Microsoft has laid off nearly 9,000 employees in its second major round of job cuts this year, affecting global teams including sales and Xbox. The layoffs represent about 4% of the company’s workforce, following a 6,000-person cut in May as Microsoft invests heavily in artificial intelligence. Additional layoffs in June included 300 workers in Redmond and nearly 2,000 in the Puget Sound region. The company stated the restructuring aims to better position teams in a “dynamic marketplace.” Microsoft had 228,000 full-time employees as of June 2024 and has now conducted at least three rounds of layoffs in 2025 alone. (PC: The Hindu)

India has rejected China’s claim that it must approve the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, insisting only the Tibetan spiritual leader has the authority to decide. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, in Dharamshala for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, said, “The right to decide on his successor rests solely with the Dalai Lama himself.” The Dalai Lama’s office reiterated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will oversee the process. China’s foreign ministry insists the succession must comply with its laws. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile since 1959 and is widely seen as a symbol of Tibetan identity and peaceful resistance to Beijing’s rule. (PC: India Today)

India is set to receive the first batch of six U.S.-made AH‑64E Apache attack helicopters within two weeks, following over a year-long delay due to technical and supply chain issues . Under a $600 million 2020 deal, three helicopters will arrive initially, with the remaining three later this year . The Indian Army plans to deploy them along the western border to bolster combat readiness. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged expedited deliveries of both Apaches and GE jet engines during recent talks with the U.S. Defence Secretary. (PC: PTI)

Several Pakistani social media accounts, including Instagram profiles of celebrities like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, and YouTube channels such as Hum TV and ARY Digital, became briefly accessible in India on July 2 following a technical glitch . By July 3 morning, over 18,000 accounts were reblocked after an emergency governmental review . No official statement was released, but sources cited a legal directive under the IT Rules prompting swift compliance . The ban, enforced post‑Pahalgam terror attacks, reflects India’s ongoing digital restrictions on Pakistani content. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to US plans for stricter Russia sanctions, saying, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” The proposed bill by Senator Lindsey Graham may affect countries like India that maintain ties with Russia. Jaishankar said India has spoken to US lawmakers and shared its concerns. “Our concerns, especially on energy and security, have been made known,” he added. India will decide on its response only if the bill becomes law. He also said the South China Sea is a shared concern for Quad countries, and peaceful solutions are key to avoiding conflict in the region. (PC: PTI)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Washington was cancelled after a planned fuel stop in Vienna. The flight, AI103, took off on July 2 and landed in Vienna. But it couldn’t continue due to a technical problem found during routine checks. Air India said extra maintenance was needed, so the flight to Washington was cancelled. Passengers were taken off the plane. The return flight, AI104 from Washington to Delhi, was also cancelled. Affected travellers got other flight options or full refunds. This comes after another Air India flight to Vienna had faced a warning and a 900-foot drop last month. (PC: Reuters)

Three Indian nationals working at Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Mali, were abducted during a militant attack on July 1, claimed by Al‑Qaeda linked JNIM . India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the “deplorable act of violence” and called on Malian authorities for their “safe and expeditious release” . The Indian Embassy in Bamako is in close contact with local officials, the employer, and the hostages’ families . This kidnapping occurred amid coordinated jihadist assaults across multiple Malian towns on the same day. India has urged all its citizens in Mali to remain vigilant as security conditions worsen. (PC: NDTV)  

Three Indian nationals were abducted by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists from the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, on July 1. The group suspected is Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has carried out several attacks across Mali. India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the “deplorable act” and urged Mali to ensure the hostages’ safe release. The Indian Embassy in Bamako is coordinating with Malian authorities and the factory’s management. Families are being kept informed. All Indians in Mali have been advised to remain vigilant. The government pledged full support to the families and ongoing efforts for a swift rescue. (PC: India Today)

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have agreed to sign a new 10-year US–India Defence Framework during their upcoming meeting later this year . The agreement builds on the February 2025 joint statement between President Trump and PM Modi, aiming to expand defence industrial cooperation, weapon systems co-production, interoperability, and pending major US defence sales . Singh urged expedited delivery of GE F404 engines for India’s Tejas LCA and pushed for a HAL–GE Aerospace partnership to produce F414 engines domestically . The move reflects Washington viewing India as a key defence partner in South Asia and underscores both nations’ commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific. (PC:IANS)  

A British Royal Navy F‑35B stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, forced by adverse weather and low fuel . A hydraulic issue emerged during routine pre-departure checks, grounding the jet and preventing its return to the HMS Prince of Wales . Initial repairs by carrier-based engineers fell short, prompting dispatch of a 40‑member UK technical team and equipment, with plans to transfer the jet to an MRO hangar . Kerala authorities are considering unusual parking fees and supported the crew, with full backing from Indian military and airport staff . The incident highlights deep UK‑India defence cooperation and logistical complexities of advanced aircraft deployment. (PC: India Today)