The crackdown on civil rights protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has sparked coordinated demonstrations by the Kashmiri diaspora across the United Kingdom, United States, and Western Europe. Protesters accused Pakistani authorities of excessive military force, arbitrary arrests, and communication blackouts, while demanding the withdrawal of security forces from the region. Major demonstrations were held outside Pakistani diplomatic missions in London, Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester, and New York. The movement has also gained political traction, with nearly 50 British MPs reportedly urging the UK government to intervene diplomatically. Diaspora organisations, including the United Jammu Kashmir Forum, called for international scrutiny, warning that suppressing economic and political grievances could further destabilise the region.

The United States reportedly struck the MT Jalveer tanker in the Strait of Hormuz using Hellfire missiles, amid escalating tensions linked to Iran-related maritime operations. The vessel, which had over 20 Indian crew members on board, was targeted near Oman’s coast during a broader U.S. crackdown on suspected oil smuggling routes. According to reports, all Indian sailors were safely rescued and evacuation efforts were completed without casualties. The incident marks the third such attack on commercial vessels in the region within a week, raising serious concerns over maritime security, regional stability, and the safety of international shipping routes in the Gulf.

India has said it is working to ensure that “not a single drop of water” flows into Pakistan after placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance last year. Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil stated that efforts are being made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction, with Home Minister Amit Shah monitoring the matter. The 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs sharing of six Indus Basin rivers between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan receiving rights over the western rivers and India over the eastern rivers. Pakistan has accused India of weaponising water and warned that any attempt to alter river flows could be considered an act of war. (PC: X)

Indian-American financier Mahender Makhijani has been arrested in California over allegations of orchestrating a $100 million bank fraud scheme involving falsified documents, shell companies and misleading collateral records. Prosecutors allege that through Cantor Group V LLC, Makhijani deceived Western Alliance Bancorp by altering real estate title documents to falsely show first-lien security for loans. Investigators claim manipulated PDFs, fabricated spreadsheets and misleading communications were used to maintain funding. Authorities also allege that funds were diverted through complex financial networks while Makhijani maintained a luxury lifestyle. He faces federal bank fraud charges carrying a potential 30-year prison sentence, with investigators continuing efforts to trace and recover allegedly hidden funds.

A third vessel carrying Indian crew members has come under attack near Oman within four days, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the region. The latest incident follows attacks on other commercial ships, highlighting growing risks faced by vessels operating along strategically important shipping routes. Authorities are monitoring the situation as repeated incidents threaten international maritime movement and raise concerns for crew safety. The attacks have drawn attention to vulnerabilities in regional waters, where commercial shipping plays a crucial role in global trade and energy transportation. With multiple vessels targeted in a short period, security agencies are assessing possible threats and strengthening measures to protect ships and personnel operating in the area.

The Chinese Embassy in India has sparked debate after highlighting the smooth conduct of China's national college entrance exam, Gaokao, amid the controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2026. In a post on X, embassy spokesperson Yu Jing said nearly 1.3 crore students completed the two-day examination without disruption, describing Gaokao as China's equivalent of India's JEE and NEET combined.   The post came as India continues to face questions over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026. While the embassy did not directly mention the Indian exam, the timing of the message led to speculation that it was a subtle dig at the ongoing controversy. Reports, however, note that China's examination system has also faced cheating and paper leak cases in the past.  

India has strongly condemned the latest attack on a commercial vessel near Oman and called for an immediate end to such incidents. Reacting after a third ship was struck in the region, the government said "attacks must cease" and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to reduce tensions. New Delhi also expressed concern over the safety of Indian sailors working on international shipping routes. The statement comes amid escalating military exchanges in the region that have disrupted maritime traffic and raised fears over the security of global trade routes. (PC: India Today)

Members of the Indian community in Northern Ireland say they are living in fear after anti-immigrant violence and suspected racist attacks spread across Belfast and nearby areas. Rioters allegedly set fire to an under-construction Indian grocery store, while several homes were attacked during a second night of unrest. Firefighters rescued people from burning buildings and dozens were left homeless. Community leaders and Indian-origin residents said many families are worried about their safety and future. The violence followed a knife attack in Belfast that fuelled anti-immigration protests and heightened tensions across the region. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has confirmed that it carried out a strike on a third tanker near Oman, saying the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel Jalveer violated a blockade by attempting to transport Iranian oil through the Gulf of Oman. India's shipping ministry said all 20 Indian sailors on board are safe. The development comes after US attacks on two other ships, including the Palau-flagged Settebello, where three Indian sailors were killed on Wednesday. Another vessel, Marivex, was disabled earlier this week as tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate across the region. (PC: BBC)

Indian-origin financier Mahender Makhijani has been accused by US authorities of orchestrating a $100 million bank fraud scheme that allegedly used luxury trips, expensive gifts and sex parties to attract and influence business associates. According to court documents, Makhijani and his associates are accused of misleading a US bank to secure loans through fraudulent transactions.   Federal prosecutors allege the scheme caused losses exceeding $100 million. The case is being investigated by US law enforcement agencies, and legal proceedings are underway. Makhijani has been charged in connection with the alleged fraud, though the allegations are yet to be tested in court.