Air India will gradually restore its international flights after scaling back operations following the June 12 Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people. From August 1, select routes like Delhi-Zurich, Delhi-Tokyo Haneda, and Delhi-Seoul Incheon will resume increased frequencies. Full operations are planned from October 1. The “safety pause” allowed precautionary checks on Boeing 787 aircraft amid airspace issues. Some routes like Bengaluru-London and Delhi-Nairobi will remain reduced or suspended until September 30. Air India will operate 525+ international flights weekly across 63 routes, contacting affected passengers for rebooking or refunds. (PC: HT)

Nitesh Tiwari’s 'Ramayana' is set to become India’s most expensive film ever, with a budget crossing Rs 4000 crore for two parts. Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, the epic will feature world-class VFX, AI dubbing, and music by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The film’s budget far exceeds the earlier speculation of Rs 1600 crore. Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus, the film aims for a grand IMAX experience. Part 1 releases Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in 2027. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus has sent 1,000 kg of Haribhanga mangoes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, and Tripura CM Manik Saha in a diplomatic gesture. This "mango diplomacy" follows strained ties between India and Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s government fell last year. The consignment arrives Monday in New Delhi. PM Modi met Yunus in April during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Bangladesh’s move comes amid efforts to balance relations with India while courting China and Pakistan. The mango gift seeks to revive goodwill through cultural diplomacy despite regional tensions. (PC: NDTV)

On July 15, the Juvenile Justice Board in Pune ruled that the 17-year-old boy accused in the Porsche crash case will be tried as a juvenile. The incident in May 2024 at Kalyani Nagar killed IT professionals Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa. Pune Police had urged adult trial citing the “heinous” nature of the act and alleged evidence tampering. The boy initially got bail with a 300-word essay condition, sparking outrage. Later, the Bombay High Court ruled his observation home remand illegal. Defence counsel confirmed today’s decision rejecting the police plea. (PC: The Hindu)

US President Donald Trump asked Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy if Kyiv could strike Moscow using US weapons, a new report says. The question came during a phone call on July 4, just one day after Trump spoke with Russian President Putin. Trump was said to be unhappy with Putin's response and later pushed Ukraine to act. He also talked about sending long-range missiles and Patriot systems to Ukraine. Trump warned Russia of strong tariffs if no peace deal is reached in 50 days. He said billions in US weapons will soon go to NATO allies and some may head to Ukraine. (PC: India Today)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned to Earth with the Axiom-4 crew after 18 days on the International Space Station, is expected to return to India by August 17, Union minister Jitendra Singh confirmed. The Axiom-4 mission concluded with a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off California at 3:01 PM. Singh said Shukla’s return is subject to post-mission protocols, including rehabilitation, debriefing sessions, and discussions with ISRO teams. “We might expect him in Delhi by August 17,” Singh told PTI. Shukla’s mission marked a key milestone for India’s expanding presence in international space exploration. (PC: X)

India captain Shubman Gill revealed King Charles III sympathized with Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal during their meeting at St James’s Palace after the Lord’s Test. “The King said the way Siraj got out was very unfortunate,” Gill told reporters. India lost by 22 runs despite a spirited fight. King Charles praised India’s performance and admitted he watched the match highlights. “He asked how we felt after that ending,” Gill added. India’s men’s and women’s teams attended the event in London. Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 couldn’t prevent defeat. The fourth Test begins in Manchester on 23 July after an eight-day break. (PC: X)

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would “cope with new sanctions” after Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs if Russia fails to agree to a Ukraine peace deal within 50 days. Lavrov questioned Trump’s motives during a press conference in China, saying, “We want to understand what the US President is moved by.” Earlier, Russian officials called Trump’s ultimatum “unacceptable.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Trump’s remarks “personally concern” President Vladimir Putin. Trump warned of “very severe” secondary tariffs, accusing Russia of prolonging the war. Russia said it needs time to analyze Washington’s latest threats. (PC: HT)

The execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her business partner, has been deferred. The temporary reprieve came not through a blood money settlement but after Yemen’s president intervened following talks with regional leaders. Airline consultant Samuel Jerome Baskaran, involved in efforts to save Priya, confirmed the postponement. India has told the Supreme Court it is doing all it can to help. Nimisha remains jailed in Sana’a as negotiations continue. A reported $1 million offer for clemency remains unanswered. The new date for her execution has not been announced yet. (PC: News18)

King Charles III hosted India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams at Clarence House, praising their fighting spirit in the Lord’s Test. The King revealed he had watched the highlights of India’s narrow 22-run defeat and called Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal “quite unfortunate.” India captain Shubman Gill said, “He asked about our last batter and said it was really unlucky.” Gill appreciated the King’s warmth, adding the team hopes for better results in the coming Tests. Ravindra Jadeja’s valiant 61 not out almost pulled off a remarkable chase. The fourth Test resumes in Manchester on 23 July after an eight-day break. (PC: BCCI)