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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer formally apologised on Thursday for the forced adoption of an estimated 185,000 babies born to unmarried mothers in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976, describing it as "a stain on our history".&nbsp;The UK's forced adoption scandal refers to a practice in which thousands of babies born to unmarried mothers were taken away and placed for adoption after many women were pressured or coerced into giving up their children. Many of the mothers were teenagers and faced social, institutional and family pressure that convinced them adoption was their only option.&nbsp;"We are deeply and profoundly sorry to the mothers who were told they were unfit, who were prevented from caring for the children they desperately wanted ... and who have carried this loss for decades," Starmer told parliament.&nbsp;"The shame is not yours. The shame was never yours. The shame is ours," he insisted.Between 1949 and 1976, an estimated 185,000 babies in England and Wales were adopted under circumstances that survivors and later inquiries described as forced.&nbsp;Starmer also paid tribute to the survivors who had campaigned for an official apology and praised the "extraordinary courage with which they have shared their harrowing testimonies and fought for the truth time and time again".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-warns-pakistan-against-reconstructions-at-taxila-sites-says-can-delist-the-historical-sites-1783017645530">UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstructions’ at Taxila sites, says can 'delist' the historical sites</a><h2>Parliament formally recognises wrongdoing</h2> The apology comes four years after a parliamentary committee recommended that the government formally acknowledge the wrongdoing. Australia apologised for forced adoptions in 2013, while Ireland followed with its own apology in 2021.&nbsp;Speaking after meeting survivors at his Downing Street office, Starmer said, "What happened to them and to tens of thousands of mothers, children and families should never have happened."&nbsp;"It is a stain on our history. Mothers, many young, vulnerable and without support, were coerced, bullied or misled into feeling that they had no choice but to have their children taken away from them."&nbsp;The Prime Minister said the removal of children was not the result of isolated incidents but a systemic practice. According to him, it was "embedded within systems across local authorities, across voluntary and faith-based institutions, and in health and social care services".

Starmer apologised in Parliament for the forced adoption of an estimated 185,000 babies born to unmarried mothers, acknowledging that thousands of women were pressured into giving up their children between 1949 and 1976.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer formally apologised on Thursday for the forced adoption of an estimated 185,000 babies born to unmarried mothers in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976, describing it as "a stain on our history". The UK's forced adoption scandal refers to a practice in which thousands of babies born to unmarried mothers were taken away and placed for adoption after many women were pressured or coerced into giving up their children. Many of the mothers were teenagers and faced social, institutional and family pressure that convinced them adoption was their only option. "We are deeply and profoundly sorry to the mothers who were told they were unfit, who were prevented from caring for the children they desperately wanted ... and who have carried this loss for decades," Starmer told parliament. "The shame is not yours. The shame was never yours. The shame is ours," he insisted. Between 1949 and 1976, an estimated 185,000 babies in England and Wales were adopted under circumstances that survivors and later inquiries described as forced. Starmer also paid tribute to the survivors who had campaigned for an official apology and praised the "extraordinary courage with which they have shared their harrowing testimonies and fought for the truth time and time again". Also Read: UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstructions’ at Taxila sites, says can 'delist' the historical sites Parliament formally recognises wrongdoing The apology comes four years after a parliamentary committee recommended that the government formally acknowledge the wrongdoing. Australia apologised for forced adoptions in 2013, while Ireland followed with its own apology in 2021. Speaking after meeting survivors at his Downing Street office, Starmer said, "What happened to them and to tens of thousands of mothers, children and families should never have happened." "It is a stain on our history. Mothers, many young, vulnerable and without support, were coerced, bullied or misled into feeling that they had no choice but to have their children taken away from them." The Prime Minister said the removal of children was not the result of isolated incidents but a systemic practice. According to him, it was "embedded within systems across local authorities, across voluntary and faith-based institutions, and in health and social care services".

Starmer apologised in Parliament for the forced adoption of an estimated 185,000 babies born to unmarried mothers, acknowledging that thousands of women were pressured into giving up their children between 1949 and 1976.

'A stain on our history': UK PM Keir Starmer issues historic apology over forced adoptions. Here's what happened

Pakistan's interference in the ancient archaeological complex of Taxila has been questioned UNESCO, the cultural arm of the United Nations. It warned Islamabad against "reconstructions" at two ancient sites or risk losing the site's coveted heritage status.&nbsp;In a recent meeting with senior government officials UNESCO said that it would not hesitate to "delist" the historical sites at Mohra Moradu and Sirkap - &nbsp;one of South Asia's most significant mahavihara complexes - just like it had "delisted" a World Heritage Site in Germany, due to "unnecessary interventions", reported Dawn newspaper.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-army-gave-kashmiris-those-guns-and-now-they-call-us-terrorists-pok-leader-1783013775621">Pakistan Army gave Kashmiris those guns and now they call us terrorists: PoK leader</a>&nbsp;The warning comes after the Punjab archaeology department carried out some conservation work at the two sites. The archaeology department reportedly used cement and modern masonry which is against UNESCO's internationally accepted principles for preserving archaeological monuments.<h2>Visitor shared photographs with UNESCO&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In March, a visitor and whistleblower shared photographs of the work being carried out at the site with Pakistan's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris.&nbsp;After looking at the pictures UNESCO warned that the "unnecessary interventions" had compromised the authenticity and integrity of the heritage site, reported Dawn.&nbsp;A joint technical visit to the Taxila Museum was carried out by UNESCO, Pakistan's Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division last month to determine the extent of damage to the building if any.&nbsp;Punjab archaeology department Director General Malik Zaheer Abbas has defended the conservation work at the sites by saying, "The interventions being undertaken are conservation measures based on internationally accepted conservation principles, with the primary objective of stabilising vulnerable archaeological remains, preventing further deterioration, and preserving the authenticity and integrity of these World Heritage properties,"&nbsp;

The archaeology department reportedly used cement and modern masonry which is against UNESCOs internationally accepted principles for preserving archaeological monuments.

Pakistan's interference in the ancient archaeological complex of Taxila has been questioned UNESCO, the cultural arm of the United Nations. It warned Islamabad against "reconstructions" at two ancient sites or risk losing the site's coveted heritage status. In a recent meeting with senior government officials UNESCO said that it would not hesitate to "delist" the historical sites at Mohra Moradu and Sirkap - one of South Asia's most significant mahavihara complexes - just like it had "delisted" a World Heritage Site in Germany, due to "unnecessary interventions", reported Dawn newspaper. ALSO READ: Pakistan Army gave Kashmiris those guns and now they call us terrorists: PoK leader The warning comes after the Punjab archaeology department carried out some conservation work at the two sites. The archaeology department reportedly used cement and modern masonry which is against UNESCO's internationally accepted principles for preserving archaeological monuments. Visitor shared photographs with UNESCO In March, a visitor and whistleblower shared photographs of the work being carried out at the site with Pakistan's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris. After looking at the pictures UNESCO warned that the "unnecessary interventions" had compromised the authenticity and integrity of the heritage site, reported Dawn. A joint technical visit to the Taxila Museum was carried out by UNESCO, Pakistan's Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division last month to determine the extent of damage to the building if any. Punjab archaeology department Director General Malik Zaheer Abbas has defended the conservation work at the sites by saying, "The interventions being undertaken are conservation measures based on internationally accepted conservation principles, with the primary objective of stabilising vulnerable archaeological remains, preventing further deterioration, and preserving the authenticity and integrity of these World Heritage properties,"

The archaeology department reportedly used cement and modern masonry which is against UNESCO's internationally accepted principles for preserving archaeological monuments.

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstructions’ at Taxila sites, says can 'delist' the historical sites

India and Japan have on Thursday formalised their first-ever co-development project of the Naval Radio Antenna “UNICORN”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a “new chapter” in the defence technology partnership between the two nations. The original agreement was signed in Tokyo in November 2024, and it was formalised in the 16th India-Japan annual summit. It makes India the second Asian country, after the Philippines, to receive Japanese technology.<h2>What is the UNICORN mast?</h2>UNICORN is an abbreviation of Unified Complex Radio Antenna, also known as NORA-50. It is a state-of-the-art design to integrate multiple communication systems, navigation, and electronic warfare and scattered antennas into a single, unified radar mast. It houses tactical data link, TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System), communications, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) for radar and communication interception into one unified dome also known as radome.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-winter-pollution-rules-aqi-vehicle-curbs-construction-ban-1782926311721">Delhi's new winter pollution rules explained: Vehicle curbs, construction ban and WFH norms</a><h2>How can UNICORN increase the stealth of the Indian Navy?</h2>Conventional masts scatter multiple antennas across various points on the ship, each acting as a small radar reflector that adds to the vessel's overall radar cross-section. UNICORN enhances stealth primarily by cutting down the number of exposed, radar-reflective antennas dotting a warship's superstructure. UNICORN can shrink RCS by as much as 50 percent compared to legacy masts and maximises the stealth capabilities of modern warships. The unified design also improves the range at which the ship can detect incoming radio emissions, since antenna placement is optimised rather than scattered, while simultaneously freeing up deck space and easing maintenance, since technicians work with one integrated unit instead of several separate systems spread across the ship.

India and Japan have formalised the UNICORN naval radar mast project, their first defence co-development initiative to enhance stealth warships.

India and Japan have on Thursday formalised their first-ever co-development project of the Naval Radio Antenna “UNICORN”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a “new chapter” in the defence technology partnership between the two nations. The original agreement was signed in Tokyo in November 2024, and it was formalised in the 16th India-Japan annual summit. It makes India the second Asian country, after the Philippines, to receive Japanese technology. What is the UNICORN mast? UNICORN is an abbreviation of Unified Complex Radio Antenna, also known as NORA-50. It is a state-of-the-art design to integrate multiple communication systems, navigation, and electronic warfare and scattered antennas into a single, unified radar mast. It houses tactical data link, TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System), communications, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) for radar and communication interception into one unified dome also known as radome. Also Read: Delhi's new winter pollution rules explained: Vehicle curbs, construction ban and WFH norms How can UNICORN increase the stealth of the Indian Navy? Conventional masts scatter multiple antennas across various points on the ship, each acting as a small radar reflector that adds to the vessel's overall radar cross-section. UNICORN enhances stealth primarily by cutting down the number of exposed, radar-reflective antennas dotting a warship's superstructure. UNICORN can shrink RCS by as much as 50 percent compared to legacy masts and maximises the stealth capabilities of modern warships. The unified design also improves the range at which the ship can detect incoming radio emissions, since antenna placement is optimised rather than scattered, while simultaneously freeing up deck space and easing maintenance, since technicians work with one integrated unit instead of several separate systems spread across the ship.

India and Japan have formalised the UNICORN naval radar mast project, their first defence co-development initiative to enhance stealth warships.

What are UNICORN masts? How can it improve the stealth of the Indian Navy

Iran is expecting around 50 official foreign delegations to attend the farewell, funeral and burial ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Vahid Jalalzadeh, Secretary of the International Committee of the Martyr Leader's Farewell Headquarters.&nbsp;Speaking to Iran's Fars News Agency, Jalalzadeh said supporters of the Islamic Republic from around the world had expressed their willingness to travel to Iran after the announcement of the ceremony schedule. He said authorities had made arrangements to facilitate the arrival of foreign visitors.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everything-we-know-about-the-upcoming-us-iran-talks-in-doha-1782816752424">No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha</a>&nbsp;Jalalzadeh said foreign participants would be divided into three categories: ordinary supporters travelling independently, prominent public figures including academics, clerics, journalists and members of resistance movements, and official state delegations.&nbsp;According to Jalalzadeh, nearly 50 official delegations have so far confirmed their participation.Among the senior officials expected to attend are the National Leader and the Head of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, the presidents of Tajikistan, Iraq and Georgia, and the head of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq.&nbsp;At the prime ministerial level, Jalalzadeh said the prime ministers of Pakistan, Armenia and Afghanistan would attend. He added that the head of the Kabul administration would also travel to Iran with a delegation that includes Afghanistan's foreign minister.&nbsp;Russia is expected to be represented by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council. Jalalzadeh also said Pakistan's army chief and the vice chairman of China's National People's Congress would attend.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-the-chances-us-iran-agreement-will-work-out-expert-says-less-than-50-here-s-why-1782571965238">What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why</a>&nbsp;He further stated that the speakers of the parliaments of Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and Egypt, as well as the speakers of Pakistan's Senate and National Assembly, are expected to participate.&nbsp;Jalalzadeh said the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Ghana, Nicaragua and the Democratic Republic of the Congo would also be present. He added that Turkey's First Vice President and officials from several other countries would attend as ministers or special envoys.&nbsp;According to Jalalzadeh, Serbia, Tunisia, Lebanon, Namibia, Malaysia, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Gambia and Thailand will also send representatives at various levels.&nbsp;

Iran expects nearly 50 official foreign delegations for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral. High-level attendees include regional presidents, prime ministers, and ministers arriving to pay their respects.

Iran is expecting around 50 official foreign delegations to attend the farewell, funeral and burial ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Vahid Jalalzadeh, Secretary of the International Committee of the Martyr Leader's Farewell Headquarters. Speaking to Iran's Fars News Agency, Jalalzadeh said supporters of the Islamic Republic from around the world had expressed their willingness to travel to Iran after the announcement of the ceremony schedule. He said authorities had made arrangements to facilitate the arrival of foreign visitors. Also read: No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha Jalalzadeh said foreign participants would be divided into three categories: ordinary supporters travelling independently, prominent public figures including academics, clerics, journalists and members of resistance movements, and official state delegations. According to Jalalzadeh, nearly 50 official delegations have so far confirmed their participation. Among the senior officials expected to attend are the National Leader and the Head of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, the presidents of Tajikistan, Iraq and Georgia, and the head of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq. At the prime ministerial level, Jalalzadeh said the prime ministers of Pakistan, Armenia and Afghanistan would attend. He added that the head of the Kabul administration would also travel to Iran with a delegation that includes Afghanistan's foreign minister. Russia is expected to be represented by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council. Jalalzadeh also said Pakistan's army chief and the vice chairman of China's National People's Congress would attend. Also read: What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why He further stated that the speakers of the parliaments of Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and Egypt, as well as the speakers of Pakistan's Senate and National Assembly, are expected to participate. Jalalzadeh said the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Ghana, Nicaragua and the Democratic Republic of the Congo would also be present. He added that Turkey's First Vice President and officials from several other countries would attend as ministers or special envoys. According to Jalalzadeh, Serbia, Tunisia, Lebanon, Namibia, Malaysia, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Gambia and Thailand will also send representatives at various levels.

Iran expects nearly 50 official foreign delegations for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral. High-level attendees include regional presidents, prime ministers, and ministers arriving to pay their respects.

Which countries' officials will attend Khamenei's farewell ceremony?

As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marks her first India visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, she is set to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are set to hold discussions over a range of topics on Thursday (Jul 2), aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. Key areas of talks are expected to be economic security, investment growth, innovation and energy. As the high-stakes summit takes place in New Delhi, focus has also shifted to how global energy shocks are influencing the relations between the two countries.The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Iran war have reshaped traditional energy supply routes, triggering uncertainty over global oil prices. These disruptions have prompted India and Japan, which are heavily dependent on oil imports, to look for alternative solutions to navigate the crisis.<h2>India and Japan: Shared vulnerabilities</h2>India imports 85-90 per cent of its crude oil needs, relying on supplies from the Middle East and discounted Russian oil. Japan also imports more than 85 per cent of its total energy needs, depending on crude and LNG supplies from the Middle East.In response to the global energy shocks, India has diversified suppliers, expanded strategic petroleum reserves and increased refining exports. Meanwhile, Japan has focused on long-term LNG contracts, stockpiling, and energy efficiency measures.<h2>How Russia-Ukraine war re-routed oil flows</h2>Western sanctions on Russia have pushed the majority of its crude supply towards Asia, with India becoming a key exporter, deepening its exposure to geopolitical discount-driven supply chains. In recent years, Russia’s share in Indian crude imports rose to 35-50 per cent from below 1 per cent before 2022.Meanwhile, Japan has largely avoided the purchase of Russian oil due to sanctions, and has shifted its reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers and long-established LNG contracts.<h2>Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption</h2>The second energy supply shock came after disruption of maritime traffic of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East. The blockade of the strategic waterway, the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf accounting for a quarter of global oil trade and one-fifth of LNG flows, has triggered a sharp rise in oil prices.Both India and Japan have faced delays in supplies and price spikes due to the tension in the region.<h2>India-Japan cooperation</h2>Amid the volatile global situation, both India and Japan are increasing cooperation in energy diversification, maritime security, and clean energy transition technologies. Reaffirming their commitment to work on shared goals, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced key initiatives to strengthen energy security at the India-Japan Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday (Jul 2).“In today’s era of uncertainty, both India and Japan fully understand the importance of economic and energy security,” PM Modi said.“We have launched a key initiative on energy resilience to tackle situations like oil shocks. Furthermore, our cooperation in batteries, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy will make a significant contribution to the global clean energy future. India and Japan view economic security as shared security and energy transition as a shared opportunity; we are committed to advancing this agenda together,” the prime minister added.Speaking on the matter, PM Takaichi said, “In the area of energy security impacted by the Middle East situation, both Japan and India bear the responsibility to provide for region-wide energy security as I presented in Power Asia. That is why we have released a document for the public and private sectors, a joint statement to engage in concrete action for economic security cooperation under the Power Asia Initiative; we will launch a bilateral dialogue to strengthen India’s petroleum stockpiling system.”Both leaders also announced launching the Japan-India Cooperative Biogas for Growth or CBG initiative. Takaichi added that Japan supports India’s membership of the International Energy Agency. “In the area of energy transition, India has set a goal of leveraging cooperatives to secure energy from cow faeces to build 1,000 biogas plants.”

India and Japan deepened energy cooperation at the 2026 summit, unveiling initiatives on energy resilience, petroleum stockpiling and clean energy amid global oil supply disruptions caused by Russia and Iran.

As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marks her first India visit for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, she is set to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are set to hold discussions over a range of topics on Thursday (Jul 2), aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. Key areas of talks are expected to be economic security, investment growth, innovation and energy. As the high-stakes summit takes place in New Delhi, focus has also shifted to how global energy shocks are influencing the relations between the two countries. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Iran war have reshaped traditional energy supply routes, triggering uncertainty over global oil prices. These disruptions have prompted India and Japan, which are heavily dependent on oil imports, to look for alternative solutions to navigate the crisis. India and Japan: Shared vulnerabilities India imports 85-90 per cent of its crude oil needs, relying on supplies from the Middle East and discounted Russian oil. Japan also imports more than 85 per cent of its total energy needs, depending on crude and LNG supplies from the Middle East. In response to the global energy shocks, India has diversified suppliers, expanded strategic petroleum reserves and increased refining exports. Meanwhile, Japan has focused on long-term LNG contracts, stockpiling, and energy efficiency measures. How Russia-Ukraine war re-routed oil flows Western sanctions on Russia have pushed the majority of its crude supply towards Asia, with India becoming a key exporter, deepening its exposure to geopolitical discount-driven supply chains. In recent years, Russia’s share in Indian crude imports rose to 35-50 per cent from below 1 per cent before 2022. Meanwhile, Japan has largely avoided the purchase of Russian oil due to sanctions, and has shifted its reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers and long-established LNG contracts. Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption The second energy supply shock came after disruption of maritime traffic of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East. The blockade of the strategic waterway, the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf accounting for a quarter of global oil trade and one-fifth of LNG flows, has triggered a sharp rise in oil prices. Both India and Japan have faced delays in supplies and price spikes due to the tension in the region. India-Japan cooperation Amid the volatile global situation, both India and Japan are increasing cooperation in energy diversification, maritime security, and clean energy transition technologies. Reaffirming their commitment to work on shared goals, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced key initiatives to strengthen energy security at the India-Japan Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday (Jul 2). “In today’s era of uncertainty, both India and Japan fully understand the importance of economic and energy security,” PM Modi said. “We have launched a key initiative on energy resilience to tackle situations like oil shocks. Furthermore, our cooperation in batteries, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy will make a significant contribution to the global clean energy future. India and Japan view economic security as shared security and energy transition as a shared opportunity; we are committed to advancing this agenda together,” the prime minister added. Speaking on the matter, PM Takaichi said, “In the area of energy security impacted by the Middle East situation, both Japan and India bear the responsibility to provide for region-wide energy security as I presented in Power Asia. That is why we have released a document for the public and private sectors, a joint statement to engage in concrete action for economic security cooperation under the Power Asia Initiative; we will launch a bilateral dialogue to strengthen India’s petroleum stockpiling system.” Both leaders also announced launching the Japan-India Cooperative Biogas for Growth or CBG initiative. Takaichi added that Japan supports India’s membership of the International Energy Agency. “In the area of energy transition, India has set a goal of leveraging cooperatives to secure energy from cow faeces to build 1,000 biogas plants.”

India and Japan deepened energy cooperation at the 2026 summit, unveiling initiatives on energy resilience, petroleum stockpiling and clean energy amid global oil supply disruptions caused by Russia and Iran.

India-Japan Summit: How global energy shocks are bringing India and Japan closer

A separatist group in Indonesia's Papua region has claimed responsibility for killing an American pilot and setting fire to an aircraft it alleged was transporting Indonesian troops into what it described as a conflict zone.&nbsp;In a statement issued on Thursday (July 2), Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB), said the group's fighters in Yahukimo regency shot dead American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and burned an aircraft operated by Indonesian airline PT AMA in Balinggama village. The Indonesian military did not immediately comment on the claim. The US Embassy also did not issue an immediate response.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajkot-man-20-kills-wife-he-met-online-3-years-ago-after-finding-out-it-s-a-man-pretending-to-be-woman-1782994047483">Rajkot man, 20, kills ‘wife’ he met online 3 years ago after finding out it’s a man pretending to be woman</a>&nbsp;Indonesia's Transportation Ministry said the aircraft was carrying one pilot and seven passengers. According to the ministry's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the pilot reported that the aircraft had landed before communication with personnel at the airstrip was subsequently lost.&nbsp;Papua police's Cartenz Peace Task Force said authorities were working to verify the condition of the pilot and the seven passengers. A response team is expected to be deployed to the area on Friday.&nbsp;Yusuf Sutejo, spokesperson for the task force, said rescue and verification efforts were being hampered by the region's rugged terrain. The mountainous location has no road access, leaving aircraft as the only means of reaching the site, while operations remain heavily dependent on weather conditions.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-us-supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-ruling-mean-for-birth-tourism-1782842469898">What US Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship ruling mean for ‘birth tourism’?</a>&nbsp;Sambom said the aircraft was targeted because it had allegedly violated a TPNPB ultimatum banning civilian flights from entering areas the separatist group considers its operational zones.He further alleged that civilian aircraft have been used to transport Indonesian military personnel and logistics into Papua's remote interior, adding that the pilot was killed because the aircraft continued operating despite the group's warning.&nbsp;There was no immediate information on the condition or identities of the seven Indonesian passengers. The separatist group's claims have not been independently verified.

Papua separatists claimed responsibility for shooting dead an American pilot and burning his aircraft, alleging it transported Indonesian troops into a conflict zone. Authorities are working to verify the claims.

A separatist group in Indonesia's Papua region has claimed responsibility for killing an American pilot and setting fire to an aircraft it alleged was transporting Indonesian troops into what it described as a conflict zone. In a statement issued on Thursday (July 2), Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB), said the group's fighters in Yahukimo regency shot dead American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and burned an aircraft operated by Indonesian airline PT AMA in Balinggama village. The Indonesian military did not immediately comment on the claim. The US Embassy also did not issue an immediate response. Also read: Rajkot man, 20, kills ‘wife’ he met online 3 years ago after finding out it’s a man pretending to be woman Indonesia's Transportation Ministry said the aircraft was carrying one pilot and seven passengers. According to the ministry's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the pilot reported that the aircraft had landed before communication with personnel at the airstrip was subsequently lost. Papua police's Cartenz Peace Task Force said authorities were working to verify the condition of the pilot and the seven passengers. A response team is expected to be deployed to the area on Friday. Yusuf Sutejo, spokesperson for the task force, said rescue and verification efforts were being hampered by the region's rugged terrain. The mountainous location has no road access, leaving aircraft as the only means of reaching the site, while operations remain heavily dependent on weather conditions. Also read: What US Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship ruling mean for ‘birth tourism’? Sambom said the aircraft was targeted because it had allegedly violated a TPNPB ultimatum banning civilian flights from entering areas the separatist group considers its operational zones. He further alleged that civilian aircraft have been used to transport Indonesian military personnel and logistics into Papua's remote interior, adding that the pilot was killed because the aircraft continued operating despite the group's warning. There was no immediate information on the condition or identities of the seven Indonesian passengers. The separatist group's claims have not been independently verified.

Papua separatists claimed responsibility for shooting dead an American pilot and burning his aircraft, alleging it transported Indonesian troops into a conflict zone. Authorities are working to verify the claims.

Papua separatists claim to have shot dead US pilot accused of transporting Indonesian troops

As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds talks with Narendra Modi in Delhi for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, the relationship being discussed in policy terms — trade, technology, defence — has a much older foundation: a shared Buddhist heritage tracing back to Varanasi.<h2>Origins: Sarnath, 5th century BCE</h2>The India-Japan relationship is framed around modern metrics — bilateral trade, infrastructure financing, trade, and defence. However, its oldest connective thread runs back roughly 2,500 years, to Sarnath, near present-day Varanasi, where the Gautama Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon. This event, known in Buddhist tradition as the "turning of the wheel of dharma," marks the starting point of Buddhism as an organised religious and philosophical practice and one that would eventually reach Japan years later.<h2>How it travelled: India to Japan</h2>Buddhism did not move from India to Japan directly. It spread in stages, through Central Asia and China, reaching Korea before formal transmission to Japan in the sixth century CE. Centuries later, in the 13th century, the Japanese monk Nichiren Daishonin, following the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, founded a distinct school of Buddhist practice centred on the Lotus Sutra. This transmission — spanning multiple countries and roughly a thousand years — is well documented by historians and remains one of the clearest examples of Indian religious philosophy shaping East Asian civilisation.<h2>The growth of Bharat Soka Gakkai</h2>That history is not confined to textbooks. Bharat Soka Gakkai, the Indian affiliate of the Japan-founded Soka Gakkai International, practises Nichiren Buddhism across Indian cities today, running education and cultural programmes based on this tradition. Bharat Soka Gakkai, the ever-growing organisation, follows Nichiren Buddhism. The philosophy believes in the infinite potential of each individual, which, when channelised in the right manner, can steer lives as well as society at large in the right direction.&nbsp;Over the last three decades, Nichiren Buddhism has spread across cities in India, and the Japanese chant of ‘Nam Myoho Renge Kyo’ echoes almost out of every other urban household in India. While the practice first permeated into big cities and English-speaking practitioners, in the last decade, the reach of BSG has widened and reached tier 2 and 3 cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/japan-beyond-tokyo-and-kyoto-the-ultimate-underrated-itinerary-for-indian-travellers-1782904060631">Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: The ultimate underrated itinerary for Indian travellers</a>&nbsp;A school of Buddhism that developed in Japan over centuries now has an active, organised following in the country where Buddhism originated. Scores of Indian households follow Buddhist philosophy and chant in Japanese.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a concrete, present-day example of the religious exchange between the two civilisations — not merely a historical footnote.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asia-is-one-how-rabindranath-tagore-and-okakura-kakuz-s-friendship-paved-way-for-modern-ties-between-india-and-japan-1782749957244">Asia is one: How Rabindranath Tagore and Okakura Kakuzō’s friendship paved way for modern ties between India and Japan</a><h2>Kyoto's place in the story</h2>Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, houses many of the country's most significant Buddhist temples and institutions. Its temple architecture and religious practices developed from Buddhist thought that arrived via China, itself traceable to Indian origins. This lineage is why Kyoto is often cited as Japan's spiritual counterpart to Kashi — both cities function as centres of religious heritage within their respective national identities.<h2>Where diplomacy fits in</h2>Governments have periodically sought to formalise this cultural connection. In 2015, Kashi and Kyoto signed a "Partner City" agreement during a visit by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, explicitly citing their shared Buddhist heritage. While this week's summit and the 16th edition of the India-Japan Annual Summit is expected to focus on economic security, technology and defence cooperation, it is important to note that the two nations are not building ties on a blank slate.&nbsp;&nbsp;A religious and cultural link established more than two millennia ago — and still practised today through groups like Bharat Soka Gakkai — continues to underpin a partnership now measured in trade figures and joint statements.

As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets Narendra Modi in Delhi for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, the bilateral relationship — usually discussed in terms of trade, technology and defence — rests on a much older foundation- a shared Buddhist heritage tracing back to Varanasi.

As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds talks with Narendra Modi in Delhi for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, the relationship being discussed in policy terms — trade, technology, defence — has a much older foundation: a shared Buddhist heritage tracing back to Varanasi. Origins: Sarnath, 5th century BCE The India-Japan relationship is framed around modern metrics — bilateral trade, infrastructure financing, trade, and defence. However, its oldest connective thread runs back roughly 2,500 years, to Sarnath, near present-day Varanasi, where the Gautama Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon. This event, known in Buddhist tradition as the "turning of the wheel of dharma," marks the starting point of Buddhism as an organised religious and philosophical practice and one that would eventually reach Japan years later. How it travelled: India to Japan Buddhism did not move from India to Japan directly. It spread in stages, through Central Asia and China, reaching Korea before formal transmission to Japan in the sixth century CE. Centuries later, in the 13th century, the Japanese monk Nichiren Daishonin, following the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, founded a distinct school of Buddhist practice centred on the Lotus Sutra. This transmission — spanning multiple countries and roughly a thousand years — is well documented by historians and remains one of the clearest examples of Indian religious philosophy shaping East Asian civilisation. The growth of Bharat Soka Gakkai That history is not confined to textbooks. Bharat Soka Gakkai, the Indian affiliate of the Japan-founded Soka Gakkai International, practises Nichiren Buddhism across Indian cities today, running education and cultural programmes based on this tradition. Bharat Soka Gakkai, the ever-growing organisation, follows Nichiren Buddhism. The philosophy believes in the infinite potential of each individual, which, when channelised in the right manner, can steer lives as well as society at large in the right direction. Over the last three decades, Nichiren Buddhism has spread across cities in India, and the Japanese chant of ‘Nam Myoho Renge Kyo’ echoes almost out of every other urban household in India. While the practice first permeated into big cities and English-speaking practitioners, in the last decade, the reach of BSG has widened and reached tier 2 and 3 cities. Also read: Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: The ultimate underrated itinerary for Indian travellers A school of Buddhism that developed in Japan over centuries now has an active, organised following in the country where Buddhism originated. Scores of Indian households follow Buddhist philosophy and chant in Japanese. It is a concrete, present-day example of the religious exchange between the two civilisations — not merely a historical footnote. Also read: Asia is one: How Rabindranath Tagore and Okakura Kakuzō’s friendship paved way for modern ties between India and Japan Kyoto's place in the story Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, houses many of the country's most significant Buddhist temples and institutions. Its temple architecture and religious practices developed from Buddhist thought that arrived via China, itself traceable to Indian origins. This lineage is why Kyoto is often cited as Japan's spiritual counterpart to Kashi — both cities function as centres of religious heritage within their respective national identities. Where diplomacy fits in Governments have periodically sought to formalise this cultural connection. In 2015, Kashi and Kyoto signed a "Partner City" agreement during a visit by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, explicitly citing their shared Buddhist heritage. While this week's summit and the 16th edition of the India-Japan Annual Summit is expected to focus on economic security, technology and defence cooperation, it is important to note that the two nations are not building ties on a blank slate. A religious and cultural link established more than two millennia ago — and still practised today through groups like Bharat Soka Gakkai — continues to underpin a partnership now measured in trade figures and joint statements.

As Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets Narendra Modi in Delhi for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, the bilateral relationship — usually discussed in terms of trade, technology and defence — rests on a much older foundation- a shared Buddhist heritage tracing back to Varanasi.

Kashi to Kyoto: How Buddhism built Asia's oldest, quietest bridge from India to Japan

The Vatican on Thursday excommunicated the consecrated bishops by the traditionalist Society of St Pius X &nbsp;(SSPX) and declared it is in a formal schism, warning its Bishops and Priests that they will face the harshest sanction for participating in the movement. The aggressive crackdown by the Vatican followed a formal act of defiance, by the ultraconservatives, SSPX, which celebrates the ancient Latin Mass and opposes the modernising reforms of the Catholic Church.&nbsp;The ultraconservatives celebrated a ritual-filled, five-hour Mass on Wednesday in Econe, Switzerland, attended by some 15,500 people and their children, where two Bishops were consecrated. The consecration was in defiance of the Vatican and Pope Leo XIV, who had previously urged SSPX to hold off for the sake of the church's unity.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sspx-pope-leo-xvi-bishop-consecrations-1782476872428">Traditionalist Catholics reject Pope Leo XVI and Vatican authority in a dramatic showdown</a><h2>SSPX formation was a schismatic act</h2>The group was formed in opposition to the Second Vatican Council in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre to protest the modernising reforms. In 1975, the SSPX founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, was suspended, and the society was suppressed by the Vatican. But the group remain active and in 1988, it consecrated four bishops without papal consent. The group still has no legal status in the Vatican.Under canon law, consecrating a bishop without papal authority automatically results in excommunication or issuance of a decree. But the church on Thursday declared the priests to be schismatics and therefore excommunicated.The group maintains that uncompromising traditionalism is the only shield against the peril of modernism. The group continues to grow its influence with six bishops, 751 priests, 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates and 250 religious sisters representing 50 nationalities. The SSPX superior, Fr Davide Pagliarani, has justified the consecrations as a “state of necessity” to save souls.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Vatican has declared the SSPX in formal schism and excommunicated its newly consecrated bishops after unauthorised ordinations in Switzerland.

The Vatican on Thursday excommunicated the consecrated bishops by the traditionalist Society of St Pius X (SSPX) and declared it is in a formal schism, warning its Bishops and Priests that they will face the harshest sanction for participating in the movement. The aggressive crackdown by the Vatican followed a formal act of defiance, by the ultraconservatives, SSPX, which celebrates the ancient Latin Mass and opposes the modernising reforms of the Catholic Church. The ultraconservatives celebrated a ritual-filled, five-hour Mass on Wednesday in Econe, Switzerland, attended by some 15,500 people and their children, where two Bishops were consecrated. The consecration was in defiance of the Vatican and Pope Leo XIV, who had previously urged SSPX to hold off for the sake of the church's unity. Also Read: Traditionalist Catholics reject Pope Leo XVI and Vatican authority in a dramatic showdown SSPX formation was a schismatic act The group was formed in opposition to the Second Vatican Council in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre to protest the modernising reforms. In 1975, the SSPX founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, was suspended, and the society was suppressed by the Vatican. But the group remain active and in 1988, it consecrated four bishops without papal consent. The group still has no legal status in the Vatican. Under canon law, consecrating a bishop without papal authority automatically results in excommunication or issuance of a decree. But the church on Thursday declared the priests to be schismatics and therefore excommunicated. The group maintains that uncompromising traditionalism is the only shield against the peril of modernism. The group continues to grow its influence with six bishops, 751 priests, 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates and 250 religious sisters representing 50 nationalities. The SSPX superior, Fr Davide Pagliarani, has justified the consecrations as a “state of necessity” to save souls.

The Vatican has declared the SSPX in formal schism and excommunicated its newly consecrated bishops after unauthorised ordinations in Switzerland.

Vatican declares SSPX in formal schism, excommunicates bishops after defiant consecrations

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 1) took his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One, gifted by Qatar. The retrofitted Boeing 747-800 worth $400 million is painted in Trump's preferred color scheme: a navy-blue belly with red and gold stripes.&nbsp;before his maiden flight on the new luxurious Air Force One Trump said, "I went to Boeing. I said, "Who has the best one?" They said, "Qatar.... Frankly, we couldn't build a plane like this because we wouldn't be willing to spend the kind of money necessary."&nbsp;The retrofitted Boeing gifted to US by Qatar has come in to replace the ageing Boeing jets that have served as Air Force One for the last 36 years. Also there is a huge delay in the delivery of two new aircrafts ordered by US.&nbsp;Though very high-tech and equipped with the state of the art facilities, the new plane lacks some of the security measures. According to the Associated Press the plane misses some of the missile detection and countermeasure systems used by the outgoing Cold War-era jets.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 NOW: President Trump is WHEELS DOWN in Washington aboard the new Air Force One after visiting North Dakota The new plane looks BEAUTIFUL in the evening 🇺🇸 Representing America with pride and beauty! <a href="https://t.co/mmaemJyZW2">pic.twitter.com/mmaemJyZW2</a>&mdash; Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) <a href="https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2072485378422972830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

However the Air Force said the conversion of the jet was done “without accepting any risk regarding security, safety, or secure communications.”&nbsp;Less than $400 million was spent on security upgrades and cabin layout, said officials of the Air Force, reported AFP.&nbsp;Qatar first offered the aircraft in May 2025, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted it later that month in accordance with all federal rules and regulations, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. Parnell added that the Defense Department will work to ensure proper security measures and functional mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the president of the United States.&nbsp;Trump has said he plans to use the new plane next week when he travels to attend the NATO summit in Turkey.&nbsp;Generally, reporters are not allowed to take interior pictures of the Air Force One until Trump is present. But Trump administration staffers shared images of the plane's interior on social media platforms.&nbsp;Trump went to North Dakota on the new plane &nbsp;to see the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library ahead of its opening on the nation's 250th anniversary.&nbsp;

The retrofitted Boeing gifted to US by Qatar has come in to replace the ageing Boeing jets that have served as Air Force One for the last 36 years.

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 1) took his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One, gifted by Qatar. The retrofitted Boeing 747-800 worth $400 million is painted in Trump's preferred color scheme: a navy-blue belly with red and gold stripes. before his maiden flight on the new luxurious Air Force One Trump said, "I went to Boeing. I said, "Who has the best one?" They said, "Qatar.... Frankly, we couldn't build a plane like this because we wouldn't be willing to spend the kind of money necessary." The retrofitted Boeing gifted to US by Qatar has come in to replace the ageing Boeing jets that have served as Air Force One for the last 36 years. Also there is a huge delay in the delivery of two new aircrafts ordered by US. Though very high-tech and equipped with the state of the art facilities, the new plane lacks some of the security measures. According to the Associated Press the plane misses some of the missile detection and countermeasure systems used by the outgoing Cold War-era jets.

The retrofitted Boeing gifted to US by Qatar has come in to replace the ageing Boeing jets that have served as Air Force One for the last 36 years.

Trump embarks on $400 million Qatari-gifted Air Force One for inaugural flight

Germany's government has proposed tightening workplace sick leave rules as part of a wider economic reform package. As per the proposal, employees are potentially required to provide medical proof from the first day they report sick. The proposal was unveiled on Wednesday (July 1) by Friedrich Merz as part of a 34-point reform agenda aimed at reviving Europe's largest economy. The package includes tax cuts, pension reforms to reduce bureaucracy and changes to sick leave regulations designed to improve productivity.&nbsp;The proposed changes come as the government seeks to tackle sluggish economic growth, rising production costs and increasing pressure on public finances.&nbsp;One of the most closely watched proposals would require employees to provide a doctor's certificate from the first day of sick leave, replacing the current system that allows workers greater flexibility when reporting illness. The government believes that reducing absenteeism could help businesses improve productivity at a time when Germany's economy continues to face significant headwinds.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-vance-and-rubio-saying-different-things-on-iran-and-lebanon-wion-decodes-1783002576440">Why are Vance and Rubio divided on Iran and Lebanon? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;Merz has repeatedly voiced concerns over the country's high rates of employee sick leave, arguing that prolonged absenteeism is affecting companies as well as the broader economy. Under Germany's existing regulations, employees can generally report sick for up to three days without necessarily needing to submit a medical certificate.&nbsp;Workers can also, in many cases, obtain a sick note covering up to a week following a telephone consultation with a doctor. These measures were introduced and expanded in recent years to make healthcare more accessible and reduce unnecessary visits to medical clinics.&nbsp;If approved, the proposed reforms would make it mandatory for employees to provide medical evidence from the first day of absence, marking a significant shift in Germany's workplace sickness policy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-chapter-in-india-japan-partnership-pm-modi-pm-takaichi-announce-defence-agreement-naval-exercises-1782986337538">PM Modi, PM Takaichi announce defence agreement, naval exercises</a>

Germany proposed tightening workplace sick leave rules, potentially requiring medical proof from day one. Unveiled by Friedrich Merz, this economic reform package aims to boost productivity and counter sluggish growth.

Germany's government has proposed tightening workplace sick leave rules as part of a wider economic reform package. As per the proposal, employees are potentially required to provide medical proof from the first day they report sick. The proposal was unveiled on Wednesday (July 1) by Friedrich Merz as part of a 34-point reform agenda aimed at reviving Europe's largest economy. The package includes tax cuts, pension reforms to reduce bureaucracy and changes to sick leave regulations designed to improve productivity. The proposed changes come as the government seeks to tackle sluggish economic growth, rising production costs and increasing pressure on public finances. One of the most closely watched proposals would require employees to provide a doctor's certificate from the first day of sick leave, replacing the current system that allows workers greater flexibility when reporting illness. The government believes that reducing absenteeism could help businesses improve productivity at a time when Germany's economy continues to face significant headwinds. Also read: Why are Vance and Rubio divided on Iran and Lebanon? WION Decodes Merz has repeatedly voiced concerns over the country's high rates of employee sick leave, arguing that prolonged absenteeism is affecting companies as well as the broader economy. Under Germany's existing regulations, employees can generally report sick for up to three days without necessarily needing to submit a medical certificate. Workers can also, in many cases, obtain a sick note covering up to a week following a telephone consultation with a doctor. These measures were introduced and expanded in recent years to make healthcare more accessible and reduce unnecessary visits to medical clinics. If approved, the proposed reforms would make it mandatory for employees to provide medical evidence from the first day of absence, marking a significant shift in Germany's workplace sickness policy. Also read: PM Modi, PM Takaichi announce defence agreement, naval exercises

Germany proposed tightening workplace sick leave rules, potentially requiring medical proof from day one. Unveiled by Friedrich Merz, this economic reform package aims to boost productivity and counter sluggish growth.

Calling in sick? Germany wants medical certificates from the first day

As US President Donald Trump pushes ahead with an MoU with Iran, differences in public messaging from the VP and the State Secy have sparked questions about whether the administration is divided on its approach towards Iran, Israel and Lebanon.&nbsp;The debate intensified after Trump came under criticism, particularly from pro-Israel politicians and advocacy groups, for signing the MoU with Iran. The agreement is intended to lay the groundwork for a broader peace deal, with Washington and Tehran having 60 days to negotiate a final agreement.&nbsp;JD Vance, who led the negotiations with Iranian officials in Switzerland, embarked on a series of media appearances defending the agreement. He described the talks as making "good progress" and said they had established "a very good foundation" for a final deal.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everything-we-know-about-the-upcoming-us-iran-talks-in-doha-1782816752424">No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Rubio travelled across the Gulf to reassure regional allies concerned about the implications of the US-Iran understanding, while continuing to maintain a tougher public stance on Tehran.<h2>What are the differences over Israel and Lebanon?</h2>One of the clearest contrasts has been their public comments on Israel's military operations in Lebanon. Vance suggested that Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure in Beirut were undermining US-led diplomatic efforts. Referring more broadly to Israel's military strategy, he said, "You're a country of nine million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have."&nbsp;He also urged Israel to avoid publicly criticising the Trump administration, saying Trump remained Israel's strongest international ally. Trump himself has also criticised Israeli strikes on civilian buildings, saying at the G7 summit that apartment blocks should not be targeted while pursuing individual militants.&nbsp;According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 4,000 people have been killed and 1.2 million displaced since Israeli attacks resumed on March 2.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-the-chances-us-iran-agreement-will-work-out-expert-says-less-than-50-here-s-why-1782571965238">What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why</a>&nbsp;Rubio adopted a different tone during his visit to the Gulf. Rather than criticising Israel, he defended its military campaign as a response to attacks by Hezbollah. When asked about Vance's remarks, Rubio avoided directly addressing the comments and instead referred to a recent Hezbollah attack on an Israeli checkpoint.<h2>What about their positions on Iran?</h2>Vance has consistently adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Iran. He has spoken about the possibility of Washington and Tehran building a more cooperative relationship that could "work together to promote peace and prosperity". He has also softened previous US positions on Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, arguing that no country should be denied the right to self-defence.&nbsp;Rubio has maintained a firmer position. During his Gulf tour, he declared that Iran would not be allowed to impose tolls or fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.

The Trump administration faces policy rifts over West Asia strategy, as JD Vance pursues a conciliatory Iran MoU, while Marco Rubio takes a harder line regarding Israel and shipping lanes.

As US President Donald Trump pushes ahead with an MoU with Iran, differences in public messaging from the VP and the State Secy have sparked questions about whether the administration is divided on its approach towards Iran, Israel and Lebanon. The debate intensified after Trump came under criticism, particularly from pro-Israel politicians and advocacy groups, for signing the MoU with Iran. The agreement is intended to lay the groundwork for a broader peace deal, with Washington and Tehran having 60 days to negotiate a final agreement. JD Vance, who led the negotiations with Iranian officials in Switzerland, embarked on a series of media appearances defending the agreement. He described the talks as making "good progress" and said they had established "a very good foundation" for a final deal. Also read: No direct meeting? Everything we know about the upcoming US-Iran talks in Doha Meanwhile, Rubio travelled across the Gulf to reassure regional allies concerned about the implications of the US-Iran understanding, while continuing to maintain a tougher public stance on Tehran. What are the differences over Israel and Lebanon? One of the clearest contrasts has been their public comments on Israel's military operations in Lebanon. Vance suggested that Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure in Beirut were undermining US-led diplomatic efforts. Referring more broadly to Israel's military strategy, he said, "You're a country of nine million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have." He also urged Israel to avoid publicly criticising the Trump administration, saying Trump remained Israel's strongest international ally. Trump himself has also criticised Israeli strikes on civilian buildings, saying at the G7 summit that apartment blocks should not be targeted while pursuing individual militants. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 4,000 people have been killed and 1.2 million displaced since Israeli attacks resumed on March 2. Also read: What are the chances US-Iran agreement will work out? Expert says less than 50%. Here's why Rubio adopted a different tone during his visit to the Gulf. Rather than criticising Israel, he defended its military campaign as a response to attacks by Hezbollah. When asked about Vance's remarks, Rubio avoided directly addressing the comments and instead referred to a recent Hezbollah attack on an Israeli checkpoint. What about their positions on Iran? Vance has consistently adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Iran. He has spoken about the possibility of Washington and Tehran building a more cooperative relationship that could "work together to promote peace and prosperity". He has also softened previous US positions on Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, arguing that no country should be denied the right to self-defence. Rubio has maintained a firmer position. During his Gulf tour, he declared that Iran would not be allowed to impose tolls or fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.

The Trump administration faces policy rifts over West Asia strategy, as JD Vance pursues a conciliatory Iran MoU, while Marco Rubio takes a harder line regarding Israel and shipping lanes.

Why are Vance and Rubio divided on Iran and Lebanon? WION Decodes

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared a light at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, on Thursday, July 2. Following a cultural event, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was seen trying her hand at Santoor. The room was filled with applause from guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.Japanese Prime Minister is on a three-day official visit to New Delhi for the 16th India-Japanese summit. The viral moment happened during the cultural luncheon organised by the PM's office, featuring a medley of traditional Indian instrumental music. After enjoying the traditional performance, PM Takaichi was invited to try the santoor herself, which she gladly accepted. The delegation looked on smile and applauded as it became a key cultural moment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laura-loomer-calls-for-bombing-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-funeral-iran-warning-1782994061630">Laura Loomer urges Israel to bomb Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, sparks outrage</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/IndiaJapanSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaJapanSummit</a> | PM Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi share lightheart moment as she tries her hand at the Indian santoor after the joint press meet during her official visit to India<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SanaeTakaichi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanaeTakaichi</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/IndiaJapanTies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaJapanTies</a> <a href="https://t.co/sYuiAa77Tu">pic.twitter.com/sYuiAa77Tu</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2072664554832896173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Cabinet Public Relations Officer of Japan shared the viral moment on the social media platform X. Along with a beautiful picture, they shared a short but lovely story. “A moment from the luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Modi. At the luncheon, there was entertainment with performances on traditional instruments. Toward the end, Prime Minister Takaichi, after expressing thanks to all the performers, was invited by one of the musicians to try playing the traditional instrument santu, and..., Prime Minister Modi also smiled and clapped,” read the post.Prior to this, India and Japan decided to give a new momentum to their economic partnership. At the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum, Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of 'Japan Business Week' to resolve the issues faced by Japanese companies

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi tried playing the santoor during a cultural event hosted by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The moment has gone viral.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared a light at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, on Thursday, July 2. Following a cultural event, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was seen trying her hand at Santoor. The room was filled with applause from guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Japanese Prime Minister is on a three-day official visit to New Delhi for the 16th India-Japanese summit. The viral moment happened during the cultural luncheon organised by the PM's office, featuring a medley of traditional Indian instrumental music. After enjoying the traditional performance, PM Takaichi was invited to try the santoor herself, which she gladly accepted. The delegation looked on smile and applauded as it became a key cultural moment. Also Read: Laura Loomer urges Israel to bomb Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, sparks outrage

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi tried playing the santoor during a cultural event hosted by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The moment has gone viral.

Watch: Japan PM Sanae Takaichi plays santoor as PM Modi applauds during Delhi visit

Far-right activist and commentator Laura Loomer has urged Israel to bomb the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. She termed the funeral “a target-rich environment”. Laura Loomer is a long-term ally of President Trump, has been criticised for promoting conspiracy theories, using hate speech, and executing aggressive public stunts.Loomer reposted a news report detailing the long-delayed mass funeral by calling the gathering a "target-rich environment" alongside a bomb emoji. She then again reposted the same report, suggesting that IDF has the “opportunity to do the funniest thing” along with tagging the social media account of IDF. When pushed by social media users suggesting that Zionists lack ethics and would not stop attacking a funeral, she responded that she would never say no to bombing “jihadis”."I’ll never say no to an opportunity to see the US or IDF bomb a bunch of jihadis,” Loomer responded.An Iranian military commander on Thursday warned against attacking as Iran prepares for the ‌state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-5-percent-stake-us-government-sam-altman-ai-wealth-fund-1782989777338">OpenAI proposes 5% stake for US government: What Sam Altman's AI wealth fund plan means</a>"We warn the ​enemies of Iran, especially the U.S. and ​the Zionist regime (Israel), to avoid any miscalculation and ⁠to think about the harsh retaliation our armed ​forces would make to any threat and aggression against ​our country,” said Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, in a statement to the state media.&nbsp;Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said that the funeral ceremony of Khamenei will be something that no one has ever seen. “Official delegations and public groups from nearly 100 countries are expected to attend.” Tehran's governor has said that around 5 large pilgrim hostels with an area of 15 to 20 hectares have been planned around Tehran’s Musalla. Around 5,000 schools and 700 mosques have been prepared to accommodate guests. “Our planning is not just until Tuesday; we have also planned for the return of the pilgrims,” said Tehran's Governor. India is sending a high-level official delegation led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Governor of Bihar, Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnai. Opposition leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, party spokesperson Pawan Khera, and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti were also invited to join.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Far-right activist Laura Loomer sparked outrage after urging Israel to bomb Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral as Iran warned against any attack.

Far-right activist and commentator Laura Loomer has urged Israel to bomb the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. She termed the funeral “a target-rich environment”. Laura Loomer is a long-term ally of President Trump, has been criticised for promoting conspiracy theories, using hate speech, and executing aggressive public stunts. Loomer reposted a news report detailing the long-delayed mass funeral by calling the gathering a "target-rich environment" alongside a bomb emoji. She then again reposted the same report, suggesting that IDF has the “opportunity to do the funniest thing” along with tagging the social media account of IDF. When pushed by social media users suggesting that Zionists lack ethics and would not stop attacking a funeral, she responded that she would never say no to bombing “jihadis”. "I’ll never say no to an opportunity to see the US or IDF bomb a bunch of jihadis,” Loomer responded. An Iranian military commander on Thursday warned against attacking as Iran prepares for the ‌state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also Read: OpenAI proposes 5% stake for US government: What Sam Altman's AI wealth fund plan means "We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the U.S. and the Zionist regime (Israel), to avoid any miscalculation and ⁠to think about the harsh retaliation our armed forces would make to any threat and aggression against our country,” said Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, in a statement to the state media. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said that the funeral ceremony of Khamenei will be something that no one has ever seen. “Official delegations and public groups from nearly 100 countries are expected to attend.” Tehran's governor has said that around 5 large pilgrim hostels with an area of 15 to 20 hectares have been planned around Tehran’s Musalla. Around 5,000 schools and 700 mosques have been prepared to accommodate guests. “Our planning is not just until Tuesday; we have also planned for the return of the pilgrims,” said Tehran's Governor. India is sending a high-level official delegation led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Governor of Bihar, Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnai. Opposition leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, party spokesperson Pawan Khera, and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti were also invited to join.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer sparked outrage after urging Israel to bomb Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral as Iran warned against any attack.

Laura Loomer urges Israel to bomb Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, sparks outrage

OpenAI has proposed to hand over a 5 per cent stake of its company to the US government, reported Financial Times on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the “early conversation”. According to the reports, OpenAI has suggested that other AI companies hand over similar stakes in their firm to the Trump administration. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has argued that the arrangement, would allow the American public to share the financial upside of the AI boom.&nbsp;<h2>What is the proposal?</h2>According to the reports, Sam Altman has urged that &nbsp;AI giants like Google, Meta, and Anthropic cede similar stakes to create a public investment vehicle like the Alaska Permanent Fund, paying annual dividends to citizens of the AI wealth. The discussions were held with President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He has also reportedly discussed with Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders. Though it remains uncertain if other AI giants are willing to participate in the exercise.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanae-takaichi-india-visit-post-pacifist-japan-strategy-1782926340658">What is Sanae Takaichi's post-pacifist Japan, and why does India matter?</a><h2>What does it mean for AI giants?</h2>A 5 per cent stake of OpenAI could translate into roughly $42.6 billion, depending on the &nbsp;$852 billion valuation. This could reduce the potential threat and vulnerability of the public, which threatens jobs in many industries, has many wide ranging implication on the environment and national security. Both OpenAI and Anthropic are planning to go public as early as H2 2026.&nbsp;Critics and policy experts have raised serious concerns about OpenAI's proposal, suggesting that it creates a massive conflict of interest as these AI giants are facing backlash over resource allocations like water and land consumption. The US government being part of these companies means it will effectively have to loosen policies to keep these companies profitable while enriching its public fund, which many analysts compare with the cheap purchase of political immunity.&nbsp;

OpenAI has reportedly proposed handing a 5% stake to the US government and urged other AI companies to do the same. The idea is to create a public AI wealth fund that could pay citizens dividends, but critics warn it could create major conflicts of interest.

OpenAI has proposed to hand over a 5 per cent stake of its company to the US government, reported Financial Times on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the “early conversation”. According to the reports, OpenAI has suggested that other AI companies hand over similar stakes in their firm to the Trump administration. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has argued that the arrangement, would allow the American public to share the financial upside of the AI boom. What is the proposal? According to the reports, Sam Altman has urged that AI giants like Google, Meta, and Anthropic cede similar stakes to create a public investment vehicle like the Alaska Permanent Fund, paying annual dividends to citizens of the AI wealth. The discussions were held with President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He has also reportedly discussed with Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders. Though it remains uncertain if other AI giants are willing to participate in the exercise. Also Read: What is Sanae Takaichi's post-pacifist Japan, and why does India matter? What does it mean for AI giants? A 5 per cent stake of OpenAI could translate into roughly $42.6 billion, depending on the $852 billion valuation. This could reduce the potential threat and vulnerability of the public, which threatens jobs in many industries, has many wide ranging implication on the environment and national security. Both OpenAI and Anthropic are planning to go public as early as H2 2026. Critics and policy experts have raised serious concerns about OpenAI's proposal, suggesting that it creates a massive conflict of interest as these AI giants are facing backlash over resource allocations like water and land consumption. The US government being part of these companies means it will effectively have to loosen policies to keep these companies profitable while enriching its public fund, which many analysts compare with the cheap purchase of political immunity.

OpenAI has reportedly proposed handing a 5% stake to the US government and urged other AI companies to do the same. The idea is to create a public AI wealth fund that could pay citizens dividends, but critics warn it could create major conflicts of interest.

OpenAI proposes 5% stake for US government: What Sam Altman's AI wealth fund plan means

A 14-year-old boy has become famous on social media, sparking political debate for his behaviour near the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris. The boy known as Hamza has been seen on the street firing his water pistol at cyclists, drivers and municipal police officers. Multiple videos of firing a water pistol have surfaced on social media. In a video, he is seen pushing a woman into the canal. In another clip, he is seen firing a water pistol at a police officer who is inside the vehicle. The moment captured on the phone has gone viral on social media, prompting medias for his interview.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hamza “La Douane”, 14 ans, connait une petite notoriété pour ses incivilités au bord du canal Saint-Martin, à Paris, pendant la canicule. <a href="https://t.co/ht4pcZl6LJ">pic.twitter.com/ht4pcZl6LJ</a>&mdash; La Montagne (@lamontagne_fr) <a href="https://x.com/lamontagne_fr/status/2071987523744624700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-drowns-into-manhole-in-mumbai-amid-heavy-rain-fir-of-culpable-homicide-to-be-filed-against-contractor-1782990628667">Man falls into manhole in Mumbai amid heavy rain, dies, FIR for ‘culpable homicide’ to be filed against contractor</a><h3>Hamza's customs checkpoint</h3>When asked about his actions, Hamza said he had created a makeshift "customs checkpoint" along the Canal Saint-Martin, where he stopped cyclists and threatened to spray them with his water pistol unless they paid him €2. He claimed the idea was inspired by what he had seen in Algeria, where, according to him, customs officers often demand money before allowing vehicles to continue their journey. “In Algeria … when you pay the customs officers, they don’t search you … you can go on,” he told Le Parisien. “I’ve got the same idea,” he added. His activities have earned him the nickname "Hamza La Douane" (Hamza the Customs Officer). Hamza also said his father had no objection to his spending time by the canal, according to several media reports.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-suggest-saudi-us-ties-strained-over-the-iran-war-1782990722924/embed&nbsp;Hamza said, “He leaves me alone because he knows I’m not doing anything bad. All I do is water people and the police from time to time. My mother doesn’t know about it.” His father, whose identity was not disclosed, told Le Parisien that Hamza was "a nice boy" and insisted that "he doesn't hurt anyone." Some local residents said they found Hamza's behaviour entertaining. In social media posts, several users compared him to Gavroche, the mischievous young character from Les Misérables who eventually joins a republican uprising. According to the police, the teenager has been detained around a dozen or so times, including over allegations of offences more serious than spraying people with a water pistol or swimming in the canal. However, authorities did not disclose the nature of those alleged offences.

Hamza stated that he had created a makeshift "customs checkpoint" along the Canal Saint-Martin, where he stopped cyclists and threatened to spray them with his water pistol unless they paid him €2.

A 14-year-old boy has become famous on social media, sparking political debate for his behaviour near the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris. The boy known as Hamza has been seen on the street firing his water pistol at cyclists, drivers and municipal police officers. Multiple videos of firing a water pistol have surfaced on social media. In a video, he is seen pushing a woman into the canal. In another clip, he is seen firing a water pistol at a police officer who is inside the vehicle. The moment captured on the phone has gone viral on social media, prompting medias for his interview.

Hamza stated that he had created a makeshift "customs checkpoint" along the Canal Saint-Martin, where he stopped cyclists and threatened to spray them with his water pistol unless they paid him €2.

Pay €2 or get soaked: Meet Hamza, viral water gun boy in Paris who 'taxes' cyclists

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday (Jul 2) reaffirmed their commitment to maintain regional security during the joint press conference following bilateral talks in New Delhi as part of the India-Japan Summit 2026. The two leaders also announced the signing of a defence agreement on the first co-development project between India and Japan, which involves the Naval Radio Antenna ‘Unicorn’. This project is set to deepen defence ties between the two countries.“Today, both India and Japan are among the world's largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority. As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have undertaken several significant initiatives today. Together, these will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress across the entire region,” PM Modi said.“In the defence sector, we have signed an agreement today on the first co-development project between India and Japan. This project, involving the Naval Radio Antenna Unicorn, will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership.”The prime minister added that India and Japan will jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-essential-part-of-india-s-growth-pm-modi-takaichi-announce-moc-what-they-said-in-opening-remarks-1782974988715">‘Japan essential part of India’s growth’: PM Modi, Takaichi announce MoC – What they said in opening remarks</a>Speaking at the presser, Takaichi said, “Our two countries share the vision on the profile of the international order we should establish under the current international situation. I recently announced the updated FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific), which focuses on self-reliance and resilience to realise FOIP.”She added, “On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi positions the ocean as a shared space that supports regional stability and growth and is promoting the Mahasagar, the Great Ocean Initiative for countries across the Indian Ocean to defend their sovereignty and the sea through their own efforts, which is perfectly aligned with FOIP. Thus, we agreed to deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and India to achieve such common goals. Expansion of maritime security cooperation is especially important for regional peace and stability.”Takaichi also announced India-Japan joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean involving a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and an Indian Navy vessel to promote naval maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation and strengthen equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework.“In order to deepen such cooperation, I have instructed the relevant departments to hold discussions and to organise the next Japan-India 2+2 before the end of the year,” she added.The two leaders also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), announcing a joint declaration on key issues, including economic security, energy resilience, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, pharma, gen mobility, biogas, and upstream development of oil and gas.Watch | India-Japan summit: PM Modi says 'adding new chapter in strategic ties' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-summit-pm-modi-says-adding-new-chapter-in-strategic-ties-1782987135673/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-summit-pm-modi-says-adding-new-chapter-in-strategic-ties-1782987135673/embed</a>&nbsp;

PM Modi and Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi signed the first defence co-development pact with Japan involving the Unicorn naval antenna, while expanding cooperation on Indo-Pacific security, energy and AI.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday (Jul 2) reaffirmed their commitment to maintain regional security during the joint press conference following bilateral talks in New Delhi as part of the India-Japan Summit 2026. The two leaders also announced the signing of a defence agreement on the first co-development project between India and Japan, which involves the Naval Radio Antenna ‘Unicorn’. This project is set to deepen defence ties between the two countries. “Today, both India and Japan are among the world's largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority. As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have undertaken several significant initiatives today. Together, these will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress across the entire region,” PM Modi said. “In the defence sector, we have signed an agreement today on the first co-development project between India and Japan. This project, involving the Naval Radio Antenna Unicorn, will open a new chapter in our defence technology partnership.” The prime minister added that India and Japan will jointly develop defence technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order. Also read | ‘Japan essential part of India’s growth’: PM Modi, Takaichi announce MoC – What they said in opening remarks Speaking at the presser, Takaichi said, “Our two countries share the vision on the profile of the international order we should establish under the current international situation. I recently announced the updated FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific), which focuses on self-reliance and resilience to realise FOIP.” She added, “On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi positions the ocean as a shared space that supports regional stability and growth and is promoting the Mahasagar, the Great Ocean Initiative for countries across the Indian Ocean to defend their sovereignty and the sea through their own efforts, which is perfectly aligned with FOIP. Thus, we agreed to deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and India to achieve such common goals. Expansion of maritime security cooperation is especially important for regional peace and stability.” Takaichi also announced India-Japan joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean involving a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and an Indian Navy vessel to promote naval maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation and strengthen equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework. “In order to deepen such cooperation, I have instructed the relevant departments to hold discussions and to organise the next Japan-India 2+2 before the end of the year,” she added. The two leaders also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), announcing a joint declaration on key issues, including economic security, energy resilience, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, pharma, gen mobility, biogas, and upstream development of oil and gas. Watch | India-Japan summit: PM Modi says 'adding new chapter in strategic ties' https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-summit-pm-modi-says-adding-new-chapter-in-strategic-ties-1782987135673/embed

PM Modi and Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi signed the first defence co-development pact with Japan involving the Unicorn naval antenna, while expanding cooperation on Indo-Pacific security, energy and AI.

‘New chapter in India-Japan partnership’: PM Modi, PM Takaichi announce defence agreement, naval exercises

Beyond the signed MoUs and the listed plan for the India-Japan summit, bets are on currency plumbing. The headline story for Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi's summit could be Rupee-Yen bilateral trade settlement. &nbsp;<h2>Will India-Japan trade go local-currency?</h2>India and Japan are expected to advance a direct yen-rupee settlement framework, letting Japanese non-resident entities open accounts with Indian banks and allowing both sides' financial institutions to settle cross-border payments without routing through the dollar. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pm-modi-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-exchange-warm-handshake-as-india-japan-summit-begins-what-it-signifies-1782968755332">Watch: PM Modi, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi exchange warm handshake</a>&nbsp;The arrangement would eliminate the intermediary currency, lowering forex conversion costs, cutting remittance charges and speeding up settlement. The signal matters more than the mechanism. If it makes the joint statement, it would be the first time currency cooperation of this kind has been formally written into a leaders' statement between the two countries. That will also be an upgrade from the softer language in last year's Japan-India joint vision. India-Japan: joint statement The scale justifies the urgency. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-joint-crediting-mechanism-and-how-japan-plans-to-bankroll-part-of-india-s-decarbonisation-1782975320349">Joint Crediting Mechanism: Japan's roadmap to funding India's green transition</a>&nbsp;Bilateral trade hit $27.47 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, with Japan exporting $21.43 billion in goods to India. A $75-billion bilateral currency swap agreement, extended through 2026, already gives both central banks the baseline infrastructure needed. Japan's Ministry of Finance is reportedly targeting a formal memorandum of cooperation with the RBI within fiscal 2026.

<h2> Will the global rupee plan get a G7 ally?</h2> This isn't India's first local-currency experiment. Since 2022, the RBI's special rupee vostro account mechanism has expanded across roughly 150 accounts spanning 30 countries, mostly with sanctioned or deficit-strapped partners like Russia. Adding Japan, a G7 economy and major reserve-currency issuer, will be different. That signals local-currency settlement graduating from crisis workaround to corporate standard among trusted allies. &nbsp;Markets and investors will watch adoption and not just an announcement. A joint statement is a political commitment. &nbsp;But actual usage depends on how fast banks build settlement rails and whether exporters in autos, electronics and capital goods, the sectors most exposed to Japan, use the mechanism. Takaichi's China problem, India's gain. Geopolitics adds urgency. With Tokyo-Beijing relations deteriorating over Taiwan and China's fresh export curbs on Japanese firms, Takaichi has a clear incentive to diversify financial and supply-chain dependencies towards India.

India and Japan are expected to advance a local-currency trade mechanism, allowing direct Rupee-Yen bilateral settlements to lower forex transaction costs and bypass the US dollar for cross-border payments.

Beyond the signed MoUs and the listed plan for the India-Japan summit, bets are on currency plumbing. The headline story for Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi's summit could be Rupee-Yen bilateral trade settlement. Will India-Japan trade go local-currency? India and Japan are expected to advance a direct yen-rupee settlement framework, letting Japanese non-resident entities open accounts with Indian banks and allowing both sides' financial institutions to settle cross-border payments without routing through the dollar. Also read: Watch: PM Modi, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi exchange warm handshake The arrangement would eliminate the intermediary currency, lowering forex conversion costs, cutting remittance charges and speeding up settlement. The signal matters more than the mechanism. If it makes the joint statement, it would be the first time currency cooperation of this kind has been formally written into a leaders' statement between the two countries. That will also be an upgrade from the softer language in last year's Japan-India joint vision. India-Japan: joint statement The scale justifies the urgency. Also read: Joint Crediting Mechanism: Japan's roadmap to funding India's green transition Bilateral trade hit $27.47 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, with Japan exporting $21.43 billion in goods to India. A $75-billion bilateral currency swap agreement, extended through 2026, already gives both central banks the baseline infrastructure needed. Japan's Ministry of Finance is reportedly targeting a formal memorandum of cooperation with the RBI within fiscal 2026.

India and Japan are expected to advance a local-currency trade mechanism, allowing direct Rupee-Yen bilateral settlements to lower forex transaction costs and bypass the US dollar for cross-border payments.

India-Japan Summit: Will dollar bypass take shape?

For decades, oil has shaped global geopolitics, forcing nations to secure crude supplies, as energy has always meant economic power, military strength and diplomatic leverage. However, today, critical minerals have outpaced oil. Instead of competing for oil reserves in West Asia, countries are now racing to secure supplies of lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements—minerals essential for electric vehicles, smartphones, wind turbines, missiles and advanced semiconductors. In terms of India and Japan, the critical minerals have become a new race other than oil as both the nation has signed an MoU on critical minerals, batteries and AI. Critical minerals act as the foundational building blocks of modern technology, clean energy transitions, and national defence.<h3>Why do these minerals matter?</h3>Silicon, tellurium, and indium are essential for the photovoltaic cells in solar panels, while rare earth elements (like neodymium) are used to create the powerful permanent magnets inside wind turbines. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are the backbone of lithium-ion batteries powering EVs and grid storage systems. Similarly, rare earths, gallium, and germanium are mandatory for manufacturing semiconductors, microchips, LEDs, and smartphones. Whereas, minerals like titanium, beryllium, and tantalum are heavily relied upon to construct fighter jets, submarines, satellites, and precision weaponry. In addition, &nbsp;Copper and aluminium are vital for building and expanding electricity networks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-blue-waters-to-desert-sands-all-about-india-japan-military-ties-and-defence-agreements-1782977531774">From blue waters to desert sands: All about India-Japan military ties and defence agreements</a><h3>Japan-India critical mineral security partnership</h3>The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements. Bolstered by frameworks like the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) and bilateral pacts, the collaboration secures the production pipelines for electric vehicles, defence hardware, and semiconductors. India's wider reserves of lithium, cobalt, and copper merge with Japan’s advanced processing tech and financial capital, will help both the nation accomplishing to meet their need while making components for essential technological items. This strategic synergy ensures a stable, diversified supply of essential minerals, reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities and guaranteeing technological sovereignty for both democracies against geopolitical coercion. Interestingly, India and Japan offer complementary advantages in the critical minerals sector. India has substantial reserves of several critical minerals and continues to discover new deposits, but it still lacks adequate large-scale refining and processing capacity. Japan, by contrast, possesses advanced expertise in metallurgy, battery technology and high-end material processing, while having very limited domestic mineral resources. This creates a strong basis for cooperation between the two countries. Under such a partnership, India can provide the mineral resources, while Japan can contribute technology, investment and manufacturing know-how to transform them into higher-value products. Rather than simply exporting raw ore, India aims to expand domestic refining and processing capabilities, and Japanese investment could play a significant role in accelerating that shift up the value chain. Hence, the recent deal between India and Japan will pave the way to de-risk supply chains and reduce dependence on dominant single-source suppliers. Japan's advanced processing technology combined with capital and India's substantial raw reserves as well as manufacturing capacity will increasingly formalise wider Indo-Pacific and Quad security frameworks countering China's supply chain dominance.&nbsp;

The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements. 

For decades, oil has shaped global geopolitics, forcing nations to secure crude supplies, as energy has always meant economic power, military strength and diplomatic leverage. However, today, critical minerals have outpaced oil. Instead of competing for oil reserves in West Asia, countries are now racing to secure supplies of lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements—minerals essential for electric vehicles, smartphones, wind turbines, missiles and advanced semiconductors. In terms of India and Japan, the critical minerals have become a new race other than oil as both the nation has signed an MoU on critical minerals, batteries and AI. Critical minerals act as the foundational building blocks of modern technology, clean energy transitions, and national defence. Why do these minerals matter? Silicon, tellurium, and indium are essential for the photovoltaic cells in solar panels, while rare earth elements (like neodymium) are used to create the powerful permanent magnets inside wind turbines. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are the backbone of lithium-ion batteries powering EVs and grid storage systems. Similarly, rare earths, gallium, and germanium are mandatory for manufacturing semiconductors, microchips, LEDs, and smartphones. Whereas, minerals like titanium, beryllium, and tantalum are heavily relied upon to construct fighter jets, submarines, satellites, and precision weaponry. In addition, Copper and aluminium are vital for building and expanding electricity networks. Also read: From blue waters to desert sands: All about India-Japan military ties and defence agreements Japan-India critical mineral security partnership The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements. Bolstered by frameworks like the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) and bilateral pacts, the collaboration secures the production pipelines for electric vehicles, defence hardware, and semiconductors. India's wider reserves of lithium, cobalt, and copper merge with Japan’s advanced processing tech and financial capital, will help both the nation accomplishing to meet their need while making components for essential technological items. This strategic synergy ensures a stable, diversified supply of essential minerals, reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities and guaranteeing technological sovereignty for both democracies against geopolitical coercion. Interestingly, India and Japan offer complementary advantages in the critical minerals sector. India has substantial reserves of several critical minerals and continues to discover new deposits, but it still lacks adequate large-scale refining and processing capacity. Japan, by contrast, possesses advanced expertise in metallurgy, battery technology and high-end material processing, while having very limited domestic mineral resources. This creates a strong basis for cooperation between the two countries. Under such a partnership, India can provide the mineral resources, while Japan can contribute technology, investment and manufacturing know-how to transform them into higher-value products. Rather than simply exporting raw ore, India aims to expand domestic refining and processing capabilities, and Japanese investment could play a significant role in accelerating that shift up the value chain. Hence, the recent deal between India and Japan will pave the way to de-risk supply chains and reduce dependence on dominant single-source suppliers. Japan's advanced processing technology combined with capital and India's substantial raw reserves as well as manufacturing capacity will increasingly formalise wider Indo-Pacific and Quad security frameworks countering China's supply chain dominance.

The critical mineral security partnership between both nations has emerged as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific economic resilience, directly countering China's export restrictions on rare earth elements.&nbsp;

India-Japan critical minerals pact: How partnership aims to de-risk supply chains of both nations

On a humid June evening in Washington, five elderly gentlemen stood quietly beyond the White House gates, watching crowds gather beneath floodlights and giant television screens.George Washington seemed uneasy. Thomas Jefferson gazed upward at drones moving across the night sky. Alexander Hamilton studied the security cordons with professional interest. Benjamin Franklin appeared delighted by nearly everything he saw. John Adams already looked irritated.“What is occurring here?” Washington finally asked.A young passerby overheard him.“You don’t know? It’s the mixed-martial-arts tournament for President Trump’s birthday. And for the country’s birthday too, General Washington. Two hundred and fifty years.”“The country’s birthday?” Washington asked cautiously.“Yes sir. Big celebration.”Franklin smiled.“Well, George, tavern brawls in Philadelphia were once conducted with considerably less ceremony.”Music thundered across the White House grounds as giant American flags flashed across digital screens.Hamilton folded his arms.“The republic has acquired a taste for spectacle,” he observed.“So had Rome,” Adams muttered. “By the end.”A few blocks away, and across the country on other screens, another phrase appeared: No Kings. On Flag Day itself, while one celebration gathered around the presidency, another invoked the oldest American warning against monarchy.Adams noticed the words first.“At least,” he said dryly, “someone remembers the point.”As they moved through the city, another controversy appeared across television broadcasts: proposals for a commemorative 250-dollar note bearing the portrait of the sitting presidentJefferson stopped walking.“A living face upon the nation’s currency?” he asked. “Have Americans grown fond of kings again?”Hamilton raised an eyebrow.“No, Thomas. Only men who mistake popularity for legitimacy.”Washington remained silent for several moments.“The presidency,” he finally said, “was meant to restrain ambition, not advertise it.”Yet even in their unease, they could not dismiss the sheer magnitude of what America had become.They passed through cities illuminated brighter than daylight. They learned that aircraft carried thousands of people across oceans in hours. They saw surgeons repairing damaged hearts, scientists altering genes, and children holding in their hands devices containing more knowledge than existed in entire libraries during the Revolution.Franklin was transfixed.“We once drew fire from the clouds,” he declared. “These people appear to have domesticated it.”At a medical research institute, Jefferson listened in amazement as physicians described treatments that had extended human life beyond anything his century could have imagined.“Millions live now,” he said softly, “who in our time would surely have died.”Hamilton was equally captivated by New York.From a high room overlooking lower Manhattan at night, he watched financial markets move across immense electronic screens.“The commercial republic succeeded beyond even my imagination,” he admitted. “Energy, capital, industry — they built a power no European empire could have conceived.”Adams looked down toward the streets below.“And yet,” he replied, “they do not appear especially content.”That judgment followed them across the country.In Philadelphia they passed homeless encampments standing in the shadows of glittering towers. In struggling rural towns they heard of addiction, despair, and communities hollowed out by economic change.Everywhere Americans argued bitterly over immigration, race, religion, identity, and patriotism itself.Citizens no longer merely disagreed with one another. Increasingly, they regarded opponents as enemies.“The oldest danger to republics,” Adams warned, “is faction.”Jefferson was less certain.“The people are loud,” he admitted. “Passionate. Divided. Yet perhaps liberty has always sounded this way.”“And perhaps,” Adams replied sharply, “civilisations collapse sounding exactly the same.”Washington listened quietly as citizens debated elections with bitterness bordering upon hatred.“I warned against the spirit of party,” he said at last.“Yet party now seems to have become a form of national religion.”Their most difficult moment came at the National Archives.There they stood before the Declaration of Independence itself, preserved beneath glass and guarded almost like scripture. Schoolchildren from every imaginable background passed before it — Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, immigrants speaking languages from every continent.Jefferson stared silently at his own words.“All men are created equal.”Franklin leaned closer to the parchment.“Hancock still takes up half the room,” he said.Adams frowned.“Yes, but at least he attached his flourish to a declaration.”Hamilton glanced toward a television screen nearby, where the president’s looping signature appeared beneath another proclamation.“In this age,” he said, “the flourish sometimes seems to have become the declaration.”Nearby, an elected official spoke proudly of a nation where women served as judges, governors, military commanders, and corporate leaders.Washington seemed genuinely astonished.“In our time,” he admitted quietly, “such a thing would scarcely have been imagined.”Franklin smiled.“Then perhaps our imaginations were too small.”But the founders’ deepest discomfort emerged when they confronted slavery and the long struggle that followed it. They visited memorials to the Civil War and the civil rights movement. They listened to the words of Martin Luther King Jr. echoing across Washington.Jefferson appeared shaken.“The republic fought a terrible war over the contradiction embedded within its own birth,” he said.“Yes,” Adams replied. “Because once a principle is declared, later generations may insist upon taking it seriously.”Washington removed his hat before the memorial to Abraham Lincoln.“He preserved the Union,” he said solemnly. “And perhaps redeemed it.”They walked next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where names descended into black stone as though the republic itself had been cut open.Hamilton, who had spoken so confidently of power, said nothing.Washington ran his fingers lightly over the polished wall.“A republic may possess armies,” he said, “but it must never grow careless with the lives it asks of citizens.”Jefferson looked at the reflected faces of visitors moving across the stone.“Here,” he said, “victory is not the only measure of history.”For a long moment none of them spoke.Finally Jefferson asked quietly:“Do they judge us harshly?”A young Black student standing nearby overheard the question.“Sometimes,” she answered honestly. “But the story did not end with you.”Jefferson looked at her carefully and, for the first time that day, smiled faintly.At the Pentagon they heard briefings on tensions with China, instability in the Middle East, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and fears surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. They learned that America maintained military commitments across oceans and continents unimaginable to the fragile republic born in 1776.Washington appeared weary.“We once hoped to avoid permanent entanglements of this kind.”Jefferson nodded.“Yes. But perhaps a nation this powerful cannot remain untouched by the world.”On the evening of the Fourth of July, the five founders stood at the edge of a crowd watching fireworks rise above the National Mall. Hundreds of thousands gathered around them. Children waved flags. Immigrants took oaths of citizenship. Protesters marched peacefully nearby. Soldiers stood watch. Church bells echoed across the capital.For a long time, the founders said nothing.Then Franklin spoke softly.“Well, gentlemen, the experiment appears not to have failed.”“No,” Washington replied, gazing across the immense republic before him. “But neither is it finished.”Jefferson watched the crowds.“They are still arguing about liberty.”Adams reluctantly smiled.“That may be the clearest evidence,” he admitted, “that the republic yet lives.”Hamilton looked toward the illuminated skyline stretching into the distance.“History will judge our failures,” he said. “But no one will say the American experiment lacked ambition.”Fireworks thundered across the summer sky.And somewhere within the spectacle, the wealth, the division, the triumphs and anxieties of two and a half centuries, one truth remained self-evident: the experiment in self-government was still alive, and still unfinished.&nbsp;

America's founders imagine visiting the US at 250, marveling at its progress while confronting deep political divisions, inequality and unresolved ideals, concluding the democratic experiment remains unfinished.

On a humid June evening in Washington, five elderly gentlemen stood quietly beyond the White House gates, watching crowds gather beneath floodlights and giant television screens. George Washington seemed uneasy. Thomas Jefferson gazed upward at drones moving across the night sky. Alexander Hamilton studied the security cordons with professional interest. Benjamin Franklin appeared delighted by nearly everything he saw. John Adams already looked irritated. “What is occurring here?” Washington finally asked. A young passerby overheard him. “You don’t know? It’s the mixed-martial-arts tournament for President Trump’s birthday. And for the country’s birthday too, General Washington. Two hundred and fifty years.” “The country’s birthday?” Washington asked cautiously. “Yes sir. Big celebration.” Franklin smiled. “Well, George, tavern brawls in Philadelphia were once conducted with considerably less ceremony.” Music thundered across the White House grounds as giant American flags flashed across digital screens. Hamilton folded his arms. “The republic has acquired a taste for spectacle,” he observed. “So had Rome,” Adams muttered. “By the end.” A few blocks away, and across the country on other screens, another phrase appeared: No Kings. On Flag Day itself, while one celebration gathered around the presidency, another invoked the oldest American warning against monarchy. Adams noticed the words first. “At least,” he said dryly, “someone remembers the point.” As they moved through the city, another controversy appeared across television broadcasts: proposals for a commemorative 250-dollar note bearing the portrait of the sitting president Jefferson stopped walking. “A living face upon the nation’s currency?” he asked. “Have Americans grown fond of kings again?” Hamilton raised an eyebrow. “No, Thomas. Only men who mistake popularity for legitimacy.” Washington remained silent for several moments. “The presidency,” he finally said, “was meant to restrain ambition, not advertise it.” Yet even in their unease, they could not dismiss the sheer magnitude of what America had become. They passed through cities illuminated brighter than daylight. They learned that aircraft carried thousands of people across oceans in hours. They saw surgeons repairing damaged hearts, scientists altering genes, and children holding in their hands devices containing more knowledge than existed in entire libraries during the Revolution. Franklin was transfixed. “We once drew fire from the clouds,” he declared. “These people appear to have domesticated it.” At a medical research institute, Jefferson listened in amazement as physicians described treatments that had extended human life beyond anything his century could have imagined. “Millions live now,” he said softly, “who in our time would surely have died.” Hamilton was equally captivated by New York. From a high room overlooking lower Manhattan at night, he watched financial markets move across immense electronic screens. “The commercial republic succeeded beyond even my imagination,” he admitted. “Energy, capital, industry — they built a power no European empire could have conceived.” Adams looked down toward the streets below. “And yet,” he replied, “they do not appear especially content.” That judgment followed them across the country. In Philadelphia they passed homeless encampments standing in the shadows of glittering towers. In struggling rural towns they heard of addiction, despair, and communities hollowed out by economic change. Everywhere Americans argued bitterly over immigration, race, religion, identity, and patriotism itself. Citizens no longer merely disagreed with one another. Increasingly, they regarded opponents as enemies. “The oldest danger to republics,” Adams warned, “is faction.” Jefferson was less certain. “The people are loud,” he admitted. “Passionate. Divided. Yet perhaps liberty has always sounded this way.” “And perhaps,” Adams replied sharply, “civilisations collapse sounding exactly the same.” Washington listened quietly as citizens debated elections with bitterness bordering upon hatred. “I warned against the spirit of party,” he said at last. “Yet party now seems to have become a form of national religion.” Their most difficult moment came at the National Archives. There they stood before the Declaration of Independence itself, preserved beneath glass and guarded almost like scripture. Schoolchildren from every imaginable background passed before it — Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, immigrants speaking languages from every continent. Jefferson stared silently at his own words. “All men are created equal.” Franklin leaned closer to the parchment. “Hancock still takes up half the room,” he said. Adams frowned. “Yes, but at least he attached his flourish to a declaration.” Hamilton glanced toward a television screen nearby, where the president’s looping signature appeared beneath another proclamation. “In this age,” he said, “the flourish sometimes seems to have become the declaration.” Nearby, an elected official spoke proudly of a nation where women served as judges, governors, military commanders, and corporate leaders. Washington seemed genuinely astonished. “In our time,” he admitted quietly, “such a thing would scarcely have been imagined.” Franklin smiled. “Then perhaps our imaginations were too small.” But the founders’ deepest discomfort emerged when they confronted slavery and the long struggle that followed it. They visited memorials to the Civil War and the civil rights movement. They listened to the words of Martin Luther King Jr. echoing across Washington. Jefferson appeared shaken. “The republic fought a terrible war over the contradiction embedded within its own birth,” he said. “Yes,” Adams replied. “Because once a principle is declared, later generations may insist upon taking it seriously.” Washington removed his hat before the memorial to Abraham Lincoln. “He preserved the Union,” he said solemnly. “And perhaps redeemed it.” They walked next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where names descended into black stone as though the republic itself had been cut open. Hamilton, who had spoken so confidently of power, said nothing. Washington ran his fingers lightly over the polished wall. “A republic may possess armies,” he said, “but it must never grow careless with the lives it asks of citizens.” Jefferson looked at the reflected faces of visitors moving across the stone. “Here,” he said, “victory is not the only measure of history.” For a long moment none of them spoke. Finally Jefferson asked quietly: “Do they judge us harshly?” A young Black student standing nearby overheard the question. “Sometimes,” she answered honestly. “But the story did not end with you.” Jefferson looked at her carefully and, for the first time that day, smiled faintly. At the Pentagon they heard briefings on tensions with China, instability in the Middle East, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and fears surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. They learned that America maintained military commitments across oceans and continents unimaginable to the fragile republic born in 1776. Washington appeared weary. “We once hoped to avoid permanent entanglements of this kind.” Jefferson nodded. “Yes. But perhaps a nation this powerful cannot remain untouched by the world.” On the evening of the Fourth of July, the five founders stood at the edge of a crowd watching fireworks rise above the National Mall. Hundreds of thousands gathered around them. Children waved flags. Immigrants took oaths of citizenship. Protesters marched peacefully nearby. Soldiers stood watch. Church bells echoed across the capital. For a long time, the founders said nothing. Then Franklin spoke softly. “Well, gentlemen, the experiment appears not to have failed.” “No,” Washington replied, gazing across the immense republic before him. “But neither is it finished.” Jefferson watched the crowds. “They are still arguing about liberty.” Adams reluctantly smiled. “That may be the clearest evidence,” he admitted, “that the republic yet lives.” Hamilton looked toward the illuminated skyline stretching into the distance. “History will judge our failures,” he said. “But no one will say the American experiment lacked ambition.” Fireworks thundered across the summer sky. And somewhere within the spectacle, the wealth, the division, the triumphs and anxieties of two and a half centuries, one truth remained self-evident: the experiment in self-government was still alive, and still unfinished.

America's founders imagine visiting the US at 250, marvelling at its progress while confronting deep political divisions, inequality and unresolved ideals, concluding the democratic experiment remains unfinished.

The founders return at 250

India and Japan have deepened defence ties through high-level dialogues, security agreements, and joint exercises, including Dharma Guardian, JIMEX, Malabar and Veer Guardian. Recent cooperation includes JMSDF's Yudachi, MILAN 2026, and UNICORN Mast technology transfer.

India and Japan have deepened defence ties through high-level dialogues, security agreements, and joint exercises, including Dharma Guardian, JIMEX, Malabar and Veer Guardian. Recent cooperation includes JMSDF's Yudachi, MILAN 2026, and UNICORN Mast technology transfer.

From blue waters to desert sands: All about India-Japan military ties and defence agreements

The interest in the India-Japan summit extends beyond both countries, with the outcomes expected to have far-reaching consequences. The real story isn't the $61 billion that Japan has pledged to invest in India over the next decade but what it's fleeing from.&nbsp;Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Delhi visit is being sold as investment diplomacy. Look closer, and it's a hedging operation. Days before she landed, Beijing slapped export controls on 40 Japanese entities, including defence contractors and research labs. That was a retaliation for Takaichi's warning that a Chinese move on Taiwan could trigger Japanese self-defence action. That's not the backdrop, but the trigger.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pm-modi-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-exchange-warm-handshake-as-india-japan-summit-begins-what-it-signifies-1782968755332">Watch: PM Modi, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi exchange warm handshake as India-Japan summit begins: What it signifies</a>&nbsp;Japan Inc., already squeezed by Trump's tariffs on one side, now faces weaponised trade access on the other. So, for Japan, India isn't just a partner but a strategic ballast. The numbers back this.&nbsp;Japanese investment in India ran to $3.2 billion between April and December 2025 alone, against a pledged $61 billion over the coming decade. That investment was announced when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tokyo last August, before the China-Japan rupture hardened. The Yes Bank stake, $1.6 billion for 20 per cent, wasn't isolated banking interest; it was Japanese capital testing Indian financial exposure ahead of a bigger pivot.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-takaichi-s-visit-puts-the-india-japan-semiconductor-partnership-in-focus-1782961330976">WION Decodes | Takaichi's visit puts the India-Japan semiconductor partnership in focus</a>&nbsp;Investors will watch for fresh moves into Indian banking or NBFCS.&nbsp;That's the tell for capital, not just factories, relocating away from China. The joint declaration on "economic coercion", deliberately unnamed but obviously aimed at Beijing, matters more than any single MoU. That signals Japan is willing to use India as a diplomatic co-signatory against Chinese trade weaponisation, something Tokyo has avoided doing bilaterally with New Delhi before. Critical minerals and semiconductor cooperation follow the same logic. &nbsp;That is not innovation for Japan's own sake but supply-chain insurance after China's rare-earth leverage over Japan became impossible to ignore. The AI initiative and 500-professional talent pipeline are the soft wrapper. The hard core is this: Japan is quietly re-routing its China-dependent economic security architecture through India. And Delhi is charging strategic rent for the privileged access, minerals and defence-tech reciprocity. Investors will watch for the fine print and not the headline figure.

The India-Japan Summit 2026 is about more than investment. As China tightens trade pressure, Japan is deepening ties with India through strategic investments, supply-chain diversification, critical minerals, semiconductors and economic security, signalling a long-term geopolitical pivot.

The interest in the India-Japan summit extends beyond both countries, with the outcomes expected to have far-reaching consequences. The real story isn't the $61 billion that Japan has pledged to invest in India over the next decade but what it's fleeing from. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Delhi visit is being sold as investment diplomacy. Look closer, and it's a hedging operation. Days before she landed, Beijing slapped export controls on 40 Japanese entities, including defence contractors and research labs. That was a retaliation for Takaichi's warning that a Chinese move on Taiwan could trigger Japanese self-defence action. That's not the backdrop, but the trigger. Also Read: Watch: PM Modi, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi exchange warm handshake as India-Japan summit begins: What it signifies Japan Inc., already squeezed by Trump's tariffs on one side, now faces weaponised trade access on the other. So, for Japan, India isn't just a partner but a strategic ballast. The numbers back this. Japanese investment in India ran to $3.2 billion between April and December 2025 alone, against a pledged $61 billion over the coming decade. That investment was announced when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tokyo last August, before the China-Japan rupture hardened. The Yes Bank stake, $1.6 billion for 20 per cent, wasn't isolated banking interest; it was Japanese capital testing Indian financial exposure ahead of a bigger pivot. Also Read: WION Decodes | Takaichi's visit puts the India-Japan semiconductor partnership in focus Investors will watch for fresh moves into Indian banking or NBFCS. That's the tell for capital, not just factories, relocating away from China. The joint declaration on "economic coercion", deliberately unnamed but obviously aimed at Beijing, matters more than any single MoU. That signals Japan is willing to use India as a diplomatic co-signatory against Chinese trade weaponisation, something Tokyo has avoided doing bilaterally with New Delhi before. Critical minerals and semiconductor cooperation follow the same logic. That is not innovation for Japan's own sake but supply-chain insurance after China's rare-earth leverage over Japan became impossible to ignore. The AI initiative and 500-professional talent pipeline are the soft wrapper. The hard core is this: Japan is quietly re-routing its China-dependent economic security architecture through India. And Delhi is charging strategic rent for the privileged access, minerals and defence-tech reciprocity. Investors will watch for the fine print and not the headline figure.

The India-Japan Summit 2026 is about more than investment. As China tightens trade pressure, Japan is deepening ties with India through strategic investments, supply-chain diversification, critical minerals, semiconductors and economic security, signalling a long-term geopolitical pivot.

India-Japan Summit goes beyond $61 billion bet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jul 2) hailed ties with Japan during his opening remarks at the joint presser with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), announcing a joint declaration on key issues, including economic security, energy resilience, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, pharma, gen mobility, biogas, and upstream development of oil and gas.“Excellency and my younger sister, Prime Minister Takaichi, delegates from both nations, and members of the media—Namaskar. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to India on her first visit for the India-Japan Annual Summit,” PM Modi said. “Today, both India and Japan are among the world’s largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority. As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have undertaken several significant initiatives today. Together, these will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress across the entire region.”“Over the past few decades, spanning sectors from automotive to electronics, Japan has played a pivotal role in India's growth story, building an invaluable bond of friendship and trust. Today, with Prime Minister Takaichi's visit, we are embarking on a new chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MoC (Memorandum of Cooperation) signed between India and Japan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi at Hyderabad House, New Delhi (Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/qTRyzBLkuv">pic.twitter.com/qTRyzBLkuv</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2072591294703309179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Announcing the MoC, PM Modi said that they have issued a joint statement in the field of AI. They also signed agreements on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, and global health security.“By combining India's scale with Japan's quality, we will work towards delivering affordable, reliable, and advanced health solutions to the world,” the prime minister said.The two leaders have also signed an agreement on the first co-developed project between India and Japan in the defence sector. The project involves the Naval Radio Antenna ‘Unicorn’, which is expected to deepen the defence technology partnership between New Delhi and Tokyo.“We will now jointly develop defense technologies that strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order,” PM Modi said.Speaking about the Japanese investment goal in India, he stated, “Our goal is clear: to attract 10 trillion Yen in investment from Japan to India and to double the number of Japanese companies operating in India over the next decade.”Reaffirming Japan’s commitment, Japanese PM Takaichi said, “You called me a beautiful younger sister, Prime Minister Modi, but at the small meeting before the big meeting, we confirmed that we are on the same page and to develop this relationship as brother and sister. Japan and India must leverage our respective strengths to become stronger and more prosperous together. In the midst of international affairs in disarray, the establishment of such an inter-complementary cooperative relationship has become ever more important.”She added, “We confirmed to place the following three points at the centre of our cooperation. First, to deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and India.” Takaichi said that India and Japan share the vision on the profile of international order that should be established under the current international situation.&nbsp;“I recently announced the updated FOIP (Free and Open Indo Pacific) which focuses on self-reliance and resilience to realise FOIP. On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi positions the ocean as a shared space that supports regional stability and growth and is promoting the Mahasagar, the Great Ocean Initiative for countries across the Indian Ocean to defend their sovereignty and the sea through their own efforts, which is perfectly aligned with FOIP,” she said. “Thus, we agreed to deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and India to achieve such common goals. Expansion of maritime security cooperation is especially important for regional peace and stability.”Takaichi also announced India-Japan joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean involving a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and an Indian Navy vessel to promote naval maintenance, repair and overhaul cooperation and strengthen equipment cooperation under the Make in India framework.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi hailed India-Japan ties at a joint presser with PM Sanae Takaichi. Both sides signed an MoC covering economic security, energy, AI, critical minerals, pharma and more cooperation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jul 2) hailed ties with Japan during his opening remarks at the joint presser with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), announcing a joint declaration on key issues, including economic security, energy resilience, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, pharma, gen mobility, biogas, and upstream development of oil and gas. “Excellency and my younger sister, Prime Minister Takaichi, delegates from both nations, and members of the media—Namaskar. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to India on her first visit for the India-Japan Annual Summit,” PM Modi said. “Today, both India and Japan are among the world’s largest economies. A free, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is our shared priority. As the region’s largest democratic and market economies, we have undertaken several significant initiatives today. Together, these will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress across the entire region.” “Over the past few decades, spanning sectors from automotive to electronics, Japan has played a pivotal role in India's growth story, building an invaluable bond of friendship and trust. Today, with Prime Minister Takaichi's visit, we are embarking on a new chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” he added.

PM Narendra Modi hailed India-Japan ties at a joint presser with PM Sanae Takaichi. Both sides signed an MoC covering economic security, energy, AI, critical minerals, pharma and more cooperation.

‘Japan essential part of India’s growth’: PM Modi, Takaichi announce MoC – What they said in opening remarks

India and Japan formally adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in June this year. &nbsp;The JCM is a bilateral carbon-credit framework established under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. This allows countries to cooperate in achieving their climate targets through the transfer of verified emission reductions. India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the mechanism in 2025, laying the foundation for joint climate projects and it became operational earlier this month.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-india-visit-is-strategically-significant-wion-decodes-1782544175393">Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant | WION Decodes</a><h2>What is the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)?</h2>Under the JCM, Japanese investment and technology can support low-carbon projects in India, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation and other greenhouse-gas reduction initiatives. The resulting emission reductions are measured, verified by independent third parties and converted into carbon credits that can be shared between the two countries.&nbsp;The newly adopted rules establish a Joint Committee with representatives from both governments, transparent project approval procedures, sustainability safeguards and national registries to track the issuance and transfer of credits. The mechanism is expected to boost climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building while helping both India and Japan meet their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-takaichi-s-visit-puts-the-india-japan-semiconductor-partnership-in-focus-1782961330976">WION Decodes | Takaichi's visit puts the India-Japan semiconductor partnership in focus</a><h3>How Japan plans to bankroll part of India's decarbonisation</h3>Japan is supporting India's decarbonisation by combining financial assistance with advanced low-carbon technology under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). Under this, Japanese public institutions and private companies provide viability gap funding, helping bridge the high upfront costs of green infrastructure projects. Alongside funding, Japan will facilitate the transfer of advanced decarbonisation technologies and technical expertise to help reduce emissions in hard-to-abate industries. The mechanism also ensures robust carbon accounting. Emission reductions from approved projects are independently verified and converted into Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), which are shared between India and Japan under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. To preserve the integrity of both countries' climate commitments, synchronised national registries apply corresponding adjustments, preventing double counting of carbon credits and ensuring India's Nationally Determined Contributions remain protected.

The India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) will channel Japanese climate finance, technology and viability gap funding into India's decarbonisation. The framework enables verified carbon credit sharing while preventing double counting through strict accounting rules

India and Japan formally adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in June this year. The JCM is a bilateral carbon-credit framework established under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. This allows countries to cooperate in achieving their climate targets through the transfer of verified emission reductions. India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the mechanism in 2025, laying the foundation for joint climate projects and it became operational earlier this month. Also Read: Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant | WION Decodes What is the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)? Under the JCM, Japanese investment and technology can support low-carbon projects in India, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation and other greenhouse-gas reduction initiatives. The resulting emission reductions are measured, verified by independent third parties and converted into carbon credits that can be shared between the two countries. The newly adopted rules establish a Joint Committee with representatives from both governments, transparent project approval procedures, sustainability safeguards and national registries to track the issuance and transfer of credits. The mechanism is expected to boost climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building while helping both India and Japan meet their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. Also Read: WION Decodes | Takaichi's visit puts the India-Japan semiconductor partnership in focus How Japan plans to bankroll part of India's decarbonisation Japan is supporting India's decarbonisation by combining financial assistance with advanced low-carbon technology under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). Under this, Japanese public institutions and private companies provide viability gap funding, helping bridge the high upfront costs of green infrastructure projects. Alongside funding, Japan will facilitate the transfer of advanced decarbonisation technologies and technical expertise to help reduce emissions in hard-to-abate industries. The mechanism also ensures robust carbon accounting. Emission reductions from approved projects are independently verified and converted into Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), which are shared between India and Japan under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. To preserve the integrity of both countries' climate commitments, synchronised national registries apply corresponding adjustments, preventing double counting of carbon credits and ensuring India's Nationally Determined Contributions remain protected.

The India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) will channel Japanese climate finance, technology and viability gap funding into India's decarbonisation. The framework enables verified carbon credit sharing while preventing double counting through strict accounting rules

What is Joint Crediting Mechanism and how Japan plans to bankroll part of India's decarbonisation

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday (July 2) and received a ceremonial welcome. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed her and introduced her to the members of various ministries. She shared a warm handshake and posed for an official photograph. Takaichi is on an official state visit to India for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. The summit is being seen as a significant one as both sides are expected to announce a landmark joint declaration on economic security. It also comes at a time when China is attempting to impose its dominance in Asia Pacific region and after the Iran-US war.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-takaichi-s-visit-puts-the-india-japan-semiconductor-partnership-in-focus-1782961330976">WION Decodes | Takaichi's visit puts the India-Japan semiconductor partnership in focus</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Delhi: Indian PM Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi shared a handshake and posed for the official photograph at Rashtrapati Bhavan following the ceremonial welcome (Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/glGusYY0Aq">pic.twitter.com/glGusYY0Aq</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2072546002847060135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-japan-summit-pm-modi-japan-pm-takaichi-eye-major-defence-trade-deals-1782961899645">India-Japan summit: PM Modi, Japan PM Takaichi eye major defence &amp; trade deals</a><h2>What the handshake signifies?</h2>A warm handshake between leaders is more than a routine greeting and in this case, it shows the deep bond between Japan and India. While a handshake is a symbolic gesture of mutual respect, goodwill and a willingness to engage in dialogue, it also shows personal rapport between leaders. In diplomacy, such moments are often seen as setting a positive tone for high-level talks, signalling openness to cooperation rather than indicating any specific agreement or policy outcome. Historically, handshakes have also been viewed as a sign of peaceful intent and trust, with roots in the custom of showing an empty hand to demonstrate the absence of weapons.

PM Narendra Modi welcomed Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. The leaders shared a warm handshake and posed for official photographs as both nations prepared for talks on strategic partnership, trade and regional cooperation.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday (July 2) and received a ceremonial welcome. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed her and introduced her to the members of various ministries. She shared a warm handshake and posed for an official photograph. Takaichi is on an official state visit to India for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. The summit is being seen as a significant one as both sides are expected to announce a landmark joint declaration on economic security. It also comes at a time when China is attempting to impose its dominance in Asia Pacific region and after the Iran-US war. WION Decodes | Takaichi's visit puts the India-Japan semiconductor partnership in focus

PM Narendra Modi welcomed Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. The leaders shared a warm handshake and posed for official photographs as both nations prepared for talks

Watch: PM Modi, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi exchange warm handshake as India-Japan summit begins: What it signifies

Japan's semiconductor partnership with India is expected to be a key focus as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives in New Delhi for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, her first official visit since taking office. During talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders are expected to discuss economic security, technology cooperation and building resilient supply chains across the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;The summit comes as India and Japan move beyond policy discussions and into the implementation of major semiconductor projects involving Tata Electronics and leading Japanese chip companies.&nbsp;<h2>What is the Tata and ROHM partnership?</h2>One of the biggest milestones is the partnership between Tata Electronics and Japan's ROHM Co., officially announced on December 22, 2025.&nbsp;Under the agreement, Tata Electronics will provide advanced backend packaging, assembly and testing services at its facilities in India. The partnership aims to manufacture ROHM's India-designed automotive-grade silicon MOSFETs.&nbsp;These power semiconductors are used in electric vehicles and industrial equipment. By adding Indian manufacturing to ROHM's global supply chain, the collaboration supports the "Designed in India, Manufactured in India" approach while strengthening India's position in the global EV semiconductor market.<h2>Why is Renesas expanding in India?</h2>Manufacturing alone is not enough to build a complete semiconductor ecosystem. Japan's Renesas Electronics is therefore expanding its semiconductor design and development centres across India.&nbsp;The new facilities will focus on developing chips for Internet of Things applications, industrial automation and automotive electronics. The expansion is expected to help create a steady pipeline of chip designs that can eventually support manufacturing within India.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-won-t-let-china-control-panama-canal-why-the-waterway-matters-1782955966360"> Trump says US won't let China control Panama Canal; why the waterway matters</a><h2>What role will Tokyo Electron play?</h2>Building semiconductor fabrication plants requires highly specialised equipment that only a handful of global companies produce. To support this effort, Tata Electronics signed a memorandum of understanding with Tokyo Electron Limited on September 10, 2024.&nbsp;Under the agreement, Tokyo Electron will supply advanced fabrication and semiconductor packaging equipment for Tata's Rs 91,000 crore AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat, and the Rs 27,000 crore assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam.&nbsp;The partnership also includes workforce training, with Japanese engineers expected to train Indian technicians to help develop a skilled semiconductor workforce.&nbsp;<h2>Why does this matter?</h2>The collaboration reflects Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to build secure and trusted technology supply chains across the region.&nbsp;For India, the partnership offers access to advanced semiconductor technology while supporting its ambition to become a major global hub for chip manufacturing, design and exports. The projects also mark a shift from policy announcements to on-the-ground execution, making semiconductor cooperation one of the most significant pillars of the India-Japan economic partnership.

Several Indian companies, including Tata Electronics, have partnered with Japan's leading chip firms to support India's ambition of becoming a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.

Japan's semiconductor partnership with India is expected to be a key focus as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives in New Delhi for the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, her first official visit since taking office. During talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders are expected to discuss economic security, technology cooperation and building resilient supply chains across the Indo-Pacific. The summit comes as India and Japan move beyond policy discussions and into the implementation of major semiconductor projects involving Tata Electronics and leading Japanese chip companies. What is the Tata and ROHM partnership? One of the biggest milestones is the partnership between Tata Electronics and Japan's ROHM Co., officially announced on December 22, 2025. Under the agreement, Tata Electronics will provide advanced backend packaging, assembly and testing services at its facilities in India. The partnership aims to manufacture ROHM's India-designed automotive-grade silicon MOSFETs. These power semiconductors are used in electric vehicles and industrial equipment. By adding Indian manufacturing to ROHM's global supply chain, the collaboration supports the "Designed in India, Manufactured in India" approach while strengthening India's position in the global EV semiconductor market. Why is Renesas expanding in India? Manufacturing alone is not enough to build a complete semiconductor ecosystem. Japan's Renesas Electronics is therefore expanding its semiconductor design and development centres across India. The new facilities will focus on developing chips for Internet of Things applications, industrial automation and automotive electronics. The expansion is expected to help create a steady pipeline of chip designs that can eventually support manufacturing within India. Also Read: Trump says US won't let China control Panama Canal; why the waterway matters What role will Tokyo Electron play? Building semiconductor fabrication plants requires highly specialised equipment that only a handful of global companies produce. To support this effort, Tata Electronics signed a memorandum of understanding with Tokyo Electron Limited on September 10, 2024. Under the agreement, Tokyo Electron will supply advanced fabrication and semiconductor packaging equipment for Tata's Rs 91,000 crore AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat, and the Rs 27,000 crore assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. The partnership also includes workforce training, with Japanese engineers expected to train Indian technicians to help develop a skilled semiconductor workforce. Why does this matter? The collaboration reflects Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to build secure and trusted technology supply chains across the region. For India, the partnership offers access to advanced semiconductor technology while supporting its ambition to become a major global hub for chip manufacturing, design and exports. The projects also mark a shift from policy announcements to on-the-ground execution, making semiconductor cooperation one of the most significant pillars of the India-Japan economic partnership.

Several Indian companies, including Tata Electronics, have partnered with Japan's leading chip firms to support India's ambition of becoming a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.

WION Decodes | Takaichi's visit puts the India-Japan semiconductor partnership in focus

A day after Indian government asked Meta to hold the rollout of their new username feature in India, WhatsApp has said that the names of public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts will be kept reserved. A spokesperson for the company quoted in a report by News 18 and Moneycontrol claimed that the feature has only been announced and is not yet to be available to users. "We’ve announced the option for people to reserve their preferred username on WhatsApp. The ability to use a username is not yet live and will roll out slowly later this year," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-issues-notice-to-meta-over-new-whatsapp-feature-flags-fraud-concerns-1782959223298/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-issues-notice-to-meta-over-new-whatsapp-feature-flags-fraud-concerns-1782959223298/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Addressing concerns over misuse, the company said it has already built safeguards into the feature. “To protect against impersonation, we’ve held the highest-profile names — think public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts — so they can only ever be claimed by their legitimate owners and lookalike derivatives of known names are held as well," the spokesperson added. However, WION was able to reserve usernames of personalities on WhatsApp despite WhatsApp's claims. WION attempted reserving the username for verifying the claims made by WhatsApp and immediately cancelled the process and did not reserve any username that would amount to impersonation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-directs-meta-to-halt-whatsapp-usernames-feature-until-consultations-are-complete-1782918599679">India directs Meta to halt WhatsApp usernames feature until consultations are complete</a>&nbsp;<h2>What WION factcheck found?</h2><ol><li>Whatsapps claim that it has not yet been rolled out was false becauseit is available&nbsp;</li><li>Users can also access the feature to reserve usernames&nbsp;</li><li>The feature has not been halted despite Indian government's notice&nbsp;</li><li>Users can reserve usernames similar to personalities increasing risk of fraud</li></ol><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260702/image-1782963554192.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260702/image-1782963505950.png"></figure>2. While username such as “PMOIndia” and "meaindia" were not available, changing a letter or adding numbers showed that it is available&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260702/image-1782963828715.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260702/image-1782963856931.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260702/image-1782963876349.png"></figure><h2>What is Whatsapp's new feature and what Indian government said?</h2>The Indian government has issued a formal notice to Meta, directing the technology giant to explain its new WhatsApp “usernames” feature and suspend any rollout in the country until further consultations are complete. &nbsp;This came after privacy experts and cybersecurity specialists raised concerns that similar-looking usernames could still be exploited for fraud. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has given Meta three days to provide a detailed report on how the privacy-focused update will work, amid mounting concerns over impersonation, online fraud and challenges to traceability.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-introduces-usernames-here-s-how-you-can-reserve-yours-and-why-the-app-is-making-the-change-1782791192842">WhatsApp introduces usernames: Don't MISS OUT on your unique username - Here's how you can reserve it</a>&nbsp;Meta has described the change as a major step forward, with safeguards including reserved names for public figures, celebrities and government entities, limits on contact attempts and no public directory of usernames. WhatsApp head Kunal Shah, an Indian fintech entrepreneur recently appointed to the role, promoted the username feature as “a more private way to connect”.

Meta says it will reserve the names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and verified accounts under WhatsApp's upcoming usernames feature to prevent impersonation. The move comes after India issued a notice seeking details on the feature and raising concerns over fraud

A day after Indian government asked Meta to hold the rollout of their new username feature in India, WhatsApp has said that the names of public figures, government entities, celebrities and verified Meta accounts will be kept reserved. A spokesperson for the company quoted in a report by News 18 and Moneycontrol claimed that the feature has only been announced and is not yet to be available to users. "We’ve announced the option for people to reserve their preferred username on WhatsApp. The ability to use a username is not yet live and will roll out slowly later this year," the spokesperson said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-issues-notice-to-meta-over-new-whatsapp-feature-flags-fraud-concerns-1782959223298/embed Addressing concerns over misuse, the company said it has already built safeguards into the feature. “To protect against impersonation, we’ve held the highest-profile names — think public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts — so they can only ever be claimed by their legitimate owners and lookalike derivatives of known names are held as well," the spokesperson added. However, WION was able to reserve usernames of personalities on WhatsApp despite WhatsApp's claims. WION attempted reserving the username for verifying the claims made by WhatsApp and immediately cancelled the process and did not reserve any username that would amount to impersonation. Also Read: India directs Meta to halt WhatsApp usernames feature until consultations are complete What WION factcheck found? Whatsapps claim that it has not yet been rolled out was false becauseit is available Users can also access the feature to reserve usernames The feature has not been halted despite Indian government's notice Users can reserve usernames similar to personalities increasing risk of fraud 2. While username such as “PMOIndia” and "meaindia" were not available, changing a letter or adding numbers showed that it is available What is Whatsapp's new feature and what Indian government said? The Indian government has issued a formal notice to Meta, directing the technology giant to explain its new WhatsApp “usernames” feature and suspend any rollout in the country until further consultations are complete. This came after privacy experts and cybersecurity specialists raised concerns that similar-looking usernames could still be exploited for fraud. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has given Meta three days to provide a detailed report on how the privacy-focused update will work, amid mounting concerns over impersonation, online fraud and challenges to traceability. Also Read: WhatsApp introduces usernames: Don't MISS OUT on your unique username - Here's how you can reserve it Meta has described the change as a major step forward, with safeguards including reserved names for public figures, celebrities and government entities, limits on contact attempts and no public directory of usernames. WhatsApp head Kunal Shah, an Indian fintech entrepreneur recently appointed to the role, promoted the username feature as “a more private way to connect”.

Meta says it will reserve the names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and verified accounts under WhatsApp's upcoming usernames feature to prevent impersonation. The move comes after India issued a notice seeking details on the feature and raising concerns over fraud

'Not yet live': Whatsapp responds after India halts its username feature - WION factchecks claims

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Watch: PM Modi, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi exchange warm handshake