The 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil focused on global conflicts and economic pressure points. The bloc condemned Israel-US strikes on Iran and expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, rejecting starvation as a weapon of war and reaffirming support for Palestinian statehood. BRICS members also slammed unilateral sanctions and labelled Trump’s tariff threats as a challenge to sovereignty. The Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, was strongly condemned, though Pakistan was not named. The summit criticised Ukraine’s strikes on Russian infrastructure while calling for a peaceful resolution. Notably absent were Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. (PC: News18)

The US has extended its suspension of 26% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods until August 1, offering temporary relief to exporters and boosting bilateral trade talks. The extension, originally set to expire on July 9, signals Washington’s willingness to resolve outstanding issues. India was notably absent from the list of countries receiving tariff letters from the Trump administration this week. Indian trade bodies welcomed the move, calling it a crucial window for finalizing a bilateral trade agreement. Experts urged exporters to stay cautious, as President Trump remains unpredictable. Both countries aim to conclude an interim trade deal by fall 2025. (PC: HT)

Greece has closed the Acropolis in Athens from 13:00 to 17:00 local time on Tuesday due to a severe heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 42°C. The closure aims to protect both visitors and workers, as the historic site drew 4.5 million tourists in 2024 alone. The labour ministry also enforced a five-hour work stoppage for outdoor workers. Greece is under a Category 4 wildfire warning in five regions, with 41 fires reported on Monday. Wildfires also threaten parts of France and Spain. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying such extreme weather events across southern and western Europe. (PC: BBC)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a 35% reservation for women in all state government jobs ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The decision, approved in a Cabinet meeting, will apply to all direct recruitment across government services for women who are permanent residents of Bihar. The government also cleared the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission to address youth employment and education. “We are committed to empowering women and youth,” Kumar said. The move follows a pension hike for the elderly and is seen as a major pre-poll step with elections likely in October-November across Bihar’s 243 Assembly seats. (PC: News18)

Virat Kohli faced online backlash after attending Novak Djokovic’s fourth-round Wimbledon match with wife Anushka Sharma. Some fans questioned his presence at Centre Court, suggesting the 36-year-old should still be playing for India. Kohli recently retired from Test cricket, citing a lack of intensity, despite BCCI’s persuasion to continue. Critics linked his Wimbledon visit to perceived complacency, contrasting him with Djokovic, still competing at 38. Supporters argue Kohli has earned his peace after 17 years at the top. “Let Kohli watch, without being watched,” many urged, highlighting the relentless scrutiny surrounding the cricket legend’s every move—even off the field. (PC: India Today)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report on the tragic Air India 171 crash to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The June 12 flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff, killing 240 of 241 on board, including ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The report, based on early findings, will be released publicly later this week. Investigators are examining whether fuel switch errors or a dual-engine flame-out caused the crash. Training pilots tried replicating the scenario but failed. Black box data and trim sheet analysis are central to understanding what went wrong. (PC: X)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla has entered the final week of his Ax-4 mission aboard the ISS, leading a key experiment on cyanobacteria crucial for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan Mission. The experiment studies how microgravity affects the microorganisms’ growth and biochemical behaviour, aiming to support future space life-support systems. Shukla also redeployed microalgae cultures for research into sustainable space food and oxygen sources. Collaborating with ISRO, NASA, and India’s Department of Biotechnology, the mission includes over 60 experiments. Shukla also contributed to brain-computer interface studies and human factor research, potentially shaping the future of long-duration human spaceflight. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize during a White House dinner on Monday, praising Trump’s ongoing efforts to forge peace in the Middle East, including pushing for an end to the 21-month war in Gaza. Trump welcomed the gesture, calling it “very meaningful.” Negotiators from Israel and Hamas are currently in Qatar discussing a 60-day truce, while Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is set to join talks. Netanyahu’s visit follows joint military action against Iran. Trump, eyeing a legacy of conflict resolution, said, “I’m stopping wars. I hate to see people killed.” (PC: X)

Roman Starovoit, recently dismissed as Russia’s transport minister by President Vladimir Putin, was found dead from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. His body was discovered hours after his dismissal on Monday. Starovoit had earlier served as governor of the Kursk region, parts of which were seized by Ukrainian forces in 2024. Moscow only recently reclaimed most of the territory, though Kyiv says it still holds ground. Russian outlet Kommersant reported Starovoit was facing charges linked to border fortification fund embezzlement. His successor, Aleksey Smirnov, was previously arrested in the same case. Investigations into the death are ongoing. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in Brasilia as Indian and Brazilian performers blended the Shiva Tandava Stotram with vibrant Samba beats. The unique cultural fusion featured Amazonian chants and highlighted spiritual ties between India and Brazil. Padma Shri Jonas Masetti called the moment “deeply moving,” while ICCR director Jyoti Kiran Shukla noted the linguistic and spiritual links. Modi, moved by the warm reception, praised the Indian diaspora’s passion. The welcome followed his productive visit to Rio for the 17th BRICS Summit. Modi is scheduled to meet Brazilian President Lula da Silva to discuss bilateral ties. (PC: NDTV)