A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as Zeeshan Mir from Muzaffarabad, allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) illegally after developing an online relationship with Iram Majeed from Uri in Jammu and Kashmir through Snapchat. According to officials, Mir entered Indian territory about a month before being apprehended by the Indian Army’s 12 Grenadiers near the Silikote sector on May 31. Following legal and security formalities, he was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Kaman Aman Setu crossing on July 4. Officials said he was treated with dignity during his stay. The incident adds to several recent cross-border love stories linked to social media. (PC: News18)

India has exempted customs duty and Integrated GST (IGST) on animals imported from the UK for shows, exhibitions, competitions, demonstrations and specified public functions under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), effective July 15. The exemption covers animals such as police, sniffer and guide dogs, provided they are re-exported after the event. Importers must declare the purpose of import, execute a bond equal to the animals’ value and generally furnish a bank guarantee worth 110% of the applicable duty. Government bodies, diplomatic missions and certain international organisations are exempt from the guarantee requirement. Customs authorities must approve any movement, and re-export is generally required within six months. (PC: The Economic Times)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India successfully overcame the West Asia fuel crisis through strategic planning and strong diplomacy, claiming history would remember the country's response. Addressing a gathering in Balotra, Rajasthan, he said India expanded fuel imports from over 25 countries to more than 40 during the conflict, preventing shortages despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He credited refinery upgrades, increased domestic LPG production, rapid expansion of PNG connections and government subsidies for keeping fuel supplies stable and prices under control. Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹1.06 lakh crore, including the Pachpadra Refinery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump and the American people on the United States' 250th Independence Day. In a message posted on X, Modi said India and the US share more than a strategic partnership, emphasising their common commitment to democracy, the rule of law and the limitless potential of their citizens. He described the bilateral relationship as a force for global good and extended greetings on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. Modi also expressed hope that the next 250 years would bring greater prosperity, peace and progress for the United States while elevating the India-US partnership to new heights.

India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami rejected comparisons between India and Pakistan regarding mediation efforts in the Iran-US conflict, calling such comparisons “a little unfair.” Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, he highlighted India’s stronger economic integration, global engagement and contributions to peace and security. Doraiswami said countries must independently decide whether mediation serves their national interests and noted that India sees little benefit in entering an already crowded diplomatic field. He also pointed out that India and China have adopted similar positions on recent crises in West Asia and Eastern Europe, adding that neither country is actively offering mediation services. (PC: Business Standard)

Australian authorities have launched an investigation after an alleged death threat against Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on Facebook ahead of his July 7–9 visit to Australia. The threatening comment, posted under a promotional post for the “Melbourne Meets Modi” community event at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on July 9, came from an account using the name “Abu Mustafa.” According to The Australia Today, investigators have identified the IP address linked to the account as part of the probe. The Australian Federal Police has neither confirmed any arrests nor commented on the ongoing investigation. Security agencies are treating the threat seriously and are strengthening arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit. (PC: Pro Kerala)

Bhutan has declined India's offer to import E20 petrol, a fuel blended with 20% ethanol, citing concerns over its existing fuel storage infrastructure. Officials said ethanol absorbs moisture easily, raising the risk of fuel contamination in the country's older underground storage tanks, especially in its mountainous terrain. Bhutan clarified it supports cleaner fuels but requires significant upgrades to storage and distribution systems before adopting ethanol-blended petrol. The country has requested India to continue supplying conventional petrol until the necessary infrastructure is in place, highlighting that infrastructure readiness is essential for a successful transition to cleaner energy. (PC: India Today)

India has formally asked Venezuelan authorities to investigate the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan after his body was returned with several vital organs reportedly missing. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian Embassy in Caracas has taken up the matter and sought a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding his death and the handling of his remains. Chauhan's family has questioned the official account of his death and demanded justice. The government has assured full diplomatic support as it presses Venezuela for answers and a transparent investigation into the disturbing case. (PC: HT)

Air India has started using shorter flight routes through Jordan and Syria after security conditions improved in parts of the Middle East. The airline said the change will reduce travel time while keeping safety as the top priority. Earlier, many flights had to take longer routes because of regional tensions and closed airspace. Air India is also restoring more international services to Gulf countries. Air India Express has restarted flights on several routes, including Kuwait, Muscat, and Salalah. The airline said it will continue to closely monitor the situation, as airspace availability can change depending on regional developments.

India on Friday said its stand on the Indus Waters Treaty has not changed. The Ministry of External Affairs said the treaty remains in abeyance because of Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan must end such support in a credible and permanent way. His remarks came after Pakistani ministers warned India against stopping the flow of water under the treaty. Pakistan said any move to restrict water would be illegal and could affect regional peace. India suspended the treaty after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and has maintained its position since then.