The Indian government told the Supreme Court it has exhausted all efforts to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, set for execution in Yemen on July 16 for killing her abusive business partner in 2017. India lacks formal ties with the Houthi regime controlling Sana'a, complicating intervention. The government approached an influential Yemeni sheikh, but no official reprieve has followed. Attempts to offer “blood money” under Sharia law were also rejected by the victim’s family, citing “honour.” Priya’s mother remains in Sana’a seeking clemency. The Supreme Court admitted its hands are tied as the case falls under foreign jurisdiction. (PC: HT)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, marking his first China visit in five years. The meeting focused on restoring strategic trust post-2020 LAC standoff, with Jaishankar emphasizing zero tolerance for terrorism and peaceful border resolution. Talks covered rare earth supplies, Dalai Lama succession, and resumption of direct flights. The visit precedes the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tianjin. Jaishankar also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, advocating for continued normalization of ties. Both sides acknowledged the importance of mutual respect and cooperation amid global complexities, aiming to stabilize bilateral relations and foster regional peace. (PC: X)

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya faces execution in Yemen on July 16 for the 2017 murder of a Yemeni national. The Supreme Court heard a plea urging government intervention, but the Centre stated its diplomatic reach is limited due to Yemen’s sensitivity and lack of formal recognition. Petitioners seek blood money negotiations with the victim’s family, the only remaining option under Sharia law. Despite offers exceeding ₹8.6 crore, the family refuses, citing honor. The Attorney General confirmed efforts to suspend the execution have failed. The Court will hear the matter again on July 18. Justice Mehta expressed concern, calling Priya’s potential execution “very unfortunate”. (PC: Outlook India)

During ISKCON Toronto’s 53rd annual Rath Yatra, eggs were hurled at Indian devotees chanting bhajans on Toronto’s streets. Instagram user Sangna Bajaj shared footage of broken eggs and described the incident as racist, questioning why joy and faith provoked hostility. Despite being stunned and hurt, participants continued the procession, asserting that “hate can never overpower faith.” The video sparked online debate, some condemned the attack as xenophobic, while others criticized public religious displays as disruptive. Bajaj emphasized that Lord Jagannath’s presence on the streets was unshakable. The incident has ignited conversations around multicultural tolerance, religious expression, and racism in Canada.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report on the June 12 Ahmedabad crash found no mechanical or maintenance faults in the Boeing 787-8 aircraft or its engines. All mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed, and post-crash inspections of the fleet revealed no issues. Wilson urged against premature conclusions, noting the report identified no cause or recommendations. He emphasized continued cooperation with investigators and reassured staff of the airline’s commitment to safety. The crash, which killed 260 people, remains under investigation. The CEO’s internal message aimed to clarify speculation while acknowledging the report’s unanswered questions. (PC: PTI)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on his first China visit since the 2020 Galwan clash, met Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and expressed confidence in maintaining the positive trajectory of bilateral ties. Jaishankar conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO presidency and highlighted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The visit marks a significant moment in India-China relations, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Amid a complex global landscape, Jaishankar stressed that continued normalization could yield mutually beneficial outcomes. His remarks signal a thaw in relations and a renewed push for cooperation between the two Asian powers. (PC: X)

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory warning that visa screening continues even after issuance. Visa holders must comply with all US laws and immigration rules or risk revocation and deportation. The statement aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement. The embassy emphasized that a US visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and every visa decision is a national security matter. Recent advisories also require applicants to disclose social media handles used over the past five years. Failure to comply or falsify information may result in denial or future ineligibility. The embassy reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal entry, visa abuse, and law violations. (PC: India TV & Hindustan Times)

A video of Indian community members performing ‘Ganga Aarti’ on Canada’s Credit River in Mississauga has gone viral, dividing opinions online. Organised by Radio Dhishum at Erindale Park, the event drew praise for preserving Indian traditions abroad. The Indian Consulate in Toronto confirmed Consul Sanjeev Saklani attended. While some lauded the cultural celebration, critics questioned performing Ganga Aarti on a foreign river. Social media reactions ranged from “Har Har Gange” to calls for keeping rituals within India. Organisers and attendees described the event as a heartfelt connection to their roots despite being far from home. (PC: India Today)

India is negotiating a softer US tariff pact amid Washington’s global tariff hike. Talks aim to cap duties on Indian goods below 20%, compared to the initially proposed 26%. This positions India favorably against Asian peers like Vietnam and the Philippines, facing 20–40% tariffs. However, unresolved issues—GM crops, dairy norms, data localization, and defense contracts—threaten progress. India resists US demands that clash with domestic policies and cultural values. The July 9 deadline passed without a deal; August 1 looms. Both sides may settle for a mini-deal now and defer tougher negotiations. Trump’s unpredictable stance and India’s firm red lines make the outcome uncertain. (PC: Mid Day)

A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, 2025, is now undergoing confidential repairs. The sensitive maintenance work is being conducted under strict security, guarded round-the-clock by British soldiers and Indian CISF personnel. Indian security forces and technical staff have been restricted from accessing the hangar due to the classified nature of the aircraft’s technology. A 25-member British technical team and Lockheed Martin specialists are overseeing the repair. If on-site repairs fail, the jet may be dismantled and transported back to the UK under heavy secrecy. (PC: ANI)