The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its Rafale fighter jets to Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat exercises. Scheduled from July 20 to August 7, the exercise will bring together air forces from 19 nations to conduct complex combat missions, strengthen interoperability, and enhance operational cooperation. The Indian contingent will train alongside allied air forces in realistic scenarios, showcasing the IAF's advanced capabilities and reinforcing India's growing defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment highlights India's commitment to strengthening international military collaboration and combat readiness.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected allegations by former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara that India was responsible for delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the remarks as an "individual opinion" that was "at considerable variance with facts." He reaffirmed that India and Japan continue to work closely and that discussions on the high-speed rail project are progressing smoothly. The MEA also clarified that the first section is expected to open in 2027 using Indian high-speed trains, while Japan's next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains remain under development for future deployment. (PC: X)

Former Japanese Justice Minister Hideki Makihara blamed Indian authorities for delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, alleging poor coordination, missed commitments, and bureaucratic hurdles. He claimed these issues slowed the implementation of Japan's Shinkansen technology in India. Responding swiftly, India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected the remarks, calling them an individual opinion with "considerable variance with facts." The MEA reaffirmed that the flagship India-Japan high-speed rail project is progressing well through continued bilateral cooperation and regular discussions. Both governments remain committed to completing India's first bullet train corridor despite earlier land acquisition and implementation challenges. (PC: X)

Helle Lyng, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, urged Indian media organisations to give greater coverage to Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike, saying the issue deserves wider public attention. Speaking amid Wangchuk's indefinite fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Lyng stressed the importance of an informed public debate and highlighted the media's role in covering matters of public interest. Wangchuk has been on hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks and broader education reforms. His deteriorating health has triggered growing concern from doctors, courts, public figures and political leaders, intensifying calls for dialogue and immediate intervention. (PC: Maharashtra Times)

A bipartisan group of 60 US Senators has backed the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, proposing tariffs of up to 100% on India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan for purchasing Russian oil or gas. Supported by President Donald Trump, the bill could pass before August and would authorize the US Trade Representative to determine tariff rates. The proposal includes exemptions for certain European countries reducing dependence on Russian gas and for US imports of low-enriched uranium. India's Russian crude imports surged 34% in June, making it Russia's second-largest buyer after China. The bill also allows the US President to waive tariffs if deemed in America's national interest. (PC: Inventiva)

Pakistan is reportedly bearing both its own arbitration expenses and India’s share in the ongoing Indus Waters Treaty dispute after New Delhi boycotted the proceedings and placed the treaty in abeyance. Under the treaty’s dispute resolution mechanism, both countries are required to share arbitration costs. However, Islamabad has continued paying the full amount to prevent proceedings before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) from stalling. According to a report, Pakistan has already spent more than $600,000, with costs expected to increase as the case continues. The development raises fresh questions over the future of the Indus Waters Treaty and the arbitration process despite India’s decision to stay away. (PC: Mint)

The US Department of Homeland Security has finalised a rule replacing the long-standing “duration of status” system with fixed visa terms for international students, exchange visitors and foreign media representatives. Under the new regulation, F-1 student visa holders will generally be allowed to stay in the US for up to four years, after which they must seek an extension if their studies continue. The change could significantly affect more than 3.3 lakh Indian students, particularly those enrolled in longer academic programmes. Delays in securing extensions could leave students at risk of unlawful presence. The rule also introduces fixed periods of stay for J-1 exchange visitors and I visa holders. (PC: India Today)

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has advised ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders due to the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf. The advisory directs stakeholders to enhance vigilance across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, monitor navigational and security advisories, comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and immediately contact IFC-IOR and the DG Communication Centre during emergencies. The move follows recent attacks on commercial vessels, including strikes that killed two Indian seafarers, prompting India's strong diplomatic protest. (PC: AFP)

India’s seafarers have emerged as the worst-hit nationality during the Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis despite making up only around 12% of the global maritime workforce. According to an NDTV Datafy analysis, Indians accounted for seven of the 16 seafarers killed in attacks on commercial vessels between March 1 and July 14, 2026, representing nearly 44% of the fatalities. The figures highlight the disproportionate risks faced by Indian crew members amid escalating maritime insecurity in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. Beyond conflict zones, Indian seafarers also remained the most affected by shipowner abandonment in 2025, accounting for 18% of all abandoned seafarers worldwide for the second consecutive year. (PC: ABC News)

Bangladesh-born author Taslima Nasrin will return to Kolkata on August 1 for the first time in nearly two decades to attend an event against religious fundamentalism at Rabindra Sadan. Organised by Secular Mission, Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters' Foundation (HRBFF), and Poschimbongyer Jonnyo, the programme will feature poetry recitals, discussions on free thought, and a civic reception. Nasrin left Kolkata in 2007 after violent protests over her writings, including Dwikhandito. Organisers said the West Bengal government assured her security for the visit. Her return has reignited political debate, while organisers insist the event aims to promote free thought and oppose religious fundamentalism. (PC: Bizz Buzz)