The International Widows Conference, hosted by The Loomba Foundation on June 23 in London, brought together global leaders, diplomats, and grassroots voices to mark the 15th UN International Widows Day. The conference urged governments to act on the theme “Don’t Leave Widows Behind.” Mrs Cherie Blair CBE KC, President of The Loomba Foundation, opened the event by highlighting that 258 million widows still face poverty, stigma, and abuse. “When widows are given even half a chance, they lead,” she said. Key speakers included Lakshmi Puri, former UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Lord Khan of Burnley, UK Minister for Faith. Puri called widowhood “one of the most overlooked global injustices” and outlined five priorities: legal reform, economic empowerment, data and accountability, leadership, and cultural change. Lord Khan said widowhood affects over 280 million women and is a global human rights issue. Grassroots leaders from Kenya, Nepal, and Nigeria shared frontline experiences. Kumar Dilip of Sulabh International, India, said, “Widows do not need pity—they need power.” The event concluded with Lord Raj Loomba reaffirming the foundation’s mission: “No woman should be punished for outliving her husband.”

India welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, acknowledging the diplomatic efforts of the US and Qatar. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had been closely monitoring developments, including US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran's retaliation on American bases in Qatar. "There is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy," the MEA stated, reaffirming India’s commitment to peace in West Asia. The ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, briefly halted the 12-day conflict, though both sides later accused each other of violations. India expressed readiness to support sustained regional stability and peaceful resolution. (PC: HT)

India has evacuated nearly 3,000 nationals from conflict-hit Iran and Israel under 'Operation Sindhu', using Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft and chartered flights. On Tuesday, 161 Indians who crossed into Jordan from Israel reached New Delhi from Amman. Another 165 and nearly 300 Indians were flown in from Jordan and Egypt respectively. Separately, 292 Indians arrived from Mashhad, Iran, bringing the total evacuated from Iran to 2,295. The mission was delayed due to airspace restrictions following Iranian missile strikes. India advised citizens to use land routes to Jordan or Egypt. Over 32,000 Indians live in Israel, and 10,000 in Iran. (PC: HT)

A new US sanctions bill may hit India for buying oil from Russia. Senator Lindsey Graham said, “If you continue to prop up Putin’s war machine, you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself.” The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 targets countries trading in Russian oil, gas, and other fuels. India was the second-largest buyer in May, spending €4.2 billion. The bill proposes steep tariffs and expanded sanctions. Experts warn this could lead to a global price shock. “Taking Russian oil out of the market would create a challenging situation for India,” said Prashant Vashisht of ICRA. The bill is still pending approval. (PC: Reuters)

The Indian Embassy in Doha has advised all Indian nationals in Qatar to stay indoors following Iranian missile strikes targeting US military bases in Qatar and Iraq. Explosions were reported near the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, prompting safety concerns. Iran claimed the strikes, called “Blessing of Victory,” were retaliation for recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Qatar’s Defence Ministry confirmed its air defence intercepted the missile and reported no casualties. It reassured citizens that the situation is under control. The embassy urged Indians to remain calm, follow local updates, and adhere to Qatari authorities’ safety instructions. (PC: News18)

The US Embassy in India has asked all F, M, and J visa applicants to make their social media accounts public. This will help officials check their background before giving visas. The rule applies to students and exchange visitors. Platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn will be reviewed. The US says this step is to protect national security and stop fraud. The move follows the restart of student visa processing after a short pause last month. Officials will look for posts that may be seen as anti-American. The rule is part of stricter checks under the Trump administration.

Siraj Ali Ansari, a 25-year-old engineer from Ramapali village in Bihar's Siwan district, has gone missing in Iran amid escalating conflict with Israel. Employed as a Quality Control Engineer in a petroleum firm, Siraj last contacted his family on June 17, stating he was safe but bombings were occurring just 1 km away. His phone has been unreachable since. His father and relatives have appealed to the Indian government and Siwan authorities for urgent intervention. With over 1,700 Indians evacuated under Operation Sindhu, Siraj’s family hopes he too can be safely rescued. He is the eldest of four siblings. (PC: NDTV)

Aniruddha Bera, a PhD scholar from West Bengal’s Salboni, is taking shelter in a bunker at Tel Aviv University as missile attacks continue in Israel. Since June 13, when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, Bera has relied on alert apps to reach safety within 90 seconds. Despite nearby missile strikes, he praised Israel’s warning system and said life is slowly returning to a “new normal.” Registered under India’s Operation Sindhu, he hopes to return home soon. “The Indian embassy is doing everything possible,” Bera told India Today, expressing gratitude and sharing that his family remains deeply concerned. (PC: India Today)

A National Investigation Agency investigation has linked the April 22 Pahalgam massacre where five militants killed 26 civilians in Baisaran Valley to a long‑running militant cell infiltrating from Poonch since early 2023. The group, entering via the Dehra Ki Gali–Bufliaz corridor, carried out ambushes in Poonch late 2023 and then split into tactical teams targeting Sonmarg and Gulmarg in October. One former local operative, Junaid, was neutralised in Srinagar in November, and forensics tied his mobile data back to the cell. Intercepted communications reveal a sprawling support network. Authorities now view the Pahalgam strike not as isolated, but the culmination of a coordinated militant campaign. (PC: The Hindu, Charzan Holidays & Exotic Miles)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has departed for Moscow on a two‑week mission, the second phase of the post‑Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach to Russia and the UK—reportedly without prior sign‑off from party leadership. He reportedly sought a pre‑departure meeting with AICC chief Kharge, which was denied. This ruffled feathers among state and national leaders. Kerala rivals criticized Tharoor’s autonomy, citing his decision to skip Nilambur campaigning (“I do not go where I am not invited”), although KPCC leader Sunny Joseph affirmed he was officially a star campaigner. AICC’s Venugopal emphasized that boundaries must be respected, but also defended individual freedom. (PC: JLF USA)