Weeks before the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad, the UK Civil Aviation Authority flagged fuel control switch issues across five Boeing models, including the 787 Dreamliner. On May 15, the CAA issued a safety notice urging operators to review a US FAA directive on faulty fuel shutoff valve actuators and conduct daily checks. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau later revealed that both engines failed after fuel switches unexpectedly moved to “CUTOFF” post-takeoff. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated no mechanical or maintenance faults were found, and all pre-flight checks were completed. The incident raises serious questions about global aviation oversight and Boeing’s safety compliance. (PC: News Nation & India Today)

Russian woman Nina Kutina and her two daughters were found living in a cave near Gokarna, Karnataka, after overstaying her visa by eight years. Kutina, 40, hid in the forests since 2017, giving birth to both daughters in India. Police found her during a routine patrol and began deportation proceedings. Kutina said she loved India, nature, and meditation but feared people, not animals. The family survived with minimal supplies, living without electricity. They are now in state care. Kutina expressed heartbreak at leaving the forest, calling it her "cozy home." Authorities are investigating the children's paternity and medical history. (PC: The Indian Express)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first such meeting since the deadly 2020 Galwan clash. Jaishankar is visiting China after five years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meet. During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed recent developments in India-China ties. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar said, “Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.” This comes as both nations attempt to stabilize relations following tensions in eastern Ladakh. (PC: India Today)

India strongly condemned the throwing of eggs at devotees during the ISKCON Rath Yatra in Toronto on July 11. Videos showed unknown individuals targeting participants singing devotional songs, sparking outrage over racism and xenophobia. Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik urged the Ministry of External Affairs to protest. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the act “despicable” and asked Canada to hold perpetrators accountable. The annual Rath Yatra, deeply significant to Odisha’s people, was disrupted but devotees continued undeterred. India expects Canada to protect religious rights and ensure such incidents don’t recur, officials said on July 14. (PC: India Today)

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)