World

World leaders congratulated Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister with 4,399 consecutive days in office. Leaders from Australia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Maldives, Kenya, and others praised his leadership, public service, and contributions to India’s development and global standing

Serena Williams made a winning return to professional tennis at Queen’s Club, partnering with Victoria Mboko in doubles. The 44-year-old, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, impressed in her first match since 2022, but remains undecided about playing at Wimbledon

The United States blocked a joint Pakistan-China proposal at the UN Security Council to blacklist the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade under UN sanctions. Pakistan cited regional security threats, while the US already classifies both groups as terrorist organisations

India and its diplomatic missions across the US are preparing large-scale celebrations for the 12th International Day of Yoga. Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra highlighted yoga's widespread popularity in America, while events will promote healthy ageing and India's cultural heritage

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes in Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, killing 13 civilians and injuring 14. The attacks mark a new escalation in border tensions, with both countries blaming each other for supporting militant groups and cross-border violence

Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Kuwait, and claimed strikes on Bahrain and Jordan, after US airstrikes targeted Iranian military sites following a helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz. Rising tensions threaten ceasefire efforts, disrupt shipping, and fuel global energy price increases

A group of Indian-American students from Virginia won the first Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge National Champion Award at the White House for developing a chatbot to prevent bullying. The awards, presented by First Lady Melania Trump, recognized student innovators across elementary, middle, and high school categories nationwide.

The International Criminal Court’s oversight body has suspended Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan after an investigation found he engaged in “serious misconduct” and breach of duty over sexual misconduct allegations with a female aide.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 101 and a late bowling surge powered India A to an 8-run win over Sri Lanka A in the tri-series opener at Dambulla. India A defended 277 despite a strong chase led by Sahan Arachchige’s 74

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, has blacklisted 88 vessels and restricted 278 others for repeatedly abandoning Indian seafarers at foreign ports. In total, 366 vessels have been flagged for violations, with blacklisted ships barred from hiring Indian crew.

Narendra Modi will visit France and Slovakia from June 13-19, holding talks with Emmanuel Macron and Robert Fico, attending the G7 Summit and participating in key innovation and technology events

A US Army Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with both crew members safe, President Donald Trump confirmed. The incident occurred amid heightened Iran-Israel tensions and ongoing US-Iran negotiations over a potential deal and regional de-escalation efforts

India urged the UN to revise its Afghanistan sanctions regime, calling for incentives over punishment to reflect changed political realities. It highlighted humanitarian aid, development projects, and continued engagement with Afghan authorities to support stability and the Afghan people 

Awami League leaders met an EU parliamentarian in Ireland seeking support to lift sanctions and address alleged political repression in Bangladesh. Human rights groups report mass arrests, judicial harassment, and rising political tensions amid intensified government crackdown on opposition members

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak has reached 550 confirmed cases and 101 deaths. Health officials report rising infections in Ituri and North Kivu, strained laboratory capacity, low contact-tracing rates, and continued transmission risks amid displacement and cross-border population movements

At the UN, India sharply criticized Pakistan over alleged airstrikes in Afghanistan, trade restrictions and the “Fitna al-Hindustan” directive. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni accused Islamabad of hypocrisy, misinformation and violating international norms, while reaffirming India’s opposition to terrorism

US President Donald Trump said Iran is willing to forgo nuclear weapons and reach an agreement with Washington. He claimed US actions severely weakened Iran’s military and predicted a diplomatic victory soon, while endorsing Senator Lindsey Graham ahead of South Carolina’s Republican primary

Ukraine struck key Russian and Crimea-based oil facilities, intensifying efforts to raise Russia’s economic costs. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Roman Abramovich relayed messages from Vladimir Putin, while drone attacks and proposed EU sanctions escalated tensions

US lawmakers from both parties welcomed a federal court ruling striking down the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa application fee. Supporters said the fee worsened staffing shortages in healthcare and education, while the White House plans to appeal the decision in court

Seven Indian nationals were killed and nine injured in Dubai when a minibus collided with a stationary truck. The Consulate General of India is assisting victims’ families, while Dubai Police investigate the crash and warn against unsafe roadside stoppages

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives caused by a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake in southern Philippines. The disaster killed at least 32 people, injured over 130, damaged infrastructure, disrupted flights and schools, and prompted temporary tsunami warnings

India and the US are close to finalising the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement by July, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. The deal aims to boost market access, strengthen economic ties, and expand cooperation between both nations

Narendra Modi congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan after his party’s election win, expressing readiness to deepen India-Armenia ties. Both countries have recently expanded defence cooperation and humanitarian coordination, including evacuations of Indian nationals

A fire broke out on the Madagascar-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex off Oman, carrying 24 Indian crew members, amid renewed Israel-Iran hostilities. Authorities said all seafarers are safe as India coordinates with multiple agencies to ensure their security