Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi has suffered a major legal setback after a London court ordered him to pay more than USD 10.7 million (over ₹100 crore) to Bank of India in a loan recovery case. The London Circuit Commercial Court ruled that Modi is personally liable for the debt because he had provided a personal guarantee for a loan granted to Firestar Diamond FZE, a Dubai-based company linked to his Firestar Group. The court held that Modi must repay the outstanding dues, including the principal amount and accrued interest. The ruling marks an important victory for Bank of India in its efforts to recover unpaid loans. (PC: India Today)

An Indian national, Akash Tiwari, has been sentenced to six months in jail in Singapore after pleading guilty to molesting and harassing a Singapore Airlines cabin crew member. The incident took place on a flight from Bangkok to Singapore in February. Court documents said Tiwari repeatedly touched the flight attendant and later followed her into the aircraft galley despite warnings to stay away. The crew member reported the matter to her supervisors and airport authorities after landing. A Singapore court also ordered Tiwari to compensate the victim. Authorities said the case highlights the serious consequences of misconduct on board aircraft. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to sources. Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed during Israeli and US strikes on Tehran on February 28. Iranian state media said the funeral will begin on July 4 and conclude with his burial in his hometown of Mashad on July 9. Ceremonies will also be held in the holy city of Qom on July 7. The invitation comes as India and Iran continue diplomatic engagement following recent developments in West Asia. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian refiners are unlikely to rush into buying Iranian crude despite a temporary US sanctions waiver that has reopened access to some Iranian oil supplies. Industry experts say uncertainty over the future of sanctions, payment systems, insurance coverage and shipping arrangements continues to weigh on buying decisions. India was once a major importer of Iranian oil, but refiners have diversified their sources in recent years, increasing purchases from Russia, the UAE and other suppliers. While Iranian crude remains an option, companies are expected to move carefully until there is greater clarity on long-term policy and trade conditions. (PC: The Indian Express)

India strongly rejected Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir during an Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council, with India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, asserting that the Union Territory “is, and will remain” an internal matter of India. Addressing the meeting, Parvathaneni called for reviewing outdated mediation mechanisms under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, arguing they must evolve with changing realities rather than retain perpetual validity. He cited the Palestine issue as an example of evolving mediation frameworks and suggested Security Council mandates should also undergo review under the UN80 framework. India additionally accused Pakistan of politicising the forum.

A group of Indian tourists in Italy confronted a waiter over alleged derogatory remarks about India and Indian customers, an incident that has gained significant attention on social media. A video shared by Instagram user “@khushicupcake5” appears to show the waiter allegedly referring to the tourists as being from “f***ing India.” While the full circumstances preceding the exchange could not be independently verified, the women are seen challenging the comments and demanding an apology. Following police involvement, the waiter allegedly apologised and stated, “I’m sorry for abusing India.” The incident sparked widespread online support, with many users praising the tourists for demanding accountability while urging caution about drawing conclusions beyond the video.

A new book, Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, reveals that US Vice President JD Vance proposed deploying Indian troops to monitor a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire. Seeking a non-NATO alternative, Vance floated India during a January 2025 Oval Office meeting. However, President Donald Trump instantly dismissed the proposal. The book claims Trump laughed and stated, “The Indians won't do that. They won't pay for something like that.” Despite noting his excellent relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump reportedly added that “the Indians do not ever pay for anything.” The account, which also details Trump’s criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscores India's growing centrality in Washington's strategic calculations regarding global conflict resolution. (PC: NY Times)

US Vice President JD Vance suggested deploying Indian troops as part of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine during a White House meeting on January 30, 2025, according to a new book by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The proposal was discussed as part of efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The book claims Vance proposed India or Saudi Arabia as non-NATO countries that could help oversee a ceasefire. Donald Trump reportedly dismissed the idea, saying India would not participate. The book also describes Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his comments on India's trade tariffs. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after a gas explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City killed 13 people, including 12 Indians.   In a post on X, Modi thanked the Emir for his condolences and said both countries share the grief of the affected families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.   The explosion took place at a gas facility operated by QatarEnergy LNG. Sixty-six people were injured. India is working with Qatari authorities to identify the victims and arrange the return of mortal remains.  

India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, completed the sacred Kailash Parikrama ahead of the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year suspension. Inspecting facilities, medical centres, accommodation, transport and security arrangements along the Nathu La and Lipulekh routes, he assured pilgrims that extensive preparations have been made. Doraiswami described Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as a “journey of a lifetime” but warned that the pilgrimage involves extreme altitudes exceeding 5,600 metres. He advised pilgrims to prepare for high-altitude sickness, carry essential medicines, wear waterproof trekking shoes, dress in layers, protect against intense UV radiation and help preserve the fragile Himalayan environment.