India’s top telecom firms, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have signed separate agreements with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink internet services to the country. The deals, conditional on government approval, will expand satellite broadband access, particularly in rural areas. Jio and Airtel, previously seen as Starlink’s rivals, had opposed Musk’s demand for direct spectrum allocation. However, the Indian government’s policy shift in favor of allocation influenced the partnerships. Analysts say the agreements offer Starlink access to 70% of India’s mobile users, potentially lowering satellite broadband costs.

Baloch insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan after bombing the railway track, forcing it to stop. The train, carrying over 400 passengers, mostly security personnel, was attacked by armed militants who took hostages and killed at least 30 security personnel. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners. Pakistani forces reported killing 27 rebels in a counter-operation. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti vowed continued military action. The situation remains tense, with over 214 passengers still held hostage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv accepts the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. "Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show whether it is ready to stop the war or continue it," he stated. After nine-hour talks in Jeddah, the U.S. lifted its pause on intelligence-sharing and military aid. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "The ball is now in Russia's court." Donald Trump confirmed he plans to speak with Vladimir Putin, stating, "It takes two to tango." The agreement now hinges on Moscow’s response.

Gautam Gambhir is set to become the first Team India head coach to travel with the India A squad for an overseas tour. Unlike predecessors Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, Gambhir wants firsthand insight into India's talent pool ahead of the England tour. A BCCI source revealed, “Gambhir is keen on reviving India A tours and analyzing young players.” His push for wildcard selections helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy, and he aims to strengthen the red-ball team. This move signals a shift in India’s coaching approach, with greater emphasis on developing emerging talent.

The Trump administration has intensified its immigration crackdown, warning Indian green card holders and foreign students against political activism. Officials stated that participation in anti-Israel protests or activities perceived as supporting terrorism could lead to deportation. White House advisor Stephen Miller declared, “If you support terrorism, we don’t want you here.” The move follows the arrest of a Columbia University student accused of pro-Hamas activism. A New York judge temporarily halted his deportation, but Trump vowed further action, stating, “This is the first arrest of many.” The policy raises concerns over freedom of speech and its impact on the Indian diaspora.

NASA has announced the elimination of its Chief Scientist position, previously held by Dr. Katherine Calvin, as part of a broader organizational restructuring. This move also includes the closure of the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch. These changes, affecting 23 employees, align with the Trump administration's cost-cutting initiatives aimed at reducing the federal workforce. Dr. Calvin, appointed in January 2022, played a pivotal role in advising on science programs and climate-related initiatives. The restructuring has raised concerns about potential impacts on NASA's scientific research and diversity efforts.

Pakistani security forces rescued 155 passengers from the hijacked Jaffar Express, killing 27 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents. The train, carrying 425 passengers, was hijacked in Balochistan’s Mashkaf tunnel. The BLA claims to hold 214 hostages and threatens executions if its demands, including the release of political prisoners, aren’t met. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, while authorities launched emergency operations in hospitals. The hijacking follows rising insurgent violence in Balochistan, with previous attacks killing dozens. Rescue efforts continue amid escalating tensions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized India’s high tariffs on American alcohol (150%) and agricultural products (100%). She argued these barriers hinder US exports, citing Kentucky bourbon as an example. Leavitt also accused Canada of imposing unfair tariffs on American goods. Meanwhile, India has reduced bourbon tariffs from 150% to 100% and lowered duties on some wines. The US government insists on “fair and balanced” trade practices. Trump has also warned of increasing tariffs against Mexico and Canada. The debate highlights ongoing global trade tensions under his administration.

A Carnegie Endowment survey finds 53% of Indian-Americans believe U.S.-India relations would have been stronger under Kamala Harris than under Donald Trump (40%). The survey, conducted in late 2024, also reveals mixed views on India’s political landscape, with 47% saying India is on the right track. While 46% support Modi’s policies, concerns over Hindu majoritarianism persist, with 70% agreeing his speeches reflect threats to minorities. On the ‘murder-for-hire’ case involving Khalistani separatist Pannun, 51% disapproved of India’s alleged involvement. The findings highlight the diaspora’s nuanced stance on key political and diplomatic issues.

Indian student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, remains missing in the Dominican Republic as newly surfaced footage shows her with an unidentified man at Punta Cana’s Riu Republica Resort. The University of Pittsburgh student had been vacationing with friends and was last seen around 5:50 am on the beach with Iowa tourist Joshua Steven Ribe, who has given conflicting statements. Authorities suspect drowning, but her family fears abduction. Reports say her clothes were found on a lounge chair before she disappeared. The search for Konanki enters its sixth day as concerns grow over her fate.