At the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, Indian PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on June 14 to enhance strategic defence cooperation, emphasizing the "Make in India" initiative. France, a key defence partner, is set to supply 26 Rafale jets for the Indian Navy, supplementing the 36 jets delivered under a previous €7.87 billion deal. Discussions also included bilateral relations, focusing on the "Horizon 2047" roadmap and Indo-Pacific cooperation, and expanding ties in AI, emerging technologies, and energy. This collaboration aims to reinforce a stable global order and further Indo-French strategic partnership.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), under negotiation since January 2022, is expected to be signed post the UK elections on July 4, 2024. Officials from both nations have completed 13 negotiation rounds, with the 14th beginning in January 2024. Key issues include high tariffs on UK exports and concerns over Indian personnel's social security contributions in the UK. The anticipated FTA aims to significantly enhance bilateral trade, currently valued at £38.1 billion annually. Separately, India is also in active FTA talks with the EU, with the 8th round of discussions slated for late June in Brussels.

The Pentagon has dispatched three Navy destroyers and maritime patrol aircraft to monitor a Russian flotilla conducting missile exercises near the Florida coast. The Russian fleet, including a frigate and nuclear-powered submarine, was observed within 30 miles of South Florida, prompting heightened US surveillance. The exercises, involving high-precision missile drills in the Atlantic, occurred as part of routine maneuvers but raised concerns due to the advanced capabilities of the Russian vessels. Pentagon officials reassured that the presence of Russian ships near US waters did not pose a direct threat, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and defensive measures.

At least 45 Indians, comprising engineers, drivers, supervisors, and other professionals, tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire at a building housing migrant workers in Kuwait's Mangaf area. The victims, including 23 from Kerala and seven from Tamil Nadu, were employed by NBTC, Kuwait's largest construction firm. An Indian Air Force aircraft transported their bodies to India this morning for their final rites. Efforts are ongoing to identify all victims, with condolences pouring in from across India. The incident underscores the challenges faced by migrant workers abroad and highlights safety concerns in such environments.

A worried mother in Bihar is desperately seeking information about her son, Kalu Khan, who lived in the Kuwait building that caught fire, killing 49 people. Madina Khatoon last spoke to her son on Tuesday night, and he was due to return home for his wedding next month. Despite numerous attempts, she has been unable to contact him since the fire. Villagers say Khan was a skilled laborer in Kuwait. The family has sent his photos to embassy officials and is in touch with the district administration, but has received no updates. The distraught mother is praying for good news about her son's whereabouts.

The US Embassy in India announced issuing over 140,000 student visas last year, setting a record for the third consecutive year. With strong demand continuing into 2024, officials project a similar or increased number of visas. The annual Student Visa Day saw consular officers across major cities processing thousands of applications, underscoring the priority placed on educational exchanges. This surge reflects a broader commitment to fostering US-India academic ties, despite challenges posed by pandemic-related visa delays. Currently, Indian students constitute a significant portion of international enrollments in US universities, highlighting ongoing educational aspirations and opportunities.

The bodies of 45 Indian nationals who tragically perished in a massive fire in Kuwait have been repatriated to Kerala. The victims, primarily migrant workers, were among 176 residents in a housing facility in Mangaf city affected by the blaze. Indian authorities expedited identification and paperwork, completing DNA testing for confirmation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation for the families of the deceased. Local and Indian officials coordinated efforts for swift repatriation, reflecting on the humanitarian crisis affecting expatriate workers. The incident remains under investigation for overcrowding in the building.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George alleged she was "denied permission" by the central government to travel to Kuwait following the Mangaf building fire that killed 45 Indians. George stated that many of the deceased and injured were from Kerala. A special IAF aircraft, carrying the victims' bodies, arrived in Kochi on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, onboard the flight, coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities for swift repatriation. Kerala had planned to send George and officials to Kuwait to assist the injured and oversee the repatriation, but the Centre reportedly refused the travel request.

An Indian Air Force aircraft carrying the bodies of 45 Indians killed in the Mangaf fire in Kuwait arrived at Cochin International Airport on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh accompanied the remains. Authorities confirmed the identities through DNA tests. The tragedy claimed 49 lives and injured 50 others. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other officials were present to receive the bodies. Of the 45 deceased, 31 are from southern states and 14 will be sent to Delhi. Kuwaiti authorities attributed the fire to an electrical fault.

An Indian Air Force plane carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indians who died in the Kuwait building fire tragedy has taken off from Kuwait and will land in Kochi, Kerala. Of those killed, 23 were from Kerala. Ambulances and police have been deployed at Cochin International Airport to receive the bodies. The plane will then proceed to Delhi with the remaining bodies. Initial investigations have revealed lapses, including two dozen gas cylinders on the ground floor, inflammable materials used as partitions, and locked doors to the rooftop, preventing workers from escaping.