India

Indonesian President praises Modi's governance, says he studies Indian policies

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership during Modi's recent three-nation visit. Subianto stated that Indonesia actively studies and adapts Indian policies for its own national development. He praised India's democratic system, particularly its election process and peaceful transfer of power. Subianto also remarked on his personal affinity for Indian culture, including music and dance. The comments drew a positive response from Prime Minister Modi during the bilateral engagement.

1,700-Year-Old Aramaic Inscription Captures Christianity Replacing Mithraism in Roman Turkey

An Aramaic inscription discovered at Zerzevan Castle in present-day Turkey documents the closure of a temple dedicated to the Roman cult of Mithras. Dating to the third or fourth century AD, the ancient text is considered rare written evidence of a religious transition during the late Roman period. The inscription notably references both Mithras and Jesus Christ, as well as the Holy Cross, indicating a shift toward Christianity. This find contributes to a growing body of early Christian archaeological evidence uncovered in Turkey.

Trump Says Relationship With Meloni Turned Sour After She Refused to Help US

US President Donald Trump made remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. When a reporter asked Trump to explain a social media post he had made referencing a 'restraining order' involving Meloni, he addressed the state of their relationship. Trump acknowledged that ties between the two leaders had deteriorated, stating that things turned sour after Meloni declined to assist the United States in some capacity. Despite the tension, Trump also expressed a positive personal sentiment toward Meloni, saying he liked her.

India's FDI surges 44% to $39 billion in 2025, driving South Asia growth

India recorded a significant rise in foreign direct investment, with inflows reaching $39 billion in 2025, marking a 44% increase. This growth was a key driver behind South Asia's overall FDI jump, which climbed from $34 billion to $46 billion. The figures were highlighted in a report that credited India for much of the regional momentum. However, UNCTAD cautioned that project-level indicators point to a more measured investment climate despite the headline gains. The divergence suggests that while capital inflows are up, on-the-ground investment activity may be more restrained.

Kalyan-Dombivli civic hospital staff strike after alleged assault by Shiv Sena leader

Doctors and nurses at Kalyan-Dombivli civic hospitals went on strike Tuesday following an alleged attack on hospital staff by a Shiv Sena leader. Workers suspended routine operations while demanding accountability and action against those responsible. Emergency services have been kept running during the strike, and negotiations with hospital authorities are ongoing. If demands are not met by Wednesday, private medical practitioners are also expected to join the protest. As a precautionary measure, authorities plan to strengthen security arrangements at civic hospitals.

Pune Police Probe Siya Goyal's Search History in Ketan Agrawal Murder Case

Pune police are examining the phone and internet activity of Siya Goyal as part of their investigation into the murder of Ketan Agrawal. Investigators found search queries on her device linked to a separate conspiracy case involving Sonam Raghuvanshi. Authorities are looking into what those searches may reveal about Goyal's prior knowledge or intent. Additionally, police are probing allegations that Goyal and her alleged partner had secretly married before the incident took place.

Kerala Ministers Call Wayanad Landslide Man-Made, Probe Tunnel Waste Dumping

Two Kerala ministers have described the deadly Wayanad landslide as a man-made disaster rather than a purely natural one. The incident claimed at least five lives, prompting serious questions about human activity in the region. Authorities are investigating whether mud excavated from a tunnel construction project was improperly dumped at the site without adequate safety measures. Minister T Siddique confirmed the government probe, highlighting concerns over negligent waste disposal practices. The case has intensified scrutiny over construction activities and environmental safeguards in the ecologically sensitive Wayanad area.

PM Modi’s 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' moment in Indonesia & 'bahut kuch' msg for future ties

Old tweets by Travis Kelce resurface amid Swift-Kelce wedding buzz

Online discussions have intensified following Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's reported wedding, particularly due to the couple's absence of wedding photos on social media. Old tweets attributed to Kelce have resurfaced, drawing criticism for allegedly containing fatphobic and homophobic content. Separately, Swift's frequent references to high school experiences have become a topic of public conversation. This fascination is believed to stem from the fact that Swift was homeschooled during her later high school years, leaving her without a traditional school experience.

Trump Open to Selling F-35 Jets to Turkey Amid Bid to Repair Bilateral Ties

US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, calling the aircraft 'a great plane.' Turkey has been seeking readmission to the F-35 programme for years, having been removed following its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. The dispute also led to US sanctions on Turkey that have strained bilateral relations and hindered Turkish defence initiatives. Ankara has been looking to Trump's diplomatic engagement to break the longstanding deadlock on both the jets and the sanctions.

Marine Le Pen sentenced to house arrest, 2027 presidential run in doubt

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been sentenced to house arrest and barred from holding public office following a court ruling. The verdict puts her planned bid for the French presidency in 2027 in serious jeopardy. The case centres on allegations that Le Pen and her National Rally party misused European Parliament funds to pay for fictitious jobs between 2004 and 2016. Le Pen has denied the charges, maintaining that her party acted in good faith throughout the period in question.

Hardeep Puri Dismisses E20 Fuel Concerns, Cites Misreporting by Media

Union Minister Hardeep Puri has pushed back against controversy surrounding India's E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy, attributing concerns to misreporting. He stated that car manufacturers are comfortable with the E20 standard, suggesting the backlash is not grounded in industry reality. The government has been actively promoting ethanol blending as a key strategy to cut down on crude oil imports and reduce carbon emissions. The policy also aims to support India's domestic agricultural economy by creating demand for ethanol derived from crops.

Three Tankers Attacked in Strait of Hormuz Within 24 Hours

Three oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz within a 24-hour period amid ongoing US-Iran ceasefire talks. One of the vessels caught fire after being struck while sailing off the coast of Oman. Iranian state television reported that a liquefied natural gas tanker was targeted after allegedly ignoring warnings, though Iran stopped short of claiming direct responsibility. The incidents have raised fresh concerns about maritime security in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.

Ram Temple Trust Chief Blames Bank Laxity for Donation Theft

Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader and Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai has attributed the theft of donations at the Ram Temple to lax security measures by the bank involved. Rai distanced himself from the security guideline letter, stating it was drafted hastily and that he was not among its signatories. The remarks come amid scrutiny over how donations at the Ayodhya temple were being handled and safeguarded. Rai's comments suggest a dispute over accountability between the temple trust and the banking institution responsible for managing the funds.

Ronaldo's 2026 World Cup struggles mark painful decline for football icon

Cristiano Ronaldo's performance at the 2026 World Cup has drawn widespread attention for the wrong reasons, with even his supporters finding it difficult to watch. The contrast between his confident, celebrated wink at the 2006 World Cup and his visible frustration at the 2026 tournament encapsulates a steep career decline. Once regarded as one of football's greatest players, Ronaldo now appears to be a shadow of his former self on the world stage. Fans and critics alike are grappling with the uncomfortable reality that a sporting legend may have played on past his prime.

PM Modi Highlights Biju Patnaik's Role in Indonesia's Freedom Struggle in Jakarta

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jakarta, Indonesia, where he spoke about the historical ties between India and Indonesia. During his address, Modi praised former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik for his contributions to Indonesia's independence movement. Patnaik is remembered in Indonesia for his courageous efforts in supporting the country's struggle for freedom. Modi's remarks highlighted the deep-rooted people-to-people connections that have long underpinned the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

India Asks US to Drop Proposed 12.5% Tariff Linked to Forced Labour Probe

India has formally requested the United States to withdraw proposed 12.5% tariffs on its imports stemming from a forced labour investigation. New Delhi contends that the US Trade Representative lacks sufficient evidence to justify the tariff measures. India's submission argues that the USTR's investigative framework is overly broad and does not accurately reflect actual trade practices. The Indian government maintains that its current trade structure does not unfairly distort commerce with the US. Despite its objections, India has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue to address any specific concerns raised by Washington.

BCB pledges top security for India's potential cricket tour amid BCCI talks

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has assured that top-level security will be in place for India's upcoming potential tour to the country. BCB expressed readiness to further strengthen safety arrangements if circumstances demand it. Formal discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are yet to commence, though both sides remain optimistic. Recent invitations exchanged between the two boards have signalled positive momentum toward confirming the series. Security has been identified as the BCB's foremost priority in planning for the high-profile visit.

Modi highlights number 8's significance in Jakarta address to Indian diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to the number eight during his speech to the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, Indonesia. He pointed out numerical links between India's Republic Day and Indonesian President Prabowo's birthday. The number eight carries strong cultural significance in Indonesia, where it is associated with prosperity and good fortune. During the visit, both nations signed twenty agreements aimed at deepening bilateral ties. India also committed to supporting the conservation of the historic Prambanan Temple, a site of shared cultural heritage.

India's Hydropower Output Hits Lowest Since Feb 2024 Amid El Niño Dry Spell

India's hydropower generation has recorded its steepest decline since February 2024, driven by significantly reduced rainfall across the country. Data from the India Meteorological Department revealed that cumulative rainfall remained 38% below normal as of July 1. The shortfall is largely attributed to El Niño conditions developing over the Pacific Ocean, which have disrupted the southwest monsoon season. The southwest monsoon, which typically runs from June to September, is a critical driver of reservoir levels that fuel hydropower plants across India.