India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has expanded its global footprint with services now available at the Eiffel Tower and several airports across France. The move marks a significant step in deepening digital cooperation between India and France, making transactions easier for Indian tourists and travellers. Visitors can now use UPI-based apps to make seamless payments at key French landmarks and transport hubs. The expansion follows growing collaboration between the two countries in fintech and digital infrastructure. Officials said the initiative will enhance convenience for travellers while showcasing India's digital payment ecosystem on the global stage. (PC: X)

The United States reportedly issued nearly 60 verbal warnings and multiple shows of force before launching a strike on the tanker MT Settebello near Oman, an attack that killed three Indian sailors. According to U.S. officials, the vessel repeatedly ignored instructions and failed to comply with efforts to stop it. American forces eventually targeted the ship's engine room after giving the crew time to evacuate. The incident has triggered strong protests from India and intensified concerns over maritime safety and escalating tensions in the Gulf region. 

French President Emmanuel Macron shared a selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday ahead of the G7 Summit in Nice, France. The post quickly went viral after Macron captioned it with a single word: "Nice!".   The caption appeared to be a playful reference to both the city hosting the summit and the moment shared by the two leaders. The photograph showed Macron and Modi smiling against the backdrop of the Mediterranean coast.   Modi is in France to attend G7 outreach sessions and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders. The post also highlighted the strong and growing partnership between India and France.

Indian seafarers working on commercial ships near Iran and the Strait of Hormuz have claimed that vessels carrying Indian crew members are being repeatedly targeted amid ongoing military strikes in the Gulf.   "We are in Iran and the situation here is very bad. Only Indian-crewed ships are being attacked," a seafarer said in a video shared online. "We are not soldiers. We come on contract to work. Then why are we being attacked?" he added. The claims come after a tanker carrying Indian sailors was hit near Oman last week. Three Indian seafarers were killed in the attack. Another vessel with 24 Indian crew members was also targeted, but all were later rescued. The US said the strikes targeted sanctioned vessels, while Iran condemned the attacks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France. The three-day event brings together startups, innovators and investors from India, France and other countries.   Speaking at the event, Modi said India and France share a strong partnership based on trust, innovation and a common vision. He said innovation is part of India’s DNA and that the country is now a provider of technology, not just a user.   Modi highlighted India’s growing startup ecosystem, which includes more than 200,000 startups. He said India’s goal is to create technology that is inclusive, trusted and beneficial for humanity. (PC: Lewis JOLY / POOL / AFP) (AFP)

A 21-year-old woman died during a bungee jumping activity in Brazil after the crew allegedly failed to attach her safety rope before the jump.   The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, was taking part in the adventure sport at the Skeleton Bridge in Limeira, São Paulo. Videos circulating on social media appear to show the rope lying on the ground as she was pushed from the platform.   Emergency teams rushed to the scene but she was declared dead. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and local reports said six people were detained for questioning over the alleged safety lapse. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Bharat Innovates programme serves as a bridge between India's talented youth and European expertise, highlighting the growing partnership between India and France in innovation and technology.   Addressing the Bharat Innovates event in Nice, Modi said collaboration between the two nations can help create solutions for global challenges and promote sustainable development. French President Emmanuel Macron joined the Prime Minister in inaugurating the event.   The programme aims to connect Indian innovators, entrepreneurs and startups with European partners, strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies and expanding opportunities for young talent from both regions.  

An Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel with 14 crew members onboard was involved in an incident off the coast of Oman, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation.   The Indian Embassy in Oman said it is closely coordinating with Omani authorities to trace the missing crew and monitor the situation. The vessel, identified as *Virat 1*, reportedly encountered trouble in Omani waters, though the exact cause of the incident has not yet been disclosed.   Officials have not confirmed any casualties, and rescue teams continue to search for the crew members. The incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. (PC: HT)

An Indian sailor, identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan, died on board the vessel MT Celestial off the coast of Oman, prompting the Indian Embassy in Muscat to begin efforts to repatriate his mortal remains. According to the embassy, it is in touch with the ship management company and Omani authorities to complete the necessary formalities. The Forward Seamen's Union of India has sought an inquiry into the incident, alleging delays in providing medical assistance and evacuation as the sailor's condition worsened. The union has also raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region. (PC: The Indian Express)

A 26-year-old Indian-origin man, Gurbhej Singh, was stabbed to death in Southall, west London, triggering a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Singh was found with serious stab injuries on North Road near Dormers Wells Lane shortly after midnight, but emergency services could not save him. Another man, believed to be in his 30s, was also injured and later discharged from hospital. Police have appealed for witnesses and CCTV footage as detectives work to establish the circumstances behind the attack. According to reports, several suspects have been detained as the investigation continues. Singh's family is being supported by specialist officers.