World

A geopolitical analysis highlights India’s balancing act in West Asia, urging it to maintain ties with UAE, Israel, and Iran simultaneously. It notes PM Modi’s UAE visit as part of India’s broader strategy to deepen strategic, economic, and connectivity partnerships across the region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sweden for a two-day visit after the Netherlands leg of his Europe tour. Talks with PM Ulf Kristersson will focus on trade, technology, defence, and green transition, aiming to strengthen India-Sweden cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his Netherlands visit strengthened bilateral ties, elevating cooperation to a strategic partnership across defence, technology, and water management. He highlighted new agreements, diaspora engagement, and collaboration with Dutch leadership on innovation, sustainability, and global economic challenges

India and the Netherlands upgraded ties to a strategic partnership, signing 17 agreements across defence, semiconductors, and critical minerals. PM Modi and Rob Jetten also backed free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, discussed Ukraine, and expanded cooperation on energy, AI, and trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his Netherlands visit with 17 agreements in defence, critical minerals, and technology before departing for Sweden. Talks with Dutch leaders focused on strategic ties, climate cooperation, and global energy concerns amid West Asia disruptions

Nepalese climber Kami Rita Sherpa set a new world record by summiting Mount Everest for the 32nd time. The 55-year-old guide continues his legendary mountaineering career, while fellow climber Lhakpa Sherpa also achieved a record 11th ascent

Growing dissatisfaction with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has triggered speculation over his leadership future, with Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, and Andy Burnham emerging as potential successors. Labour faces internal divisions, public discontent, and mounting economic pressures amid fears of prolonged political instability

The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. Hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths have been reported, prompting urgent cross-border coordination and surveillance efforts in Central Africa.

A shocking incident unfolded in Modena, northern Italy, when a car rammed into pedestrians on Saturday, injuring eight people. According to Mayor Massimo Mezzetti, two victims are in critical condition, including a woman who may lose both legs after being pinned against a shop window.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in the Italian Open semifinals after a rain suspension. The win extended his Masters 1000 streak to 33 and kept alive his bid for the Career Golden Masters

In a landmark cultural restitution, the Netherlands has returned the 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates, known as the Leiden Plates, to India. The artefacts, comprising 21 large and 3 small plates inscribed in Tamil and Sanskrit, record grants made by Rajendra Chola I formalising his father Rajaraja Chola I’s oral commitments.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said intra-BRICS trade has grown significantly but still accounts for only 5 per cent of global trade, highlighting untapped potential. India, holding the BRICS chairship, emphasized stronger integration, value chains, and expanded cooperation in goods and services.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague, described India as a rising global power undergoing rapid transformation. He highlighted startup growth, innovation, democracy and international ambitions while stressing stronger India–Netherlands cooperation across trade, technology and defence sectors

Bangladesh’s measles crisis worsened as 12 more children died, taking confirmed and suspected deaths to 451. Health experts blamed poor vaccination coverage and malnutrition, while protests erupted demanding accountability from the previous interim government over the escalating public health emergency

Indian Naval Ship Sunayna arrived in Colombo for a three-day visit under the IOS SAGAR initiative, promoting regional maritime cooperation. The deployment includes multinational crew members from 16 countries and highlights India’s Neighbourhood First policy and commitment to security, stability and friendship in the Indian Ocean

Aleema Khan, sister of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, has petitioned the Islamabad High Court against his “prolonged solitary confinement” at Adiala Jail, terming it unlawful and in violation of fundamental rights.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly rejected Iran’s accusations, calling Tehran’s actions “a flagrant violation” of international law and the UN Charter. Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar underscored the UAE’s categorical rejection of threats to its sovereignty and reiterated its right to respond militarily.

Lakshya Sen exited the Thailand Open quarterfinals after losing to Kunlavut Vitidsarn, while Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stormed into the semifinals with a commanding win. P.V. Sindhu also suffered a hard-fought defeat against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that India is ready to support peace efforts in West Asia amid escalating regional tensions. Talks focused on energy security, investments, strategic ties and the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on global stability

Amazon MGM Studios has officially begun the search for the next James Bond, hiring acclaimed casting director Nina Gold to find Daniel Craig’s successor. The upcoming "Bond 26" will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight

Six passengers from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius arrived in Australia for a strict three-week quarantine. Australian authorities have imposed strong health measures after the outbreak, which infected 11 people and claimed three lives during the Antarctic voyage

A new Republican-backed immigration proposal in the US could impose major restrictions on H-1B visas, foreign student work programmes, asylum rules, and family-based immigration. The bill, introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville, may significantly affect Indian professionals, students, and immigrants

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a six-day visit to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy on Friday. The tour will focus on strengthening strategic partnerships, energy security, trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation with leaders of the respective nations

At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused the United Arab Emirates of playing a “significant role” in military aggression against Iran.