Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will leave the organisation by August-end to rejoin Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. Gopinath, the IMF’s first woman Chief Economist in 2019, became FDMD in 2022. Confirming the move, IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva praised Gopinath’s leadership on global economic issues including Argentina and Ukraine. Gopinath posted on X, “After 7 amazing years at IMF, I return to my academic roots.” She will resume at Harvard from September 1, 2025. (PC: X)

On her 30th birthday and first day at a new job, Athulya Sekhar from Kerala was found dead in her Sharjah apartment. Her family alleges years of domestic abuse and dowry harassment by her husband, Satheesh, who has been booked for murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Dowry Prohibition Act. The complaint details strangulation, kicking, and head trauma. Videos released show visible injuries and Satheesh attempting to hit her. He denies involvement, claiming he seeks answers too. Athulya’s father insists she wouldn’t die by suicide, citing her bond with her daughter. The family is coordinating with Sharjah Police and the Indian Consulate for investigation. (PC: Manorama Online & Hindustan Times)

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school compound in Dhaka, killing 19 people, including 11 children, in the country's deadliest air accident since 1984. The F-7 aircraft malfunctioned during routine training and exploded upon impact with the school. The pilot attempted ejection but did not survive. The school was closed for summer vacation, but students and staff were present for a special program. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. Authorities have grounded similar aircraft pending review. This tragedy has triggered widespread mourning, raising serious concerns over military flight operations in densely populated urban areas. (PC: Mint & Hindustan Times)

The Election Commission of India (EC) told the Supreme Court that during Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls (SIR), documents like Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards cannot serve as proof of voter eligibility, it needs valid citizenship proof. The EC flagged fake ration cards and noted that Aadhaar doesn’t establish citizenship. It added that current voter IDs just reflect entries and cannot confirm eligibility. However, exclusion from the list doesn’t impact citizenship. While the SC asked the EC to consider these documents, the EC stressed its constitutional authority and a broader 11‑document list that’s illustrative, not exhaustive. Bihar’s SIR ensures electoral accuracy without questioning citizenship. (PC: Vote India & Hindi News)

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s three‑year Vice‑Presidential term beginning in August 2022, was defined by sharp confrontations with opposition party leaders. As a Vice President Dhankar's activities are characterized by his contentious critique of the judiciary, which highlights the boundaries of legislative authority and his involvement in the Rajya Sabha procedural dispute. As Chair of the Rajya Sabha, he pushed for stricter decorum and discipline, sparking public and political debate . A no‑confidence motion against him in December 2024 failed on technical grounds . His sudden resignation on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns, surprised many and triggered speculation about deeper motives. His departure leaves a legacy of assertive leadership and renewed scrutiny of the Vice‑President’s role in India’s constitutional framework. (PC: Sarkaritel)

India’s Civil Aviation Ministry told the Rajya Sabha the Air India crash investigation will not be handed to the CBI, with no such proposal under consideration. The AAIB’s preliminary report indicates that both fuel‑control switches moved to “cutoff,” causing dual engine shutdown and a sudden altitude drop; pilots appeared confused, but it remains unclear whether the switch movement was mechanical or intentional. Media speculation including Wall Street Journal claims of emotional pilot voices and a call for criminal review, were criticised by aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who urged patience and said final findings await the AAIB’s complete report. (PC: Bloomberg & Fox2)

India–US trade negotiations remain deadlocked over agriculture and dairy access, with India refusing to yield on protecting its farmers. The fifth round of talks (July 14–17 in Washington), led by Rajesh Agrawal, wrapped up without resolution but both sides hope to forge an interim pact before Aug 1, when Trump‑era reciprocal tariffs (26 %) snap back. Washington is pushing for concessions in GM crops, dairy, autos, and industrial goods; New Delhi demands relief on textiles, gems, leather, agriculture and more. A step‑by‑step deal may emerge, with a fuller BTA likely by September–October. (PC: Instagram)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated President Trump’s assertion that he “ended wars,” citing his role in the India–Pakistan ceasefire, along with involvement in Russia–Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear sites and Israel–Gaza. Trump claimed U.S. diplomacy backed by trade leverage, brokered the India–Pakistan truce. He also highlighted that “four or five jets were shot down” during the May conflict. India firmly denied U.S. mediation, stating its military commanders, not Washington, negotiated the ceasefire directly with Pakistan. Pressed on this, PM Modi emphasized that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through military channels, rejecting foreign intervention. The administration continues to present Trump’s aggressive diplomacy as under‑celebrated global achievements.

India's Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has unexpectedly resigned due to medical reasons, prematurely ending his term that was set to conclude in 2027. His tenure was marked by notable clashes with the Opposition. With no immediate successor announced, the Constitution dictates that the Rajya Sabha chairperson's duties will fall to the deputy chairperson or a President-appointed Rajya Sabha member. The ruling NDA, holding a significant electoral college majority, is now deliberating on candidates, with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh being a prominent name. This marks Dhankhar as one of only three Vice Presidents to resign before completing their term. (PC: X & PTI)

At least 20 people, mostly students, were killed and over 170 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into Milestone College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday. The aircraft took off at 13:06 local time before slamming into the campus, triggering a massive fire. Visuals showed heavy damage and panicked crowds. Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus vowed a full investigation and assistance for victims. This tragedy comes weeks after India’s deadliest aviation crash in a decade. Firefighters and army officials continued recovery efforts late into the evening as grief engulfed the campus. (PC: HT)