On her 30th birthday and first day at a new job, Athulya Sekhar from Kerala was found dead in her Sharjah apartment. Her family alleges years of domestic abuse and dowry harassment by her husband, Satheesh, who has been booked for murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Dowry Prohibition Act. The complaint details strangulation, kicking, and head trauma. Videos released show visible injuries and Satheesh attempting to hit her. He denies involvement, claiming he seeks answers too. Athulya’s father insists she wouldn’t die by suicide, citing her bond with her daughter. The family is coordinating with Sharjah Police and the Indian Consulate for investigation. (PC: Manorama Online & Hindustan Times)

India’s Civil Aviation Ministry told the Rajya Sabha the Air India crash investigation will not be handed to the CBI, with no such proposal under consideration. The AAIB’s preliminary report indicates that both fuel‑control switches moved to “cutoff,” causing dual engine shutdown and a sudden altitude drop; pilots appeared confused, but it remains unclear whether the switch movement was mechanical or intentional. Media speculation including Wall Street Journal claims of emotional pilot voices and a call for criminal review, were criticised by aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who urged patience and said final findings await the AAIB’s complete report. (PC: Bloomberg & Fox2)

India–US trade negotiations remain deadlocked over agriculture and dairy access, with India refusing to yield on protecting its farmers. The fifth round of talks (July 14–17 in Washington), led by Rajesh Agrawal, wrapped up without resolution but both sides hope to forge an interim pact before Aug 1, when Trump‑era reciprocal tariffs (26 %) snap back. Washington is pushing for concessions in GM crops, dairy, autos, and industrial goods; New Delhi demands relief on textiles, gems, leather, agriculture and more. A step‑by‑step deal may emerge, with a fuller BTA likely by September–October. (PC: Instagram)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated President Trump’s assertion that he “ended wars,” citing his role in the India–Pakistan ceasefire, along with involvement in Russia–Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear sites and Israel–Gaza. Trump claimed U.S. diplomacy backed by trade leverage, brokered the India–Pakistan truce. He also highlighted that “four or five jets were shot down” during the May conflict. India firmly denied U.S. mediation, stating its military commanders, not Washington, negotiated the ceasefire directly with Pakistan. Pressed on this, PM Modi emphasized that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through military channels, rejecting foreign intervention. The administration continues to present Trump’s aggressive diplomacy as under‑celebrated global achievements.

Renowned OSINT expert Damien Symon has claimed that India targeted Pakistan’s Kirana Hills, suspected to house nuclear warheads, during a covert “warning strike” under Operation Sindoor. Symon cited updated Google Earth satellite data as evidence of recent damage at the site. Kirana Hills, long believed to be part of Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure, lies in the Punjab province. However, the Indian military has officially denied carrying out any strike in the area. Symon’s claim has triggered widespread debate among defense watchers. Pakistan has not issued any response yet to these fresh allegations regarding Kirana Hills. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a Dhaka school, killing 19 people and injuring over 100. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance,” Modi said. The F-7 BGI aircraft crashed into Milestone School shortly after takeoff, sparking a huge fire. Bangladesh declared a day of mourning, with dozens of injured, mostly students, still in hospital. (PC: News18)

The US trade team will visit India in August for the next round of negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. The fifth round concluded in Washington last week, with key discussions on agriculture, automobiles, and SCOMET items. India seeks tariff relief on steel, aluminium, and autos, while the US demands concessions on industrial goods, EVs, wines, and agri-dairy products. India remains firm on dairy duties and aims to protect farmer interests. Both sides are targeting an interim pact before August 1, ahead of Trump’s suspended tariffs deadline. The full agreement is expected by fall. India’s exports to the US rose 22.8% in Q1 FY26, reinforcing trade momentum. (PC: Reuters & The Telegraph)

The British F-35B fighter jet, grounded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport since June 14 due to poor weather and low fuel, is cleared for departure on July 21. Initially facing hydraulic and APU issues, early repair efforts failed. A 14-member UK crew arrived on July 6 with specialized equipment, successfully restoring the aircraft at the MRO facility. The jet, part of HMS Prince of Wales’ Carrier Strike Group, may rejoin the fleet or head to a RAF base in the Middle East. The incident sparked online buzz and British parliamentary debate. India’s Ministry of Defence facilitated swift support, highlighting growing UK-India defence ties. (PC: India Today)

On her 30th birthday and first day at a new job, Athulya Sekhar from Kerala was found dead in her Sharjah apartment. Her family alleges years of domestic abuse and dowry harassment by her husband, Satheesh, who has been booked for murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Dowry Prohibition Act. The complaint details strangulation, kicking, and head trauma. Videos released show visible injuries and Satheesh attempting to hit her. He denies involvement, claiming he seeks answers too. Athulya’s father insists she wouldn’t die by suicide, citing her bond with her daughter. The family is coordinating with Sharjah Police and the Indian Consulate for investigation. (PC: Manorama Online & Hindustan Times)

Sidhartha “Sammy” Mukherjee and wife Sunita, once celebrated in Plano, Texas for Bollywood-style glamour, face felony theft charges for allegedly defrauding over 100 victims of $4 million through fake real estate deals. Victims were lured with forged documents and promises of high returns. The couple also allegedly targeted elderly individuals with threatening emails and misused federal pandemic relief funds via falsified PPP loan applications. Despite filing for bankruptcy in 2024, they maintained a public presence until their arrest. Investigators suspect offshore or crypto fund transfers. Sammy reportedly has outstanding fraud warrants in Mumbai. If convicted, both face 5 to 99 years in prison. (PC: The Wall & Hindustan Times)