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.
Israel Strikes Damascus Amid Clashes in Southern Syria
Israel has launched rare airstrikes in Damascus, including near the Syrian Defence Ministry, escalating its intervention in southern Syria. The strikes follow days of deadly clashes between Syrian government forces and armed groups from the Druze minority in Sweida province. Israel stated its actions are intended to protect the Druze community and push Islamic militants from its border. The conflict threatens the stability of Syria's new post-war government, with a ceasefire announced Wednesday after a previous one quickly collapsed.
Government to Introduce Eight New Bills in Parliament's Monsoon Session
The Indian government plans to introduce eight new bills during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins July 21. Key legislation includes the National Sports Governance Bill, which aims to make sports administrators more accountable, and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill. Other significant proposals are the Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
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.
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.
US Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Dismantle Education Department
The US Supreme Court has lifted a lower court's order, clearing the way for President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with dismantling the Department of Education. The move, part of a plan to reduce the federal government's role and give states more control, involves mass layoffs and transferring key functions like the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to other agencies. Critics warn this could cripple the department's ability to perform core duties and enforce civil rights in schools.
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.
Jaishankar Meets Xi Jinping in First High-Level Visit Since 2020 Border Clashes
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, the first such high-level engagement since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The meeting occurred alongside the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting. Jaishankar also held detailed talks with his counterpart Wang Yi, emphasizing the need for de-escalation along the border, normalizing exchanges, and avoiding restrictive trade measures. Both sides acknowledged recent progress in stabilizing ties and discussed a "far-seeing approach" to the relationship.
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.
Student's Self-Immolation Death in Odisha Sparks UGC Probe and Political Storm
The death of a 20-year-old student in Balasore, Odisha, who set herself on fire over alleged sexual harassment by a professor, has prompted a national response. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a four-member fact-finding panel to investigate the incident and any institutional failures. The tragedy has also ignited a political firestorm, with opposition parties calling for a statewide bandh and demanding resignations, accusing the state government and college administration of apathy and inaction.
Odisha College Student Dies After Self-Immolation Over Harassment Complaint
A 20-year-old college student in Balasore, Odisha, has died after setting herself on fire over alleged inaction on her sexual harassment complaint against a professor. The student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College sustained 95% burns and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The incident has sparked outrage, leading to the arrest of the accused professor and the college principal. The state government has announced ₹20 lakh in aid for the victim's family and promised a thorough investigation.
Political Reliance on Caste 'Dangerous for Country', Observes Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has observed that political parties relying on caste considerations are "equally dangerous for the country" as those using religion. The remark was made as a bench dismissed a plea seeking to cancel the registration of the AIMIM party. The court noted that a party's objective to work for the upliftment of backward sections, including minorities, is aligned with the Constitution, and there is no legal prohibition on teaching religious scriptures within the constitutional framework.
Aadhaar for Children at Risk of Deactivation Over Mandatory Biometric Update
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has warned that children's Aadhaar numbers may be deactivated if their biometrics are not updated. Children who obtained Aadhaar before age five must complete a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) of their fingerprints and iris scans after turning five, and again at age 15. The UIDAI stated that failure to complete the MBU after a child turns seven could lead to deactivation, potentially disrupting access to various Aadhaar-linked schemes and services.
Tesla Opens First Showroom in India, Launching Sales in Mumbai
US electric vehicle maker Tesla has officially entered the Indian market, opening its first "experience centre" showroom in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. The company will initially sell its Model Y and Model S vehicles. While Tesla has stated it is not currently interested in manufacturing in India, its entry is a significant development for the country's EV market and follows the government's new policy to attract global EV manufacturers. The company has also established a service facility in Mumbai.
Supreme Court Questions UP Directive on QR Codes for Kanwar Yatra Eateries
The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding its directive for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display QR codes revealing owners' names and identities. A petition argues this measure facilitates discriminatory profiling and breaches privacy, echoing similar directives stayed by the court last year. The plea contends that mandating the display of religious and caste identities is discriminatory. The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 22.