Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a cricketing metaphor to describe India-UK ties, telling British PM Keir Starmer, “There may be a swing and a miss at times, but we always play with a straight bat!” After signing a landmark Free Trade Agreement and launching Vision 2035, Modi emphasized building a “high-scoring, solid partnership” with the UK. Both leaders also interacted with youth at London’s Buckingham Street Cricket Hub. Modi’s remarks resonated as India’s national cricket team tours England. Cricket, he said, symbolizes shared passion and partnership between the two nations, blending diplomacy with a sport loved on both sides. (PC: X)

A 1,000-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has become the epicentre of a violent conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Clashes erupted after a Cambodian drone was spotted near the Ta Muen Temple Complex, triggering airstrikes and diplomatic fallout. The Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, located on the Dangrek border ridge, features a natural rock Shivling, Sanskrit inscriptions, and iconography tracing to India’s Gupta and Pallava dynasties. Originally Shaivite Hindu, the temple later became a Buddhist centre under Khmer rule. The border dispute, fuelled by colonial-era maps, has turned this forgotten heritage site into a modern-day flashpoint. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Charles III at Sandringham House during his UK visit and presented him with a sapling of the Davidia involucrata 'Sonoma', also known as the handkerchief tree. The gift was part of Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, encouraging people to plant trees in tribute to their mothers. The Royal Family confirmed the tree will be planted in autumn. Modi and King Charles also discussed bilateral ties, collaboration on Ayurveda, Yoga, and the Mission LIFE initiative to promote environmental sustainability. The sapling symbolized a gesture of friendship and environmental commitment between India and the UK. (PC: X)

At least 12 people have died in clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops at their shared border. Most of the dead are Thai civilians, including children. One Thai soldier was also killed. The fighting started on Thursday, with both sides blaming each other. Thailand said Cambodia used rockets and drones. In return, Thailand launched air strikes. Thailand has closed its border and moved 40,000 people to safety. Cambodia has cut ties and said Thailand used too much force. The conflict is over a long-disputed area near an old temple. Both countries have sent more troops to the border. (PC: India Today)

The UN says 6,000 trucks of food and aid are ready to enter Gaza, but access is blocked. It warns that hunger in Gaza is worse than ever. A doctor in Gaza said children are fainting from malnutrition. More than 100 aid groups say people are starving due to Israel's blockade. At least 113 people have died from hunger since October. Prices in Gaza are very high—flour now costs over £400. Many risk their lives to get aid. A man was shot while trying to get food. The UN urges Israel to allow full aid entry to save lives. (PC: Getty Images)

The government said 112 Air India pilots called in sick on June 16, four days after the deadly AI-171 crash. The flight, heading to London, crashed near Ahmedabad and killed 260 people, including ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The sick pilots included 51 commanders and 61 first officers. A minister said the DGCA already has mental health rules to support pilots and air traffic staff. These include regular checks and peer support programmes. The Black Box from the crash was decoded in India for the first time. A preliminary report has been released, and the probe is being handled by AAIB. (PC: Reuters)

Airbus and Rolls Royce will supply aircraft and engines to Indian airlines in a £5 billion deal. The agreement comes after India and the UK signed a major Free Trade Agreement. The deal will create jobs in the UK and boost India’s aviation sector. Other UK companies, like Occuity and Johnson Matthey, will also invest in India. Indian firms such as DCube AI and LTIMindtree will invest in the UK. The trade pact also helps Indian farmers and seafood exporters by cutting tariffs. PM Modi said the deal will lower business costs and build trust between the two growing economies. (PC: NDTV)

Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, died at 71 after a heart attack at his Florida home. He passed away on July 24, 2025. WWE confirmed the news and shared condolences. Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s with his strong image and famous line, “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins.” He won many titles and led top WrestleMania matches. Hogan later joined WCW and formed the nWo group, shocking fans. He also acted in films and had a reality show. Hogan was added to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was a true icon. (PC: AP)

India and the UK have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade and jobs. It allows up to 1,800 Indian professionals—like chefs and yoga teachers—to work in the UK each year. IT, engineering, and design workers can also stay for 12 months. Indian companies won’t have to pay UK insurance for short-term workers for up to three years. Business visitors and skilled workers now get legal protection under the deal. Textile firms will benefit from lower UK tariffs. However, the FTA doesn’t change rules for permanent stay or settlement. The deal aims to grow ties and protect workers. (PC: X-@narendramodi)

The Karnataka High Court on 24 July 2025 temporarily stayed the deportation of two young girls (ages 6 and 4), daughters of Russian national Nina Kutina, found living with their mother in a cave near Gokarna. Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav invoked the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), prioritizing the “best interests of the child” over immediate deportation—especially since the children lack valid identity documents . Kutina, whose visa expired years ago, lived in a forest cave for months raising the children in nature. The court has asked the Centre to file objections within two weeks; the next hearing is set for 18 August.