Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that Africa shouldn't be seen merely as a supplier of raw materials but as a key player in global affairs during his visit to Namibia. He stressed New Delhi's respect for the continent's growing influence and potential.

Editor’s Note: Modi’s comments signal a shift in how major economies engage with Africa—moving beyond resource extraction toward recognizing its strategic and economic partnership potential. This matters because it reflects a broader push for more equitable global trade dynamics, where African nations aren’t just suppliers but active collaborators. For India, it’s also about strengthening ties in a region where China has heavily invested.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to India to strengthen ties between the two nations, even as Western countries push to isolate Russia over its war in Ukraine. Experts are digging into why this partnership—rooted in decades of defense deals, energy cooperation, and geopolitical balancing—has stayed resilient despite global pressure. India isn’t cutting Moscow loose, and Russia’s leaning into its non-Western alliances.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a diplomatic handshake—it’s a signal. India’s refusal to fully align with Western sanctions against Russia shows how tricky global alliances are these days. For New Delhi, it’s about keeping options open (cheap oil, military hardware) and not putting all its eggs in the U.S. or China’s basket. For Putin, it’s proof he’s still got friends where it counts. Watch how this plays out—it could reshape trade, defense, and even how the Global South navigates big-power rivalries.

The Indian government is stepping up with financial help for states battered by floods and landslides, greenlighting over ₹1,066 crore in aid. The money, drawn from a national disaster fund, will go to six states—Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Kerala, and Uttarakhand—to help them recover from the widespread damage.

Editor’s Note: Floods and landslides have been wreaking havoc in these states, destroying homes, roads, and livelihoods. This funding isn’t just about immediate relief—it’s a lifeline for rebuilding. For people in these regions, it means faster recovery and a bit of hope after months of hardship. Plus, it signals the Centre’s recognition of how severe the crisis has been.

India is pushing back against recent US tariffs on its steel and aluminum by proposing its own retaliatory duties on American goods—targeting imports worth a hefty $7.6 billion. This isn’t just a tit-for-tat move; it’s a strategic play during ongoing trade negotiations, signaling India won’t roll over easily.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions are heating up, and this spat could ripple beyond tariffs. For businesses and consumers in both countries, it might mean higher costs or disrupted supply chains. It also shows how fragile global trade relationships can be—even between allies. If talks stall, expect more economic chess moves.

An Indian trade delegation is heading back to Washington to keep hammering out details on a potential U.S.-India trade deal. They’ll tackle lingering tariff disputes and work toward finalizing the first phase of a broader bilateral agreement. The U.S. has bought some extra time by delaying retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods until August, but both sides are clearly eager to lock in progress.

Editor’s Note: Trade talks between India and the U.S. have been stop-and-go for years, with tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods causing friction. This next round of discussions could signal whether the two economic heavyweights are finally closing in on a deal—or just kicking the can down the road. For businesses and consumers in both countries, the outcome could mean lower prices on certain imports, steadier supply chains, or (if talks stall) a return to trade tensions.

A tragic bridge collapse in India has left at least 15 people dead, with rescuers pulling nine survivors from the wreckage. Dramatic footage shows the aftermath of the disaster, though details on the cause are still emerging.

Editor’s Note: Bridge collapses aren’t just accidents—they’re often a sign of neglected maintenance or rushed construction. This one’s a grim reminder of how aging infrastructure can turn deadly, especially in regions where safety checks might slip through the cracks. The human cost here is heartbreaking, and it’ll likely spark debates about who’s accountable.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is making waves by calling out the 1975 Emergency—a 21-month period when civil rights were suspended—as a "dark chapter" in India's history. He specifically criticized Sanjay Gandhi's controversial sterilization campaigns, framing it as a cautionary tale about democracy’s fragility. The remarks have ruffled feathers within his own party, adding fuel to existing tensions between Tharoor and the Congress leadership.

Editor’s Note: Tharoor’s blunt take isn’t just history—it’s a political grenade. By revisiting the Emergency’s abuses, he’s challenging his own party’s legacy while spotlighting how easily democratic norms can erode. That’s risky in today’s climate, where authoritarianism is a global worry. For Congress, it’s awkward: Do they distance themselves or own up? Either way, it’s a reminder that unresolved pasts can haunt the present.

During his visit to Namibia, PM Modi made it clear that India isn’t looking to compete for influence in Africa—it wants to collaborate. He and Namibian President Nandi-Ndaitwah talked about teaming up on defense, tech, energy, and critical minerals, framing India’s approach as a partnership rather than a power play. While not naming China directly, Modi’s emphasis on cooperation over dominance seemed to hint at a contrast with Beijing’s more assertive role in Africa. He also thanked Namibia for standing by India after the Pahalgam attack and for their help with the cheetah reintroduction project, even inviting them to join the Big Cat Alliance.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic handshake—it’s India subtly reshaping its relationship with Africa. By focusing on mutual benefits (like tech and minerals) and soft power (cheetahs, big cats), Modi’s pitching India as the friendly alternative to China’s debt-heavy deals. For Namibia and other African nations, that could mean more options and less pressure to pick sides in global rivalries. For India, it’s a smart play for long-term allies in a resource-rich, strategically vital region.

A heartbreaking loss for the Indian Air Force as Squadron Leader Lokender Singh, a 33-year-old pilot, died when his Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan. Singh, who joined the IAF in 2016 and trained at the National Defence Academy, had just welcomed his first child—a son—a month before the accident. His family in Rohtak, Haryana, is devastated, remembering him as a brilliant and committed officer.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crash report—it’s a stark reminder of the human cost behind military service. A young pilot, barely into fatherhood, lost his life in the line of duty, leaving a family shattered and a child who’ll never know him. It raises tough questions about aircraft safety and the risks servicemen take daily, even in peacetime. Stories like this cut deep because they’re about sacrifice, not just statistics.