World

The US has introduced fixed stay limits for student, exchange visitor and journalist visas, ending indefinite admission rules. The policy caps most F and J visas at four years, shortens post-study grace periods, and increases federal oversight, affecting thousands of Indian students

SpaceX aborted the 13th Starship test flight moments before liftoff after some engines failed to ignite. The company is investigating the issue before another launch attempt. NASA continues to rely on Starship for its future Artemis missions to the Moon

Afghan counter-narcotics police seized hundreds of kilograms of illicit drugs, including opium and methamphetamine, and arrested seven suspects in Nimroz province. The bust is part of a wider regional crackdown that dismantled a processing laboratory in Helmand

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that regional infrastructure could be targeted if US strikes expand to Iranian power plants and bridges. The statement came amid escalating tensions, with Tehran also reaffirming that foreign intervention in the Strait of Hormuz remains unacceptable

A bipartisan group of US senators introduced legislation to strengthen oversight of foreign ownership in the pharmaceutical sector, citing dependence on China as a national security risk. The proposal seeks greater transparency, supply chain resilience, and expanded pharmaceutical cooperation with India

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said national security depends on maintaining Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz and rejected external pressure. Rising US-Iran tensions, renewed military strikes, and uncertainty over the June peace memorandum have heightened regional security concerns 

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has suspended its long march in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) until July 21, giving Islamabad a final chance to meet its demands. The unrest, now in its sixth week, has claimed over 30 lives amid clashes between protesters and security forces.

The United States backed the possibility of a woman becoming the next UN Secretary-General, saying there is no barrier to female leadership. With five women among seven candidates, Washington said it is actively evaluating contenders before António Guterres' term ends in 2026

More than 500 Rohingya migrants are feared dead after two boats reportedly capsized in the Bay of Bengal during separate journeys from Myanmar. The vessels carried refugees fleeing persecution, while UNHCR and IOM await official confirmation and expressed grave concern over the tragedy

A Hyderabad man, Syed Sohail Uddin, was stabbed multiple times in a suspected religion-based hate attack at Valley Fair Mall in Utah, USA. The accused, Peter Michael Larsen, confessed to targeting him for being Muslim.

The United States will host an international ministerial conference on Thursday, chaired by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to address the resurgence of far-left political terrorism. The meeting aims to strengthen global cooperation, disrupt terrorist financing, and protect critical infrastructure. India is unlikely to participate.

The US Mint will strike a new $1 coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the initiative, while details on the coin's release, composition and circulation remain undisclosed

Reports indicate rising tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as the Joint Awami Action Committee continues protests over economic hardship, political discrimination, and governance issues. Security concerns have intensified amid allegations of possible crackdown, while the group has vowed to continue its movement despite threats

Pune-based marine engineer Heramb Karmarkar, who went missing after the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy was attacked near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, has been confirmed dead. His family urged the Centre to ensure his body is brought home with dignity.

INS Sudarshini participated in SAIL Boston 250, showcasing India's maritime heritage, indigenous shipbuilding, and naval training excellence. The historic visit highlighted the vessel’s long voyage, sailing capabilities, and strengthened India-US maritime cooperation during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US Independence

The Voice of Pakistan Minority alleged growing misuse of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, claiming false accusations are being used to target minorities, settle disputes, and incite mob violence. The organisation urged stronger legal safeguards, stricter evidence standards, and accountability to prevent abuse and vigilante attacks

The US reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports after renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting fresh military strikes and Iranian retaliation across the Gulf. The escalating conflict has jeopardised ceasefire efforts, disrupted regional security, and heightened concerns over global energy supplies

The Consulate General of India in Boston has warned the Indian diaspora about a rise in scam calls from fraudsters impersonating diplomatic and law enforcement officials. The mission advised people not to share personal information, make payments or respond to threats.

The United States launched a seven-hour wave of strikes on Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz after resuming a naval blockade of vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports. CENTCOM said the operation targeted missile, drone and coastal defence capabilities.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon safely arrived at the International Space Station aboard Russia's Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft, beginning his first eight-month mission. He will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing space exploration, artificial intelligence, medicine and future Moon and Mars missions.

The White House has launched Gold Eagle, an AI-powered cybersecurity clearing house that will identify, prioritise and help patch vulnerabilities across critical US infrastructure. The initiative brings together federal agencies and private industry to accelerate cyber threat detection and coordinated responses.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon blasted off aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft on his first mission to the International Space Station. During the eight-month expedition, he will conduct research on human health, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and technologies for future deep-space exploration

Applications from Indian students to Germany increased 370 per cent in the first half of 2026, driven by growing demand for artificial intelligence and technology programmes, as students increasingly prioritise affordability, career prospects, visa pathways and post-study employment opportunities

Slovakia has backed India’s candidature for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for the 2028–29 term after Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar met EAM S. Jaishankar in New York. The countries discussed strategic partnership, multilateralism, UNSC reforms and global security cooperation