Violent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia reignited on July 24–25, 2025, centring on Ta Muen Thom, part of the ancient Khmer temple complex bordering Surin (Thailand) and Oddar Meanchey (Cambodia) provinces . The dispute over the broader Preah Vihear temple region dates back to colonial-era boundary maps and escalated when ICJ awarded sovereignty of the temple to Cambodia in 1962 and reaffirmed it in 2013 . Nationalism, landmine incidents injuring Thai troops, and a politically explosive leaked phone call involving Thailand’s prime minister further heightened tensions.

India and the UK signed the landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement on 24 July 2025, which includes a Double Contributions Convention (DCC) exempting temporary Indian workers in the UK from social security contributions for up to three years . This move benefits approximately 75,000 Indian professionals across IT, finance, legal, education, and digital services, significantly lowering employer costs and boosting take‑home pay . The enhanced mobility and cost efficiency are expected to invigorate Indian services firms like TCS and Infosys, helping them expand operations in the UK and drive bilateral professional collaboration.

Intense clashes erupted on July 24–25, 2025, along the disputed Thailand–Cambodia border, near the historic Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. Cambodia reportedly used BM‑21 rockets and artillery, targeting Thailand’s Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, while Thailand responded with F‑16 airstrikes . At least 14 people were killed, including Thai civilians and one child, and 46 wounded; Cambodia confirmed one civilian death, with 5 injured . The Thai government evacuated over 100,000 people, while Cambodia relocated 1,500 families . Diplomatic ties collapsed: Thailand withdrew its ambassador and expelled Cambodia’s envoy. Global leaders, including the UN and US, have demanded an immediate ceasefire and civilian protection. (PC: Reuters)

A strategic “Rakhine Corridor” in Myanmar’s Rakhine State—presented as a humanitarian aid route—is stirring a geopolitical contest among China, India, and the United States . With the Arakan Army (AA) now controlling most of Rakhine, the corridor is poised to become a zone of influence over the Bay of Bengal gateway . India backs its Kaladan transit link, while China pushes its Kyaukphyu deep‑sea port/SEZ projects under the Belt and Road initiative . The U.S. and UN are advancing the corridor proposal and courting Bangladeshi cooperation, alarming Dhaka’s military leadership over sovereignty concerns. 

India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement on July 24, 2025, projected to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK, including food processing, marine products, textiles, and footwear—removing duties of up to **20%** . UK tariffs on Indian alcohol such as whisky, brandy, and vodka will drop from 150% to 110% in year 1 and to 75% by year 10, subject to minimum import pricing . Automotive tariffs will be phased down from over 100% to 10% under quotas, benefiting EVs and luxury cars . The agreement also opens public procurement tenders in non-sensitive sectors to UK firms and provides social‑security relief to Indian professionals working short‑term in the UK. (PC: AP)  

Rishabh Pant has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first visiting wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket history to score 1,000 runs in England. This landmark was achieved during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester in July 2025, where Pant’s total reached 1,018 runs at an average of 44.26, including four centuries and four fifties. He is now the sixth Indian to reach this milestone in England, joining legends like Tendulkar and Dravid. However, Pant retired hurt due to a foot injury during the match, casting uncertainty on his immediate availability. (PC: AP)

In March 2025, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake along Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault—its strongest in over a century—was accidentally recorded by CCTV. The footage shows, for the first time ever, the Earth’s surface rupturing and shifting sideways by 2.5 meters in just 1.3 seconds .Detailed analysis revealed a pulse‑like rupture pattern—a rapid, concentrated slip—and a slightly curved fault path, confirming theories previously inferred from geological scarring like slickenlines . These insights fundamentally enhance our understanding of earthquake physics and could reshape how future seismic events are modeled and mitigated.

In a significant diplomatic shift, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. Macron emphasized that the decision aligns with France’s commitment to a peaceful two-state solution and international law. The move comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Macron also calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and demilitarization of Hamas. Israel and the United States strongly condemned the plan, calling it counterproductive. However, the Palestinian Authority welcomed it, praising France’s recognition as a step toward justice and sovereignty. (PC: The Hindu)

India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during PM Narendra Modi’s London visit, projected to boost bilateral trade by $34 billion annually. Hailing it as the “most historic” pact, Modi said the FTA would benefit India's youth, farmers, MSMEs, and sectors like textiles, seafood, and engineering. UK PM Keir Starmer called it the “biggest and most significant trade deal since leaving the EU,” adding, “It boosts wages, raises living standards, and puts more money in people’s pockets.” The FTA will ease exports for both nations, cutting tariffs on whisky, medical devices, textiles, and more. (PC: X)

Following the historic India-UK Free Trade Agreement signed on July 24, Indian consumers can expect reduced prices on UK products including scotch whiskey, chocolates, biscuits, and cars. Tariffs on scotch will fall from 150% to 40% over 10 years, making premium brands like Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal cheaper. The deal also covers aerospace parts, medical devices, and cosmetics. Indian professionals working in the UK will enjoy a 3-year exemption from social security payments. The pact, hailed as India’s most ambitious in a decade, is projected to boost bilateral trade by $34 billion annually and strengthen economic ties. (PC: X)