China Southern Airlines has announced a new daily non-stop service between Guangzhou and Delhi, further strengthening air connectivity between China and India. Scheduled to begin on September 21, 2026, the route will be operated using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Flight CZ359 will run daily from Guangzhou to Delhi, while flight CZ360 will provide the daily return service from Delhi to Guangzhou. The airline said the new connection will offer convenient travel options between two major economic and cultural centres. Group Concorde, the passenger GSA for China Southern Airlines, stated that the service will benefit business travellers, tourists, students and trade partners while enhancing opportunities for cultural and commercial exchange. (PC: X)

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, the city of Nice has been decorated with Indian flags and promotional displays for Bharat Innovates 2026, a flagship innovation summit showcasing India’s growing deep-tech ecosystem. Trams across the city feature event branding as preparations intensify for the June 14-16 engagement. Organised by the Ministry of Education, the summit will bring together 120 Indian innovators, representatives from 15 higher education institutions, over 500 investors, venture capital firms, corporate leaders and global CEOs. Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to jointly inaugurate the event and hold bilateral talks covering technology, trade, defence, innovation and strategic cooperation between both nations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that Washington would not tolerate violations of its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, following India's strong protest over recent US attacks on commercial vessels that killed three Indian seafarers. During their conversation, Jaishankar condemned the strikes, calling lethal action against commercial shipping unjustified. The US maintained that vessels must comply with orders from its forces and warned against the illicit transport of Iranian oil. India summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks twice this week after attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also criticised Washington’s response, citing the absence of regret or condolences.

The Indian Embassy in Oman has confirmed the death of an Indian officer aboard MT Celestial near the Oman coast amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing missile strike activity. In an official statement, the embassy said it is in continuous contact with the ship management company and coordinating closely with relevant authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased officer’s mortal remains to India at the earliest. The incident comes against the backdrop of a volatile security situation in the region, raising concerns over the safety of commercial maritime operations. Authorities are working to ensure all necessary procedures are completed swiftly while extending support to those affected by the tragedy.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed reports claiming that a fourth vessel carrying Indian seafarers was attacked in the Gulf region. The government clarified that all crew members aboard the MT Liaki Freedom are safe and there has been no attack on the ship. The clarification came after media reports raised concerns over the safety of Indian nationals working on commercial vessels amid rising regional tensions. The MEA said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in touch with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian seafarers. (PC: X)

Bollywood star Nora Fatehi’s FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem Siir Siir has crossed 20 million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release. The song was created with music producer Sanjoy and French singer Vegedream. Reports say it surpassed the first-day viewership of Shakira’s FIFA track Dai Dai, which received 8.2 million views. Fatehi said the song reflects her Moroccan, Canadian and South Asian roots. She also highlighted the strong Indian contribution behind the project. The track has become one of FIFA’s biggest music launches and is gaining popularity across the world.

Iran has accused the United States of attacking Indian-linked commercial vessels in the Gulf region after three Indian sailors were killed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the strikes evidence of “state piracy” and offered condolences to India. The remarks came after US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had attempted a drone attack on Indian ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected the allegation and called it baseless. Meanwhile, India lodged a strong protest with the US over a Navy strike on the tanker MT Settebello. Twenty-one Indian sailors were rescued after the attack. (PC: Reuters)

Canadian-born Bollywood star Nora Fatehi performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto on Friday. She debuted her official FIFA anthem, Siir Siir, at BMO Field before the football action began.   The song was created with Vegedream and Sanjoy. It combines Arabic, French, English, and Moroccan influences. The title comes from a popular Moroccan football chant meaning “go, go”.   Born in Canada to a Moroccan family, Fatehi called the performance a special homecoming. She previously performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.   The ceremony marked the start of Canada's World Cup celebrations.

US President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian drones targeted Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, describing the alleged attack as “totally unacceptable” in a Truth Social post. His remarks come amid three attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman over four days. India has lodged a strong protest with US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks, expressing concern over repeated strikes on commercial shipping. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex was disabled on June 8, Settebello was struck on June 10 killing three Indian sailors, and Jalveer was attacked on June 11. Investigations and diplomatic engagements continue.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar forcefully defended New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases during the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, rejecting Western criticism over India’s energy ties with Moscow. Responding to questions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said India buys oil based on affordability and availability, noting that European demand for Middle Eastern crude after 2022 pushed India toward Russian supplies. He also revealed that the United States had encouraged India to continue buying Russian oil to help stabilise global energy markets. Criticising Europe’s position, Jaishankar argued that European-made weapons had been used against India for decades, while India had never supplied arms threatening European security or interests.