US Congressman Riley Moore has criticised India’s proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a “clear attack against Christians” and warning it could strain India-US relations. Moore alleged that the proposed law could enable government authorities to take control of churches and religious charities whose FCRA registrations are cancelled, surrendered or not renewed. The Bill proposes creating a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and assets in such cases, while requiring places of worship to retain their religious character. The Indian government says the amendments aim to strengthen transparency, oversight and accountability in foreign funding. (PC: X)

An Indian-flagged vessel came under attack in the Red Sea, highlighting the continuing security risks faced by commercial shipping in the region. The incident occurred amid renewed attacks on merchant vessels linked to the wider conflict in West Asia. The attack raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers and the uninterrupted movement of goods through the strategically important Red Sea route. India has been closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to protect its maritime interests and citizens. The incident also underlines the wider impact of regional conflicts on global trade, shipping routes, energy supplies and maritime security. (PC: Reuters)

The Trump administration is considering new fees for H-1B and L-1 visa renewals in the United States. At present, the extra fee applies only to new visa applications and certain job changes. If approved, large employers would also pay the fee when renewing visas for existing workers. The proposal is expected to increase costs for companies that employ many foreign workers, especially in the technology sector. Indian professionals may be affected the most, as they account for most H-1B visa renewals. The US government said the proposal would help fund its biometric entry and exit system.

India condemned the projectile attack on Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya after it sank off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea. All 13 Indian crew members and one foreign national were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard. The Ministry of External Affairs called the strike an unprovoked attack on a civilian vessel. India said its embassy in Riyadh is helping the rescued crew and thanked Yemeni authorities for the rescue. The government also expressed concern over repeated attacks on commercial ships and called for safe navigation through international waters. (PC: AFP)

Former McKinsey associate partner Dr Neeraja Nagarajan has moved back to India after spending more than 13 years in the United States. In a LinkedIn post, she said the decision was shaped by her career goals, personal values and wish to be closer to home. She said she always planned to return to India and kept that option open throughout her time abroad. Nagarajan said she now wants to improve healthcare access, work with inspiring leaders and live in Chennai. She recently ended her seven-year career at McKinsey and said the company helped shape her leadership and decision-making skills.

An Indian-flagged commercial vessel sank off the coast of Yemen after it was hit by a projectile in the Red Sea. All 13 Indian crew members and one foreign national were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and taken to Mokha port. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, calling it an unprovoked strike on a civilian vessel. India said its embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Yemeni authorities to assist the rescued crew. The government also renewed its call for safe navigation in international waters. Officials have not identified who carried out the attack.

The Donald Trump administration has cancelled the commercial driving licences of more than 28,000 immigrant truckers in the United States. Officials said many drivers did not meet English language requirements. The government also announced a new programme to help military veterans become commercial truck drivers. Reports said the move could affect many Indian drivers, especially those from Punjab and Haryana working in the US trucking industry. The administration said the action is part of a wider crackdown on unsafe driving and licensing violations. Officials believe the veteran recruitment programme will help fill the shortage of truck drivers created by the decision.

Bangladesh has renewed its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, urging India to send her back to face legal proceedings a day before her scheduled virtual address from New Delhi. Dhaka also asked India not to allow its territory to be used for Hasina's political activities, warning such events could affect bilateral relations. Bangladesh says it is prepared to arrest Hasina immediately if she returns. India, meanwhile, reiterated that the August 5 event is being organised by a private media entity and has no government involvement or endorsement. The developments underscore continuing tensions over Hasina's exile and the future of India-Bangladesh relations. (PC: The Telegraph)

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned public appearance in New Delhi, saying the August 5 event is being organised by a private media entity without any government involvement or endorsement. The clarification comes after Bangladesh expressed concern that Hasina's virtual address could undermine improving bilateral ties. Living in India since fleeing Bangladesh after the 2024 student-led uprising, Hasina is set to address an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club, South Asia, alongside several Awami League leaders and supporters. New Delhi reiterated that the programme is independent of the government as Dhaka continues seeking Hasina's extradition over criminal convictions.

India increased LNG imports between May and July by rapidly diversifying supplies after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz sharply reduced cargoes from top supplier Qatar. Higher imports from the US, Oman, Nigeria and Angola helped offset losses from the Gulf chokepoint, ensuring adequate fuel for city gas distribution, fertiliser, power generation and industrial demand. India, which imports about half of its natural gas needs, prioritised energy security despite elevated global LNG prices triggered by the West Asia conflict. The shift highlights India's growing flexibility in sourcing LNG from multiple regions, reducing dependence on a single supplier during geopolitical crises and helping maintain domestic gas supplies despite prolonged maritime disruptions. (PC: The Indian Express)