The Trump administration has proposed new visa rules that could affect Indian students studying in the United States. Under the plan, most student visas will have a fixed validity of up to four years instead of lasting for the full course. Students may need extensions to stay longer. The post-study grace period could also be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Immigration experts advised current students not to panic but to check their documents, avoid unnecessary travel after the new rules take effect, and apply for extensions early. The proposal is awaiting congressional review before implementation. (PC: Getty Images)

The Kremlin said Russia remains in contact with India after New Delhi strongly protested a Russian strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, which killed four Indian crew members and critically injured another. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue targeting vessels allegedly transporting military supplies for Ukraine. India summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires, conveying its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation of the attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial ship navigating Ukraine’s maritime corridor. The Ministry of External Affairs said targeting civilian shipping and endangering innocent crew members is unacceptable, reiterating that commercial vessels and freedom of navigation must be protected during armed conflicts and maritime operations. (PC: News 18)

The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that 59 India-linked ships have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began in March. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said 23 Indian-flagged and 36 foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo for India completed the transit by 17 July. However, 6 Indian-flagged ships remain on the western side of the strait, including 2 container vessels and 4 operating within the Gulf. The government said it is coordinating with the Ministries of External Affairs, Defence and Petroleum, along with the Indian Navy, to ensure the safe movement of Indian vessels amid renewed regional tensions. (PC: The Print)

Indian-origin Labour MP Kanishka Narayan has become the UK's first Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Online Safety under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new government. Burnham retained Narayan during his cabinet reshuffle after taking office following Keir Starmer's resignation. Born in Bihar, Narayan moved to Cardiff at the age of 12 and later studied at the University of Oxford and Stanford University. Elected as the MP for Vale of Glamorgan in 2024, he became Wales' first ethnic minority MP. Before entering politics, Narayan co-founded a non-profit organisation promoting education and social mobility in South Wales. (PC: HT)

A 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Kerala, Akhil Joyan, was among four Indians reportedly killed after a cargo vessel came under attack off Ukraine's coast. A native of Kasaragod, Akhil had recently returned to work after getting engaged, with his wedding scheduled in two months. Following reports of the attack, the Kerala Chief Minister's Office directed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department to coordinate with the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to verify details and assist the family. Local officials said the shipping company informed relatives of his death by email as authorities worked to complete formalities and facilitate repatriation. (PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, expressing confidence that India and the UK would continue strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In his message, Modi said he looked forward to working closely with Burnham to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation and people-to-people ties. The congratulatory message came as both countries seek to expand collaboration following recent progress in bilateral relations. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to advancing shared priorities and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of the India-UK partnership in promoting mutual growth, economic opportunities and strategic engagement in the years ahead.

India has hardened its position on the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, stating it cannot be restored in its current form and would require a complete renegotiation, according to government sources cited by PTI. New Delhi has made clear that any future river water-sharing arrangement will depend on Pakistan permanently ending cross-border terrorism against India. The remarks come amid repeated warnings from Pakistan's military and political leadership over India's suspension of the treaty last year, including references to possible war and nuclear escalation if water flows are halted. Sources also said India is not currently seeking to exit the treaty but retains the sovereign right to terminate agreements deemed against its national interests. (PC: Arunesh's Blog)

A group of Indians in Berlin held a protest in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement. A video of the gathering near the Brandenburg Gate has gone viral on social media. Protesters carried placards demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. One poster read, “We stand with Sonam Wangchuk, the students of India.” The protest received support online, with many praising the Indian diaspora. Some users also expressed interest in joining future demonstrations in Berlin in support of the ongoing student movement.

4 Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after a cargo ship leaving Ukraine's Odesa port came under attack on July 19. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo had 17 crew members, including five Indians. India condemned the attack, saying, “Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members... is deplorable.” Ukraine blamed Russian cruise missiles for the strike, while Russia has not commented on the allegation. The Indian mission in Ukraine is assisting those affected. The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump drew attention during the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy presentation after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina. After handing the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri, Trump remained on the podium as the team prepared to celebrate. Rodri appeared to gesture for him to move, but Trump stayed in place. FIFA President Gianni Infantino then stepped in and guided Trump toward the side of the stage, allowing Spain's players to continue their celebrations. Videos of the moment quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion. Trump and Infantino were also booed by sections of the crowd during the ceremony. (PC: NDTV)