Indian-origin financier Mahender Makhijani has been accused by US authorities of orchestrating a $100 million bank fraud scheme that allegedly used luxury trips, expensive gifts and sex parties to attract and influence business associates. According to court documents, Makhijani and his associates are accused of misleading a US bank to secure loans through fraudulent transactions.   Federal prosecutors allege the scheme caused losses exceeding $100 million. The case is being investigated by US law enforcement agencies, and legal proceedings are underway. Makhijani has been charged in connection with the alleged fraud, though the allegations are yet to be tested in court.

A vessel carrying 14 Indian sailors was involved in an incident near Oman's Shinas Port, marking the third such maritime incident reported in the region within three days. The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with Omani authorities and the ship's management company.   The latest development comes amid growing security concerns along key Gulf shipping routes following recent attacks on commercial vessels. Officials have not reported any casualties among the Indian crew, and the cause of the incident is yet to be confirmed. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation and gather more information. (PC: India Today)

US-based real estate technology company Opendoor has decided to shut down its India operations, affecting nearly 250 employees. CEO Kaz Nejatian said the company is relocating operational roles closer to its customer base in the United States as part of a business transformation strategy. He added that advances in technology and the use of AI-enabled teams have reduced the need for overseas operations. The company clarified that the decision was not linked to the performance of its Indian workforce and said affected employees would receive severance packages, outplacement support and other transition assistance. (PC: X)

Three Indian sailors who went missing after a US strike on the oil tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, according to Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members, of whom 21 were rescued after the attack. The incident has sparked concern over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the conflict-hit Gulf region. India had earlier lodged a strong protest with the United States over the strike. The government said it is extending all possible support to the families of the deceased sailors.(PC: India Today)

India has lodged a strong protest with the United States and summoned its top diplomat in New Delhi after a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman was attacked, leaving three Indian crew members missing. The vessel, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, was struck during escalating tensions in the Gulf region. While 21 crew members have been rescued, search operations for the missing sailors remain ongoing. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, stressing that the safety of civilian seafarers must be protected. The incident has added diplomatic strain to already heightened regional tensions involving the US, Iran, and maritime security. (PC: Reuters)

India on Wednesday summoned the US Charg d’Affaires in New Delhi to protest a strike on the tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman. The vessel had 24 Indian crew members onboard.   The Ministry of External Affairs said 21 Indian sailors were rescued, while three remain missing. India condemned the attack and said its embassy in Oman is helping with search and rescue efforts.   Later, the US military confirmed it had targeted the tanker during its blockade operations against Iran. India called for immediate de-escalation and urged diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong diplomatic protest following an attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman. The ship carried 24 Indian crew members, of whom 21 have been rescued while three remain missing. New Delhi expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian nationals and demanded accountability and clarity regarding the incident. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities as search-and-rescue operations continue. The episode has heightened tensions amid ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz region. (PC: Reuters)

India has strongly condemned the attack on a commercial vessel near the Oman coast that left three Indian crew members missing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 21 Indian sailors have been rescued and efforts are underway to trace the missing crew.   The government is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with local authorities for search and rescue operations. India also expressed concern over the safety of commercial shipping in the region and called for the protection of maritime routes.   The incident comes amid rising tensions in West Asia, raising fresh concerns over the security of international sea lanes and the safety of Indian seafarers working in the region. (PC: India Today)

An Indian-American engineer has come into focus after a drone boat developed by his company was used in a landmark US military rescue mission near the Strait of Hormuz. The autonomous vessel, Corsair, built by Texas-based Saronic Technologies, helped rescue the crew of a downed US Apache helicopter in what is believed to be the first personnel recovery operation involving an unmanned surface vessel. The company was co-founded by Vibhav Altekar, an Indian-origin technology executive. The mission highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems in modern military and maritime rescue operations. (PC: X)

  Two developments on either side of the Line of Control have highlighted the contrasting situations in the Kashmir region. In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), protests over governance and economic issues have triggered unrest, detentions and violence, with reports of casualties during clashes with security forces. Around 100 km away, engineers in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the breakthrough of the strategic 13.15-km Zojila Tunnel, a project that will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. While POK grapples with recurring instability, India continues to push major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and regional development. (PC: India Today)