External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between India and South Korea, highlighting the shared potential of both nations across several sectors, which he described as opportunities ranging "from ships to chips." He said such collaboration could play an important role in building a more stable, resilient and cooperative global system. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity 2026 during his two-day visit to South Korea, Jaishankar addressed the challenges of an increasingly fragmented world. He said the global community must acknowledge this new reality while also creating new models of cooperation.
"The forum is looking at fragmentation as a challenge and renewed cooperation as the answer. I agree with both the assessment and the solution," he said. Jaishankar noted that global fragmentation is likely to continue but argued that it can also create opportunities by reducing excessive dependence and allowing more countries greater participation in global affairs. He said the modern world remains deeply connected through trade, supply chains, technology and shared resources despite rising geopolitical tensions. According to him, global economic interdependence has become one of the defining features of today's international landscape.
The minister highlighted technology as a major force connecting economies and societies, adding that artificial intelligence will further expand cross-border collaboration because data and technological systems operate beyond national boundaries. At the same time, he stressed that challenges such as pandemics, terrorism and climate-related disasters cannot be addressed by individual countries alone. These issues, he said, require stronger international cooperation and collective responses.
Referring to India's traditional philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or the idea that the world is one family, Jaishankar said global cooperation remains essential in dealing with common challenges. He warned that economic decisions are increasingly being shaped by strategic interests, affecting trade, connectivity and development. He also criticised restrictions that limit developing countries' ability to industrialise, saying unequal access to markets and technology can reinforce global inequalities.
Describing the current international environment, Jaishankar said the world is witnessing the "weaponisation" of various domains, along with greater uncertainty and political pressures influenced by the social media era. He argued that these trends must be addressed through broader cooperation among more countries. The minister suggested five key approaches for rebuilding cooperation in a divided world: reducing risks in the global economy through diversified supply chains, strengthening partnerships among influential nations, safeguarding international laws and institutions, expanding opportunities for the Global South, and promoting reforms in multilateral organisations.
Connecting these ideas with India-South Korea relations, Jaishankar said both countries have strong reasons to work more closely together. He pointed to shared strengths and opportunities in areas including shipbuilding, semiconductors, healthcare, infrastructure and defence. He added that his recent discussions in Seoul focused on expanding economic and technological cooperation, strengthening political and strategic ties, and encouraging closer people-to-people connections between India and South Korea.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@DrSJaishankar.
The 23rd edition of the Multilateral Joint Military Exercise Khaan Quest 2026 is being conducted at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The exercise also commemorates the 20th anniversary of one of the world’s major peacekeeping training exercises, with more than 1,000 personnel from 18 nations taking part, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 40 personnel from a battalion of the JAT Regiment along with members of other Arms and Services, is participating in extensive joint peacekeeping exercises alongside international forces. Conducted under the framework of the United Nations mandate, the exercise focuses on improving interoperability, coordination, communication, and collective responses during challenging operational situations.
During the drills, Indian troops are undergoing training in various tactical operations, including checkpoint management, area patrolling, cordon and search operations, crowd control measures, protection of UN facilities, humanitarian support for civilians, combat medical assistance, and evacuation of casualties. The Indian contingent is also taking part in the “Women, Peace and Security” segment of the exercise, which promotes gender-inclusive peacekeeping practices, civilian protection, community involvement, and a more inclusive approach in conflict and post-conflict regions.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the exercise serves as a valuable opportunity for participating forces to share their experiences, strategies, and operational methods related to peace support missions. Training together in a multinational environment enables troops to strengthen trust, coordination, and preparedness for future UN peacekeeping deployments.
With India’s long-standing contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, including the participation of women peacekeepers, the Indian Army contingent is demonstrating professionalism, discipline, and operational capability. Exercise Khaan Quest 2026 highlights India’s continued role in supporting global peace, stability, and international cooperation. The exercise is being held from June 20 to July 3 at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar. It brings together military forces from various countries to enhance cooperation and interoperability in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The exercise began in 2003 as a bilateral initiative between the United States and Mongolian Defence Forces. From 2006 onwards, it expanded into a multilateral peacekeeping exercise and has since evolved into a major international training platform. The participation of the Indian Army reflects India’s commitment to global peace efforts and its growing defence partnership with Mongolia.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from MinistryofDefence.
West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul on Thursday announced that all newly constructed buildings and projects under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) jurisdiction will be reviewed following the collapse of an under-construction godown shed in Taratala that claimed eight lives. Speaking to ANI, Paul said the decision was taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She added that a meeting would be held to prepare standard operating procedures (SoPs) for carrying out the audits. The minister assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for illegal constructions and negligence.
Paul also alleged that several illegal structures were permitted during the previous government’s tenure and said there would be no leniency for those found involved. Notices have reportedly been issued to unauthorised buildings as authorities begin efforts to address construction-related violations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance for the victims of the accident. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the families of the eight deceased will receive an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh each, while the 20 injured workers will be provided Rs 50,000 each from the Centre. The incident occurred on Wednesday when an under-construction godown shed near Brace Bridge in Kolkata’s Taratala area collapsed, leading to a major rescue operation involving multiple agencies. Kolkata Police confirmed that eight people died and 20 others were injured in the disaster.
In connection with the collapse, police arrested three individuals, including building supervisor Saiyad Md Gulzar and labour suppliers Md Ataul and Subhash Chowdhury. The West Bengal government has also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joysurja Mukherjee, to probe the incident.
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh claimed that the investigation could reveal links to influential political figures. He said those responsible for corruption would face punishment and suggested that more names could emerge during the inquiry. West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee stated that most of the workers present at the site were from Bihar, with around 90–95 per cent of them having arrived in Kolkata just a few days before the accident.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Sayem Chowdhary, also known as Babu Chowdhary, a local political leader from Malda’s Mothabari area, in connection with a case involving mob blockades, violence, and the alleged detention of judicial officers during protests linked to the pre-election Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal. Chowdhary was taken into custody by an NIA team after being questioned at the agency’s Kolkata office. He had recently contested the West Bengal Assembly election as a Congress candidate from the Mothabari constituency in Malda.
According to the NIA, Chowdhary was among the key accused in the April 1, 2026 incident at the BDO Office Block-II, where judicial officers were allegedly detained by a mob. The agency claimed that he was involved in disrupting law and order and was part of a group that attacked police personnel performing official duties, leaving nine officers injured.
The probe agency alleged that Chowdhary had addressed a gathering outside the BDO office a day before the incident, allegedly encouraging people to take part in violent protests. The NIA claimed he conspired with other accused individuals and actively participated in unlawful assemblies that involved violence, threats, and obstruction during the SIR-related activities.
With this arrest, the NIA has so far detained 30 accused in the case. The agency is investigating multiple cases related to protests, violence, and the alleged illegal confinement of judicial officers during the electoral roll revision process in Malda ahead of the Assembly elections. The investigation began following directions from the Supreme Court, which had taken suo motu notice of the violence reported in Malda in April. The NIA said it is continuing efforts to identify and trace other individuals allegedly involved in the wider conspiracy behind the pre-poll unrest.
The agency arrested two more accused — Maulana Imran Ali and Rinku SK — in separate cases involving the alleged detention of judicial officers, highway blockades, attacks on police personnel, and disruption of public order during the SIR exercise. The NIA has registered 12 cases related to the Malda violence and protests and has already filed chargesheets in four of them. A total of 35 accused are currently in judicial custody, while investigations remain ongoing across all cases.
The agency said its earlier searches led to the arrest of Imran and Rinku, who were allegedly involved in violent gatherings during the protests. The NIA claimed they were part of mobs that attacked police personnel deployed for maintaining law and order, including an incident where a police bus driver suffered serious injuries after being hit by a stone during the violence.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Oil markets have quickly shifted from fears of shortages to signs of oversupply after crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz increased following the US-Iran agreement to reopen the waterway. Weak demand from China, strategic stock releases, and increased tanker flows had already created excess supply. Now, buyers in Asia and Europe are being offered more cargoes than they need, putting pressure on prices. Angolan crude has been hit especially hard, trading at its biggest discount in years, while some Chinese refiners have even started selling oil cargoes instead of buying them. The surge in supply has reversed the market trend seen during the Iran conflict, when prices briefly soared above $140 per barrel. Analysts say the reopening of Hormuz has eased supply concerns, though low global inventories could still leave markets vulnerable to future disruptions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy return after a brief pause with a new episode exploring the shifting negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war, and why Donald Trump says the responsibility for reaching a deal now rests with his vice-president. Jonathan also examines the latest Kennedy family member entering the political arena, questioning whether voters are losing interest in political dynasties. He also looks at whether Trump’s planned reflection pool will be completed before the 4 July celebrations.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
As AI continues to evolve, cyber risks are becoming a major business challenge rather than just a technical problem. The Five Eyes alliance warns that advanced AI models could transform the cyber threat landscape faster than anticipated. With AI being used for both attacks and defense, the question remains: who is ahead in this new automated cyber battle? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore this with Jayant Dave, Chief Information Security Officer at Check Point Software Technologies.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A decade after the Brexit referendum, the United Kingdom is again facing a leadership transition, with the departure of Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to bring the country its seventh prime minister in just over 10 years. This frequent turnover reflects the ongoing political instability linked to the long-term effects of the Brexit. As nominations open on 9 July and a new prime minister is expected by September, analysts are examining what this latest leadership crisis reveals about Brexit’s lasting impact on British politics and governance, including insights from political analyst Alexander Hilton of Skystamper.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Keir Starmer has revealed that he will step down as prime minister less than two years after securing an election win, setting off a contest to choose the next Labour leader. As Labour MPs grow increasingly concerned about the rising influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform party, attention has turned to Andy Burnham, the politician nicknamed the “King of the North.” His strong performance in a local by-election last weekend has fuelled speculation that he could be a future occupant of No. 10. Reged Ahmad speaks with North of England editor Josh Halliday about Burnham’s growing political momentum, why he is being viewed as a potential next British prime minister, and why the coming week could shape the future direction of UK politics.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
