Digest for 27 June, 2025
US President Signals 'Very Big' Trade Deal with India Imminent
US President Donald Trump announced that a "very big" trade deal with India is forthcoming, suggesting significant progress in long-standing negotiations. His remarks came as an Indian delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal, arrived in Washington for another round of talks. The two nations are reportedly trying to finalize an interim pact by July 9. The deal is expected to address contentious issues like tariffs on agricultural products, dairy, and industrial goods, aiming to substantially boost bilateral trade.
RSS Calls for Review of 'Socialist' and 'Secular' in Constitution's Preamble
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a review of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale argued the terms were added during the Emergency and were not part of the original document drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. The statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which alleges it is part of a long-standing conspiracy to undermine the Constitution's basic structure and vision.
India Reportedly Denies UN Investigator Role in Air India Crash Probe
India has reportedly refused to grant observer status to an investigator from the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the probe into the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The ICAO had taken the unusual step of offering assistance in the investigation of the crash, which killed 260-270 people. The move has raised concerns among some international safety experts regarding transparency and delays in analyzing the Boeing 787's crucial black box flight recorders.
India Evacuates Over 4,400 Citizens from Israel and Iran
India has successfully evacuated 4,415 of its citizens from conflict-ridden Israel and Iran under 'Operation Sindhu', the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. The operation utilized 19 special flights to bring back 3,597 people from Iran and 818 from Israel. The evacuations, prompted by recent hostilities in West Asia, also included some nationals from Nepal and Sri Lanka. India continues to monitor the situation on the ground following a US-brokered ceasefire between the two nations.
Japan Executes 'Twitter Killer' in First Hanging Since 2022
Japan has executed Takahiro Shiraishi, dubbed the "Twitter killer," for the 2017 murder and dismemberment of nine people he contacted via social media. This marks the country's first use of capital punishment since July 2022. The Justice Minister authorized the hanging, citing the "extremely selfish" motive for the crimes that shocked the nation. The execution has reignited the long-standing debate on capital punishment in Japan, a practice strongly condemned by international human rights groups.