July 7, 2026
Today’s news from India is dominated by a tragic landslide in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-stakes visit to Indonesia, and a day of consolidation on the stock markets after a four-day rally.
Deadly Landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad
A devastating landslide struck Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, claiming at least two lives and injuring seven others. Officials fear that more than 10 people could still be trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are currently underway in the region, which is no stranger to such disasters; in 2024, more than 250 people lost their lives in landslides triggered by torrential monsoon rains in the same district.
The Western Ghats, where the landslide occurred, is an ecologically sensitive region. According to the Geological Survey of India, almost half of Kerala falls within landslide-prone areas.
PM Modi in Indonesia: “Golden Chapter” in Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday, marking the first leg of a three-country tour that will also take him to Australia and New Zealand. He was warmly received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
In a significant diplomatic moment, PM Modi addressed a joint session of the Indonesian Parliament, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He emphasized that India places ASEAN at the core of its Act East Policy and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to the priorities of the Global South.
The two leaders oversaw the signing of a series of agreements aimed at deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the nations. A key announcement was India’s supply of its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia. An Indian official confirmed the long-range missile deal. President Prabowo emphasized that both nations support peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. The two countries also agreed to enhance defence exchange and have their coast guards work together to ensure maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.
Army Clarifies Manipur Ambush Casualties
The Indian Army on Tuesday debunked false claims circulating on social media regarding an ambush in Manipur. The Army clarified that two Assam Rifles personnel were killed in action during a routine operational movement on July 7. It rejected propaganda posts that falsely claimed eight personnel were injured.
The Army’s fact-check identified the misinformation as a deliberate attempt by Pakistan-based propaganda accounts to spread false narratives and inflame tensions. The two soldiers who lost their lives were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh.
Markets Snap Four-Day Winning Streak
The Indian stock market ended a four-day winning streak on Tuesday, with benchmark indices closing marginally lower amid profit booking. The BSE Sensex declined 104.35 points, or 0.13%, to settle at 78,180.72. The Nifty 50 index lost 31.65 points, or 0.13%, to close at 24,398.70. The decline was attributed to fresh strikes between the US and Iran, which pushed up crude oil prices and weighed on investor sentiment. The market breadth was weak, with 1,595 shares rising and 2,637 shares falling on the BSE.
However, the Indian rupee strengthened significantly, appreciating 47 paise to close at 94.96 against the US dollar. This was driven by improved global risk sentiments, a weak dollar, and softness in crude oil prices.
Economy Shows Resilience
Despite global headwinds, India’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows surged to $11.4 billion in April, marking a five-year high. Real GDP grew 7.8% year-on-year in the March quarter.
A recent report by BCG highlighted that calendar-year 2026 FDI inflows have already totalled $23 billion. Additionally, capital expenditure by 63 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) rose 26% year-on-year to Rs 2.10 trillion in the first quarter of FY27.
Sports Roundup: Commonwealth Games Send-Off and Durand Cup
In sports, the Indian Olympic Association gave a grand send-off to the country’s contingent for the Commonwealth Games 2026, which will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2. The official ceremonial and competition kit for Team India was unveiled at the event. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and IOA President P.T. Usha addressed the athletes, wishing them success.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled and flagged off the trophies for the Durand Cup 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She expressed happiness over the participation of a Sri Lankan team in this year’s tournament.
On the cricket field, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. India entered the match 1-0 down in the five-match series. Prince Yadav replaced Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI.
In Other News
- Simultaneous Polls Panel: The Parliamentary Joint Committee reviewing the bill to introduce simultaneous elections is unlikely to meet its deadline and submit a report during the Monsoon Session. The panel, headed by BJP leader P.P. Chaudhary, will visit Uttar Pradesh on July 9 for further consultations.
- Transgender Healthcare Disruption: A recent change in Indian law is disrupting transgender healthcare arrangements, with clinics pausing services amid fears doctors could be prosecuted. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, passed in March, replaces self-identification of gender with mandatory certification by a medical board.
- Government Stake Sale: The Indian government initiated a plan to sell up to a 5.04% stake in state-run shipbuilder Cochin Shipyard Limited via an offer for sale on stock exchanges.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates throughout the day.
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