Three Indian Nationals Abducted by Militants in Mali
Three Indian nationals employed at a cement factory in Kayes, Mali, have been abducted during a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. An Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, has claimed responsibility for the wave of assaults across the West African nation. India's Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the act and urged the Malian government to take all necessary measures for the safe and swift release of the hostages. The Indian embassy is in contact with local authorities and the victims' families.
Ghana Confers National Honour on PM Modi During State Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', the country's national honour, by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra. The award recognizes Modi's statesmanship and global leadership. During the visit, the first by an Indian PM in three decades, the two nations elevated their ties to a 'comprehensive partnership' and signed several MoUs to enhance cooperation in culture and standards certification. The visit underscores India's strengthening diplomatic engagement with African nations.
Ferry Sinks Near Bali, Leaving at Least 4 Dead and Dozens Missing
A ferry carrying 65 people sank late Wednesday while en route from East Java to Bali, Indonesia. At least four people are confirmed dead and around 30 remain missing, according to the country's search and rescue agency. Rescue operations are underway for the 31 known survivors, but efforts are being hampered by strong currents and winds. The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members. Such accidents are frequent in the Indonesian archipelago due to lax safety standards.
Annual Amarnath Yatra Begins Under Stringent Security Measures
The annual Amarnath Yatra has officially commenced, with the first batches of pilgrims setting off from the twin base camps of Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal in Kashmir. Nearly 6,000 pilgrims began the journey towards the high-altitude cave shrine. The 38-day pilgrimage is taking place amidst a massive security deployment involving thousands of police and paramilitary personnel, along with aerial surveillance, to ensure the safety of the devotees. The yatra is a significant religious event drawing pilgrims from across the country.
Odisha Government Seeks Public Help in Puri Stampede Investigation
The Odisha government has issued a public notice seeking information, including video footage, regarding the recent deadly stampede at Puri's Gundicha Temple. The incident, which occurred during a Rath Yatra ceremony, killed three people and injured 50. The appeal is part of an administrative inquiry led by the Development Commissioner, which aims to conduct a transparent investigation into the tragedy's cause, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The final report is due within 30 days.
Kedarnath Yatra Temporarily Halted After Monsoon Landslide
The pilgrimage to the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand was temporarily suspended on Thursday after heavy rains triggered a major landslide at Munkatiya near Sonprayag. The landslide completely blocked the route to the Himalayan temple, forcing the administration to halt the yatra as a precautionary measure. State Disaster Response Force personnel were deployed to rescue pilgrims who were trapped while returning from the shrine. The incident highlights the increased risks of travel in the region during the monsoon season.
Deepika Padukone to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Actor Deepika Padukone is set to become the first Indian actress to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced she is part of the Walk of Fame's Class of 2026. The prestigious honour recognizes her significant contributions to the entertainment industry and her growing global influence. Padukone, who made her Hollywood debut in 2017, will be felicitated alongside other international stars like Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, and Rami Malek.
US Announces Israel Agrees to Terms for 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. He stated that during this period, diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Egypt would aim to permanently end the war. Trump warned Hamas that this is the best deal they will receive and urged them to accept it, stating the situation would otherwise worsen. The announcement comes amid ongoing, but stalled, negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and increase humanitarian aid.
Quad Nations Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Demand Justice
The foreign ministers of the Quad nations—the US, India, Australia, and Japan—issued a joint statement strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Meeting in Washington DC, the group called for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers to be brought to justice without delay. While not naming Pakistan directly, the statement explicitly mentioned the need to combat "cross-border terrorism" and urged all UN members to cooperate with authorities to ensure accountability.
Union Health Ministry Refutes Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths
India's Union Health Ministry has officially stated there is no scientific link between COVID-19 vaccines and a recent rise in sudden deaths. The clarification follows comments from Karnataka's Chief Minister linking the two. The Ministry cited extensive studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS which concluded that vaccines do not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death. It attributed these deaths to factors like genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications, warning against misinformation that could fuel vaccine hesitancy.
Two Chinese Nationals Charged in US with Espionage Activities
The US Department of Justice has charged two Chinese nationals, Yuance Chen and Liren Lai, with acting as illegal agents for China's Ministry of State Security. They are accused of engaging in espionage, including photographing a US Navy base, organizing a cash drop for an intelligence asset, and attempting to recruit members of the US military. The case, unsealed in San Francisco, highlights what American officials describe as China's sustained effort to infiltrate the US military and gather intelligence.
International Charities Demand Overhaul of 'Chaotic' Gaza Aid System
Over 150 international humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the disbandment of the current Israeli and US-backed system for distributing aid in Gaza. In a joint statement, the groups condemned the mechanism as chaotic and cited deadly violence against desperate Palestinians seeking food at its distribution sites. This collective call increases pressure on Israel and its partners to reform a humanitarian process that aid groups argue is failing to safely and effectively reach civilians.
Karnataka Government Forms Expert Panel to Probe Rise in Sudden Deaths
The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee to investigate a recent spate of sudden deaths in Hassan district, where over 20 people have reportedly died from heart attacks in the past month. The panel, led by the director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, has been tasked with identifying the exact cause of the deaths and submitting a report within ten days. The move follows rising public concern and speculation about the causes, including potential post-COVID effects.
Quad to Launch 'Ports of the Future' Partnership in Mumbai
As part of their expanding cooperation, the Quad nations of India, the US, Japan, and Australia have announced a plan to launch a 'Quad Ports of the Future' partnership. The initiative, set to be inaugurated in Mumbai later this year, is designed to enhance maritime collaboration among the four countries. The partnership represents a concrete step in the Quad's agenda to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific through practical economic and strategic cooperation in critical infrastructure sectors.
Texas Woman with India Ties Added to FBI's Ten Most Wanted List
Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, a Texas woman with known ties to India, has been placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. She is wanted for the alleged murder of her son, Noel Alvarez. The addition to the high-profile list signifies an intensification of the manhunt for her, bringing global attention to the case. The FBI offers a significant reward for information leading to the arrest of fugitives on this list, and her connections to India are noted as a key element in the search.