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.

India has strongly condemned the demolition of a 125-year-old historic gurdwara in Pakistan's Punjab province, describing it as a "despicable act" that reflects the continued neglect of minority religious heritage. The shrine, considered significant to the Sikh community, was reportedly razed during redevelopment work, sparking outrage among Sikh groups and heritage activists. India urged Pakistan to ensure the protection, preservation, and respectful maintenance of Sikh religious sites and other minority places of worship. The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of religious heritage in Pakistan, with calls for accountability and stronger measures to safeguard historically important sites. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit New Zealand on July 10, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in more than 40 years. The landmark trip is expected to strengthen India–New Zealand ties through discussions on trade, investment, education, technology, defence cooperation and regional security. Modi is also expected to engage with the Indian diaspora and explore ways to expand collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit reflects both nations' commitment to deepening strategic and economic relations amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges in the Asia-Pacific. (PC: X)

India and Japan have agreed to strengthen their energy partnership as escalating tensions in West Asia raise concerns over global oil and gas supplies. During high-level talks, both countries pledged closer cooperation on energy security, clean energy technologies, strategic reserves and resilient supply chains. The discussions focused on reducing vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions while expanding collaboration in renewable energy, hydrogen and advanced technologies. With both nations heavily dependent on imported energy, the renewed partnership aims to ensure stable supplies, diversify energy sources and reinforce their broader strategic relationship in the face of an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape. (PC: X)

    The Indian Navy successfully prevented a piracy attempt on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden after responding swiftly to a distress call. Naval personnel intercepted the suspected pirate skiff, forcing the attackers to abandon their assault and ensuring the ship's safe passage. The incident highlights the Navy's continued role in safeguarding vital international shipping routes. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) warned that three commercial vessels and their crews remain in captivity after being seized by Somali pirates, urging sustained international cooperation to combat piracy and protect maritime security in the region. (PC: The Hindu)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi strongly condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. The leaders denounced the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the Red Fort blast, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. They urged coordinated international action against UN-designated terrorist organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The summit also reaffirmed both nations' commitment to strengthening strategic, defence, economic and technology cooperation while promoting a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region. (PC: AP)