The United States has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from India as part of a wider trade action targeting 60 economies over concerns about forced labour in global supply chains. India secured the lower tariff rate after amending its foreign trade policy to prohibit imports made with forced labour, avoiding the higher 12.5% duty applied to some countries. The tariffs, introduced under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, aim to strengthen labour standards while affecting over 99% of US imports. The move could influence India-US trade ties and global supply chains. (PC: X)

Hollywood actor John Cusack has expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protest over the alleged NEET paper leak. Cusack shared an article by author Arundhati Roy on X that criticised the reported use of force against students during their march towards Parliament in New Delhi. Reacting to the post, he wrote, “Beautiful news from my favorite fellow cockroach.” Thousands of students have been protesting, demanding accountability for examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Cusack had also voiced support for student protesters during the Citizenship Amendment Act demonstrations in 2019. (PC: Economic Times)

IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi has said he plans to return to India after 16 years after receiving major relief from an appellate tribunal in the 2009 IPL South Africa FEMA case. Modi, who has lived abroad since 2010, said the ruling ended a 16-year legal battle and cleared the allegations against him. The tribunal found no material to hold him responsible for the alleged foreign exchange violations linked to the 2009 IPL, which was held in South Africa. Modi said he hopes to return to India by the end of 2026 or early 2027 after his grandson is born. (PC: India Today)

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that lays the foundation for a long-term partnership in nuclear energy. While the deal is aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia's peaceful nuclear programme, reports suggest it could eventually allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its own soil. US officials said the agreement includes safeguards to prevent nuclear proliferation and strengthen regional security. However, nuclear experts and some US lawmakers have raised concerns that uranium enrichment could increase the risk of future nuclear weapons development. The agreement will now go to the US Congress for review.  

India and the United States are likely to sign their proposed trade agreement within the next three to four months, according to a senior US official, as negotiations enter the final stage. Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Manila, the official said the deal is essentially complete, adding, “We literally have the paper.” The remaining delay stems from ongoing US trade investigations, including a Section 301 probe covering 60 countries, rather than unresolved bilateral issues. Once those investigations conclude, progress is expected. Last month, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also said the agreement was in its final one per cent, expressing confidence in strong bilateral ties. (PC: The Economic Times)

An India-bound oil tanker carrying around 700,000 barrels of Saudi crude reversed course in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi militia warned ships linked to Saudi ports could be targeted. Reuters reported the tanker, Rodos, turned north towards the Suez Canal instead of continuing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Another China-bound tanker, Xin Long Yang, also altered course, while New Prime turned back near Oman. The warning follows the Houthis' declaration of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. For India, the immediate concern is potential shipping delays, higher freight charges and rising insurance costs rather than crude shortages, as longer alternative routes could significantly disrupt deliveries. (PC: Reuters)

Russia said it remains in contact with India following the deaths of four Indian seafarers in the missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, but insisted its military campaign would continue. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian forces would keep targeting vessels Moscow believes are transporting military supplies for Ukraine. The remarks came a day after India lodged a strong diplomatic protest, summoning Russia's Charge d'Affaires and condemning the attack. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was struck while departing Ukraine's Odesa port, killing 10 crew members, including four Indians and six Syrians. India called attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crews "deplorable" and unacceptable. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has proposed new visa rules that could affect Indian students studying in the United States. Under the plan, most student visas will have a fixed validity of up to four years instead of lasting for the full course. Students may need extensions to stay longer. The post-study grace period could also be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Immigration experts advised current students not to panic but to check their documents, avoid unnecessary travel after the new rules take effect, and apply for extensions early. The proposal is awaiting congressional review before implementation. (PC: Getty Images)

The Kremlin said Russia remains in contact with India after New Delhi strongly protested a Russian strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, which killed four Indian crew members and critically injured another. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue targeting vessels allegedly transporting military supplies for Ukraine. India summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires, conveying its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation of the attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial ship navigating Ukraine’s maritime corridor. The Ministry of External Affairs said targeting civilian shipping and endangering innocent crew members is unacceptable, reiterating that commercial vessels and freedom of navigation must be protected during armed conflicts and maritime operations. (PC: News 18)

The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that 59 India-linked ships have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began in March. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said 23 Indian-flagged and 36 foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo for India completed the transit by 17 July. However, 6 Indian-flagged ships remain on the western side of the strait, including 2 container vessels and 4 operating within the Gulf. The government said it is coordinating with the Ministries of External Affairs, Defence and Petroleum, along with the Indian Navy, to ensure the safe movement of Indian vessels amid renewed regional tensions. (PC: The Print)