US Nears India Trade Deal While Imposing New Tariffs on 14 Nations
U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs, some as high as 40%, on 14 countries including Japan, South Korea, and Bangladesh, effective August 1. While imposing these measures to correct what he calls unsustainable trade deficits, Trump stated that the U.S. is "close to making a deal with India." He also repeated claims that he had previously averted a major conflict between India and Pakistan through trade leverage, a statement New Delhi has not corroborated.
Trump Reverses Stance, Says US Must Send More Weapons to Ukraine
In an apparent policy reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. must send more weapons to Ukraine so it can defend itself. This comes just days after his administration ordered a pause on deliveries of critical weapons, including air defense missiles and precision-guided artillery, citing concerns over depleting U.S. stockpiles. During a dinner with Israel's Prime Minister, Trump also expressed his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the protracted conflict.
India Abstains from UN Vote on Afghanistan, Citing Need for Nuanced Approach
India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan, arguing that a "business as usual" approach focused solely on punitive measures is unlikely to succeed. India's envoy stated that any policy must blend incentives for positive behavior with disincentives for harmful actions. New Delhi reiterated its call for coordinated efforts to ensure groups like LeT and JeM cannot use Afghan territory for terrorism, while highlighting its own significant humanitarian aid and development projects in the country.
Adani Power Acquires Vidarbha Industries, Boosting Capacity to 18,150 MW
Adani Power Ltd. has completed its acquisition of Vidarbha Industries Power Ltd. (VIPL), which operates a 600 MW coal-fired plant in Maharashtra. The acquisition, part of a corporate insolvency resolution process, increases Adani Power's total operating capacity to 18,150 MW. The company stated the move is a key step in its strategy to turn around stressed assets and support India's energy needs, with a goal of reaching over 30,000 MW in operational capacity by 2030.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
During a White House dinner, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Netanyahu presented Trump with the nomination letter, praising his leadership in forging peace, particularly highlighting the recent joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. The nomination comes as the two leaders discuss a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict, underscoring a period of intense diplomatic and military coordination.
Key Suspect in Patna Businessman's Murder Killed in Police Encounter
A key suspect in the high-profile murder of Patna industrialist Gopal Khemka has been killed in a gunfight with police. The accused, identified as Vikas Kumar alias Raja, was tracked down by a joint team of Bihar's Special Task Force and local police. Officials said Kumar opened fire when confronted, prompting retaliatory fire that resulted in his death. This development follows the earlier arrest of the main shooter, as police continue to investigate the contract killing that has intensified scrutiny of Bihar's law and order.
Two Students Killed as School Van Collides with Train in Tamil Nadu
Two school students, aged 12 and 16, were killed and four others were injured when their van collided with a passenger train at a manned level crossing in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The impact destroyed the vehicle. Southern Railway has suspended the gatekeeper for allegedly violating safety rules by opening the gate for the van driver, who reportedly insisted on crossing to reach the school early. The state government and railways have announced ex-gratia payments to the victims' families.
China Expands Visa-Free Entry to Over 70 Countries to Boost Tourism
In a major policy shift to revive its tourism sector, China has extended visa-free entry to citizens of 74 countries for stays of up to 30 days. The move, which now includes most of Europe, has significantly increased foreign visitor numbers, with travel agencies reporting a surge in bookings. While the policy aims to boost the economy and China's soft power, citizens from the U.S., UK, and Canada are not on the 30-day list but can enter for 10 days under a transit policy.
Wimbledon Top Seed Jannik Sinner Faces Injury Scare Ahead of Quarter-Final
World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner's bid for a first Wimbledon title is in jeopardy after he suffered an elbow injury during a fall in his fourth-round match. Although he advanced after his opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, retired with a separate injury, Sinner reported significant discomfort in his arm. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI to assess the damage, leaving his participation in the upcoming quarter-final against Ben Shelton uncertain.
Djokovic's Son Collects Wimbledon Autographs from Every Star Except His Father
Novak Djokovic's 11-year-old son, Stefan, is enjoying his time at Wimbledon by collecting autographs from top tennis players. The 24-time Grand Slam champion revealed that his son has independently approached stars to get their signatures on his white cap. In a charming twist, Djokovic noted that while Stefan's hat is full of names from across the tournament, it is still missing one key signature: his own father's.
US Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Aligned with BRICS Policies
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that any country aligning with what he termed the "anti-American policies of BRICS" will face an additional 10% tariff. The threat, issued on social media, came shortly after the BRICS summit in Brazil, where leaders criticized the “indiscriminate rising of tariffs” as a threat to global trade. The move escalates trade tensions and directly impacts India and other members of the expanded 11-nation bloc, which represents nearly half the world's population.
BRICS Summit Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges 'Zero Tolerance'
In a significant diplomatic statement, the BRICS nations issued a joint declaration strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders called for a "zero tolerance" approach to terrorism, urging nations to reject double standards and combat all forms of the menace, including cross-border movement and financing. The declaration, which reflects a key Indian foreign policy objective, emphasizes holding all those involved in terrorist activities accountable under international law, marking a unified stance from the 11-member bloc.
Israel and Houthi Rebels Escalate Conflict with Airstrikes and Missiles
Israel has launched airstrikes on Houthi-held ports in Yemen, including Hodeida, targeting what it claims are Iranian weapons transfer sites. The attack followed a Houthi assault on a commercial ship in the Red Sea. In retaliation for the airstrikes, the Houthis launched a missile towards Israel. This significant escalation threatens to destabilize global shipping lanes in the Red Sea corridor and marks a dangerous new phase in the regional conflict, with Israel now acting unilaterally against the Yemeni rebels.
Supreme Court to Hold Urgent Hearing on Bihar's Voter Roll Revision
The Supreme Court will hold an urgent hearing on July 10 to address petitions challenging Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR, which began on June 28, requires nearly 2.93 crore voters to produce documents proving their and their parents' birth date and place. Petitioners, including opposition MPs and activists, argue the hasty process and stringent documentation rules risk disenfranchising crores of poor and marginalized citizens ahead of state polls, prompting top court intervention.
Monsoon Fury in Himalayas: Flash Floods Kill 78 in Himachal Pradesh
Severe monsoon weather has caused widespread devastation in the Himalayan region, with flash floods and cloudbursts leading to at least 78 deaths in Himachal Pradesh. The state's Mandi district faces a severe water crisis due to damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, authorities have issued a landslide alert for four districts in neighboring Uttarakhand amid forecasts for more heavy rain. The events highlight the increasing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, causing significant loss of life and disrupting essential services.