All 24 Indian seafarers aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex were rescued safely after the vessel caught fire off the coast of Oman following a US military strike. Indian authorities confirmed that the crew members were evacuated with the help of Omani rescue teams and brought to safety without any reported casualties.   The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where commercial shipping has faced growing security risks. According to US Central Command, the unladen tanker was disabled after allegedly attempting to violate the blockade against Iran. Indian agencies coordinated with Omani authorities, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the crew's safe evacuation. (PC: BBC)

An Indian-origin entrepreneur and researcher has cautioned Indian students against taking huge loans to study at what he called "scammy" private universities in Germany. Mayukh Panja, founder of AI firm Populations, said some institutions function like "visa mills" and attract foreign students with promises of easy careers in Europe.   Sharing his observations from Berlin, Panja claimed that many Indian students end up working long hours in delivery services, restaurants and other gig jobs while struggling to repay debts. He urged families not to sell land or borrow heavily for such admissions and advised students to carefully research universities before applying. His remarks sparked a wider discussion online about the risks of expensive overseas education and unrealistic expectations. (PC: HT)

India's Men's U-18 hockey team clinched the Asia Cup title after defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final at Kakamigahara. Ashish Tani Purti produced a match-winning performance with a brilliant hat-trick, helping India dominate the title clash on Japanese soil.   The victory underlined the strength of India's emerging hockey talent and added another major achievement to the country's rich hockey legacy. Purti was named Player of the Match and finished as the tournament's top scorer, while goalkeeper Ayush Rajak earned the Best Goalkeeper award, making it a memorable campaign for the young Indian side. (PC: X)

Kashmiri diaspora groups staged protests outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, UK, after reports that at least 11 people were killed during security force action in Rawalakot in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). Protesters accused Pakistani authorities of using excessive force against civilians.   At the same time, around 30 British MPs, led by Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, urged the UK government to intervene diplomatically over reports of arrests, communication blackouts and human rights concerns in the region.   The unrest is linked to protests demanding economic relief, affordable electricity and greater civic rights in POK.

A Patna court has granted interim protection from arrest to educator and YouTuber Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, in connection with the firing and vandalism case at his coaching institute.   His lawyer said the court accepted the anticipatory bail plea and directed that he should not be arrested until the next hearing. Khan Sir is free to travel and will cooperate with the police investigation if questioned.   The FIR was registered after alleged firing and vandalism outside his coaching centre on June 2. Police have arrested two security guards, while Khan Sir has denied the allegations and claimed the case is an attempt to defame him. (PC: HT)

The Centre has approved a new Rs 13,000-crore greenfield civil-military airport in Great Nicobar, replacing the long-planned expansion of the Indian Navy's INS Baaz air station. The airport will be built at Chingen near Galathea Bay and is expected to serve both civilian and defence operations.   Officials said extending the existing INS Baaz runway was not feasible because of terrain, navigation and infrastructure challenges. The new facility, expected to be completed within five years, will remain under naval control while supporting civilian flights.   The airport is part of the Rs 81,000-crore Great Nicobar Island Development Project, which also includes a transshipment port, power infrastructure and township development. The government says the project will strengthen India's strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific and improve connectivity, while critics have raised concerns over its environmental and tribal impact. (PC: India Today)

According to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India has expanded its nuclear arsenal to approximately 190 warheads, increasing its lead over Pakistan. The report highlights continued modernization of India's nuclear forces, including improvements in delivery systems and strategic capabilities. While Pakistan also continues to develop its nuclear programme, India now maintains a larger estimated stockpile. SIPRI noted that nuclear-armed states worldwide are modernising arsenals amid rising geopolitical tensions. The assessment underscores South Asia's evolving strategic balance and reflects ongoing investments by both India and Pakistan in deterrence capabilities, missile systems and long-term nuclear force development. (PC: X)

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations over military airstrikes in Afghanistan, calling them a “blatant assault” on Afghan sovereignty and regional stability. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Harish Parvathaneni cited reports from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan indicating that 372 civilians were killed and 397 injured during the first three months of 2026, many during Ramadan. India backed calls by the UN Secretary-General and UNAMA for accountability, investigations and civilian protection under international law. New Delhi also defended UNAMA’s credibility after Pakistan questioned the mission’s findings and reporting. (PC: AP)

China on Monday described India as a partner rather than a rival, urging both countries to view each other’s development as an opportunity instead of a threat. Speaking for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian said relations among China, India and Russia are important for regional and global stability. Beijing stated that conditions along the India-China border remain generally stable and communication channels are functioning smoothly. China called for greater mutual trust, expanded cooperation and careful management of differences. Separately, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong backed dialogue between India and Pakistan to address disputes and maintain peace. (PC: The Tribune)

India strongly criticised Harish Parvathaneni's counterpart state, Pakistan, at the United Nations Security Council over Islamabad’s use of the term “Fitna al-Hindustan” for certain groups. Speaking at the UNSC, Parvathaneni described the designation as state-sponsored misinformation wrapped in religious terminology and accused Pakistan’s deep state of fostering hostility toward India to distract from domestic political and economic challenges. India also criticised Pakistan’s military actions in Afghanistan, saying civilian casualties cannot be justified as counterterrorism operations. The remarks also referenced the growing influence of Pakistan’s military leadership under Asim Munir.