India has dispatched a team of burn specialists and medical staff to Dhaka to assist victims of Bangladesh’s worst aviation tragedy in decades. A Bangladeshi Air Force fighter jet crashed into a school on July 21, killing 31 people, mostly children, and injuring over 170 others. The Indian medical team will assess patients and recommend further treatment, including care in India if needed. PM Modi assured Bangladesh of India’s full support. Protests erupted in Dhaka, with students demanding transparency. Officials confirmed 10 patients remain critical as public anger mounts over the crash and its handling by authorities. (PC: News18)

India’s Cabinet has approved the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to London on July 24. The pact, officially called a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030. It will remove duties on India’s labour-intensive exports like leather, footwear, and clothing, while easing whisky and car imports from Britain. The agreement covers goods, services, innovation, and IPR. A Double Contribution Convention was also concluded, helping Indian professionals avoid double social security contributions. The UK Parliament’s approval is awaited for the deal to take effect. (PC: Deccan Herald)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the UK on July 23 to meet PM Keir Starmer and sign the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 24. Discussions will cover regional security, extradition of fugitives, and concerns over Khalistani extremists. India and the UK finalized the FTA on May 6, expected to boost trade in textiles, gems, engineering, and chemicals. India has $20 billion FDI in the UK, while the UK has invested $36 billion in India. Modi is also scheduled to meet King Charles III and business leaders to strengthen ties and deepen strategic cooperation. (PC: X)

India’s Suhani Shah has become the first Indian to win the prestigious ‘Best Magic Creator 2025’ award at FISM, known as the ‘Oscars for magicians’, held in Torino, Italy. Shah, India’s first female mentalist, began her journey in Ahmedabad in 1997 at age seven and has since performed over 5,000 shows globally. With 2.1 million Instagram followers, she shared: “Thank you for every clap… We made history.” Shah beat magicians from the UK, US, Australia, and Dubai, inspiring others with her message: “Magic happens when you don’t stop… believe in yourself.” (PC: X)

Before Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming UK visit, the Indian government has emphasized two primary talking points: crackdown on fugitive financiers and Khalistani extremist elements. Officials insist that London must act decisively against individuals implicated in applauding terror or unlawfully raising funds. Delhi believes UK visas issued to those promoting separatist ideology strain bilateral ties. Coordinated intelligence sharing, judicial cooperation, and revocation of diplomatic immunity are being pursued. While New Delhi welcomes positive engagement on climate, trade, and defence, officials caution that overlooking extremist networks could undermine trust. The government signals a firm tone: progress on economic diplomacy hinges on meaningful action from UK authorities on these security concerns. (PC: Bureaucract News)

Air India has completed internal inspections of its Boeing aircraft fleet following a fatal crash involving an Air India Express Boeing 737 in Ahmedabad. The crash killed 11 people and prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue a show-cause notice to the airline. Inspections covered aircraft, crew training, and safety protocols. Findings have been submitted to the DGCA for review. The airline emphasized passenger safety and pledged full cooperation with authorities. The DGCA continues its independent investigation into the crash. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety and compliance standards across Indian carriers, prompting broader scrutiny of operational procedures and maintenance checks. (PC: India Today & Firstpost)

US Senator Lindsey Graham warned that under a potential second Trump presidency, the US would impose 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil specifically India, China and Brazil aiming to “crush your economy” and punish them for sustaining “Putin’s war machine.” Graham, speaking on Fox News, highlighted that these three countries account for roughly 80% of Russia’s discounted crude exports. He stated Trump would force them to choose between economic ties with the US or enabling Putin’s aggression. Graham also echoed support for Ukraine, likening Trump to golfer Scottie Scheffler and cautioning Putin he had “played Trump at your own peril.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four‑day visit to the United Kingdom beginning July 24, accompanied by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The principal objective is the formal signing of the India‑UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in London on July 24, marking the culmination of three years of negotiations. The pact will eliminate duties on nearly 99% of Indian exports including leather, garments, footwear and textiles and slash tariffs on UK whisky (from 150% to 75%, then 40%) and car imports (from over 100% to 10% under quotas). Following parliamentary and cabinet approvals, it is slated to take effect in about a year, aiming to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. (PC: News18 & Mint)

Hemanth Kumar Muneppa, a 33-year-old Indian-origin astrologer, was arrested in New York for allegedly scamming a 68-year-old woman out of $42,000. Claiming to remove “evil spirits,” Muneppa faces charges including grand larceny and fortune-telling fraud, a rarely used New York law. He allegedly drove the woman to withdraw money after convincing her he could buy powers to protect her. Bank staff alerted authorities, leading to his arrest. He pleaded not guilty and was released with an ankle monitor. Another woman claimed her daughter was also misled. Police are seeking additional victims in this ongoing investigation. (PC: India Today)

Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will leave the organisation by August-end to rejoin Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. Gopinath, the IMF’s first woman Chief Economist in 2019, became FDMD in 2022. Confirming the move, IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva praised Gopinath’s leadership on global economic issues including Argentina and Ukraine. Gopinath posted on X, “After 7 amazing years at IMF, I return to my academic roots.” She will resume at Harvard from September 1, 2025. (PC: X)