New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani has come under political fire after reports surfaced alleging that a Pakistan-based PR campaign was promoting his candidacy. Leaders from both India’s BJP and Congress parties criticized Mamdani, accusing him of indirectly benefiting from propaganda allegedly linked to Pakistan’s ISPR. Mamdani, a sitting New York State Assembly member, has denied any involvement with foreign campaigns. The controversy has sparked debate on diaspora politics and foreign interference. While the BJP condemned the promotion of "anti-India narratives," Congress leaders voiced similar concerns, marking a rare alignment between the rival parties on an international issue. (PC: PTI)  

India refused to sign a joint statement at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the document ignored the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people but mentioned Balochistan, hinting at Pakistan’s influence. India called this unfair and strongly opposed it. Singh urged SCO members to unite against terrorism and criticised countries that support terror. He said India's zero tolerance for terrorism was shown during Operation Sindoor. India’s stand at the summit highlights its demand for clear global action against terror and refusal to accept double standards on terrorism in international forums. (PC: AFP)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China, said, “We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe and we will not hesitate to target them.” He reaffirmed India’s zero tolerance for terrorism and called for united global action. Singh cited Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 after the Pahalgam attack, saying it dismantled cross-border terror infrastructure. He stressed, “Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism.” Singh urged SCO members to act against sponsors and supporters of terrorism, adding that only strong, joint efforts can build peace, trust, and security in the region. (PC: Reuters)

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao on June 26, 2025, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed that “peace, security and trust deficit” constitute the major challenges in the region . Without explicit naming, he condemned the use of cross‑border terrorism as policy, urging SCO nations to reject double standards . Singh underscored India’s commitment to multilateral reforms as essential for dialogue, cooperation, and crisis prevention . His strong stance on terrorism followed the Pahalgam attack, signaling India’s readiness to confront terror networks disguised under proxy groups. (PC: X)

Republican former President Donald Trump on Truth Social denounced New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a “100% Communist Lunatic” and mocking his intelligence and voice . Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old democratic socialist and state assemblyman endorsed by figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC, surged to lead in the Democratic primary on June 24 . His proposed agenda—rent freezes, free buses, universal childcare—resonates with progressive voters. Trump’s outburst underscores GOP efforts to cast Democratic nominees as radical ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Indian-American progressive, declared victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, saying, “Tonight, we made history.” Former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded, saying, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.” Mamdani, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, led strongly in the first-choice votes. “I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City,” Mamdani told supporters. Cuomo, once the frontrunner, struggled to gain support due to his past scandal. Ranked-choice voting results are still pending, but Mamdani’s strong lead may secure an outright win. “This is just the beginning,” Mamdani added. (PC: Getty Images via AFP)

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Indian-origin Democratic socialist, has won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela as he celebrated the win. Son of filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani is poised to become NYC’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor. With endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, his campaign focused on housing, free childcare, and pro-people policies. Cuomo conceded, calling Mamdani to congratulate him. Mamdani has also drawn attention for his strong criticism of PM Modi and Netanyahu during his campaign appearances. (PC: India Today)

On June 23–24, 2025, Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at the Al Udeid U.S. Air Base near Doha, causing explosions and shaken windows across the city. Qatar’s air defenses intercepted the strikes; no civilian casualties were reported . With over 800,000 Indians—the largest expat group—in affected regions, Delhi has issued advisories urging caution, advising nationals to stay indoors and follow updates from local authorities and the Indian Embassy . The incident also triggered temporary airspace closures and disrupted flights, amplifying concern among residents and travellers. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

The International Widows Conference, hosted by The Loomba Foundation on June 23 in London, brought together global leaders, diplomats, and grassroots voices to mark the 15th UN International Widows Day. The conference urged governments to act on the theme “Don’t Leave Widows Behind.” Mrs Cherie Blair CBE KC, President of The Loomba Foundation, opened the event by highlighting that 258 million widows still face poverty, stigma, and abuse. “When widows are given even half a chance, they lead,” she said. Key speakers included Lakshmi Puri, former UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Lord Khan of Burnley, UK Minister for Faith. Puri called widowhood “one of the most overlooked global injustices” and outlined five priorities: legal reform, economic empowerment, data and accountability, leadership, and cultural change. Lord Khan said widowhood affects over 280 million women and is a global human rights issue. Grassroots leaders from Kenya, Nepal, and Nigeria shared frontline experiences. Kumar Dilip of Sulabh International, India, said, “Widows do not need pity—they need power.” The event concluded with Lord Raj Loomba reaffirming the foundation’s mission: “No woman should be punished for outliving her husband.”

India welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, acknowledging the diplomatic efforts of the US and Qatar. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had been closely monitoring developments, including US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran's retaliation on American bases in Qatar. "There is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy," the MEA stated, reaffirming India’s commitment to peace in West Asia. The ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, briefly halted the 12-day conflict, though both sides later accused each other of violations. India expressed readiness to support sustained regional stability and peaceful resolution. (PC: HT)