A group of Indians in Berlin held a protest in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement. A video of the gathering near the Brandenburg Gate has gone viral on social media. Protesters carried placards demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. One poster read, “We stand with Sonam Wangchuk, the students of India.” The protest received support online, with many praising the Indian diaspora. Some users also expressed interest in joining future demonstrations in Berlin in support of the ongoing student movement.

4 Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after a cargo ship leaving Ukraine's Odesa port came under attack on July 19. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo had 17 crew members, including five Indians. India condemned the attack, saying, “Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members... is deplorable.” Ukraine blamed Russian cruise missiles for the strike, while Russia has not commented on the allegation. The Indian mission in Ukraine is assisting those affected. The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump drew attention during the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy presentation after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina. After handing the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri, Trump remained on the podium as the team prepared to celebrate. Rodri appeared to gesture for him to move, but Trump stayed in place. FIFA President Gianni Infantino then stepped in and guided Trump toward the side of the stage, allowing Spain's players to continue their celebrations. Videos of the moment quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion. Trump and Infantino were also booed by sections of the crowd during the ceremony. (PC: NDTV)

India has advised its citizens to postpone all travel to Iran and urged those already there to consider leaving temporarily as instability and military activity intensify, particularly along the country's southern coast. In a revised advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked travellers to avoid non-essential visits until the security situation improves. Indians remaining in Iran were urged to exercise the highest level of caution, avoid areas with heavy military activity, monitor local developments, follow authorities' instructions and stay in contact with the embassy. The advisory follows escalating regional tensions after recent US strikes inside Iran and Tehran's retaliatory actions across West Asia. Emergency helplines remain available.

India has issued a fresh travel advisory asking its citizens to postpone travel to Iran as tensions continue to rise in West Asia. The Indian Embassy in Tehran said people planning to visit Iran should wait until the security situation improves. Indians already in Iran have been advised to consider leaving the country using available flights. Those staying back should remain alert, avoid areas with military activity, and closely follow local news. The embassy also asked unregistered Indian nationals to register immediately. Emergency helpline numbers and email support have been shared for citizens needing consular assistance.

A 26-year-old woman from Hyderabad has alleged that she was abused after going to Oman for a housemaid job. Shabnam Begum said she travelled to Muscat on March 26 after a local agent promised her a monthly salary of 200 Omani riyals. She claimed she worked 12 to 15 hours every day but was not paid for more than three months. “They made me work day and night and did not pay me,” she said in a video. Shabnam later escaped and reached the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The embassy said it has taken up the matter and is working on it.

India-UK relations are expected to remain strong as Andy Burnham prepares to take office as Britain's new prime minister on July 20. Burnham, 56, was elected unopposed as Labour leader and succeeds Keir Starmer. Experts believe recent progress, including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), will continue under his leadership. Burnham has long supported stronger ties with India through trade, education, innovation and regional partnerships. Diplomats and analysts expect his focus on economic growth, investment, defence cooperation and regional engagement to deepen bilateral relations. Business leaders also hope for greater stability to boost trade and investment between both countries. (PC: HT)

Sonam Wangchuk’s wife has spoken publicly after the activist was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following the deterioration of his health during a prolonged hunger strike. She said that no medical treatment should be administered without Wangchuk’s informed consent, stressing his right to decide on his care. Her statement came amid growing concern over his condition and questions surrounding his transfer from Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, supporters and several public figures have renewed calls for dialogue between the government and protesters, while authorities maintain that the hospitalisation was necessary to ensure Wangchuk’s safety and medical well-being. (PC: X)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its Rafale fighter jets to Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world's largest multinational air combat exercises. Scheduled from July 20 to August 7, the exercise will bring together air forces from 19 nations to conduct complex combat missions, strengthen interoperability, and enhance operational cooperation. The Indian contingent will train alongside allied air forces in realistic scenarios, showcasing the IAF's advanced capabilities and reinforcing India's growing defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment highlights India's commitment to strengthening international military collaboration and combat readiness.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected allegations by former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara that India was responsible for delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the remarks as an "individual opinion" that was "at considerable variance with facts." He reaffirmed that India and Japan continue to work closely and that discussions on the high-speed rail project are progressing smoothly. The MEA also clarified that the first section is expected to open in 2027 using Indian high-speed trains, while Japan's next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains remain under development for future deployment. (PC: X)