Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who briefed him on the latest developments in West Asia and the way forward. Modi welcomed the recent understanding reached in the region and reiterated India's consistent position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in West Asia while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce. The conversation comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing hostilities. India has consistently advocated peaceful engagement and dialogue as the preferred route for resolving conflicts in the region.

Tourists struggled through soaring temperatures in Rome as a severe heatwave gripped Italy, with 25 cities placed under red alert and temperatures nearing 40°C. Among them was Indian tourist Arockia Rajasekhar, who said conditions felt "worse than in India" despite lower temperatures because air conditioning was less common. Visitors crowded around misting stations, carried umbrellas and searched for shade near the Colosseum as authorities distributed water and heat safety advice. American tourists also described exhausting conditions, with some consuming several litres of water daily. The latest heatwave, driven by extreme summer conditions across Europe, has renewed concerns over climate change and its growing impact on travel and public health.

The family of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan has alleged that his body was repatriated from Venezuela without several vital organs, prompting calls for an investigation. The Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) claimed the body arrived without an autopsy report or official details from Venezuelan authorities. According to the union, an autopsy conducted in India at the family's request allegedly found the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines missing. Calling the case "unacceptable", FSUI demanded a thorough probe and greater protection for Indian seafarers. The allegations have not yet been independently verified, and Venezuelan authorities have not publicly responded to the claims.

Thousands of protesters gathered at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), declaring that the region is "not part of Pakistan" while accusing Islamabad of imposing a food blockade and decades of political and economic neglect. Demonstrators alleged that restrictions on essential supplies were being used to suppress dissent and warned that residents could seek "other roads" if the situation continued, a remark widely interpreted as hinting at closer engagement with India. The rally, held near the Line of Control (LoC), marked one of the strongest public challenges to Pakistan's control over the territory. Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the protesters' allegations.

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now available in Greece, allowing eligible Indian travellers to make instant digital payments. The service was launched through a partnership between Eurobank and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL). "The increasing global acceptance and appreciation of UPI reflects the trust in India," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. The new service will help tourists, students, and business travellers pay directly from their linked Indian bank accounts. It is expected to reduce transaction costs, support cash-free payments, and make spending easier in cities such as Athens and other participating locations.

More than 60% of ships carrying cargo to India are limiting or switching off their public tracking signals while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid rising security concerns linked to tensions involving Iran. "Going dark" means ships reduce or stop broadcasting their public location through the Automatic Identification System (AIS). Officials said the vessels continue to sail safely and remain in contact with authorities through secure channels. India has said there is no immediate impact on oil or fuel supplies, and ships are continuing to cross the strategic waterway with extra precautions. (PC: Reuters)

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna criticised US President Donald Trump's foreign and trade policies, saying they had weakened relations between the United States and India. Speaking at the USISPF Leadership Summit, Khanna said "the US-India relationship has been at the lowest point in the last 30 years." He claimed Trump's actions on Iran and trade had raised fuel prices and damaged US credibility with allies. Khanna also criticised military action taken without consulting partners such as India, Europe, and Canada. His remarks came as other speakers at the summit praised the strength of India-US relations.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor recalled an incident when US President Donald Trump wanted to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 6 am IST during a UFC event in Miami. Gor said Trump believed Modi would already be awake. "He'll be up. He's like me. He doesn't sleep," Trump reportedly said. Gor said the moment showed the close friendship between the two leaders. He also said Trump sees Modi as a trusted friend. The envoy added that India-US trade talks are in the final stage and PM Modi will visit the US for the G20 Summit in December. (PC: Reuters)

India plans to push for Pakistan's return to the FATF grey list by presenting fresh evidence of alleged terror financing and support for militant groups. Officials say findings from the NIA investigation into the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor show that terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan remains active. "India will present video and documentary evidence before the FATF," sources said. Pakistan was removed from the grey list in 2022 after promising action against terror financing. India hopes the new evidence will support its case during the global watchdog's next review.

An AI-based report says India can manage a short disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, but a longer crisis could hurt the economy. The simulation found that government measures such as fuel subsidies and tax cuts could reduce the impact during the first 90 days. However, costs would rise if the disruption continued beyond three months. "India was able to manage the crisis during the first 90 days," the report said. It warned that a prolonged blockade could increase inflation, raise fuel and cooking gas prices, weaken the rupee, and put pressure on businesses and households. (PC : Reuters)