An Air India flight from Delhi to Washington was cancelled after a planned fuel stop in Vienna. The flight, AI103, took off on July 2 and landed in Vienna. But it couldn’t continue due to a technical problem found during routine checks. Air India said extra maintenance was needed, so the flight to Washington was cancelled. Passengers were taken off the plane. The return flight, AI104 from Washington to Delhi, was also cancelled. Affected travellers got other flight options or full refunds. This comes after another Air India flight to Vienna had faced a warning and a 900-foot drop last month. (PC: Reuters)

Three Indian nationals working at Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Mali, were abducted during a militant attack on July 1, claimed by Al‑Qaeda linked JNIM . India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the “deplorable act of violence” and called on Malian authorities for their “safe and expeditious release” . The Indian Embassy in Bamako is in close contact with local officials, the employer, and the hostages’ families . This kidnapping occurred amid coordinated jihadist assaults across multiple Malian towns on the same day. India has urged all its citizens in Mali to remain vigilant as security conditions worsen. (PC: NDTV)  

At least 8 people have died across Europe as a record-breaking heatwave intensifies, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. Spain’s Catalonia faced wildfires forcing 14,000 indoors and killing two people. France recorded its hottest June since 2003, with two deaths and 300 hospitalisations. Italy reported two more heat-related deaths, while Germany battles forest fires and extreme temperatures. Storms and mudslides disrupted transport in the Alps. A Swiss nuclear plant shut one reactor due to overheated river water. Scientists blamed human-driven climate change, citing greenhouse gas emissions and warming seas as factors in creating a deadly heat dome. (PC: AFP)

Three Indian nationals were abducted by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists from the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, on July 1. The group suspected is Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has carried out several attacks across Mali. India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the “deplorable act” and urged Mali to ensure the hostages’ safe release. The Indian Embassy in Bamako is coordinating with Malian authorities and the factory’s management. Families are being kept informed. All Indians in Mali have been advised to remain vigilant. The government pledged full support to the families and ongoing efforts for a swift rescue. (PC: India Today)

Emma Raducanu delivered a dominant performance to defeat 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova, reaching the Wimbledon third round for the third time. The 22-year-old British star, now ranked 40th, called it one of her best matches in a long time. She will face world number one Aryna Sabalenka next. Former British number one Annabel Croft said Raducanu’s form should “worry Sabalenka.” Raducanu, who has struggled with injuries and personal issues, credits her improvement to coach Mark Petchey and a trusted support system. “I just really cherish these moments,” she said, enjoying the home atmosphere and support of friends at SW19. (PC: BBC)

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have agreed to sign a new 10-year US–India Defence Framework during their upcoming meeting later this year . The agreement builds on the February 2025 joint statement between President Trump and PM Modi, aiming to expand defence industrial cooperation, weapon systems co-production, interoperability, and pending major US defence sales . Singh urged expedited delivery of GE F404 engines for India’s Tejas LCA and pushed for a HAL–GE Aerospace partnership to produce F414 engines domestically . The move reflects Washington viewing India as a key defence partner in South Asia and underscores both nations’ commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific. (PC:IANS)  

A ferry, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles (including 14 trucks) sank off Bali’s Gilimanuk coast on July 2, around 30 minutes after departing Ketapang, East Java. Two bodies have been recovered and approximately 20–23 people rescued—many unconscious after drifting in 2‑metre waves. Authorities confirm at least four fatalities, with 38–43 still missing. Search operations involve nine vessels, including tugs and inflatables, battling harsh sea conditions. Indonesian maritime safety concerns have been raised as ferry transport remains vital across the archipelago. Rescue efforts continue under urgent circumstances. (PC: The Economic Times)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by President John Dramani Mahama during his historic visit—the first by an Indian PM in over 30 years. Recognised for his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” Modi accepted the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, dedicating it to India’s youth, cultural diversity, and the deep-rooted bonds with Ghana . He announced new initiatives: doubling ITEC and ICCR scholarships, setting up a Skill Development Centre, and supporting Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme. India also pledged enhanced cooperation across agriculture, healthcare, defence, digital payments (UPI), vaccine production, and aims to double bilateral trade in five years. (PC: DPR PMO)

A deadly heatwave sweeping Europe has killed at least six people across Spain, Italy, and France, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. Two farmers died in a wildfire in Spain’s Catalonia, while three men in Italy died on beaches and one girl collapsed at Versailles in France. France also recorded over 300 emergency cases. Wildfires forced evacuations in Greece’s Crete and Halkidiki. Experts blame the extreme weather on human-driven climate change, warning such deadly heat will become more frequent. Vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children are most at risk, with cities facing greater danger due to the urban heat island effect. (PC: Getty Images)

Some Pakistani news, entertainment, and celebrity accounts blocked during India’s counter-terror drive, Operation Sindoor, have been reinstated after a government review, according to sources. The crackdown, initiated in early 2025, targeted major Pakistani media outlets like Geo News and Dawn, and personalities including Shoaib Akhtar and Asma Shirazi, citing anti-India content and disinformation. Government sources told News18 that around 14,000 accounts remain blocked, but a few were restored as they had not posted anti-India material recently. Officials clarified that permanent bans aren’t possible, and all accounts undergo regular reviews. No official statement on the reinstatement has been issued yet. (PC: News18)