A family of three from Gujarat died after a fire broke out at an Econo Lodge motel in Wooster, Ohio, where they lived and worked. The victims were identified as Hiteshbhai Suthar, his wife Hinaben, and their 20-year-old daughter, Ishani, who had moved to the US around two years ago. According to relatives and local reports, the family took shelter inside a bathroom after calling the motel's front desk for help. They reportedly followed safety instructions and turned on the water before locking themselves inside. However, they died of suspected suffocation before firefighters could rescue them. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. (PC: India Today)

India and Japan are set to deepen their strategic partnership by signing new agreements on artificial intelligence, defence, clean energy and economic security at their upcoming annual summit. The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies, resilient supply chains, semiconductor development and regional security. The two countries are also expected to expand collaboration in infrastructure, green energy and digital innovation as they seek to boost economic ties. The summit reflects the growing importance of the India-Japan partnership in the Indo-Pacific and their shared commitment to promoting stability, sustainable development and trusted technology cooperation. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi jointly inaugurated Maruti Suzuki India's new manufacturing plant at Kharkhoda in Haryana, marking one of the country's biggest automobile investments. The Rs 35,000 crore project is Maruti Suzuki's fourth manufacturing facility in India and will add an annual production capacity of 10 lakh vehicles when fully operational. The plant is expected to create more than 21,000 direct jobs while boosting India's automotive supply chain, exports and the 'Make in India' initiative. The inauguration also highlights the growing economic and industrial partnership between India and Japan. (PC: India Today)

Russia has begun importing gasoline from India to tackle worsening fuel shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on its oil refineries. The strikes have disrupted refining operations, leading to fuel rationing, long queues at petrol stations, and record-high domestic gasoline prices across several Russian regions. Industry sources say India has already shipped around 60,000 tonnes of gasoline, with additional cargoes expected as Russia plans to import nearly 400,000 tonnes monthly. The move highlights the growing impact of the war on Russia's energy infrastructure and underscores India's expanding role as a key fuel supplier during the ongoing crisis. (PC: India Today)

A group of 117 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan, including former diplomats, academics, activists and public figures, has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging them to end prolonged hostility and restart bilateral dialogue. The signatories called for restoring diplomatic engagement, reopening communication channels, easing visa restrictions and addressing all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, through peaceful negotiations. They stressed that continued confrontation harms regional stability and the welfare of nearly two billion people. The appeal advocates confidence-building measures to foster trust, cooperation and lasting peace between the neighbouring countries. (PC: X)

The family of an Indian seafarer who died while working aboard a vessel anchored off Venezuela has alleged a cover-up surrounding the circumstances of his death. They claim they have not received the official autopsy report and have raised concerns over inconsistencies in the information provided by the shipping company and authorities. The family has urged the Indian government to intervene, ensure transparency, and facilitate an independent investigation into the incident. They are also seeking accountability and a detailed explanation to determine the exact cause of death and address their unanswered questions. (PC: X)

More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan have urged Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and take sustained steps toward restoring peace in South Asia. Spearheaded by Centre for Peace and Progress chairman OP Shah, the joint letter was signed by 61 Indians and 56 Pakistanis, including Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, AS Dulat, Manoj Jha, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and Ashraf Jehangir Qazi. The signatories called for restoring diplomatic relations, appointing High Commissioners, resuming visa services, reopening trade, discussing Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing demilitarisation, addressing security concerns, and reviving Attari-Wagah connectivity and commercial ties.

US Senator Steve Daines described India as a “trusted ally and friend,” contrasting it with China during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington. Illustrating his trust, Daines said he carries his phone when visiting India but leaves it behind while travelling to China. He stressed that stronger US-India cooperation is vital for global stability and competitiveness, particularly in science, technology and innovation, while advocating engagement with China alongside risk reduction. Daines highlighted India’s large STEM talent pool as a strategic advantage. His remarks come as India and the US near completion of a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators resolving the final outstanding issues after months of discussions.

Bangladesh has revived the tradition of "mango diplomacy" by sending 100 kg of mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, despite recent strains in India-Bangladesh ties over illegal immigration and border-related issues. The symbolic seasonal gesture reflects a longstanding diplomatic practice in which mangoes are exchanged to foster goodwill and maintain cordial relations between the neighbouring countries. Historically, mango diplomacy has been used as a soft-power tool to strengthen bilateral engagement during periods of political sensitivity. The latest outreach suggests an attempt to preserve channels of communication and cultural goodwill even as both sides continue to navigate contentious issues affecting their relationship and border management. (PC: MSN)

Venkatesh Doppalapudi, a 33-year-old Indian software engineer from Andhra Pradesh, died after his car was swept away by flash floods in the US state of Kansas during severe storms. According to authorities, he became trapped inside the vehicle as rapidly rising floodwaters carried it away. Emergency responders later recovered his body after extensive search efforts. The tragic incident has highlighted the growing danger posed by sudden flash floods in parts of the United States. Family members are coordinating with officials to complete formalities and repatriate his mortal remains to India. (PC: NDTV)