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)

China has lodged a protest with India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. Beijing accused the Tibetan spiritual leader of being a “political exile” engaging in “anti-China separatist activities.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned India to “act prudently” and respect China's position on Xizang (Tibet). Modi had praised the Dalai Lama as a symbol of compassion and moral discipline. Union ministers also attended celebrations in Dharamshala. India’s foreign ministry reiterated that it upholds religious freedom and takes no position on matters of faith, including the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Washington is “close to making a deal” with India, even as the US imposed new tariffs on 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Talks between India and the US continue to stall over agricultural and dairy sector access, with New Delhi resisting pressure to open markets to genetically modified crops. India seeks tariff cuts on key exports like garments and footwear. Trump’s remarks come ahead of the August 1 tariff hike deadline. Both nations aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 through a limited tariff-reducing agreement. (PC: NDTV)

Novak Djokovic reached his 16th Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday, defeating Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The Serbian star finally broke what he jokingly called the “Federer curse” — a streak of never winning a match when Roger Federer was in the stands. Federer watched from the Royal Box as Djokovic rallied from a set down. "It’s probably the first time I’ve won with him watching," Djokovic said. The two legends shared a moment of mutual respect, delighting fans. Djokovic will now face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. His win came after a gritty comeback in a match lasting over three hours. (PC: India Today)

The death toll from flash floods in central Texas has surpassed 100, with dozens still missing. Kerr County alone reported 84 deaths, including 28 children. Among the worst-hit was Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and staff died, and 11 remain unaccounted for. Camp co-owner Richard Eastland, 70, died trying to rescue children. The disaster struck on July 4 following heavy overnight storms. Criticism arose over past US government budget cuts to weather services, though officials insist early warnings were issued. More rain is forecast, complicating rescue operations. Calls for flood sirens in Kerr County have intensified after the tragedy. (PC: BBC)

An Indian family of four — Venkat Bejugam, wife Tejaswini Cholleti, and children Siddarth and Mrida — were killed in a fiery car crash in Greene County near Dallas, Texas, on July 6. Their SUV collided head-on with a truck driving on the wrong side. The vehicle caught fire, leaving the bodies charred beyond recognition. The family, residents of Aubrey near Dallas, had just returned from visiting relatives in Atlanta. TEAM Aid is coordinating with the Indian consulate to repatriate the remains. This tragedy follows multiple similar incidents involving Indian families in Texas in recent months. (PC: HT)