Portugal’s parliament has reclassified rape as a public crime, aligning the country with wider European legal standards. Under the new law, authorities can investigate and prosecute rape cases without requiring a formal complaint from the victim. The legislation, proposed by Bloco de Esquerda, LIVRE, and PAN, passed with support from the Social Democratic Party and parts of the Socialist Party, despite some internal abstentions. Witnesses can now report rape, triggering immediate investigations. Critics raised concerns over victims’ autonomy, but lawmakers said further discussions will refine legal details. The law amends Portugal’s Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Victim’s Statute. (PC: Representative)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and Maldives from July 23-26, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. In London, Modi will meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, and unveil the much-awaited India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement announced on May 6. Discussions will cover trade, technology, defence, and climate. In the Maldives, Modi will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations as Guest of Honour on July 26. Talks with President Mohamed Muizzu will focus on strengthening the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership established in 2024 to boost bilateral ties. (PC: X)

The U.S. is set to introduce a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for most non‑immigrant visa applicants under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025. This fee, non‑waivable and charged annually with inflation adjustments, applies to tourists, students, temporary workers and exchange visitors but exempts those on the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers who meet all visa conditions can leave on time, no unauthorized work may get reimbursed after departure. U.S. Travel Association warns the fee could deter international visitors ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup and ’28 Olympics. (PC: Mint & History.com)

The UK and 27 other nations have condemned Israel for the “inhumane killing” of Gaza civilians seeking aid, calling for an immediate end to the war. In a joint statement, they criticized Israel’s “dangerous” aid delivery model and highlighted over 800 deaths near aid sites. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Israel’s actions are harming its global standing. Gaza’s health ministry reported rising deaths from hunger and malnutrition, with hospitals running out of food. Israel rejected the criticism, blaming Hamas for obstructing aid. The UN warned Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with 90,000 women and children needing urgent treatment. (PC: BBC)

Maurizio Cattelan’s famed banana artwork “Comedian” has been eaten again, this time at France’s Centre-Pompidou Metz on July 12, 2025. A visitor consumed the taped banana, prompting swift action by museum staff who quickly replaced it, per Cattelan’s instructions. The Italian artist was reportedly disappointed, clarifying the banana is replaceable and the artwork symbolizes absurdity in financial speculation. The banana has been eaten several times before — in Miami (2019), Seoul (2023), and by Chinese collector Justin Sun in 2024. The artwork last sold for $6.24 million and remains a global symbol of art market satire. (PC: CNN)

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school compound in Dhaka, killing 19 people, including 11 children, in the country's deadliest air accident since 1984. The F-7 aircraft malfunctioned during routine training and exploded upon impact with the school. The pilot attempted ejection but did not survive. The school was closed for summer vacation, but students and staff were present for a special program. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. Authorities have grounded similar aircraft pending review. This tragedy has triggered widespread mourning, raising serious concerns over military flight operations in densely populated urban areas. (PC: Mint & Hindustan Times)

At least 20 people, mostly students, were killed and over 170 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into Milestone College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday. The aircraft took off at 13:06 local time before slamming into the campus, triggering a massive fire. Visuals showed heavy damage and panicked crowds. Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus vowed a full investigation and assistance for victims. This tragedy comes weeks after India’s deadliest aviation crash in a decade. Firefighters and army officials continued recovery efforts late into the evening as grief engulfed the campus. (PC: HT)

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)