Authorities are continuing the investigation and have appealed to the public for information, as they believe there may be additional victims. The case has raised renewed concerns about passenger safety and ride-hailing service accountability in Canada.