Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his five-nation tour with a meeting in Italy alongside Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy. Their discussions encompassed a range of critical issues, including trade, defence, and clean energy technologies, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations. In a separate political development, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has finalized its cabinet allocations, with Chief Minister V D Satheesan taking on the finance, law, and ports portfolios, while senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala will oversee the home and vigilance departments. Criticism arose from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who accused Modi of being distracted by his engagements in Italy while economic difficulties persist in India. Additionally, the Supreme Court has granted an extension until August 31 for the Karnataka government to conduct elections for the five city corporations in Bengaluru.