U.S. President Donald Trump announced a steep 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods, effective August 1, 2025, justifying it by referencing Brazil’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt,” and alleging censorship of U.S. tech platforms like X and Rumble . He simultaneously launched a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s digital trade practices, signaling possible further levies . Brazil’s President Lula promptly condemned the move as “tutelage,” threatening retaliation under reciprocity laws . The real fell over 2%, highlighting market fears of a brewing trade war . This escalation marks a politically charged expansion of Trump’s global tariff campaign, which also targets copper, pharmaceuticals and other nations. (PC: AP)

Maharashtra’s Food & Drugs Administration has suspended the licence of Ajanta Caterers at the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen in Mumbai after a video showed Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping and punching a staffer, accusing him of serving “rotten” dal and rice . The FDA seized 16 food samples—including dal, paneer, chutneys and oils—and sent them for lab testing in Bandra. The licence remains suspended pending the 14-day investigation period under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Political leaders, including CM Fadnavis and DCM Shinde, condemned the MLA’s conduct as misuse of power and urged swift administrative action. (PC: ANI)

A rapid analysis by Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimates that a 10‑day heatwave from June 23 to July 2 killed about 2,300 people across 12 major European cities . Human-induced warming raised temperatures up to 4 °C, causing approximately 1,500 of those deaths . Milan, Paris, and Barcelona reported the most fatalities, while older adults (65+) accounted for 80–88% of the climate‑linked casualties . The study used epidemiological models and historical data, revealing how heatwaves silently kill in homes and hospitals. It warns that climate-driven heat extremes are intensifying—posing a growing public-health emergency. (PC: AP Photo) 

India’s space regulator IN‑SPACe has granted Starlink a five-year authorisation (until July 2030 or end of Gen 1 constellation) to deploy its LEO satellite broadband service over India using 4,408 Starlink Gen 1 satellites . This approval clears the last major regulatory barrier, supplementing the earlier DoT GMPCS, VSAT, and ISP licenses . Next steps involve securing spectrum bands, building ground stations and gateways (including 27–30 GHz uplink and 10.7–12.7 GHz downlink) and passing security tests . With Jio and Airtel already on board for distribution partnerships, Starlink will soon roll out service aiming to expand connectivity to remote rural and urban areas alike. (PC: India Today)

On July 9, 2025, a section of the 43‑year‑old Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara district collapsed during a heavy‑rain spell. Multiple vehicles—including trucks, vans, and an autorickshaw—plunged into the river. Initial reports cited 9 fatalities and 5 injuries , while later updates confirmed 12 dead and 9 injured . Survivors described the bridge giving way "like a pack of cards," with local fishermen and NDRF teams aiding the rescue . The Gujarat Congress has criticized the state government, warning that the collapse was a “disaster waiting to happen” despite earlier concerns . An official probe was ordered, and PM Modi called the tragedy “deeply saddening,” offering condolences and announcing relief for victims’ families. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)        

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis—Namibia’s highest civilian decoration—by Vice‑President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah during his state visit on July 9, 2025. The accolade marks a historic first, with Modi being the first Indian leader to receive this honour . In his acceptance speech, Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and celebrated the enduring bonds between the two nations . The distinction, Modi’s fourth award during the current tour and 27th overall, underscores deepening diplomatic ties and inspires future bilateral cooperation. (PC: PTI)  

Heavy rain hit Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, causing waterlogging in many parts of Gurugram. Traffic jams were seen across the city, with commuters stuck for hours. Some residents shared videos on X, showing water flowing into homes in Sushant Lok. Others complained of no drainage and poor civic response. An ambulance was seen stuck in traffic near Sohna Road. The Gurugram Municipal Corporation said teams were working on the ground and that all drains were full due to high rainfall. Photos of drainage work were posted online. The weather department had issued an orange alert earlier in the day. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapped and punched a canteen staffer at a Maharashtra MLA hostel after being served “rotten” dal. The incident was caught on video and sparked public outrage. Gaikwad justified the assault, saying he felt sick after eating. The Food and Drug Administration cancelled the canteen’s licence after a poor hygiene report. Officials found dirty floors, uncovered food, reused oil, and dead flies in a butter pot. The MLA, from Eknath Shinde’s faction, said, “I am a warrior, not a Gandhian,” and claimed he had no regrets about the assault. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on seven more countries, including Iraq, Algeria, and Sri Lanka. The new duties, up to 30%, start from August 1. Trump said these steps are needed to fix trade gaps. He also warned BRICS nations, including India, of a 10% tariff, accusing them of trying to harm the US dollar. “They will pay if they try to destroy the dollar,” he said. Trump added that countries moving production to the US could avoid tariffs. The move could raise global tensions ahead of the 2025 election. (PC: India Today)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla said he “felt proud” to act as a “bridge” between researchers and space, after growing methi and moong seeds on the International Space Station. “It has been great to work in the Glove Box doing this research for them,” he said. The experiment is part of a study on how microgravity affects seed growth. Shukla, who is on the Axiom-4 mission, also clicked photos of the sprouting seeds. These seeds will be studied on Earth for genetic changes. Shukla returns to Earth after July 10, depending on weather near the Florida coast. (PC: Axiom Space)