KL Rahul equalled Sunil Gavaskar’s record of scoring 1000+ runs as an Indian opener in overseas Tests as India reached 78/0 at lunch on Day 1 of the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Rahul remained unbeaten on 40 alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 36, after England opted to bowl first. The opening pair saw off the new ball comfortably in a solid first session, giving India the upper hand. With the five-match series level at 1-1, the visitors made the most of a good batting pitch, aiming to build a strong first-innings total. (PC: NDTV)

India and the UK are set to finalize a landmark Free Trade Agreement during PM Modi’s July 24 visit to London. The deal will eliminate tariffs on ~99% of Indian exports to the UK—including textiles, leather, gems, marine products, auto parts, and organic chemicals—and phase out duties on 90% of UK goods imported into India, with 64% cut immediately . Key sector wins include zero‑duty access for labour‑intensive industries and improved services mobility. Scotch whisky and cars see staged tariff cuts, while provisions include enhanced market access, professional visa movement, and streamlined procurement . The pact aims to double bilateral trade to $120 bn by 2030, pending legislative ratification in both nations. (PC: ANI)

Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force, Noida unit, raided a rented property in Ghaziabad’s Kavi Nagar on July 22, arresting Harsh Vardhan Jain for operating a fake embassy representing non-existent micronations like “West Arctica,” “Seborga,” “Lodonia,” “Poulvia” and others . Jain posed as a diplomat, promising overseas jobs and brokering deals through forged diplomatic passports, seals, morphed photos with world leaders and vehicles with fake diplomatic plates . Authorities seized ₹44–45 lakh cash, foreign currency, four luxury cars with plates, 18 fake plates, 12 micronation passports and Ministry of External Affairs seals . Jain faces charges of forgery, impersonation, hawala and money laundering; investigations into his network continue. (PC: The Hindu)

A Pune suburban rail passenger misplaced their ticket on the Pune–Akurdi route and was fined ₹510. Due to a technical glitch with the railway’s official digital payment system and no cash on hand, the ticket checker collected the fine through her personal Google Pay account. The amount was later forwarded to railways under receipt MR UFV22071478. Pune railway division spokesperson Hemantkumar Behera confirmed this practice violates protocol, and the staff member has been formally warned. Official guidance now prohibits accepting personal UPI payments even during system failures, and railway digital infrastructure is being enhanced to prevent repeat incidents. (PC: AP)

Six gelatin sticks and detonators were discovered in a plastic bag near the toilet at Bengaluru’s Kalasipalya BMTC bus stand, prompting a swift response from the police and Anti-Terrorist Squad. The explosives were concealed inside a plastic cover and found by a staff member who alerted security after an unattended bag remained unclaimed. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) confirmed the recovery and said an FIR is yet to be registered. The area has been secured, and a probe is underway to trace the source and motive. Authorities have not ruled out foul play, and no suspects have been identified yet. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a four-day visit to the UK and Maldives on Wednesday. His UK stop includes a meeting with British PM Keir Starmer and a possible audience with King Charles III. The highlight will be the formal signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, aiming to double trade from $60 billion to $120 billion by 2030. Discussions will cover regional and global issues of mutual concern. Modi will then travel to the Maldives from July 25-26 to reset strained ties following President Mohamed Muizzu’s election, signaling India’s renewed diplomatic engagement in the region. (PC: X)

South Korea’s ARAIB has confirmed that, following a bird strike during the December 29, 2024 landing at Muan Airport, Jeju Air pilots mistakenly shut down the less‑damaged left engine, instead of the heavily impacted right one. This misstep dramatically reduced thrust and electrical power, leading to a belly‑landing, runway overrun, embankment collision, and a devastating fire that killed 179 of the 181 onboard . The investigation’s early focus on pilot error has provoked strong backlash from victims’ families and pilots, who demand full disclosure of cockpit data and a broader examination of contributing factors like the airport embankment.(PC: The Times of India)  

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and global rock icon, has died aged 76. Tributes poured in from across the music world, with Metallica calling him a “hero and friend,” and Elton John calling him a “true legend.” “There will never be another Ozzy,” said Kiss's Gene Simmons. His final performance, just weeks ago in Birmingham, marked an emotional farewell. Fellow artists like Foo Fighters, AC/DC, and Billy Corgan celebrated his legacy, calling him the heart of heavy metal. Fans mourned globally, laying flowers in Birmingham and at his Hollywood star. Osbourne leaves behind wife Sharon and six children. (PC: BBC)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said, “Trump has said 25 times that he got the ceasefire done. The Prime Minister has not replied even once.” He accused PM Modi of hiding from questions over Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. Gandhi also slammed large-scale voter deletions in Bihar, calling it part of a “pattern of fraud.” “They deleted voters in Maharashtra, added 1 crore new ones—now they’re doing the same in Bihar,” he alleged. Gandhi said India was diplomatically isolated and that Modi “can’t face Parliament” because “the truth is out.” (PC: India Today)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to UK media reports alleging a British victim’s family received the wrong body after the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said victim identification followed “established protocols” and authorities are working closely with UK officials. A DailyMail report claimed funeral services were halted when a family discovered the remains were not their relative’s. Lawyer James Healy-Pratt said grieving families were “distraught,” with some bodies reportedly commingled. Air India and emergency contractor Kenyons are under pressure for accountability. UK coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox raised serious concerns. (PC: HT)