Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrives in India for a week-long visit, the first by a top Taliban leader since their 2021 return to power. He'll likely meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. However, India faces a diplomatic protocol dilemma: since New Delhi doesn't recognize Taliban rule, it refuses official status to their flag. The Afghan Embassy in Delhi still flies the Islamic Republic's flag from the Ashraf Ghani era. During previous Dubai meetings, officials avoided flags entirely. Muttaqi's visit follows India's stance against foreign military infrastructure in Afghanistan and demands that Afghan soil not be used for terrorism, particularly after Operation Sindoor. (PC: X)

The Indian Air Force's 93rd anniversary celebration featured a viral dinner menu naming dishes after Pakistani airbases targeted during anti-terror operations. Items included 'Rawalpindi' Chicken Tikka Masala, 'Balakot' Tiramisu, 'Muzaffarabad' Kulfi Faluda, and 'Muridke' Meetha Pan, referencing locations struck during Operation Bandar (2019) and Operation Sindoor (2025). BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala praised the menu as representing PM Modi's "Naya Bharat" and "ghar me ghus ke maarenge" doctrine, stating it conveys a "new normal" from "serving dishes to serving justice." He contrasted this with Congress's alleged prevention of military response after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, accusing the party of weakening India's counter-terrorism stance.

Six UK universities will open campuses in India following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's two-day Mumbai trade mission. The institutions include University of Southampton (Gurugram), Liverpool (Bangalore), York (Mumbai), Aberdeen (Mumbai), and Bristol (Mumbai, opening summer 2026). Bristol received UGC approval in July, marking a "pivotal transformation" in its 150-year history. Starmer arrived with 125 prominent business leaders, university vice chancellors, and ministers including Trade Minister Peter Kyle and Investment Minister Jason Stockwood. The educational expansion aligns with India-UK Vision 2035 roadmap and follows PM Modi's July UK visit where both nations signed a comprehensive trade deal strengthening strategic cooperation in education, defense, climate, and health. (PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared "new energy" in India-UK relations following bilateral talks with British PM Keir Starmer in Mumbai. During Starmer's first India visit, both leaders discussed strengthening trade, technology cooperation, and strategic ties. Modi highlighted the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed during his July UK visit. Starmer emphasized swift FTA implementation, calling it "the biggest deal we've struck since leaving the European Union" and potentially India's largest-ever agreement. The landmark UK-India FTA, signed in July 2024, aims to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually. Starmer arrived with over 100 business leaders, demonstrating commitment to the partnership's economic potential and strategic importance.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer countered Donald Trump's "dead economy" jibe by asserting India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028. Speaking alongside PM Modi, Starmer praised India's remarkable growth story, having recently surpassed Japan as the fourth-largest economy. The UK PM, beginning his speech in Hindi, emphasized Britain's desire to partner in India's development journey toward "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. Starmer arrived with over 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders marking the largest UK delegation ever. Trump had previously called India a "dead economy" following trade tensions over Russian oil purchases, imposing 50% tariffs. India's 7.8% April-June growth effectively countered Trump's claims.

India welcomed the US-brokered Israel-Hamas peace deal facilitating hostage returns and phased Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Benjamin Netanyahu's "strong leadership," expressing hope the agreement would bring lasting peace to the war-torn region. The deal, confirmed by Trump and Netanyahu, aims to end the conflict that began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 offensive on Israeli border towns. Trump called it a "great day" for the Arab-Muslim world and Israel, while Netanyahu termed it a "diplomatic success" and "moral victory." The first phase involves Hamas releasing 47 hostages (alive and dead) in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, with Israeli troops withdrawing beyond agreed lines. (PC: Reuters & The Guardian)

President Donald Trump is being positioned for the Nobel Peace Prize following a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The White House dubbed him "The Peace President" in a strategic post just before the 2025 Nobel announcement. Trump claims to have settled seven global conflicts, including what he asserts are peace efforts between India-Pakistan (which New Delhi denies) and Russia-Ukraine. The 79-year-old Republican has been vocally pursuing the prize, suggesting the Norwegian Nobel Committee might "find a reason" to deny him despite his achievements. He's called potential rejection a "big insult" to America, stating the prize would go to someone "who didn't do a damn thing." (PC: NBC & X)

President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel this week after a ceasefire breakthrough in Gaza. According to the article, if the visit is confirmed, Trump is planning to address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. The trip follows his role in brokering the peace deal, which he announced on Truth Social as Phase One of a broader plan. The agreement includes the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The article also mentions his previous visit in 2016 and the subsequent relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem. (PC: AFP)

The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, has stated that the recently announced Israel-Hamas ceasefire must lead to the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ceasefire, which is the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan, includes a hostage-prisoner exchange. According to a Hamas source, 20 living hostages will be freed in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners within 72 hours. Baerbock, along with other international figures, has welcomed the agreement as a "ray of hope," but stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire and unimpeded aid delivery to the region.

In a bold move, veteran Indian cricketer R. Ashwin has publicly advised star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in domestic tournaments. The suggestion comes amid discussions about their place in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin stated that playing in events like the India 'A' series or the Vijay Hazare Trophy is crucial to prove their commitment and maintain game-level fitness. He supported the selection committee's decision to name Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, calling it a rational step to prepare a new leader for the future. (PC: PTI)