After an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram Airport on June 14 due to low fuel and bad weather, a Royal Navy F‑35B was grounded by a hydraulic fault and additional engineering issues . A 21-strong expert team from the UK arrived on July 6 with specialist equipment, towed the jet into an MRO hangar, and carried out extensive safety checks . On July 22, the aircraft successfully departed Kerala at 10:50 AM IST after repairs were completed and collaboration with Indian authorities . This incident underscores enhanced India–UK defence coordination and emergency response readiness. (PC: The Hindu)

India will recommence issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens starting July 24, 2025, after a five-year suspension triggered by the 2020 Galwan border clashes and COVID-19 disruptions . This marks the first issuance of such visas since 2020, following a gradual diplomatic thaw—Beijing resumed student and business visas in 2022, and direct flights were reinstated in March 2025 . The Indian embassy in China confirmed that applications will be accepted via online form followed by in-person document submission at visa centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou . Chinese officials welcomed the move, calling it a “positive” step to enhance people-to-people ties.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on July 23 for a two-day official visit, aimed at signing the long-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss economic, defence, climate, tech, and education ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The FTA will make 99% of Indian exports to the UK duty-free, benefitting key sectors like textiles, pharma, and auto parts. Bilateral trade hit USD 55 billion in 2024, up 10% from 2023. Modi and Starmer have met twice in the past year. Modi heads to Maldives next for maritime cooperation talks. (PC: X/Narendra Modi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London for a two-day UK visit (23–24 July), aiming to finalize the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal, under negotiation for three years, could eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and 90% of UK goods, doubling bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. PM Modi will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, with talks covering defence, AI, semiconductors, and climate. India is also expected to raise concerns over Khalistani extremism in the UK. The Ministry of External Affairs hailed the visit as a “new chapter” in ties.

Two UK families received the wrong bodies of loved ones who died in the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad. A lawyer said one coffin held the remains of two different people, while another had no match with the family’s DNA. The bodies were sent in sealed coffins after DNA tests by a government hospital. Air India had no role in the mix-up. India’s Foreign Ministry said proper rules were followed. A full inquiry is being sought. The crash killed 260 people. Some bodies were quickly buried in India, while 12 were sent to the UK for funerals. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the UK for a four-day trip. The visit will focus on signing a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with British PM Keir Starmer. Indian community groups in the UK are preparing a warm welcome for him near London. Modi said the visit will boost economic ties and create jobs in both countries. This will be his fourth visit to the UK. He is also expected to meet King Charles III. The FTA aims to double trade by 2030. After the UK, Modi will head to the Maldives for their independence celebrations. (PC: X)

A Pune suburban rail passenger misplaced their ticket on the Pune–Akurdi route and was fined ₹510. Due to a technical glitch with the railway’s official digital payment system and no cash on hand, the ticket checker collected the fine through her personal Google Pay account. The amount was later forwarded to railways under receipt MR UFV22071478. Pune railway division spokesperson Hemantkumar Behera confirmed this practice violates protocol, and the staff member has been formally warned. Official guidance now prohibits accepting personal UPI payments even during system failures, and railway digital infrastructure is being enhanced to prevent repeat incidents. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a four-day visit to the UK and Maldives on Wednesday. His UK stop includes a meeting with British PM Keir Starmer and a possible audience with King Charles III. The highlight will be the formal signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, aiming to double trade from $60 billion to $120 billion by 2030. Discussions will cover regional and global issues of mutual concern. Modi will then travel to the Maldives from July 25-26 to reset strained ties following President Mohamed Muizzu’s election, signaling India’s renewed diplomatic engagement in the region. (PC: X)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to UK media reports alleging a British victim’s family received the wrong body after the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said victim identification followed “established protocols” and authorities are working closely with UK officials. A DailyMail report claimed funeral services were halted when a family discovered the remains were not their relative’s. Lawyer James Healy-Pratt said grieving families were “distraught,” with some bodies reportedly commingled. Air India and emergency contractor Kenyons are under pressure for accountability. UK coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox raised serious concerns. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the United Kingdom on Wednesday for a two-day official visit from July 23 to 24, with the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected to be the highlight. The deal, in the works for years, could bring visa relaxations for Indian professionals and greater access to the UK market for Indian goods. In return, Britain hopes to boost its car and whisky exports to India. Modi will meet UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London, where talks will also focus on investment, technology, and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. (PC: News18)