Israel will permit foreign nations to parachute humanitarian aid into Gaza starting Friday, according to Israeli army radio. The move follows rising international pressure and reports from Gaza’s health ministry that over 100 Palestinians have died from starvation since March, when Israel halted aid. Though the blockade was lifted in May, tight restrictions remain, citing concerns over aid diversion to Hamas. UNICEF treated 5,000 malnourished children in Gaza in July alone. WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus labelled the crisis “man-made mass starvation,” urging urgent intervention. An official Israeli military spokesperson has not commented on the parachute aid report. (PC: X)

Russia has offered the Su‑35M fighter jet to India as part of the Multi‑Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for roughly 110–117 aircraft . The proposal reportedly includes full‑scale Transfer of Technology (ToT) and rapid supply of 36–40 jets within 2–3 years, leveraging synergies with India’s Su‑30MKI fleet thanks to shared systems and pilot familiarity . However, analysts highlight limitations: the Su‑35 lacks AESA radar and modern avionics, making it less compatible with India’s future combat roadmap and AMCA program . India instead favours upgrading its Su‑30MKI “Super‑30” platform and exploring deeper localisation with Su‑57E offers, which include source‑code access and manufacturing at HAL facilities. (PC: IDRW)

Former Barcelona midfielder and coach Xavi Hernandez reportedly submitted his application for the Indian national football team’s vacant head coach role—part of a pool of 170 applicants that included names like Harry Kewell, Robbie Fowler, Stephen Constantine, Stefan Tarkovic, and India’s Khalid Jamil . AIFF officials were reportedly “stunned” to see his high-profile name and noted his application lacked a contact number . However, his bid was rejected due to the high financial cost associated with hiring a coach of his global stature, which AIFF deemed beyond its budget. (PC: AFP)

Thailand declared martial law in 8 districts bordering Cambodia after two days of escalating artillery fire. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned the conflict could soon turn into a "state of war." At least 16 people have died since Thursday. Cambodia accused Thailand of using banned cluster munitions, while Thailand claimed Cambodia initiated the attacks. Over 1 lakh people have been displaced. Fighter jets and infantry units were mobilized by both sides. Tensions began in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed, intensifying this week with injuries and skirmishes near the contested Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple in the Emerald Triangle. (PC: India Today)

Gaza ceasefire talks face fresh uncertainty after US and Israeli negotiators withdrew from Doha. US envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of lacking "desire to reach a ceasefire," while Israel cited the need for consultations. Hamas expressed surprise at the criticism, saying talks had not collapsed and Israel would return next week. The deadlock continues over key issues, including Israeli troop withdrawal and aid access. Protests erupted in Tel Aviv demanding hostage releases, as families warn time is running out. Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens, with 48 malnutrition-related deaths in July and one in four children suffering from acute hunger, MSF reported. (PC: BBC)

An Etihad Airways Airbus A380—currently the world’s largest commercial passenger plane—was flying from Toronto to Abu Dhabi when it was forced to turn back roughly two hours into the flight due to a mid‑air disturbance involving a “person in crisis” aboard . No injuries were reported, and no aircraft doors were opened; the passenger was escorted to hospital by Peel Regional Police and paramedics . The flight crew followed standard safety protocols, and the aircraft safely landed back at Toronto Pearson more than seven hours after departure . Passengers reportedly experienced confusion during the return loop, and there’s no word yet on rescheduling the onward flight.

A UK cinema screening the Telugu film Hari Hara Veera Mallu was forced to pause the show after Indian fans created a mess by throwing confetti and littering the hall. A viral video shows staff entering the auditorium to scold the audience, calling their actions “unacceptable” and demanding they clean up. The incident sparked backlash online, with many criticizing the behavior as disrespectful and tarnishing India’s image abroad. While such celebrations are common in Indian cinemas, UK theatre staff emphasized maintaining cleanliness and decorum. The show resumed only after warnings were issued and order was restored.

England’s Joe Root overtook Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. During Day 3 of the IND vs ENG Manchester Test, Root smashed his 38th Test century, surpassing Ponting's 13,378 runs. Root now has 13,379 runs in 157 matches, behind only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921. “The way his career has gone, there’s no reason he won’t surpass Tendulkar,” Ponting said. Root also equaled Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 38 hundreds and leads all active players in Test runs. Since stepping down as captain in 2022, Root has scored over 3,400 runs and remains vital in England’s Bazball era. (PC: India Today)

India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 24, 2025, allowing 20,000 fully built‑up (ICE) cars imported from the UK to enter India under greatly reduced duty rates in the first year — a drop from over 110% to 50% for high‑engine models, and from 66% to 50% for mid‑segment and sub‑1500 cc cars . These quotas grow over five years before gradually tapering. No tariff relief applies to EVs during the first five years. The agreement aims to benefit luxury brands like Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Rolls‑Royce and Aston Martin, while tightly safeguarding India’s domestic automotive ecosystem. (PC: AFP)      

  Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai cautioned on July 25, 2025, that the escalating border clashes with Cambodia “could develop into war.” Intense fighting erupted near disputed temples like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom, involving artillery, rockets, F‑16 airstrikes and heavy ground forces . The conflict has displaced over 130,000 people in Thailand and more than 4,000 in Cambodia, with at least 15 civilian deaths, including children, reported in Thailand and Cambodia's first fatality confirmed . Thailand declared martial law in eight border districts and instructed its military to respond swiftly if the crisis worsens . An emergency UN‑Security Council meeting has been convened as international calls for ceasefire mount. (PC: Reuters)