India has successfully test-fired the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 from a drone at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the flight trials mark a major boost to India’s missile capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement, congratulating DRDO and its industry partners, including DcPPs, MSMEs, and start-ups. The success demonstrates India’s readiness to absorb and produce critical defence technologies. The ULPGM-V3 enhances precision strike capabilities from unmanned aerial vehicles, reducing risk to personnel and expanding strategic flexibility. This milestone aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada’s intent to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations. Supporting a two-state solution, Carney emphasized peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Canada will actively participate in next week’s UN High-Level Conference in New York. The move follows France’s similar declaration, sparking global debate. Carney also condemned Israel’s failure to prevent Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Hamas welcomed France’s recognition as a step toward justice and Palestinian self-determination. Israel, however, strongly opposed the initiative, citing security concerns. Canada’s shift signals growing international momentum toward Palestinian statehood amid escalating tensions in the region. (PC: The Times Of Israel & Financial Times)

At the AI Summit in Washington, President Donald Trump urged U.S. tech firms to halt hiring Indian workers and building factories in China, declaring “those days are over.” He criticized the industry’s “radical globalism” and called for renewed patriotism and national loyalty. Trump signed three executive orders to promote American-made AI, accelerate data center infrastructure, and eliminate “woke” AI in federal systems. He emphasized that America started the AI race and must win it, urging companies to “put America first.” The move signals a shift toward tech nationalism, potentially impacting Indian professionals and outsourcing firms that rely on U.S. contracts and talent pipelines.

India and the UK have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030. The deal grants duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports to Britain, benefiting sectors like textiles, leather, and processed foods. Indian consumers will see reduced prices on British imports including whisky, luxury cars, cosmetics, soft drinks, and medical equipment. Whisky duties will drop from 150% to 75%, then to 40% over a decade. Electric vehicle tariffs will fall from 110% to 10%. The agreement was signed in London by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, witnessed by PMs Modi and Starmer. (PC: Getty Images & Shutterstock)

Indian football is facing its deepest crisis in years, with the national team coachless and the Indian Super League (ISL) on the brink of collapse due to unresolved rights disputes. Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who returned from retirement at 40, voiced concern over the sport’s uncertain future. India’s FIFA ranking has plummeted to 133, with just one win in 16 matches. The ISL’s paralysis affects over 5,000 stakeholders, while TV ratings and sponsor interest decline. Mismanagement within the AIFF is blamed for the turmoil. FIFA’s Arsène Wenger advocates earlier grassroots training. Despite past Olympic success, India remains a “sleeping giant,” struggling to awaken amid growing fears and fading hope.(PC: Al Jazeera & Olympics.com)

During his two-day visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s “friendship first” approach, announcing a ₹4,850 crore credit line for infrastructure development. Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu held comprehensive talks, marking a reset in ties strained since Muizzu’s “India Out” campaign. The visit saw the inauguration of several India-backed projects, including a new defence ministry building. Modi pledged continued defence cooperation, maritime security collaboration, and support through India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies. He also highlighted the growing success of UPI in the Maldives. The leaders committed to a bilateral investment treaty and free trade negotiations.

The UN’s World Food Programme has warned that nearly one-third of Gaza’s population is going days without food, with 90,000 women and children needing urgent treatment for malnutrition. At least 122 people have died of starvation since the conflict began, with nine new deaths reported Friday. International pressure is mounting on Israel to lift aid restrictions. Germany, France, and the UK called the humanitarian catastrophe “unacceptable.” A US security contractor accused IDF and US forces of committing war crimes at aid sites. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied the allegations, calling the whistleblower a “disgruntled former contractor.” (PC: BBC)

England seized control of the 4th Test in Manchester, scoring 319 runs on Day 3 to reach 544/7 and stretch their first-innings lead to 186. Joe Root starred with a majestic 150, surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. India’s bowling attack struggled, with Jasprit Bumrah and others lacking penetration. Captain Ben Stokes returned from cramps to finish unbeaten on 77, partnering Liam Dawson (21*). England's lower order is expected to push the lead further, putting India under pressure. The series hangs in the balance as Root's record-breaking knock may prove decisive in the outcome. (PC: India Today)

A 34-year-old Indian tourist was arrested in Pattaya, Thailand, for allegedly stealing ₹16,100 from a transgender woman’s purse while she was in the shower. The two had met earlier on Walking Street and returned to his guesthouse. Hotel staff called police after hearing the woman’s cries for help. He remains in custody. In a separate case, a 38-year-old Indian man was arrested in Singapore for stealing goods worth ₹3.5 lakh from 14 shops at Changi Airport. He fled the country but was detained upon return. Singapore Police confirmed recovery of the stolen items. Both men face criminal charges abroad. (PC: X)

The government will field key ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S. Jaishankar, and JP Nadda in a 3-day parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, with Prime Minister Modi expected to make a crucial intervention. The debate, spanning 16 hours across both Houses, begins July 28. A resolution on the success of Operation Sindoor Healing is expected to be passed next Wednesday. Opposition parties have demanded discussions on multiple issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack and US President Trump's ceasefire claims. Parliament has faced frequent adjournments since July 21. An all-party meeting was held Friday to restore order. (PC: News18)