With the August 1 deadline looming, India faces a trade dilemma due to Trump’s aggressive tariff demands or risk of losing leverage. The US seeks zero-duty access to Indian markets, while India pushes for a 15% tariff ceiling on its exports. Talks remain stalled, though India has signaled willingness to purchase US defense equipment, natural gas, and nuclear reactors. Contentious sectors like dairy and agriculture are off the table. Trump’s proposed 15–20% global tariffs could erode India’s comparative advantage. Exporters face uncertainty, and transshipment clauses may complicate pharma and electronics trade. A final decision may hinge on direct talks between PM Modi and President Trump, with inflation and political optics influencing outcomes. (PC: Instagram)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing Parliament, defended India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack and criticized Congress for historic missteps regarding Pakistan. Shah cited the Indus Waters Treaty and Simla Agreement as examples of Congress’s failures, blaming Nehru for PoK’s existence. He asserted that all three terrorists involved were Pakistani nationals, backed by voter IDs and Pakistani-made chocolates. Shah accused former Home Minister P. Chidambaram of indirectly defending Pakistan by questioning the evidence. He emphasized that India targeted terror camps in Pakistan, reinforcing the government's stance. BJP MPs applauded his remarks, while Shah warned that the public is watching the opposition’s narrative closely. (PC: Business Standard)

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that India has shown interest in opening parts of its market, but more negotiations are needed to finalize a trade deal before President Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline. Talks have stalled over India’s reluctance to open sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors, while the US resists tariff relief on steel, aluminium, and automobiles. Greer emphasized India’s long-standing protectionist trade policy. Despite constructive discussions, no breakthrough was reached after five rounds of talks. India has yet to receive a formal tariff notice, unlike 20 other countries. An interim agreement is being explored to defer contentious issues. (PC: NDTV & The Epoch News)

During a press conference in Scotland, US President Donald Trump reignited his long-standing feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “nasty person” and accusing him of doing a “terrible job.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, standing beside Trump, quickly defended Khan as “a friend of mine.” Khan’s office responded diplomatically, saying the mayor was “delighted” Trump wants to visit London and would witness how diversity strengthens the city. The clash adds to years of tension between the two leaders, rooted in disagreements over immigration, terrorism, and identity politics. Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over political civility and transatlantic relations.

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn weighed in on the handshake controversy during the final hour of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford. With the match heading toward a draw, England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who declined while chasing personal centuries. Steyn argued the goal was a draw, not milestones, and called accepting the handshake the “gentlemanly” thing to do. While acknowledging the duo’s right to continue batting, he suggested they should’ve accelerated their scoring. The incident has sparked debate over sportsmanship, personal achievement, and the spirit of cricket.

In a dramatic diplomatic breakthrough, Indian nurse Nimisha Priya’s death sentence in Yemen has been officially cancelled, confirmed by the office of Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram AP Abubacker Musliyar. Convicted in 2018 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner, Priya was scheduled for execution on July 16, but a last-minute intervention by the Indian government led to a temporary suspension. A high-level meeting in Sanaa resulted in the complete revocation of the sentence. The Ministry of External Affairs provided legal support, while Priya’s family including her daughter traveled to Yemen to appeal directly. The case now shifts toward securing her safe return to India. (PC: Indio Today)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will lay off 12,000 employees, 2% of its global workforce marking one of its largest retrenchment drives. Experts warn this move could trigger similar actions across India’s IT sector. The layoffs, targeting mid- and senior-level roles, stem from margin pressures, AI disruption, and skill mismatches. Analysts say the traditional service delivery model is being replaced by leaner, AI-driven structures. TCS’s updated HR policy mandates 225 billable days and limits bench time to 35 days. While TCS claims the cuts aren’t AI-driven, industry voices disagree. The shift reflects a broader transformation toward “services-as-software”, with reskilling and agility now critical for survival. (PC: Sci Tech Daily & Mint)

In under 10 hours, Indian forces tracked, located, and killed Suleiman Shah, alias Hashim Musa—the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack—in Operation Mahadev. At 2 am, Shah’s group activated a T82 encrypted device, revealing their Dachigam forest hideout. By 8 am, drones captured visuals; at 9:30 am, Rashtriya Rifles and Para SF moved in. Visual contact was made at 10 am; firing began by 11 am. By 11:45 am, Shah and two LeT terrorists were dead. At 12:45 pm, their bodies were confirmed and photographed. Weapons including AK-47s and grenades were seized. Forces suspect a major attack was being plotted. (PC: X)

Israeli human rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. In separate reports released in Jerusalem, the groups allege systematic targeting of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure and civilians, stating Israel's actions fulfill key criteria of the 1948 Genocide Convention. B’Tselem said Israel aims to "intentionally destroy Palestinian society," while PHRI cited deliberate attacks on hospitals and medics. The Israeli government strongly denied the claims, blaming Hamas. The reports mark the first genocide accusations from within Israel, as the International Court of Justice also reviews a genocide case filed by South Africa. (PC: BBC )

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha that there was “no call” between PM Modi and then-US President Donald Trump between April 22 and June 17, rejecting Trump’s claim that a trade offer helped bring about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar insisted there was “no linkage” between trade and Operation Sindoor, which India launched on May 7 after the Pahalgam terror attack. Defence minister Rajnath Singh also said Operation Sindoor was paused after achieving objectives and not due to any external pressure. India said the ceasefire was initiated through direct DGMO-level talks requested by Pakistan. (PC: HT)