US Senator Lindsey Graham warned that under a potential second Trump presidency, the US would impose 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil specifically India, China and Brazil aiming to “crush your economy” and punish them for sustaining “Putin’s war machine.” Graham, speaking on Fox News, highlighted that these three countries account for roughly 80% of Russia’s discounted crude exports. He stated Trump would force them to choose between economic ties with the US or enabling Putin’s aggression. Graham also echoed support for Ukraine, likening Trump to golfer Scottie Scheffler and cautioning Putin he had “played Trump at your own peril.”

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will retire all MiG-21 Bison fighter jets by the end of 2025, marking the end of an era. These jets, introduced in 1963, have served for over six decades and played a key role in the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The IAF has already phased out three MiG-21 squadrons since 2022, with the final unit, based in Rajasthan’s Nal, set to retire by year-end. Known for both their legacy and accident record, the MiG-21s are being replaced with advanced aircraft like the Tejas. The decision is part of IAF's larger modernisation and fleet upgrade strategy. (PC: The Sunday Guardian & AFP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, stating that Dhankhar "got many opportunities to serve the country." Modi also extended his best wishes for Dhankhar's good health, acknowledging the former Vice President's cited health concerns as the reason for his departure. President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation. The development marks a significant political event, with further implications expected to unfold. This news comes as a key update following Dhankhar's unexpected exit from the Vice President's post. (PC: NDTV & Free Press Journal)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four‑day visit to the United Kingdom beginning July 24, accompanied by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The principal objective is the formal signing of the India‑UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in London on July 24, marking the culmination of three years of negotiations. The pact will eliminate duties on nearly 99% of Indian exports including leather, garments, footwear and textiles and slash tariffs on UK whisky (from 150% to 75%, then 40%) and car imports (from over 100% to 10% under quotas). Following parliamentary and cabinet approvals, it is slated to take effect in about a year, aiming to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. (PC: News18 & Mint)

Ahead of India’s crucial 4th Test against England, Irfan Pathan has urged selectors to rethink team choices. He suggested Sai Sudharsan should replace Karun Nair, highlighting Nair’s poor run of form despite batting well. Pathan pointed out that England have struggled against left-handers and Sai’s return could offer India a tactical edge. On the bowling front, Pathan backed Prasidh Krishna over newcomer Anshul Kamboj, citing experience in key matches. India trail 1-2 in the five-match series, making the Manchester Test a must-win. Shubman Gill leads the side under scrutiny after India’s 22-run defeat at Lord’s. (PC: BCCI)

A UK F-35B fighter jet, stranded at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram airport for 39 days due to technical issues, finally departed. The British High Commission confirmed the aircraft’s safe take-off after extensive repairs by UK defence engineers. The jet had made an emergency landing on June 14 following a malfunction during a sortie over the Indian Ocean. The British side expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for their support. Valued at $110 million, the F-35B is a top-tier stealth aircraft. The UK stressed its commitment to strengthening defence ties with India through continued cooperation and collaboration.

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has criticised Test captain Shubman Gill, claiming he is trying to imitate Virat Kohli’s aggressive on-field behaviour. Tiwary said Gill’s confrontations during the Lord’s Test against England, including verbal spats with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, affected his batting as India slipped to a 2-1 series deficit. He argued Gill’s aggression was unnecessary and detracted from his performance, citing similar behaviour in the IPL. Tiwary urged Gill to focus on winning matches rather than verbal exchanges. India faces England in the crucial Manchester Test from July 23 as the series continues. (PC: India Today)

Portugal’s parliament has reclassified rape as a public crime, aligning the country with wider European legal standards. Under the new law, authorities can investigate and prosecute rape cases without requiring a formal complaint from the victim. The legislation, proposed by Bloco de Esquerda, LIVRE, and PAN, passed with support from the Social Democratic Party and parts of the Socialist Party, despite some internal abstentions. Witnesses can now report rape, triggering immediate investigations. Critics raised concerns over victims’ autonomy, but lawmakers said further discussions will refine legal details. The law amends Portugal’s Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Victim’s Statute. (PC: Representative)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and Maldives from July 23-26, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. In London, Modi will meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, and unveil the much-awaited India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement announced on May 6. Discussions will cover trade, technology, defence, and climate. In the Maldives, Modi will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations as Guest of Honour on July 26. Talks with President Mohamed Muizzu will focus on strengthening the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership established in 2024 to boost bilateral ties. (PC: X)

Following Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation citing health reasons, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh has emerged as a leading contender for the post. Singh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, is seen as a trusted NDA ally and a non-controversial choice. The BJP-led NDA is expected to announce its nominee soon. The Constitution mandates a swift election to fill the vacancy. Dhankhar’s departure surprised many on Parliament’s monsoon session opening day. Other names under consideration reportedly include senior Union ministers or state governors. Dhankhar’s tenure was marked by frequent clashes with opposition MPs during heated parliamentary sessions. (PC: HT)