Jyotishko Biswas, a young adventurer from Karimpur, Nadia, has become the first Bengali to conquer Margherita Peak (5,109m) in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, known as the real-life “Chander Pahar.” Inspired by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s novel, he cycled from Karimpur to the base camp and trekked to the summit, carrying the book and a tribute note. Facing wild animals, poisonous insects, and snowstorms, he fulfilled the dream that fictional Shankar couldn’t. His journey retraced the path from Mombasa’s railway office, echoing the novel’s century-old legacy. Jyotishko’s feat rekindles Bengali passion for adventure and literature, proving that love and determination can turn fiction into reality.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in Rajya Sabha that India and the US have historically differed on Pakistan, emphasizing that this divergence is longstanding and not exclusive to the current government. He recalled being present when the US advocated for General Musharraf and concessions on Kashmir. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s national policy of bilateral dealings and no mediation, adding that “no talks with terror” should also be a national stance. His remarks followed criticism from Rahul Gandhi over US President Trump’s lunch with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. Jaishankar defended India’s diplomatic approach and reiterated that differences with the US on Pakistan have persisted across administrations. (PC: Mint)

As the long-anticipated India–U.S. trade agreement awaits final approval, U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted on a direct call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before signing off, according to informed sources . While the deal's draft is endorsed by both sides—including U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal—it remains pending on Trump’s desk for over a week . The sitting Prime Minister, currently attending India’s monsoon parliamentary session, is expected to coordinate with Washington for this decisive conversation. Following the call, a formal announcement is expected to usher in the agreement. (PC: Reuters)

During his official visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over 72 heavy vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), strengthening bilateral defence ties. The donation includes buses, pickup trucks, excavators, tractors, and construction equipment, aimed at enhancing the MNDF’s operational capacity. This gesture is part of broader cooperation efforts, including a $565 million line of credit, agreements on digital payments (via UPI), fisheries development, and renewed free trade negotiations. The move reflects India’s continued strategic partnership with the Maldives amidst shifting regional dynamics and reaffirms its commitment to regional security and development. (PC: Defence.In)

Indian security officials have revealed that the terrorists behind the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam massacre—all Pakistani nationals linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba—entered India approximately three years ago and integrated into local networks before carrying out the attack that killed 26 tourists in Baisaran Valley . Investigators traced communication back to Pakistan and collected digital, forensic, and intelligence evidence tying the attackers’ origin to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi . The incident triggered the Indian military’s Operation Sindoor, and officials now confirm the attackers had infiltrated long before the attack, heightening concerns over border security and sleeper cell activity. (PC: ANI)

A U.S. trade delegation will visit India on August 25 for the sixth round of talks on a bilateral trade agreement, officials confirmed. The visit comes days before the August 1 deadline, when suspended Trump-era tariffs (up to 26%) on India could be reinstated. Both sides are pushing for an interim pact, with India seeking tariff relief on steel, aluminium, and textiles, while the U.S. demands concessions on agri, dairy, electric vehicles, and industrial goods. India has resisted dairy concessions and asserted its WTO rights. The goal is to finalize an interim deal before a full pact by fall 2025. (PC: The Hindu)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Modi government for allegedly informing Pakistan that Indian forces would not strike military targets during Operation Sindoor. "You said you were going to bomb, but you also told Pakistan ‘we’re not going to bomb your military targets.’ This is not strategy, this is surrender,” Gandhi said in Parliament. He claimed Indian aircraft were shot down because political leadership lacked courage. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier said India informed Pakistan post-strike to prevent escalation. The government insists the mission was a success, but the Opposition continues to demand accountability over the Pahalgam terror attack. (PC: Sansad TV/ANI Grab)

Lord Meghnad Desai, a well-known economist, writer, and teacher, passed away at 85 on July 29. Born in Vadodara in 1940, he studied economics in Mumbai and later earned a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. He taught for years at the London School of Economics and wrote over 20 books. Desai was also a member of the UK House of Lords. In 2008, he received the Padma Bhushan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “anguished” by his passing and praised his deep connection to India. “Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister added in his tribute on social media. (PC: The Hindu)

An Indian student, draped in the national flag, staged a silent protest during his UK graduation. As he reached the stage, he tore a blank white sheet, widely known as a "blank paper protest" to oppose the UK’s new immigration rules. The act went viral, drawing mixed reactions. It symbolised broken promises to students and a future now uncertain. The UK plans to cut Graduate Route visas from two years to 18 months. Settlement will need 10 years instead of five. The student’s quiet protest spoke loudly for many Indians fearing they’ll be forced to leave before building a life abroad.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Parliament that no phone call occurred between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump from April 22 to June 17, refuting Trump’s repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, was independent and diplomatically backed by global consensus. He clarified that ceasefire talks were initiated through military channels, not foreign mediation, and dismissed any trade linkages. The Cabinet Committee on Security suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and launched diplomatic efforts that led to TRF’s global terror designation. India’s stance: zero tolerance for terror and sovereign right to self-defense. (PC: BBC & Hindustan Times)