The UAE has launched a nomination-based Golden Visa scheme offering lifetime residency for a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (₹23.3 lakh). Initially rolled out for India and Bangladesh, the pilot program is being vetted by Rayad Group and VFS. Applicants can apply via Vasco centres or online platforms. Unlike the older property-based model, the new visa grants permanent residency regardless of property ownership. Eligible categories include professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Successful applicants can bring family and employ domestic help. Over 5,000 Indians are expected to apply within three months, signaling strong interest in long-term relocation to the UAE. (PC: HT)

The US has extended its suspension of 26% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods until August 1, offering temporary relief to exporters and boosting bilateral trade talks. The extension, originally set to expire on July 9, signals Washington’s willingness to resolve outstanding issues. India was notably absent from the list of countries receiving tariff letters from the Trump administration this week. Indian trade bodies welcomed the move, calling it a crucial window for finalizing a bilateral trade agreement. Experts urged exporters to stay cautious, as President Trump remains unpredictable. Both countries aim to conclude an interim trade deal by fall 2025. (PC: HT)

China has lodged a protest with India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. Beijing accused the Tibetan spiritual leader of being a “political exile” engaging in “anti-China separatist activities.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned India to “act prudently” and respect China's position on Xizang (Tibet). Modi had praised the Dalai Lama as a symbol of compassion and moral discipline. Union ministers also attended celebrations in Dharamshala. India’s foreign ministry reiterated that it upholds religious freedom and takes no position on matters of faith, including the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Washington is “close to making a deal” with India, even as the US imposed new tariffs on 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Talks between India and the US continue to stall over agricultural and dairy sector access, with New Delhi resisting pressure to open markets to genetically modified crops. India seeks tariff cuts on key exports like garments and footwear. Trump’s remarks come ahead of the August 1 tariff hike deadline. Both nations aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 through a limited tariff-reducing agreement. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian family of four — Venkat Bejugam, wife Tejaswini Cholleti, and children Siddarth and Mrida — were killed in a fiery car crash in Greene County near Dallas, Texas, on July 6. Their SUV collided head-on with a truck driving on the wrong side. The vehicle caught fire, leaving the bodies charred beyond recognition. The family, residents of Aubrey near Dallas, had just returned from visiting relatives in Atlanta. TEAM Aid is coordinating with the Indian consulate to repatriate the remains. This tragedy follows multiple similar incidents involving Indian families in Texas in recent months. (PC: HT)

The Pakistan Navy is facing a big crisis after Operation Sindoor. Most warships are stuck at the Karachi base due to poor maintenance and missing spare parts. Only two submarines are working. Young officers lack sea training as ships stay in port. Old British frigates need costly repairs, and newer Chinese ships have tech problems. Different ship types from many countries make repairs harder. Pakistan has also cut down on military exercises. Meanwhile, India has increased patrols in the Arabian Sea. Experts warn this weak naval state hurts Pakistan’s security and its role in protecting Chinese investments like Gwadar Port. (PC: Asif HASSAN/AFP/File)

China strongly objected after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and Indian ministers attended celebrations in Dharamshala. “India should fully appreciate the great sensitivity of Xizang-related issues,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. She called the Dalai Lama a “political exile” trying to separate Tibet from China under the “guise of religion.” PM Modi had posted, “His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths.” China also criticised the Dalai Lama’s announcement about his reincarnation. It warned India not to “interfere in China’s internal affairs” and to honour past commitments on Tibet. (PC: PTI)

A 14-member British engineering team has arrived in Kerala to repair a $110 million F-35B fighter jet stranded at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14. The jet, diverted due to bad weather while on a sortie from HMS Prince of Wales, suffered a technical snag and couldn’t return. Previous attempts by Royal Navy engineers failed. The stealth aircraft has now been moved to a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. If repairs fail, it may be dismantled and flown out aboard a C-17 cargo plane. The jet’s prolonged stay has sparked jokes online, with some calling it “God’s Own Jet.” (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, calling it “an attack on all of humanity” during his address at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil. Speaking on peace and global governance, he urged global unity against terrorism, rejecting double standards and calling for sanctions on all terrorist supporters. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to peace through Gandhi and Buddha’s teachings. BRICS nations jointly condemned the attack and reiterated zero tolerance for terrorism. They also called for adopting the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and deepening counter-terror cooperation through the BRICS framework. (PC: India Today)

India and the US are close to finalising a mini trade deal within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to CNBC-TV18. The deal will have an average tariff of around 10%. This limited agreement could help start talks for a bigger trade deal after July 9. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said several trade deals may be announced soon. He added that the US will warn smaller countries about higher tariffs starting August 1 if talks don’t progress. India and the US hope this deal will open the door for stronger trade ties in the future. (PC: Reuters)