During ISKCON Toronto’s 53rd annual Rath Yatra, eggs were hurled at Indian devotees chanting bhajans on Toronto’s streets. Instagram user Sangna Bajaj shared footage of broken eggs and described the incident as racist, questioning why joy and faith provoked hostility. Despite being stunned and hurt, participants continued the procession, asserting that “hate can never overpower faith.” The video sparked online debate, some condemned the attack as xenophobic, while others criticized public religious displays as disruptive. Bajaj emphasized that Lord Jagannath’s presence on the streets was unshakable. The incident has ignited conversations around multicultural tolerance, religious expression, and racism in Canada.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report on the June 12 Ahmedabad crash found no mechanical or maintenance faults in the Boeing 787-8 aircraft or its engines. All mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed, and post-crash inspections of the fleet revealed no issues. Wilson urged against premature conclusions, noting the report identified no cause or recommendations. He emphasized continued cooperation with investigators and reassured staff of the airline’s commitment to safety. The crash, which killed 260 people, remains under investigation. The CEO’s internal message aimed to clarify speculation while acknowledging the report’s unanswered questions. (PC: PTI)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on his first China visit since the 2020 Galwan clash, met Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and expressed confidence in maintaining the positive trajectory of bilateral ties. Jaishankar conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO presidency and highlighted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The visit marks a significant moment in India-China relations, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Amid a complex global landscape, Jaishankar stressed that continued normalization could yield mutually beneficial outcomes. His remarks signal a thaw in relations and a renewed push for cooperation between the two Asian powers. (PC: X)

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory warning that visa screening continues even after issuance. Visa holders must comply with all US laws and immigration rules or risk revocation and deportation. The statement aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement. The embassy emphasized that a US visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and every visa decision is a national security matter. Recent advisories also require applicants to disclose social media handles used over the past five years. Failure to comply or falsify information may result in denial or future ineligibility. The embassy reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal entry, visa abuse, and law violations. (PC: India TV & Hindustan Times)

A video of Indian community members performing ‘Ganga Aarti’ on Canada’s Credit River in Mississauga has gone viral, dividing opinions online. Organised by Radio Dhishum at Erindale Park, the event drew praise for preserving Indian traditions abroad. The Indian Consulate in Toronto confirmed Consul Sanjeev Saklani attended. While some lauded the cultural celebration, critics questioned performing Ganga Aarti on a foreign river. Social media reactions ranged from “Har Har Gange” to calls for keeping rituals within India. Organisers and attendees described the event as a heartfelt connection to their roots despite being far from home. (PC: India Today)

India is negotiating a softer US tariff pact amid Washington’s global tariff hike. Talks aim to cap duties on Indian goods below 20%, compared to the initially proposed 26%. This positions India favorably against Asian peers like Vietnam and the Philippines, facing 20–40% tariffs. However, unresolved issues—GM crops, dairy norms, data localization, and defense contracts—threaten progress. India resists US demands that clash with domestic policies and cultural values. The July 9 deadline passed without a deal; August 1 looms. Both sides may settle for a mini-deal now and defer tougher negotiations. Trump’s unpredictable stance and India’s firm red lines make the outcome uncertain. (PC: Mid Day)

A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, 2025, is now undergoing confidential repairs. The sensitive maintenance work is being conducted under strict security, guarded round-the-clock by British soldiers and Indian CISF personnel. Indian security forces and technical staff have been restricted from accessing the hangar due to the classified nature of the aircraft’s technology. A 25-member British technical team and Lockheed Martin specialists are overseeing the repair. If on-site repairs fail, the jet may be dismantled and transported back to the UK under heavy secrecy. (PC: ANI)

A preliminary report on the Air India AI-171 crash reveals that fuel control switches were moved from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" seconds after takeoff, causing engine shutdowns and a fatal crash that killed 260 people. The US FAA had issued a 2018 advisory warning of potential disengagement of the switch locking feature in Boeing aircraft, including the 787-8. Air India did not conduct inspections, citing the advisory as "not mandatory." The switches later returned to "RUN," but only one engine recovered. A pilot was heard asking why the cutoff occurred, with the other denying involvement. The investigation continues, with no conclusions or blame assigned yet. (PC: Bloomberg & NDTV)

A second-year MBA student at IIM Calcutta was arrested after a woman alleged rape inside the boys’ hostel. She claimed she was drugged with spiked pizza and water, lost consciousness, and woke up realizing she had been sexually assaulted. The FIR was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, the woman’s father later denied the allegations, stating she fell from an auto-rickshaw and was fine. Police are investigating the contradictory claims and have seized evidence, including the accused’s phone and clothing. The institute has not commented officially but is cooperating with authorities. The accused remains in custody as the investigation continues. (PC: Hindustan Times & India Today)

A 40-year-old Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two daughters were rescued from a hazardous cave atop Ramatirtha Hill in Gokarna, Karnataka. Seeking spiritual solitude, they lived in isolation for two weeks in a landslide-prone zone inhabited by venomous wildlife. Kutina, who entered India on a business visa in 2017, had overstayed her permitted duration after re-entering from Nepal in 2018. Her documents were recovered in a joint search by police and forest officials. Following counseling, the family was relocated to an ashram run by Swami Yogaratna Saraswati. Authorities have initiated deportation proceedings, with the Russian Embassy contacted and formalities underway. (PC: AI Generated)