US Senator Lindsey Graham warned that under a potential second Trump presidency, the US would impose 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil specifically India, China and Brazil aiming to “crush your economy” and punish them for sustaining “Putin’s war machine.” Graham, speaking on Fox News, highlighted that these three countries account for roughly 80% of Russia’s discounted crude exports. He stated Trump would force them to choose between economic ties with the US or enabling Putin’s aggression. Graham also echoed support for Ukraine, likening Trump to golfer Scottie Scheffler and cautioning Putin he had “played Trump at your own peril.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four‑day visit to the United Kingdom beginning July 24, accompanied by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The principal objective is the formal signing of the India‑UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in London on July 24, marking the culmination of three years of negotiations. The pact will eliminate duties on nearly 99% of Indian exports including leather, garments, footwear and textiles and slash tariffs on UK whisky (from 150% to 75%, then 40%) and car imports (from over 100% to 10% under quotas). Following parliamentary and cabinet approvals, it is slated to take effect in about a year, aiming to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. (PC: News18 & Mint)

Hemanth Kumar Muneppa, a 33-year-old Indian-origin astrologer, was arrested in New York for allegedly scamming a 68-year-old woman out of $42,000. Claiming to remove “evil spirits,” Muneppa faces charges including grand larceny and fortune-telling fraud, a rarely used New York law. He allegedly drove the woman to withdraw money after convincing her he could buy powers to protect her. Bank staff alerted authorities, leading to his arrest. He pleaded not guilty and was released with an ankle monitor. Another woman claimed her daughter was also misled. Police are seeking additional victims in this ongoing investigation. (PC: India Today)

Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will leave the organisation by August-end to rejoin Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. Gopinath, the IMF’s first woman Chief Economist in 2019, became FDMD in 2022. Confirming the move, IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva praised Gopinath’s leadership on global economic issues including Argentina and Ukraine. Gopinath posted on X, “After 7 amazing years at IMF, I return to my academic roots.” She will resume at Harvard from September 1, 2025. (PC: X)

On her 30th birthday and first day at a new job, Athulya Sekhar from Kerala was found dead in her Sharjah apartment. Her family alleges years of domestic abuse and dowry harassment by her husband, Satheesh, who has been booked for murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Dowry Prohibition Act. The complaint details strangulation, kicking, and head trauma. Videos released show visible injuries and Satheesh attempting to hit her. He denies involvement, claiming he seeks answers too. Athulya’s father insists she wouldn’t die by suicide, citing her bond with her daughter. The family is coordinating with Sharjah Police and the Indian Consulate for investigation. (PC: Manorama Online & Hindustan Times)

India’s Civil Aviation Ministry told the Rajya Sabha the Air India crash investigation will not be handed to the CBI, with no such proposal under consideration. The AAIB’s preliminary report indicates that both fuel‑control switches moved to “cutoff,” causing dual engine shutdown and a sudden altitude drop; pilots appeared confused, but it remains unclear whether the switch movement was mechanical or intentional. Media speculation including Wall Street Journal claims of emotional pilot voices and a call for criminal review, were criticised by aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who urged patience and said final findings await the AAIB’s complete report. (PC: Bloomberg & Fox2)

India–US trade negotiations remain deadlocked over agriculture and dairy access, with India refusing to yield on protecting its farmers. The fifth round of talks (July 14–17 in Washington), led by Rajesh Agrawal, wrapped up without resolution but both sides hope to forge an interim pact before Aug 1, when Trump‑era reciprocal tariffs (26 %) snap back. Washington is pushing for concessions in GM crops, dairy, autos, and industrial goods; New Delhi demands relief on textiles, gems, leather, agriculture and more. A step‑by‑step deal may emerge, with a fuller BTA likely by September–October. (PC: Instagram)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated President Trump’s assertion that he “ended wars,” citing his role in the India–Pakistan ceasefire, along with involvement in Russia–Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear sites and Israel–Gaza. Trump claimed U.S. diplomacy backed by trade leverage, brokered the India–Pakistan truce. He also highlighted that “four or five jets were shot down” during the May conflict. India firmly denied U.S. mediation, stating its military commanders, not Washington, negotiated the ceasefire directly with Pakistan. Pressed on this, PM Modi emphasized that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through military channels, rejecting foreign intervention. The administration continues to present Trump’s aggressive diplomacy as under‑celebrated global achievements.

Renowned OSINT expert Damien Symon has claimed that India targeted Pakistan’s Kirana Hills, suspected to house nuclear warheads, during a covert “warning strike” under Operation Sindoor. Symon cited updated Google Earth satellite data as evidence of recent damage at the site. Kirana Hills, long believed to be part of Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure, lies in the Punjab province. However, the Indian military has officially denied carrying out any strike in the area. Symon’s claim has triggered widespread debate among defense watchers. Pakistan has not issued any response yet to these fresh allegations regarding Kirana Hills. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a Dhaka school, killing 19 people and injuring over 100. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance,” Modi said. The F-7 BGI aircraft crashed into Milestone School shortly after takeoff, sparking a huge fire. Bangladesh declared a day of mourning, with dozens of injured, mostly students, still in hospital. (PC: News18)