External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally intervened to secure safe passage for Indian students during the Ukraine conflict. Modi contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin twice and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once to ensure student safety. In Kharkiv, a designated evacuation spot came under Russian fire due to a misunderstanding, prompting Modi to call Putin, who then halted the attack. These efforts were part of a larger operation to evacuate students from Kharkiv and Sumy after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Jaishankar shared these details during an interaction with editors in Mumbai.

Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old from Missouri with Indian origins, has pleaded guilty to attempting to breach the White House security by driving a truck into the fence. He aimed to seize political power and establish a government based on Nazi Germany's ideology. Kandula planned the attempt for weeks, flying to Washington DC and renting a truck before crashing into the barriers. Pedestrians ran for safety as he drove onto the sidewalk. He will face sentencing on August 23. This incident highlights the threat of extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance in protecting national security.

An Indian United Nations staff member was killed in Gaza when their vehicle was attacked in Rafah. This marks the first international casualty for the UN since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. The victim, a former Indian Army personnel, was working with the UN Department of Safety and Security. Another staff member was injured in the incident, which occurred while they were traveling to the European Hospital in Rafah. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness over the incident, highlighting the risks faced by UN staff working in conflict zones.

The United States has issued a warning to India over its recent deal to operate the Chabahar Port in Iran, cautioning of potential sanctions risks. This comes just days after the US announced new sanctions on Iran targeting its unmanned aerial vehicle production. According to Vedant Patel, deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, "anyone considering business deals with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions." While acknowledging India's foreign policy goals, the US has made it clear that it will continue to enforce its sanctions on Iran.

India and Iran inked a landmark 10-year contract for the operation of a terminal at the strategically vital Chabahar port. This marks India's first overseas port management venture, aiming to bolster regional connectivity and trade ties with Afghanistan and beyond, bypassing Pakistan. The agreement, signed by India Ports Global Ltd and Iran's Port & Maritime Organisation, reinforces bilateral relations and trade prospects. India's involvement at Chabahar port is expected to stimulate economic development and enhance India's engagement in the region, with Chabahar positioned as a crucial hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project.            

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addresses Canada's arrest of four Indians linked to the killing of Khalistani separatist-terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Jaishankar asserts India's openness to investigate but highlights lack of specific information shared by Canadian authorities. The arrests follow a statement by Canada's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team charging Amandeep Singh with first-degree murder and conspiracy. Nijjar's murder stirred a diplomatic dispute, with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau implicating Indian agents, leading to India's rejection and expulsion of Canadian diplomats.

Despite recent bilateral turbulence, India extends vital budgetary support to the Maldives, rolling over a $50 million Treasury Bill upon the Maldivian government's special request. State Bank of India subscribes to the bill, continuing a unique zero-cost arrangement. Maldives' Foreign Minister expresses gratitude, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations. The support signifies India's commitment to collaborative partnership and ongoing developmental projects in the Maldives. This goodwill gesture comes amidst recent strains, including a request for Indian military personnel withdrawal by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.            

Parvej Khan, a 19-year-old Indian athlete, has made history by winning gold in the 1,500 meters and bronze in the 800 meters at the SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Louisiana, USA. This impressive achievement comes after he became the first Indian track athlete to compete at the prestigious NCAA championships in Boston in March. Parvej's family, back in Haryana, India, was thrilled to hear the news. His uncle, Khalid Hussain, was glued to YouTube, watching Parvej's races and sharing the excitement with the rest of the family. Despite their high expectations, Parvej's parents were initially disappointed that he couldn't qualify for the Olympics. However, Khalid reassured them that there are more competitions before the Olympics, and Parvej still has a chance to qualify.

A 36-year-old Indian-origin man, Archit Grover, has been arrested in Canada in connection with a massive gold heist at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The theft, which occurred on April 17, 2023, involved the theft of over $22 million worth of gold bars and foreign currency from a secure storage facility. Grover was arrested at the airport on May 6, 2024, after flying in from India, and has been charged with theft over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. This arrest follows the arrest of five others involved in the theft, which is considered the largest in Canadian history. The investigation led to a Canada-wide warrant for Grover's arrest, ultimately resulting in his capture and bringing the total number of suspects in custody to six.

China overtakes the US as India's largest trading partner, with a two-way commerce of $118.4 billion in 2023-24, marking an 8.7% rise in Indian exports to China. Key sectors witnessing growth include iron ore, cotton yarn, and spices. Meanwhile, imports from China surge by 3.24% to $101.7 billion. UAE ranks as India's third-largest trading partner with $83.6 billion, followed by Russia ($65.7 billion), and Saudi Arabia ($43.4 billion). The US, with a bilateral trade of $118.3 billion, closely trails China, underlining evolving trade dynamics.