The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the move underscores Washington’s commitment to counterterrorism and justice. The designation imposes financial and travel sanctions on TRF and its members. TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack, later retracting it. The attack escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure. The US action strengthens global counterterrorism cooperation and reaffirms support for India’s security efforts. (PC: France 24 & The Economic Times)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that India-China ties must exclude third-party influence, referencing Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of a stable border and urged de-escalation five years after the Galwan clash. Patrols have resumed in Depsang and Demchok following a 2024 agreement. Jaishankar also pressed China to ensure predictable supply chains and lift export constraints on critical minerals. At the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meet, he highlighted terrorism as a shared concern, citing India’s actions post-Pahalgam attack and UN resolution 16050. The meeting was cordial, with both sides acknowledging the need for bilateral cooperation free from external interference. (PC: X/@Sjaishankar)

  India’s External Affairs Ministry and Petroleum Minister strongly pushed back on U.S. and NATO secondary sanctions targeting countries importing Russian oil. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that energy security remains India’s top priority, guided by market offers and global realities, and cautioned against inconsistent sanctioning approaches . Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured India can diversify its supply chain—expanding from about 27 to 40 countries—to offset any restrictions on Russian imports . The statements mark New Delhi’s first official pushback on evolving Western sanction threats, underlining India’s strategic autonomy in foreign and energy policies. (PC: Reuters)

  The US Department of State has officially labeled The Resistance Front (TRF)—a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The move responds to TRF’s claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, which claimed 26 civilian lives, mainly Hindu tourists. The designation freezes the group’s assets, criminalizes support, and aligns with former President Trump’s call for justice. The review process remains ongoing, but the action underscores mounting international pressure to curtail Pakistan-based proxies and counter cross-border terrorism. (PC: TRF)

Speaking at a special event in London hosted by Here & Now 365, Bollywood actress and cancer survivor Manisha Koirala said that Nepal’s democracy is failing because every leader undoes the work of the previous one. In conversation with Manish Tiwari, she said, “I am a democrat, but I believe Nepal needs a monarchy on top to maintain balance.” Koirala, who belongs to Nepal’s influential Koirala family, known for producing four Prime Ministers, reflected on her personal battles too. Sharing her experience with ovarian cancer, she said, “I thought I was going to die. But by God’s grace, I learned to live again.” On her Bollywood journey, she recalled, “I hadn’t even finished Class 12 when I was acting alongside Dilip Kumar.” Tiwari suggested she create a global project to represent Nepal better. Laughing, she added, “Girls want to be a Koirala but no man wants to marry one!”      

India has firmly rejected NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte’s warning of “100 % secondary sanctions” on countries continuing energy trade with Russia, citing its right to prioritize energy security amid global market and geopolitical conditions . MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal cautioned against “double standards” from the West . Meanwhile, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized India’s diversified energy sourcing—from 27 to around 40 countries, including Guyana, Brazil, and Canada—and expressed confidence in meeting demand even if Russian imports are impacted . Russia still supplies about 35 % of India’s oil, but India will revert to its pre‑Ukraine crisis procurement strategy if required. (PC: Reuters)

India said it is making diplomatic efforts to save Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed providing legal help and regular consular visits to her family. Priya, jailed since 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni national, was scheduled for execution on July 16, but it has been postponed. India is also seeking assistance from “friendly governments.” Priya claims she acted in self-defence after facing abuse. Yemen’s courts rejected her appeals, and the victim’s family refuses any settlement. She remains in Sana’a Central Prison as India continues its efforts. (PC: India Today)

Indian government sources have rejected a US media report suggesting the Air India captain deliberately cut fuel flow before the June 12 crash in Ahmedabad. The Wall Street Journal alleged Captain Sumeet Sabharwal switched off fuel controls, causing the fatal Boeing 787 crash that killed 260. India’s preliminary probe found no evidence of deliberate action or technical faults. Air India completed inspections of its 787 fleet and reported no issues. The Federation of Indian Pilots urged against premature conclusions, calling speculative reports “irresponsible.” Both pilots involved deny switching off fuel; the investigation remains ongoing with no blame established yet. (PC: News18)

The US Embassy in India has issued a fresh advisory warning visa applicants against crimes like theft and assault, stating such actions could lead to visa revocation and future ineligibility. This comes after a viral video showed an Indian woman detained in Illinois for allegedly shoplifting $1,300 worth of goods from a Target store. In the footage, she pleads with officers to let her pay. “Law and order matter in the US,” the embassy said. The warning follows recent restrictions on US visas, including tighter scrutiny of applicants’ social media. Authorities stressed the consequences of breaking US laws while visiting. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has hinted that a new trade deal with India may happen soon. Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said, “Another deal is coming up, maybe.” This suggests that talks between India and the US are moving forward. The deal is expected to be an interim trade agreement. Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last met in February 2025 at the White House. Reports say both countries are working on final details. If signed, the deal could boost trade ties and reduce tariffs between the two nations. However, nothing is confirmed yet. (PC: Bloomberg)