American national and alleged mercenary Matthew VanDyke has approached a Delhi court seeking permission for a special diet while lodged in Tihar Jail. VanDyke claimed the prison's regular food is excessively spicy and oily, making it unsuitable for his health and dietary needs. He requested permission to receive meals such as shrimp and pasta from outside the jail. The plea is part of ongoing legal proceedings after his arrest in Mizoram. Jail authorities are expected to respond before the court decides whether any dietary accommodations should be granted under prison regulations. (PC: X)

Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to New Zealand. The symbolic gesture highlighted the growing friendship and strategic partnership between India and New Zealand while celebrating the strong contributions of the Indian diaspora. During the visit, PM Modi is expected to hold high-level talks with New Zealand’s leadership on trade, investment, education, defence cooperation, and regional security. The tricolour display drew widespread public attention, reflecting the warm diplomatic ties and shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

India and Australia have signed a landmark uranium supply agreement, marking a major step in strengthening their strategic partnership. The pact will support India's clean energy ambitions while reinforcing bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy. Both countries also agreed to expand defence collaboration through joint military exercises, maritime security, intelligence sharing, and advanced technology cooperation. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, emphasizing regional stability, resilient supply chains, and stronger economic ties. The agreements reflect growing trust between New Delhi and Canberra as they work together to address evolving geopolitical and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is actively expanding its global partnerships, highlighting India as a key strategic ally while addressing growing tensions with the United States. Speaking in an interview, Netanyahu stressed that Israel is strengthening relations with countries that share common interests in security, technology, trade, and innovation. Referring to India, he remarked, “That’s what I am doing with India,” underscoring efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation. His comments come as Israel faces diplomatic challenges with Washington over regional policies. Netanyahu emphasized that diversifying international partnerships would strengthen Israel’s global position without replacing its longstanding alliance with the United States. (PC: X)

An Indian software engineer, Avinash Narne, has been charged with the alleged murder of his wife, Raajitha Sabbineni, in Bellevue, Washington, nearly nine months after her death. Investigators allege he strangled her, staged the scene to mislead police, and sent a photograph of her body to a woman in India with whom he reportedly had a long-term relationship. Messages from the victim about bitter-tasting drinks and a “medicine-like” smoothie, along with digital evidence, strengthened the case. Narne now faces a first-degree murder charge and could receive life imprisonment if convicted.

US President Donald Trump has again claimed that his administration helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, while also alleging that 11 military aircraft were shot down during the recent conflict. Trump said the fighting risked escalating into a wider confrontation before diplomatic efforts led to a halt in hostilities. India has consistently maintained that the ceasefire resulted from direct military-level talks between the two countries and has rejected claims of third-party mediation. Trump's latest remarks have reignited debate over the conflict's diplomatic outcome and the scale of military losses reported during the escalation. (PC: File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia is expected to strengthen India-Australia ties with key discussions on a commercial uranium supply agreement, defence cooperation and maritime security. The proposed uranium deal aims to support India’s expanding nuclear energy programme and growing electricity needs. Both countries are also expected to upgrade defence ties, enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and finalise a maritime security roadmap. Talks may include defence industry collaboration, critical minerals, undersea domain awareness and resilient supply chains. The visit is seen as an important step in deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between New Delhi and Canberra. (PC: X)

The FBI-led Operation Hard Ball marks a major escalation in the international crackdown on the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, following years of scrutiny by Canadian authorities. The operation comes after Canada designated the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity in 2025 over its alleged involvement in violence targeting pro-Khalistan activists. U.S. investigators have also charged jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and alleged associate Goldy Brar in connection with the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The multinational operation has resulted in arrests, raids and the seizure of weapons and drugs, highlighting growing global cooperation against transnational organised crime. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian airlines are facing longer flight times and higher operating costs after the closure of Iranian and Iraqi airspace forced them to reroute international services through alternative corridors. Flights to Europe, the UK and North America are now taking up to two hours longer as carriers detour via Central Asia or the Middle East, increasing fuel consumption and insurance costs. With jet fuel accounting for nearly 40% of airline operating expenses, the added burden is expected to push up international airfares. Airlines are also revising schedules as congestion builds along the limited safe flight corridors. (PC: News18)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a traditional Indonesian angklung as a special gift from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his visit to Jakarta. The bamboo musical instrument was presented as a cultural souvenir, with President Subianto saying it was “for your collection.” The moment turned light-hearted when the iconic Bollywood song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was played on the instrument, bringing smiles to both leaders. Prime Minister Modi warmly accepted the gift and appreciated the gesture. The exchange highlighted the strong cultural ties between India and Indonesia during the leaders’ bilateral meeting.