US President Donald Trump has backed a proposed Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries buying Russian oil, including India. The bill would allow the US President to penalise imports from nations trading with Russia's energy sector. Trump said the proposal has a good chance of becoming law. The White House confirmed his support for the bill. India is one of Russia's biggest oil buyers, though imports have fallen in recent months. If the bill is passed, it could affect India-US trade and increase pressure on countries to reduce purchases of Russian energy.

A 36-year-old American national, Jordan Brown, arrested while allegedly attempting to cross the India-Nepal border illegally, was found carrying a Chinese passport, Nepalese currency, religious books, an AI-powered translation device, a mobile phone, a diary and other belongings. Officials said no evidence of suspicious or anti-national activity has emerged so far, but multiple intelligence agencies are verifying his identity, travel history and the authenticity of the recovered documents. Brown claimed he lost his US passport in Thailand, travelled to Sri Lanka by sea and entered India through the sea route in November 2025 before living in Goa. He has been booked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

India has strongly condemned the attack on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after an Indian sailor was killed. The Ministry of External Affairs also summoned Iran’s deputy envoy to protest the incident. The two vessels carried 30 Indian crew members. One Indian died, while six Indians and two Ukrainians were injured. India called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial ships and stressed the need for safe navigation through international waterways. The government also urged all sides to stop violence and return to dialogue. The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East region. (PC: AI Generated Image)

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski praised India’s role in reducing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and respects his views. Bartoszewski said PM Modi is one of the few world leaders who can influence Putin. He also claimed Modi helped discourage Russia from using tactical nuclear weapons in 2022. The Polish leader said India’s balanced ties with Russia make its voice important in peace efforts. He added that Poland and India now better understand each other’s views on India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil.

India has asked the international community to hold Pakistan responsible for its actions during protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the protests were caused by years of poor governance and denial of basic rights. He also accused Pakistan of using force against protesters, including women and children. Reports say food, medicines, and internet services were blocked in some areas. The protests began over rising prices, shortages, and political issues. Pakistan recently banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which led to more protests. A video asking India for help is circulating online but has not been independently verified.

Vietnam speedboat tragedy survivor Nirmal Kumar recalled that the vessel capsized within three minutes of departure after a massive wave struck near Hon May Rut Ngoai off Phu Quoc Island on July 11. The boat, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members, overturned just 300 metres into the journey, killing 15 Indian tourists. Kumar said around 20 passengers escaped by jumping into the water, while 15 others became trapped inside the closed boat despite wearing life jackets. Rescue teams arrived within 10 minutes, but trapped passengers were recovered after 20-30 minutes. Sixteen survivors returned to India, while one remains critically injured in Vietnam. (PC: PTI)

American citizen Jordan Brown, 36, from California, is under investigation after being detained by the Sashastra Seema Bal while allegedly attempting to cross the India-Nepal border without valid travel documents. Brown claimed he lost his passport in Thailand, travelled to Sri Lanka by sea, entered India via the sea route in November 2025, and had since been living in Goa. Authorities said no evidence of suspicious or anti-national links has emerged so far, but multiple intelligence agencies are verifying his identity, travel history and claims. Police registered a case under the Immigration and Foreigners Act after recovering cash, mobile phones and several other items from his possession during the arrest.

India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiling the SHANTI framework, securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. The campaign highlights India's commitment to UN peacekeeping, strengthening the voice of the Global South, advancing reformed multilateralism, ensuring responsible use of artificial intelligence, enhancing maritime security and intensifying efforts against terror financing. Elections for the 2028-29 term will be held in June next year, when India will compete with Tajikistan for the sole Asia-Pacific Group seat. Jaishankar said India's approach is rooted in SHANTI and focused on global trust and integrity.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that two Emirati oil tankers struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz ignored repeated warnings, switched off their navigation systems and attempted to pass through what it described as a "mined route" despite military instructions. The response came after the United Arab Emirates confirmed that the attack in Omani territorial waters killed one Indian crew member and injured eight others. The vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted during heightened regional tensions. Iran defended the strikes by alleging the ships failed to comply with security directives, while the incident has intensified concerns over maritime safety in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

An Indian crew member was killed and six other Indians were injured after Iranian cruise missiles struck two UAE-flagged oil tankers, Mombasa and Bahia, in Omani territorial waters along the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE Ministry of Defence said. Two Ukrainian crew members were also injured, taking the total injured to eight, including four seriously hurt. The missile strikes triggered fires aboard both vessels, which were later brought under control. The UAE condemned the attack as a serious violation of international law and reserved the right to respond. Earlier, Iran claimed its Revolutionary Guards had fired "warning shots" at vessels allegedly transiting the Strait illegally.