India is close to finalising a ‘mini deal’ with the United States on free trade, likely by September or October, sources told NDTV. Talks aim to avoid fresh US tariffs on Indian exports like steel, aluminium, and automotive parts, set to take effect from August 1 under President Donald Trump’s deadline. A US team will visit India in August for further discussions. India is also seeking tariff relief for textiles and resisting US demands on dairy. Meanwhile, India-UK’s free trade pact is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Modi’s UK visit on July 23-24, sources confirmed. (PC: NDTV)

An Air India flight bound for Kolkata with 160 passengers aborted take-off at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday evening due to a technical snag. Flight AI2403, an Airbus 321, was on the runway preparing for take-off when the pilots detected the issue and returned to the taxiing bay following standard procedures. The airline said the flight was rescheduled for later the same evening. All passengers safely disembarked, and ground staff provided assistance. “Safety remains our top priority,” said an Air India spokesperson, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen disruption. (PC: HT)

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, was found dead in his Gettysburg hotel room on July 13, following a ghost tour featuring the infamous Annabelle doll. Authorities confirmed no signs of foul play, but the “haunted” doll was missing from the room. Autopsy results are awaited. Rivera had led the “Devils on the Run” tour at the Soldiers National Orphanage before his death. The Annabelle doll, linked to paranormal legends since the 1970s and popularised by The Conjuring films, has sparked conspiracy theories following the incident. The New England Society for Psychic Research will continue their tours in Rivera’s memory. (PC: NDTV)

Israel launched its first combined ground and air assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, with tanks entering the city and airstrikes targeting key locations. Thick smoke rose as thousands of displaced Palestinians fled towards what they hoped were safer areas. Deir al-Balah reportedly holds Israeli hostages. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said over 59,000 people have died since October 2023, with 19 more deaths from starvation in the past 24 hours. Over 1.5 million face severe malnutrition. Israeli airstrikes continue across Gaza, with foreign media, including the BBC, still barred from reporting freely inside the enclave. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iran’s Supreme Leader’s aide in Moscow to discuss Tehran’s nuclear programme and rising tensions with Israel. This follows his June 23 meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where Putin assured support in de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict after US strikes. Kremlin sources said Moscow reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic solutions and stability in the Middle East. The meeting signals continued Russia-Iran cooperation amid global scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Both sides emphasised the need to prevent further escalation. The US has warned against deepening Russia-Iran ties in military and nuclear sectors. (PC: India Today)

A 61-year-old man in New York died after being sucked into an MRI machine while wearing a 9kg metallic chain. The incident occurred at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, Long Island, when the man entered the MRI room during an ongoing scan. The powerful magnetic field pulled him in, causing fatal injuries. His wife, present during the accident, said the staff failed to act quickly. He died after multiple heart attacks in hospital. Authorities reminded the public of MRI safety protocols. Police investigations are ongoing. MRI machines are generally safe if proper precautions are followed. (PC: ABC News)

At least 19 people were killed and 70 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday. The crash occurred during school hours, sparking fires and chaos as students fled the scene. Over 30 victims were rushed to Dhaka’s burn unit, while others were treated across six hospitals. Bangladesh declared a one-day state mourning on Tuesday. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus promised a full investigation. Sheikh Hasina condemned the tragedy, calling for immediate assistance. This marks the second F-7 crash involving a Chinese-made jet this year. (PC: India Today)

A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon during a training sortie. The crash occurred around 1:06 PM while students were present on campus, triggering panic and chaos. At least one person has died and four others were injured, according to fire officials. Television footage showed thick smoke and flames rising from the crash site as emergency services rushed in. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols during military training exercises in densely populated urban areas. (PC: India Today & Naidunia)

Kate Kniveton, former UK MP, has publicly accused her ex-husband, Andrew Griffiths, of a decade of rape and domestic abuse. In the ITV documentary Breaking The Silence: Kate’s Story, she details assaults while asleep, verbal abuse toward their newborn, and Griffiths’ manipulation of the legal system post-separation. A 2021 family court found Griffiths guilty of rape and repeated assault. He denies the rape but accepted other findings. Once a rising Tory minister and women’s rights advocate, Griffiths was previously dismissed for sending 2,000 explicit messages to constituents. In 2024, he was barred from contacting their daughter. Kniveton waived anonymity to advocate for domestic abuse victims and expose systemic failures. (PC: The Times)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering at home after suffering dehydration caused by spoiled food, his office confirmed. Doctors diagnosed him with intestinal inflammation, and he is receiving IV fluids. Netanyahu, 75, will rest at home for three days while continuing state duties. His recent health issues include prostate surgery, a colonoscopy, hernia surgery, and a pacemaker implant. Despite protocols, Netanyahu has not released an official health report since 2016. His condition is now stable. In previous instances, Justice Minister Yariv Levin has acted as PM during Netanyahu’s medical treatments. His office said he is in good health overall. (PC: NDTV)