India-France Travel & Tech Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron used Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice to deepen cooperation on innovation, AI, startups, trade, mobility and health, with Modi also highlighting India’s investment appeal to global investors and venture capital leaders. Aviation Connectivity: Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says the airline is assessing direct flights to India, citing the India–New Zealand free trade deal and working with Air India and Singapore Airlines; Air New Zealand also has a codeshare partnership with Air India. World Cup Spillover: Panama’s chamber says the 2026 World Cup is already boosting aviation, retail, hotels and gastronomy as fans use Copa-linked routes and local watch-party packages. South Asia Power Logistics: Nepal’s plan to add 20MW electricity exports to Bangladesh stalled after India declined extra transmission capacity clearance, pending revised tripartite arrangements. Tourism Safety & Policy: Vietnam’s Ha Giang Loop travellers are being told to check border-area permits (operator guidance vs confirmed law) for Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. Cultural Tourism Tie-ups: Cyprus and India advanced film cooperation talks in Protaras, aiming to attract Bollywood shoots and link film production with tourism infrastructure.