Indian intelligence has reportedly tracked Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar to Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan-occupied territory. Azhar, a UN-designated terrorist linked to major attacks in India, had been missing from public view following Operation Sindoor, which targeted JeM’s Bahawalpur base. His reappearance signals a potential revival of terror activities, with intelligence citing audio clips of Azhar boasting about 10,000 fidayeen ready for jihad. The broadcast, allegedly played at a Bahawalpur mosque, is seen as a coded call for terror financing and a shift in Pakistan’s proxy war strategy. India continues to demand Azhar’s extradition, while Pakistan denies his presence despite mounting evidence. (PC: India Today)

In a major diplomatic win for India, the US designated The Resistance Front (TRF) a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This follows China’s earlier block at the UN Security Council (UNSC) preventing TRF’s mention after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India’s strategic diplomacy reversed the narrative, bolstering its case at the upcoming FATF meeting to re-list Pakistan in the ‘grey list’. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hailed the move as a “strong affirmation” of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. The designation could freeze TRF’s funding and push for UNSC sanctions, strengthening global pressure on Pakistan. (PC: The Hindu & Reuters) 

An Indian student’s F-1 visa to the U.S. was temporarily refused after failing to disclose their Reddit account on the DS-160 form. Despite the account being public and containing no offensive content, the visa officer couldn’t access it during screening and issued a 221(g) slip, requesting all social media handles be made public. This incident follows a June 23 directive from the U.S. Embassy mandating F, M, and J visa applicants to adjust privacy settings for thorough vetting. The State Department emphasized that visa screening continues post-issuance and can lead to revocation. The case highlights growing scrutiny of digital footprints in U.S. immigration processes. (PC: Live Science & Go Kite Tours)

The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the move underscores Washington’s commitment to counterterrorism and justice. The designation imposes financial and travel sanctions on TRF and its members. TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack, later retracting it. The attack escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure. The US action strengthens global counterterrorism cooperation and reaffirms support for India’s security efforts. (PC: France 24 & The Economic Times)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that India-China ties must exclude third-party influence, referencing Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of a stable border and urged de-escalation five years after the Galwan clash. Patrols have resumed in Depsang and Demchok following a 2024 agreement. Jaishankar also pressed China to ensure predictable supply chains and lift export constraints on critical minerals. At the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meet, he highlighted terrorism as a shared concern, citing India’s actions post-Pahalgam attack and UN resolution 16050. The meeting was cordial, with both sides acknowledging the need for bilateral cooperation free from external interference. (PC: X/@Sjaishankar)

  India’s External Affairs Ministry and Petroleum Minister strongly pushed back on U.S. and NATO secondary sanctions targeting countries importing Russian oil. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that energy security remains India’s top priority, guided by market offers and global realities, and cautioned against inconsistent sanctioning approaches . Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured India can diversify its supply chain—expanding from about 27 to 40 countries—to offset any restrictions on Russian imports . The statements mark New Delhi’s first official pushback on evolving Western sanction threats, underlining India’s strategic autonomy in foreign and energy policies. (PC: Reuters)

  The US Department of State has officially labeled The Resistance Front (TRF)—a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The move responds to TRF’s claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, which claimed 26 civilian lives, mainly Hindu tourists. The designation freezes the group’s assets, criminalizes support, and aligns with former President Trump’s call for justice. The review process remains ongoing, but the action underscores mounting international pressure to curtail Pakistan-based proxies and counter cross-border terrorism. (PC: TRF)

Speaking at a special event in London hosted by Here & Now 365, Bollywood actress and cancer survivor Manisha Koirala said that Nepal’s democracy is failing because every leader undoes the work of the previous one. In conversation with Manish Tiwari, she said, “I am a democrat, but I believe Nepal needs a monarchy on top to maintain balance.” Koirala, who belongs to Nepal’s influential Koirala family, known for producing four Prime Ministers, reflected on her personal battles too. Sharing her experience with ovarian cancer, she said, “I thought I was going to die. But by God’s grace, I learned to live again.” On her Bollywood journey, she recalled, “I hadn’t even finished Class 12 when I was acting alongside Dilip Kumar.” Tiwari suggested she create a global project to represent Nepal better. Laughing, she added, “Girls want to be a Koirala but no man wants to marry one!”      

India has firmly rejected NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte’s warning of “100 % secondary sanctions” on countries continuing energy trade with Russia, citing its right to prioritize energy security amid global market and geopolitical conditions . MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal cautioned against “double standards” from the West . Meanwhile, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized India’s diversified energy sourcing—from 27 to around 40 countries, including Guyana, Brazil, and Canada—and expressed confidence in meeting demand even if Russian imports are impacted . Russia still supplies about 35 % of India’s oil, but India will revert to its pre‑Ukraine crisis procurement strategy if required. (PC: Reuters)

India said it is making diplomatic efforts to save Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed providing legal help and regular consular visits to her family. Priya, jailed since 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni national, was scheduled for execution on July 16, but it has been postponed. India is also seeking assistance from “friendly governments.” Priya claims she acted in self-defence after facing abuse. Yemen’s courts rejected her appeals, and the victim’s family refuses any settlement. She remains in Sana’a Central Prison as India continues its efforts. (PC: India Today)