A UK delegation, led by Innovate UK, concluded a two-day visit in Kolkata as part of the "Global Business Innovation Programme." The visit, hosted by the British Deputy High Commission and FICCI, focused on urban systems and Net Zero solutions. Over 100 Indian delegates participated in a business networking event, exploring collaborations in smart city technologies. The delegation aimed to foster sustainable development and shared solutions for urban challenges, aligning with India's 100 Smart Cities mission. Key discussions included renewable energy, electric vehicles, waste management, and sustainable urbanization.

Experts say the Indian heritage of some US presidential contenders, like Kamala Harris and Usha Vance, will have little effect on India-US relations. Both countries have bipartisan support for strong ties, mainly to counter China's influence. Former Indian ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla noted that the relationship would not be adversely affected by the candidates' Indian connections. Harris, seen as a role model in her ancestral village, and Usha Vance, linked to a family of academics, have rarely visited India. Despite this, their success is a source of pride for Indians.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu thanked India for helping ease the Maldives' debt repayment. Speaking at the Independence Day function, he praised India's support and expressed hope for stronger ties and a free trade agreement with New Delhi. He also mentioned negotiating currency swap agreements with both India and China to address US dollar shortages. Muizzu acknowledged the importance of economic sovereignty and highlighted his administration's diplomatic successes over the past eight months. He reaffirmed India's position as the Maldives' closest ally despite previous tensions and noted ongoing efforts to secure debt relief and economic stability.

An Indian warship took part in a traditional maritime parade in St. Petersburg on Russia's Navy Day. The event, held on the last Sunday of July, featured over 200 vessels from Russia, India, China, and Algeria. President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, and Navy Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev oversaw the parade. Ships from Russia's Northern, Pacific, and Baltic fleets participated, along with the Caspian flotilla. The Indian Navy's Talwar-class stealth frigate, 'Tabar,' joined the display. The parade highlighted Russia's naval strength and included modern vessels and historic ships like the 18th-century 'Poltava.'

A 25-year-old Indo-Canadian, Hitkaran Johal, was killed in a targeted shooting in Vancouver on Friday night. The incident, which resulted in a traffic collision, occurred around 9 PM local time. Johal, who had gang affiliations and a history of criminal convictions, died at the scene. Another individual was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police suspect the shooting was targeted and believe there is no ongoing public safety risk. A nearby vehicle was set ablaze shortly after the shooting, a tactic often linked to gang-related crimes. The investigation is ongoing, with no arrests made yet.

In the past five years, 633 Indian students have died abroad, with Canada reporting the highest number at 172, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The deaths were attributed to natural causes, accidents, and medical emergencies. Notably, 19 of these deaths were due to violent attacks, predominantly in Canada and the US. As of 2024, over 1.33 million Indian students are studying overseas, with Canada hosting the largest number. The MEA emphasizes that incidents are addressed promptly by Indian Missions to ensure safety and support for students.

India and the US signed their first-ever 'Cultural Property Agreement' to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities. Signed by India's Culture Secretary Govind Mohan and US Ambassador Eric Garcetti, the agreement aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed it as a step toward preserving India’s cultural heritage. The agreement follows year-long bilateral discussions and aims to make repatriation of artefacts faster and smoother. This historic deal underscores the importance of cultural heritage in India’s foreign policy.

Deepali Kannoujia, a 16-year-old Class X student, has been selected for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study programme. She will spend an academic year in the US, studying and living with a host family. Deepali, who supports her mother financially by teaching kids, was chosen from among applicants from countries of strategic importance. The US Department of State's scholarship aims to promote global understanding and leadership skills. Deepali's selection is a notable achievement, recognizing her academic merit and potential.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine in August, his first trip since the Russian invasion in 2022. The visit follows a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 Summit in Italy. Zelensky had invited Modi after his re-election. Modi had earlier discussed strengthening India-Ukraine ties and resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy in a phone call with Zelensky in March. The visit aims to boost bilateral relations and showcase India's commitment to peace. Modi's trip is significant as India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India has dropped to 82nd place on the Henley Passport Index, with citizens having visa-free access to only 58 destinations. This decline has sparked interest in global investment migration among Indian high-net-worth families. Key drivers include securing contingency plans, enhancing visa-free travel, and accessing top educational institutions abroad for their children. With 4,300 millionaires expected to leave India in 2024, the country's affluent are strategically investing in countries with robust educational infrastructure to protect their wealth and secure their children's future. This trend highlights India's diminishing global mobility and its impact on the nation's wealthy elite.