India and New Zealand have upgraded bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and set a target of doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) by 2030. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland, both countries adopted the Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, outlining cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, tourism and innovation. The two sides welcomed the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement and agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue. They also signed agreements on maritime cooperation, hydrography, logistics support and tourism, including efforts to launch direct flights. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free Indo-Pacific and called for restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. (PC: X)

India has withdrawn the special travel conditions imposed on Indian citizens visiting Yemen, revoking a 2017 notification issued under the Passports Act. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the restrictions were introduced due to Yemen’s deteriorating security situation during the civil war, but noted that conditions in the country have since evolved. The latest order, signed by Joint Secretary B.S. Mubarak, takes immediate effect and removes the earlier legal requirements for travel. However, the MEA has not changed its travel advisory for Yemen. Indian nationals travelling to the country have been advised to continue following official travel advisories and security updates issued by the government from time to time. (PC: ANI)

Indian-origin truck drivers in Australia have spoken out about facing frequent racist abuse, including verbal slurs, spitting incidents and death threats over CB radios, according to an ABC News report. Drivers said many incidents go unreported due to anonymous offenders, language barriers and little confidence in authorities. One driver recalled being spat on while speaking Punjabi, while others described being told to "go back" and subjected to racial slurs. The Australian Human Rights Commission acknowledged racism exists in the freight industry and urged a broader approach to address it. The revelations come as Australia faces a shortage of nearly 28,000 heavy vehicle drivers despite increasing reliance on migrant workers. (PC: AI Generated)

A survivor of the Vietnam speedboat tragedy that killed 15 Indian tourists has described the terrifying moments when the vessel overturned near Phu Quoc Island. Tamil Nadu resident Nirmal Kumar said the group had boarded the boat for lunch when a huge wave struck, causing it to capsize within seconds. He said around 20 people managed to escape, while others remained trapped inside the enclosed vessel. Vietnamese rescue teams and local residents rescued 21 survivors, though two remain in critical condition. The Indian Embassy confirmed the victims included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Families continue to await the return of their loved ones' bodies.

At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a tourist speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, during rough weather. The boat, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, overturned after being struck by powerful waves while returning to shore. A survivor described the terrifying moment, saying, "A big wave hit us," before the vessel flipped. Rescue teams and nearby boats saved 21 people, while authorities recovered all victims. The Indian Embassy is coordinating assistance with Vietnamese officials, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the deadly accident. (PC: X)

Several foreign tourists were fined ₹3,000 after travelling in an auto-rickshaw on Shimla's vehicle-restricted Mall Road on Saturday. The group was seen riding in an auto decorated with a Union Jack design and an Indian flag, prompting police to intervene. Officers stopped the vehicle after receiving information about the violation. During questioning, the tourists said they were unaware that motor vehicles are prohibited on the popular pedestrian stretch. Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh said the visitors were fined for violating traffic restrictions and that further action would be taken under the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities reiterated that private and commercial vehicles are not permitted on Mall Road without authorisation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday praised India's remarkable economic transformation and called for stronger business ties to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Speaking at the "India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership" event in Auckland, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Luxon highlighted India's rapid growth and encouraged businesses to deepen engagement. He identified food and agriculture, tourism, education and technology as key sectors for future collaboration. Stressing the vast potential for bilateral cooperation, Luxon said stronger commercial partnerships would benefit both economies by opening new markets. Modi's two-day visit to New Zealand is aimed at expanding strategic, economic and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four Vietnamese crew members capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. According to Vietnamese authorities, 21 people were rescued, several with injuries, after nearby boats and rescue teams launched emergency operations. The vessel overturned in rough seas while returning from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island to An Thoi Port. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said the government was extending all possible assistance. The Indian Embassy set up emergency control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is coordinating with Vietnamese authorities. Officials are investigating the cause, with rough weather suspected.

Indian-origin Google engineering manager Sheetal Wrzesien, 57, was shot dead during an alleged domestic dispute at her home in Cobb County, Georgia, while her 23-year-old son was critically injured. Police arrested her husband, Kirk B Wrzesien, 56, at the scene without incident and charged him with felony murder, aggravated assault and firearms offences. Authorities said officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Jason Wrzesien outside the house with critical injuries, while Sheetal was pronounced dead inside. A Georgia Tech graduate, Sheetal had over two decades of experience in the technology sector and served on the university’s College of Computing advisory board, mentoring women in STEM fields. (PC: Facebook)

At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. The vessel overturned about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai while travelling to An Thoi Port, throwing everyone into the sea. Nearby boats launched rescue efforts, but many passengers were trapped inside the vessel. The Indian Embassy has set up control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and is coordinating with Vietnamese authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured all possible assistance. Officials are verifying the identities of the victims as search and rescue operations continue amid rough sea conditions.