Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a pivotal two-nation tour to the UK and Maldives from July 23–26. In the UK (July 23–24), he will sign the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement, expected to reduce tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and boost British exports like whisky and cars. The deal follows three years of negotiations and aims to deepen bilateral trade and security ties. In the Maldives (July 25–26), Modi will be the Chief Guest at the 60th National Day celebrations, marking his first visit since recent diplomatic tensions. The trip is seen as a strategic move to reset relations and reinforce India’s regional influence. (PC: News18 & Business Standard) 

Torrential rains have triggered severe flooding across Rajasthan, prompting red alerts in Ajmer, Bhilwara, Bundi, Kota, Tonk, and Pali. Ajmer’s Khwaja Garib Nawaz Dargah was inundated, with carts and a devotee swept away before being rescued. In Rajsamand, locals saved stranded schoolchildren from a flooded van. Ajmer’s Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital was waterlogged, disrupting services. Pushkar’s market and homes were submerged, while barrage gates were opened in Kota. The IMD forecasts extremely heavy rainfall, with Ajmer expecting up to 79 mm. Relief teams are deployed across vulnerable zones. A depression over northwest Madhya Pradesh is expected to intensify the situation in eastern Rajasthan within 24 hours.

On July 17, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry clarified that the house being demolished in Mymensingh has no association with filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Built by Zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury for employees, the structure was later allocated to the Shishu Academy. Archival records and land documents confirm no familial ties to Ray. The building, deemed dilapidated and unsafe, was abandoned in 2014 and became a hub for unlawful activities. Despite India’s appeal to preserve it as a cultural landmark, Bangladesh reaffirmed its decision. The road outside, named after Ray’s great-grandfather, is the only link. Local experts and citizens unanimously agreed the house lacks historical significance to Ray’s legacy. (PC: India Today & SatyajitRay.org)

China condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians and supported the US designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized opposition to all forms of terrorism and urged regional nations to enhance counterterrorism cooperation. The US move, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was framed as a commitment to justice and national security. Pakistan, however, rejected links between TRF and LeT, calling LeT a defunct group and asserting its own anti-terror efforts. TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later backtracked amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. (PC: TV9 Bharatvarsh, BBC & CBS News)

US President Donald Trump claimed he helped prevent a major India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025 by leveraging trade negotiations. Speaking at a White House dinner, Trump said five jets were shot down during hostilities triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack. India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan, while Pakistan claimed to have downed six Indian jets. Trump asserted his administration threatened to halt trade deals unless both nuclear-armed nations ceased military actions. India has denied US mediation, stating ceasefire talks occurred directly between the two militaries. Pakistan, however, acknowledged Trump’s role. The conflict ended on May 10, with both sides stepping back from escalation amid rising nuclear concerns. (PC: Dhaka Tribune & India Today)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, made history in the first Youth Test against England by becoming the youngest cricketer to take a wicket and score a half-century in the same match. He scored 56 off 44 balls in the second innings and took two wickets with his left-arm spin in the first. This feat breaks Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s record, previously set at age 15. Suryavanshi also became the youngest player to record multiple half-centuries in international U19 Tests. India posted 540 runs, England replied with 439. The match ended in a draw with England finishing at 270/7. The second Youth Test begins July 20 at Chelmsford. (PC: TV9 Bharatvarsh & News18)

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to impose a 10% tariff on imports from BRICS nations, warning the group would "end very quickly" if it formed meaningfully. He accused BRICS of promoting "anti-American policies" and pledged to preserve the dollar’s global reserve status, rejecting any central bank digital currency in the U.S. The BRICS bloc, which expanded to include Iran and Indonesia, has denied being anti-American and is advancing BRICS Pay for local currency transactions. Brazil dropped plans for a common currency. Trump also announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August and launched a probe into its trade practices. (PC: The Tribune & X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in the UK on July 23 at 8 pm at Stansted Airport, where a large gathering of the Indian diaspora is expected to welcome him. On July 24, Modi will sign the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK, a move hailed as a “historic milestone” in bilateral ties after three years of negotiations. The deal offers major benefits for Indian professionals, especially in IT, through a social security agreement that exempts them from contributions for up to three years. Over 60,000 workers are expected to benefit from this new pact. (PC: X/ NarendraModi)

India secured the US terror designation for Pakistan-backed The Resistance Front (TRF) just weeks after the Pahalgam attack. “India acted within 3 days of the attack and provided us with concrete proof,” said a senior Indian official. Intelligence linked TRF to Lashkar-e-Taiba and mastermind Sheikh Sajjad Gul. The US designation validates India’s evidence and exposes Pakistan’s terror links. “This is a setback for Pakistan’s attempt to shield TRF,” sources said. However, India faces resistance at the UN from China and Pakistan. TRF remains central to Pakistan’s proxy war in Kashmir under the false guise of local insurgency. (PC: News18)

Jan Suraaj founder and poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor sustained a rib injury during a roadshow in Arrah, Bihar. The incident occurred when Kishor leaned from his vehicle to greet supporters during his “Badlaav Yatra” at Veer Kunwar Singh Stadium. A large crowd caused commotion and jostling, leading to his injury. Kishor, experiencing severe rib pain, was rushed to a private hospital without addressing the gathering. He had arrived late at the venue due to delays. The rally was part of his larger Bihar outreach campaign ahead of state elections. Further updates on his condition are awaited. (PC: HT)