A former US soldier was arrested near the India-Nepal border after allegedly trying to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents. Jordan Brown, a California resident, was detained by the Sashastra Seema Bal at Sonauli on July 11. Police said he gave different versions of how he entered India. He claimed he lost his passport in Thailand and later reached India by sea. Officials recovered cash and two mobile phones but found no passport or visa. Security and intelligence agencies are investigating the case because of Brown’s military background and the sensitive border location.

India and the United States are moving closer to a new trade deal. Both countries have announced Mission $500 Billion, with a goal of reaching $500 billion in trade by 2030. The plan aims to improve trade, increase investment, and support manufacturing and technology. The deal could lower US tariffs on many Indian goods. Some products may even get duty-free access. Sectors like textiles, leather, footwear, and medicines could benefit. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said talks with US officials were positive. He added that both sides are working to reach a fair agreement that helps businesses, workers, farmers, and consumers. (PC: AP)

Indian-origin Google engineering leader Sheetal Wrzesien, 57, was allegedly shot dead by her husband at their home in Smyrna, Georgia, in a suspected domestic violence incident. Their 23-year-old son, Jason Wrzesien, sustained a gunshot wound and was hospitalised. Police arrested 56-year-old Kirk B. Wrzesien at the scene and charged him with felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm-related offences. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public, while the motive remains under investigation. A senior technology executive with over two decades of experience, Sheetal previously worked at Home Depot, held two software patents, and served on leadership boards associated with the Georgia Institute of Technology. (PC: X)

Seventeen-year-old Indian-American Riddhi Chauhan is leading nearly 300 students as Battalion Commanding Officer of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, New York. Arriving before 7 am four days a week, she oversees drill practice, battalion operations, training and cadet welfare while balancing academics. Chauhan previously served as Academic Commander, STEM Commander, Platoon Leader and Inspection Commander, helping her school achieve national academic success and build its first SeaPerch underwater robot. She has also mentored more than 200 cadets and is preparing to join the Naval Academy Preparatory School, aiming to become a US Naval Officer. (PC: X)

India is observing a one-day national mourning on July 13 to honour Qatar's Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who died at 74. As a mark of respect, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and official entertainment has been cancelled, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader and true friend of India, recalling their meeting during his 2024 Qatar visit. Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to visit Qatar to convey India's condolences. Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, transformed the nation into a global LNG powerhouse while strengthening India-Qatar ties.

Ten Indian nationals were rescued while one remains missing after merchant vessel GFS Galaxy was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, prompting India's Ministry of External Affairs to condemn the incident. The MEA thanked Omani authorities for the rescue, called attacks on commercial shipping deeply worrisome, and urged immediate de-escalation alongside restoration of safe international navigation. The attack came as US-Iran tensions sharply escalated, with the US saying it struck around 140 Iranian military targets, including missile, drone, naval and surveillance infrastructure. Iran claimed retaliatory attacks on US bases across the region. The US said GFS Galaxy suffered severe fire damage and was unable to continue its voyage. (PC: The Hindu)

One Indian national is missing after a commercial vessel carrying 11 Indian crew members was hit during an Iranian attack near the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs said 10 crew members have been rescued, while search operations are underway for the missing sailor. India strongly condemned the attack and described the escalating conflict between the US and Iran as "deeply worrisome." The Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities and closely monitoring the situation. New Delhi also called for the safety of commercial shipping and urged all sides to avoid further escalation. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with a specially curated Indian Premium Coffee Box and a vinyl edition of the iconic *Colonial Cousins* album during his official visit to Australia. The coffee collection showcases premium beans from India's major coffee-growing regions and highlights the country's focus on quality, sustainability and value addition. The vinyl record celebrates the legendary musical collaboration between Hariharan and Leslie Lewis, blending Indian classical music with Western pop influences. The gifts reflected India's rich cultural heritage, musical legacy and agricultural excellence while strengthening the growing partnership between India and Australia.  

India has announced a 1-day state mourning on July 13 following the death of Qatar's Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at the age of 74. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the national flag will fly at half-mast across India on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment during the mourning period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, calling him a visionary leader and a valued friend of India who played a key role in strengthening ties between the 2 countries.  

India has strongly condemned an attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman that was carrying 11 Indian crew members. Following the incident, rescue teams safely evacuated 10 Indians, while one crew member remains missing. The Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities, the ship's operators, and India's diplomatic mission to support rescue efforts and assist the affected crew. New Delhi reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad and called for accountability, emphasizing the importance of protecting international shipping routes and maritime security in the region. (PC: The Tribune)