Vietnam speedboat tragedy survivor Nirmal Kumar recalled that the vessel capsized within three minutes of departure after a massive wave struck near Hon May Rut Ngoai off Phu Quoc Island on July 11. The boat, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members, overturned just 300 metres into the journey, killing 15 Indian tourists. Kumar said around 20 passengers escaped by jumping into the water, while 15 others became trapped inside the closed boat despite wearing life jackets. Rescue teams arrived within 10 minutes, but trapped passengers were recovered after 20-30 minutes. Sixteen survivors returned to India, while one remains critically injured in Vietnam. (PC: PTI)

American citizen Jordan Brown, 36, from California, is under investigation after being detained by the Sashastra Seema Bal while allegedly attempting to cross the India-Nepal border without valid travel documents. Brown claimed he lost his passport in Thailand, travelled to Sri Lanka by sea, entered India via the sea route in November 2025, and had since been living in Goa. Authorities said no evidence of suspicious or anti-national links has emerged so far, but multiple intelligence agencies are verifying his identity, travel history and claims. Police registered a case under the Immigration and Foreigners Act after recovering cash, mobile phones and several other items from his possession during the arrest.

India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiling the SHANTI framework, securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. The campaign highlights India's commitment to UN peacekeeping, strengthening the voice of the Global South, advancing reformed multilateralism, ensuring responsible use of artificial intelligence, enhancing maritime security and intensifying efforts against terror financing. Elections for the 2028-29 term will be held in June next year, when India will compete with Tajikistan for the sole Asia-Pacific Group seat. Jaishankar said India's approach is rooted in SHANTI and focused on global trust and integrity.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that two Emirati oil tankers struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz ignored repeated warnings, switched off their navigation systems and attempted to pass through what it described as a "mined route" despite military instructions. The response came after the United Arab Emirates confirmed that the attack in Omani territorial waters killed one Indian crew member and injured eight others. The vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted during heightened regional tensions. Iran defended the strikes by alleging the ships failed to comply with security directives, while the incident has intensified concerns over maritime safety in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

An Indian crew member was killed and six other Indians were injured after Iranian cruise missiles struck two UAE-flagged oil tankers, Mombasa and Bahia, in Omani territorial waters along the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE Ministry of Defence said. Two Ukrainian crew members were also injured, taking the total injured to eight, including four seriously hurt. The missile strikes triggered fires aboard both vessels, which were later brought under control. The UAE condemned the attack as a serious violation of international law and reserved the right to respond. Earlier, Iran claimed its Revolutionary Guards had fired "warning shots" at vessels allegedly transiting the Strait illegally.

The mortal remains of 15 Indian tourists who died in the Vietnam speedboat tragedy arrived in Mumbai on Monday night. The victims were among 32 Indian tourists travelling near Phu Quoc Island when their sightseeing boat capsized on July 11. The deceased included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. The Indian Embassy coordinated with Vietnamese authorities to repatriate the bodies, while state governments arranged to transport them to their hometowns. Sixteen tourists survived the accident, while one injured survivor remains in critical condition as investigations into the tragedy continue. (PC: India Today)

A 36-year-old US national, identified as Jordan Brown, was detained by the Sashastra Seema Bal while allegedly attempting to cross into Nepal from Uttar Pradesh without valid travel documents. Police said Brown claimed he entered India via a sea route in 2025 after losing his passport in Thailand, travelling through Sri Lanka before settling in Goa. No travel documents were recovered during his apprehension near the Sonauli border. Authorities have registered a case under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, and his claims are being verified. The incident comes days after the NIA arrested five Ukrainians and one US national in a separate terrorism-related investigation.

Poland has highlighted India's growing diplomatic influence, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin closely listens to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Polish Secretary of State Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski described India as a "very important international player", noting its credibility stems from not being perceived as hostile towards Russia. He said India's voice carries significant weight in efforts to prevent further escalation as the war continues without a clear resolution. The remarks underscore New Delhi's increasingly prominent role in global diplomacy, with India maintaining engagement with both Moscow and Western partners while consistently advocating dialogue, diplomacy and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The bodies of 15 Indian tourists killed in a speedboat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island were flown back to India on Monday, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed. The victims included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Their remains were transported aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight that departed Ho Chi Minh City around 6 pm local time. The deadly accident occurred near Phu Quoc Island, where rescue teams launched extensive operations following the speedboat tragedy. Indian authorities coordinated with their Vietnamese counterparts and the embassy to facilitate the repatriation of the victims, bringing closure to families awaiting the return of their loved ones. (PC: PTI)

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has denied reports that India-US trade talks have reached a deadlock. He called the claims false, baseless and misleading. Goyal said both countries remain committed to signing a balanced trade agreement. He added that discussions with US officials have been positive and that negotiation teams are still working on the deal. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal also said the talks are moving in the right direction. According to officials, most key issues have been resolved. India and the US are now waiting for the right time to sign the agreement.