China’s reported progress in extreme ultraviolet lithography has intensified the global race for advanced AI chips. Although its prototype cannot yet manufacture usable semiconductors, the project highlights why India must invest in chip equipment, research and skilled manufacturing. China EUV prototype reaches an important stage China has reportedly assembled an indigenous extreme ultraviolet lithography pro

Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin was briefly detained on Monday, July 13, days after authorities designated him a “foreign agent.” Police charged the former presidential hopeful with displaying extremist symbols over an older online video connected to Alexei Navalny. Boris Nadezhdin detained near Moscow Nadezhdin announced the arrival of poli

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has strongly criticized President Donald Trump's proposal to charge commercial ships a 20 percent toll for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, describing the idea as an act of piracy rather than international leadership. Lula's comments came after Trump announced that the United States would become the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and begin collecting transit fees from vessels using one of the world's busie

India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term, presenting a new diplomatic framework called "SHANTI" as the foundation of its global engagement strategy. The campaign was unveiled by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he highlighted India's experience in peacekeeping, multilateral diplomacy and international

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has rejected allegations that Israel’s Mossad tried to recruit him for a plan to replace Iran’s leadership. A statement attributed to his office called the claims fabricated and denied reports that he had been placed under house arrest after the alleged operation failed. Ahmadinejad denial challenges Mossad claims

France will allow Ukraine to manufacture French-designed missiles and precision-guided bombs under a new bilateral defence roadmap. The agreement also covers radars, next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems and 16 Rafale fighter jets, significantly expanding Paris’ long-term military partnership with Kyiv. France grants Ukraine missile production licences French President Emmanuel Macron announced the roadmap after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a gathering of Ukraine’s allies in Paris on Monday, July 13. Macron said the plan would implement defence commitments agreed in principle between the two countries in November. Under the arrangement, Ukraine will receive licences to produce SCALP long-range cruise missiles, Aster air defence interceptor missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided air-to-ground bombs. It marks the first time France has authorised the production of these weapons inside Ukraine. Local production could help Ukraine rebuild weapons stocks more quickly and reduce its reliance on deliveries from foreign factories. However, the agreement’s impact will depend on financing, industrial capacity, component supplies and the security of Ukrainian manufacturing sites. Rafale jets and SAMP-T systems strengthen air power Macron confirmed that Ukraine had ordered 16 Rafale fighter jets, with the aircraft expected to become operational between 2028 and 2029. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel is expected to begin before the jets enter service. The Rafale acquisition will support Ukraine’s longer-term effort to modernise its air force alongside existing Western aircraft. The delivery schedule means the jets are primarily intended to strengthen Ukraine’s future defence structure rather than provide an immediate battlefield solution. Kyiv has also ordered next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems. France plans to complete deliveries of the current version before supplying the upgraded systems and additional Aster interceptor missiles. France to transfer radars and air defence technology The defence roadmap includes the transfer of radar systems designed to improve Ukraine’s ability to detect incoming aircraft, drones and missiles. These systems will complement the SAMP-T network and other air defence platforms already used by Ukrainian forces. The new arrangement shifts French support beyond direct weapons deliveries toward licensed production, technical cooperation and domestic defence manufacturing. Ukraine could gain greater control over maintenance and replenishment, while French companies deepen their role in rebuilding the country’s military industry. Allies plan exercises near Ukraine Macron also said Ukraine’s allies would begin military exercises in neighbouring countries. The drills are intended to prepare forces that could support a proposed multinational security mission after a ceasefire with Russia takes effect. At the Paris meeting, Ukraine and nine European countries also announced a coalition aimed at developing stronger protection against ballistic missiles. The initiative seeks to combine Ukraine’s battlefield experience with European defence technology and industrial resources. The latest commitments show France moving from short-term military assistance toward a broader strategy involving production licences, aircraft, missile defence and future force development. Their success will depend on whether the roadmap produces weapons and operational capability quickly enough to meet Ukraine’s evolving security needs.

President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will strike Iran heavily on Monday night, June 13, 2026 and Tuesday, June 14, 2026 escalating a conflict already affecting Gulf security and commercial shipping. Trump accused Tehran of failing to honor a recent memorandum of understanding and said the agreement had served as a test of Iran’s intentions. Trump Ir

The Sanaa airport strike targeting an Iranian plane has sharply escalated Saudi-Houthi tensions. Yemen’s government said it hit the runway, while the Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia and launched missiles toward the kingdom. The Sanaa airport strike targeting an Iranian aircraft has triggered a dangerous escalation between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia, threatening a period of relative calm that had largely held since 2022. The Iran-aligned Hout

The South Korea digital nomad visa became permanent on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after a two-and-a-half-year pilot. The F-1-D program lowers income thresholds for younger applicants and regional residents, extends stays to three years and bars local employment. South Korea Makes F-1-D Visa Permanent South Korea made its F-1-D workation visa permanent on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after a pilot from January 2024 through May 2026. The trial issued 743 visas. As of May 2026, about 85% of registered holders lived in Seoul, Incheon or Gyeonggi Province, helping explain the new regional incentives. Income Rules Vary by Age and Location Thresholds are tied to South Korea’s 2025 gross national income per capita of 52.41 million won. Applicants aged 18 to 34 need 78.62 million won for most Greater Seoul locations or 52.41 million won in non-capital and designated population-decline areas. Those aged 35 or older need 104.83 million won in the capital region or 78.62 million won in qualifying regional areas. Applicants bringing a spouse or minor children need twice the GNI in the capital region and 1.5 times the GNI in qualifying regional areas, regardless of age. Eligibility and Documents Applicants must be at least 18, work remotely for an overseas company and have worked in the same field for at least one year. Existing Korean consular guidance also includes owners of foreign companies. Spouses and minor children may accompany the primary applicant. Documents include the visa form, passport, photograph, fee, employment and income evidence, bank records, a criminal record certificate and private medical insurance with at least 100 million won in coverage for treatment and repatriation. Applicants claiming a regional threshold must also prove qualifying accommodation for at least one month. Stay Period and Work Limits Applications are filed through a Korean embassy or consulate. Eligible B-1, B-2 and C-3 visitors may request a status change inside South Korea. The status begins with a one-year stay and can be renewed in one-year increments for up to three years. The visa permits overseas remote work but restricts employment and profit-making activity in South Korea. Fees and processing procedures can vary by diplomatic mission, so applicants should confirm local requirements. The revised program is intended to attract global remote workers while directing more long-stay spending beyond Greater Seoul.

The mortal remains of 15 Indian nationals killed in the Vietnam boat tragedy were being flown to Mumbai on Monday, July 13, ending an agonising wait for their families. The victims died after a tourist speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc Island on July 11. The flight carrying the bodies departed from Ho Chi Minh City and was expected to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport late Monday. Indian officials were coordinating the

The University of Sydney has received a $180,000 Maitri Grant to create a three-year music partnership with India’s Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts. The project will support student travel, staff exchanges, curriculum development and community programs across Sydney and Bengaluru. Sydney Maitri Grant supports three-year partnership The University??

The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran on Sunday,June 13,2026 after accusing Tehran of threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said the operation targeted Iran’s military capabilities, while Tehran condemned the attacks as violations of international law and warned of possible retaliation. The latest exchange marks another sharp escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and raises

US strikes Iran were followed by multiple explosions across the country’s southern coastline on Sunday, June 12,2026  including Qeshm Island and the major port city of Bandar Abbas. The renewed fighting came after an attack on a commercial ship and Iran’s declaration that the Strait of Hormuz was closed. Qeshm attack targets military locations Residents reported several explosions near M

Iran revenge rhetoric has intensified after prominent newspapers published threatening headlines and images targeting US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several European leaders. The publications followed a retaliation pledge attributed to Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Iran revenge threat appears on newspaper front page

India-Maldives trade relations are gaining momentum after senior ministers discussed faster progress on an investment treaty and proposed free trade agreement. The talks covered tourism, digital payments, startups, MSMEs and measures intended to make bilateral commerce more efficient. India-Maldives trade talks gain momentum Maldives Minister of Economic D

A devastating Bangkok nightclub fire has claimed at least 27 lives and left more than 60 people injured after flames swept through a popular entertainment venue in the city's Chatuchak district. Thai authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the blaze, with early findings focusing on possible electrical failures and compliance with fire safety regulations.

A Vietnam boat accident near Phu Quoc Island killed 15 Indian tourists after a speedboat carrying 36 people capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island. Twenty-one people were rescued as Vietnamese authorities investigated the cause and India coordinated assistance.

The Hyderabad couple case has drawn attention to how an India Switzerland investigation may proceed. Swiss police can assist with missing-person searches, while evidence sharing, international alerts and extradition require separate official procedures and legal review. Reports concerning a Hyderabad couple who allegedly became unreachable during an overseas trip have prompted questions about what Indian authorities can do

Ukraine drones have pushed the war far beyond the front lines after striking Russia’s largest oil refinery in Omsk. The deep Siberia attack highlights growing pressure on Russian air defence, strategic energy infrastructure and Vladimir Putin’s military planning. Ukraine drones reach the Omsk refinery Ukrainian drones struck the Omsk oil refinery in western Siberia on July 6, marking the first known attack

Iran has warned that continued US violations could release Tehran from its commitments under the Iran US MoU. The dispute involves the Islamabad MoU, Strait of Hormuz navigation, maritime security and wider tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iran warning targets alleged US violations Iran has warned that it may no longer consider itself bound by its memorandum of understanding with the United States if Was