Three Indian nationals were abducted by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists from the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, on July 1. The group suspected is Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has carried out several attacks across Mali. India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the “deplorable act” and urged Mali to ensure the hostages’ safe release. The Indian Embassy in Bamako is coordinating with Malian authorities and the factory’s management. Families are being kept informed. All Indians in Mali have been advised to remain vigilant. The government pledged full support to the families and ongoing efforts for a swift rescue. (PC: India Today)

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have agreed to sign a new 10-year US–India Defence Framework during their upcoming meeting later this year . The agreement builds on the February 2025 joint statement between President Trump and PM Modi, aiming to expand defence industrial cooperation, weapon systems co-production, interoperability, and pending major US defence sales . Singh urged expedited delivery of GE F404 engines for India’s Tejas LCA and pushed for a HAL–GE Aerospace partnership to produce F414 engines domestically . The move reflects Washington viewing India as a key defence partner in South Asia and underscores both nations’ commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific. (PC:IANS)  

A British Royal Navy F‑35B stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, forced by adverse weather and low fuel . A hydraulic issue emerged during routine pre-departure checks, grounding the jet and preventing its return to the HMS Prince of Wales . Initial repairs by carrier-based engineers fell short, prompting dispatch of a 40‑member UK technical team and equipment, with plans to transfer the jet to an MRO hangar . Kerala authorities are considering unusual parking fees and supported the crew, with full backing from Indian military and airport staff . The incident highlights deep UK‑India defence cooperation and logistical complexities of advanced aircraft deployment. (PC: India Today)  

Indian-American tech leader Balaji Srinivasan has bought a private island near Singapore to build a “Network State”—a new, digital-first country for techies and innovators. Srinivasan, former CTO of Coinbase, wants to form a nation based on shared online values. His project, Network School, brings startup founders and fitness lovers to live, learn, and grow together. Classes include AI, crypto, and entrepreneurship. "We got an island," he posted on X, calling it a place for “truth, health, and wealth.” Srinivasan plans more Network Schools worldwide. His dream is to create self-improving, tech-driven societies outside the bounds of traditional government. (PC: @LevelUpMindz/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on an eight‑day, five‑nation tour from July 2–9, 2025, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit begins in Ghana, where he’ll engage in talks on investment, energy, health, security, and address the Ghanaian Parliament. Next is Trinidad & Tobago marking deep cultural and diaspora ties where he’ll meet leaders and rejuvenate ancestral bonds. In Buenos Aires, Modi becomes the first Indian PM in 57 years to visit Argentina, discussing trade, energy, agriculture, and critical minerals with President Javier Milei. From July 6–7, he’ll participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and hold a state visit in Brasilia. The tour concludes in Namibia, where he’ll address parliament and meet President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah. (PC: Mint)

The Quad — India, the US, Japan, and Australia — condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “We call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice,” the joint statement read. The group also warned about China’s “dangerous actions” in the Indo-Pacific, including live-fire drills and sea aggression. “These actions threaten peace,” the statement added. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said the country has the right to defend itself. The Quad also discussed Myanmar, North Korea, and launched new steps on security, minerals, and logistics. India will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has backed a Senate bill that may impose 500% tariffs on India and China. The bill targets countries buying oil and energy from Russia. Senator Lindsey Graham, who supports the bill, said it aims to pressure Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. India and China buy most of Russia’s oil. In May 2025, India bought €4.2 billion worth of fossil fuels from Russia. The bill has 84 co-sponsors and may soon be voted on. The Kremlin called Graham a “Russophobe” and said the bill will not help peace efforts in Ukraine. Trump can choose to waive it. (PC: AP)

Foreign ministers of the Quad (U.S., India, Japan, Australia) issued a joint condemnation of the April 22 Baisaran Valley massacre near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 civilians (25 Indian nationals and 1 Nepali) were killed and several injured. They expressed deep condolences and called for perpetrators, organisers, and financiers to be “brought to justice without any delay,” urging UN member‑states to cooperate under international law . India’s S. Jaishankar emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism and affirmed India’s right to defend itself . The statement renewed Quad’s commitment to counterterrorism and Indo-Pacific security cooperation. (PC: X)  

Over 20 bullets were fired at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, in a suspected hate crime. The attack, which took place during nighttime hours with devotees inside, caused extensive damage to the building and its carved arches. India’s Consulate in San Francisco condemned the act and urged prompt investigation. The incident follows a March desecration of a BAPS temple in California ahead of a Khalistan-linked referendum. Hindu groups, including CoHNA, have raised alarms over rising anti-Hindu hate. The Utah temple is renowned for its annual Holi Festival and holds global cultural significance. (PC: NDTV)

India and the US have hit a deadlock in trade talks just days before a July 9 deadline. India refuses to give in to US demands on the dairy sector, calling it a "red line." The dairy industry supports over 80 million small farmers. The US wants lower duties on farm and industrial goods, while India is seeking tariff cuts on exports like textiles and shrimp. Talks have stretched into a sixth day, with India’s top negotiator staying back in Washington. The deal is key to stopping 26% US tariffs from returning on Indian goods. (PC: AFP)