Digest for 16 July, 2025
US-India Trade Deal in the Works, Says Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has indicated that India is negotiating a trade deal along the lines of a new agreement with Indonesia, which would grant the US greater market access. The Indonesian deal reportedly involves a 19% tariff on its US-bound imports, with zero tariffs on US exports to Indonesia. This announcement heightens pressure on Indian and US negotiators, who are working to finalize an agreement before Trump's August 1 deadline to avert the threat of significant punitive tariffs.
Nvidia to Resume Sales of Advanced AI Chips to China After US Approval
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced that the Trump administration has approved licenses for the company to sell its advanced H20 AI chips to China, reversing a significant export control policy. The decision follows a recent meeting between Huang and President Trump. Nvidia, a leader in AI technology, had lobbied against the restrictions, arguing they hindered US competitiveness in the vast Chinese market. The policy shift is expected to have major implications for the global technology and AI landscape.
Teenager in Pune Porsche Crash to Be Tried as a Minor, Not Adult
Pune's Juvenile Justice Board has rejected a police plea to try the 17-year-old involved in the fatal Porsche crash as an adult. The May 2024 incident, where the inebriated teen's car killed two IT professionals, sparked nationwide outrage over initial leniency. The board's decision is a major legal development in the high-profile case. The defense argued the crime did not meet the legal definition of "heinous" required for an adult trial under Supreme Court guidelines.
Air India to Restore Flights as Crash Renews Calls for Cockpit Video Recorders
Air India will begin partially restoring international flights on August 1, following a "safety pause" and enhanced checks on its Boeing 787 fleet after the deadly AI-171 crash in June. The crash, which killed 260 people, has also reignited a global debate over mandating cockpit video recorders to supplement existing logs. Aviation safety experts argue video could be invaluable for investigations, while pilots' unions have raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse of such footage.
India Advises Citizens Against Non-Essential Travel to Iran Amid Hostilities
The Indian government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran due to escalating security concerns in the region. The warning follows a spike in hostilities involving Israel, Iran, and the United States. The Indian Embassy in Tehran stated that commercial flight and ferry options are available for nationals currently in Iran who wish to depart. The advisory asks all Indians to closely monitor regional developments and follow official updates from Indian authorities.