Passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, affected by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, are being repatriated and quarantined globally. A French woman and an American have tested positive, with the French passenger's health worsening. Health authorities are managing the situation, emphasizing low public risk and early treatment benefits.
India lodged a protest at a foreign affairs seminar in Dhaka after a former Bangladesh diplomat, Tariq A Karim, displayed a map depicting Kashmir as part of Pakistan. Indian diplomat Pooja Kumari Jha objected to the map, stating Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Karim clarified the map was for representational purposes.
India is strengthening ties across the Indo-Pacific with nations like Seychelles, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. These partnerships aim to foster a multipolar Asia, enhance strategic autonomy, and counter regional hegemony, leveraging India's growing influence and democratic appeal.
A major landslide near the Kwar hydroelectric power project in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, blocked the Kishtwar-Doda Highway on Monday due to heavy rainfall. Flash floods and mudslides buried vehicles and construction equipment at the project site, though no casualties were reported. Gates of the Baglihar dam were opened due to increased Chenab river levels.
Mumbai faces an Orange Alert for heavy rain and strong winds on July 7. Authorities have declared a holiday for all schools and colleges, and the BMC advises residents to stay indoors and exercise caution due to potential waterlogging and fallen trees.
Cuba's national power grid collapsed Monday, plunging around 10 million people into darkness. The nationwide blackout exacerbates the island's ongoing energy crisis, marked by frequent outages due to aging infrastructure and fuel shortages, with the government blaming US sanctions.
President Trump expressed optimism that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are progressing, stating that both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy desire a resolution. Trump plans to meet Zelenskyy in Turkey to push for an end to the conflict.
