The Donald Trump administration has cancelled the commercial driving licences of more than 28,000 immigrant truckers in the United States. Officials said many drivers did not meet English language requirements. The government also announced a new programme to help military veterans become commercial truck drivers. Reports said the move could affect many Indian drivers, especially those from Punjab and Haryana working in the US trucking industry. The administration said the action is part of a wider crackdown on unsafe driving and licensing violations. Officials believe the veteran recruitment programme will help fill the shortage of truck drivers created by the decision.

Bangladesh has renewed its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, urging India to send her back to face legal proceedings a day before her scheduled virtual address from New Delhi. Dhaka also asked India not to allow its territory to be used for Hasina's political activities, warning such events could affect bilateral relations. Bangladesh says it is prepared to arrest Hasina immediately if she returns. India, meanwhile, reiterated that the August 5 event is being organised by a private media entity and has no government involvement or endorsement. The developments underscore continuing tensions over Hasina's exile and the future of India-Bangladesh relations. (PC: The Telegraph)

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned public appearance in New Delhi, saying the August 5 event is being organised by a private media entity without any government involvement or endorsement. The clarification comes after Bangladesh expressed concern that Hasina's virtual address could undermine improving bilateral ties. Living in India since fleeing Bangladesh after the 2024 student-led uprising, Hasina is set to address an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club, South Asia, alongside several Awami League leaders and supporters. New Delhi reiterated that the programme is independent of the government as Dhaka continues seeking Hasina's extradition over criminal convictions.

India increased LNG imports between May and July by rapidly diversifying supplies after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz sharply reduced cargoes from top supplier Qatar. Higher imports from the US, Oman, Nigeria and Angola helped offset losses from the Gulf chokepoint, ensuring adequate fuel for city gas distribution, fertiliser, power generation and industrial demand. India, which imports about half of its natural gas needs, prioritised energy security despite elevated global LNG prices triggered by the West Asia conflict. The shift highlights India's growing flexibility in sourcing LNG from multiple regions, reducing dependence on a single supplier during geopolitical crises and helping maintain domestic gas supplies despite prolonged maritime disruptions. (PC: The Indian Express)

Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi described terrifying moments after the aircraft encountered severe mid-air turbulence, leaving 17 people injured, including four cabin crew members. Flight AI2379, carrying 137 passengers, suffered a sudden loss of altitude during the cruise phase before landing safely in Delhi. Several injured passengers were taken to hospital, with Air India saying no one suffered serious injuries and some had already been discharged. Eyewitnesses recalled passengers being thrown into the air, luggage flying loose and panic spreading through the cabin. The airline has assured continued medical assistance and support for those affected while investigating the incident.

Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi described moments of panic after severe turbulence jolted the aircraft mid-flight, throwing some travellers from their seats. One passenger said his father, who was not wearing a seat belt as the sign was off, struck the cabin ceiling before falling to the floor. His mother reportedly suffered swelling near her eye after being hit by a loosened overhead luggage compartment. Photos from inside the aircraft showed visible damage to the cabin interior. Despite the frightening incident and injuries to some passengers, the flight landed safely, with the episode renewing attention on in-flight turbulence safety and seat belt use.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said the government has no role in former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's media interaction scheduled for August 5 in New Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the event is being organised by a private media organisation and that the government neither supports nor endorses any views expressed there. The clarification came after Bangladesh urged India to ensure that Hasina and other Awami League leaders do not use Indian territory for political activities. Hasina, who has been living in India since August 2024, is expected to address the event virtually. (PC: India Today)

India on Tuesday rejected the second phase of local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling the exercise a "complete farce". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the polls could not hide the ongoing unrest and crackdown in the region. He claimed at least 90 civilians have been killed by Pakistani forces since June, while many others were injured. Jaiswal said Pakistan was trying to use the elections to cover public protests and repression. He urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable. On reports of Sheikh Hasina's event in India, Jaiswal said it is being organised by a private media body. (PC: HT)

Bangladesh has asked India to clarify its position over reported political activities by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil. The request comes ahead of Hasina’s planned virtual address and participation in an event in New Delhi on 5 August. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said such activities could affect ties between the two countries. She said Bangladesh has repeatedly told India that fugitives should not be allowed to carry out political activities aimed at creating instability. Dhaka, however, said it remains committed to improving relations with India and hopes New Delhi shares the same approach. (PC: X)

India has brought back 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries since 2021, the Centre said on Tuesday. The government said the returns were made through extradition, deportation and other legal processes. It said better coordination between Indian agencies and foreign governments helped speed up the efforts. The Centre also said the use of technology has improved the process of tracing and bringing back wanted criminals. According to the government, the number of fugitives returned has increased sharply in recent years. Officials said stronger international cooperation and faster action by different agencies have helped India bring more wanted people back to face legal proceedings. (PC: The Indian Express)