The recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is being hailed by British media as one of the most significant post-Brexit trade successes. Signed at Chequers by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer, the deal is expected to boost bilateral trade by over $34 billion annually. UK media emphasized its economic benefits—projecting a £4.8 billion GDP boost by 2040 and improved access to India's vast market. Described as a "landmark" and "game-changer," the agreement marks a diplomatic triumph and is seen as strengthening strategic ties between two global democracies. (PC: Reuters)

India and the UK have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and slashing duties on British goods like whisky, cars, and cosmetics. Labour-intensive Indian sectors like textiles, footwear, gems, and processed foods will gain duty-free access to UK markets. British liquor tariffs will drop from 150% to 40% over 10 years; auto duties fall to 10%. The deal also eases professional mobility and social security norms for Indian workers in the UK. While India concedes ground on carbon taxes and visa relaxations, the pact is expected to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030, boosting MSMEs, farmers, and exporters. (PC: News18 & Manorama Yearbook)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the world’s most popular democratic leader, securing a 75% approval rating in Morning Consult’s latest global survey. He surpassed South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung and Argentina’s Javier Milei, while U.S. President Donald Trump ranked eighth with 44% approval. BJP leaders hailed Modi’s leadership, citing global respect and strong governance. Critics, however, pointed to his avoidance of press conferences and India’s declining press freedom ranking from 140th in 2014 to 159th in 2024. Modi also became India’s second-longest-serving PM, overtaking Indira Gandhi’s record. The survey reflects a seven-day average of adult opinions across major democracies. (PC: Facebook)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs revealed that 10,574 Indian nationals are jailed worldwide, with 43 facing death sentences. The UAE tops the list with 2,773 prisoners, followed by Saudi Arabia (2,379) and Nepal (1,357). Countries like Canada, Chile, and South Africa each hold just one Indian inmate. Death row cases are concentrated in the UAE (21), Saudi Arabia (7), and China (4). Indian missions are actively providing legal aid, consular access, and pursuing early release or repatriation. The Indian Community Welfare Fund supports legal costs. India is also negotiating the release of 28 fishermen detained in Sri Lanka. (PC: CNBC TV18 & Kerala Kaumudi)

India and the UK have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030. The deal grants duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports to Britain, benefiting sectors like textiles, leather, and processed foods. Indian consumers will see reduced prices on British imports including whisky, luxury cars, cosmetics, soft drinks, and medical equipment. Whisky duties will drop from 150% to 75%, then to 40% over a decade. Electric vehicle tariffs will fall from 110% to 10%. The agreement was signed in London by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, witnessed by PMs Modi and Starmer. (PC: Getty Images & Shutterstock)

During his two-day visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s “friendship first” approach, announcing a ₹4,850 crore credit line for infrastructure development. Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu held comprehensive talks, marking a reset in ties strained since Muizzu’s “India Out” campaign. The visit saw the inauguration of several India-backed projects, including a new defence ministry building. Modi pledged continued defence cooperation, maritime security collaboration, and support through India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies. He also highlighted the growing success of UPI in the Maldives. The leaders committed to a bilateral investment treaty and free trade negotiations.

A 34-year-old Indian tourist was arrested in Pattaya, Thailand, for allegedly stealing ₹16,100 from a transgender woman’s purse while she was in the shower. The two had met earlier on Walking Street and returned to his guesthouse. Hotel staff called police after hearing the woman’s cries for help. He remains in custody. In a separate case, a 38-year-old Indian man was arrested in Singapore for stealing goods worth ₹3.5 lakh from 14 shops at Changi Airport. He fled the country but was detained upon return. Singapore Police confirmed recovery of the stolen items. Both men face criminal charges abroad. (PC: X)

The government will field key ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S. Jaishankar, and JP Nadda in a 3-day parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, with Prime Minister Modi expected to make a crucial intervention. The debate, spanning 16 hours across both Houses, begins July 28. A resolution on the success of Operation Sindoor Healing is expected to be passed next Wednesday. Opposition parties have demanded discussions on multiple issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack and US President Trump's ceasefire claims. Parliament has faced frequent adjournments since July 21. An all-party meeting was held Friday to restore order. (PC: News18)

Russia has offered the Su‑35M fighter jet to India as part of the Multi‑Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for roughly 110–117 aircraft . The proposal reportedly includes full‑scale Transfer of Technology (ToT) and rapid supply of 36–40 jets within 2–3 years, leveraging synergies with India’s Su‑30MKI fleet thanks to shared systems and pilot familiarity . However, analysts highlight limitations: the Su‑35 lacks AESA radar and modern avionics, making it less compatible with India’s future combat roadmap and AMCA program . India instead favours upgrading its Su‑30MKI “Super‑30” platform and exploring deeper localisation with Su‑57E offers, which include source‑code access and manufacturing at HAL facilities. (PC: IDRW)

A UK cinema screening the Telugu film Hari Hara Veera Mallu was forced to pause the show after Indian fans created a mess by throwing confetti and littering the hall. A viral video shows staff entering the auditorium to scold the audience, calling their actions “unacceptable” and demanding they clean up. The incident sparked backlash online, with many criticizing the behavior as disrespectful and tarnishing India’s image abroad. While such celebrations are common in Indian cinemas, UK theatre staff emphasized maintaining cleanliness and decorum. The show resumed only after warnings were issued and order was restored.