1. Cabinet Hails Group Captain Shukla’s ISS Mission as Beacon of Inspiration
2. Indian Army Successfully Tests Akash Prime Missile System in Ladakh
3. Assam Takes the Helm in Oil Production
4. India’s Retail Inflation Expected to Dip Below 2% RBI Tolerance Band
5. India-US set to ink mini trade deal soon, reach understanding on agricultural & dairy products

What Else

1. China and India Seek Improved Relations
2. Air India finds no issues with locking mechanism of fuel control switch in Boeing-787 planes: Official
3. ED Raids Chhangur Baba’s Premises in Religious Conversion Case
4. Upendra Yadav’s Party Withdraws Support to Oli Government
5. Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Sought by FBI
6. Pakistan Army Major Martyred in Balochistan Operation
7. Pakistan and China Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
8. Bangladesh: Curfew Imposed in Gopalganj After Violent Clashes

Cabinet Hails Group Captain Shukla’s ISS Mission as Beacon of Inspiration

• The Union Cabinet adopted a resolution welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from the International Space Station, marking a new chapter in India’s space program.
• The Cabinet commended ISRO and scientists for their efforts, lauding PM Modi’s leadership.
• Shukla’s mission is seen as a beacon of inspiration for young Indians, igniting scientific temper and curiosity.
• The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to building a Developed India by 2047, citing recent landmark achievements like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 Mission, and the growth of India’s space economy with 300 new start-ups. (more)

Indian Army Successfully Tests Akash Prime Missile System in Ladakh

• The Indian Army has successfully tested the indigenously developed Akash Prime air defence system in the Ladakh sector at an altitude of over 15,000 feet.
• The trial, conducted by the Army Air Defence and Defence Research and Development Organisation officials, resulted in two direct hits against fast-moving target aircraft in a rarified atmosphere.
• The Akash Prime system features an indigenous active Radio Frequency seeker for improved accuracy and reliable performance in low-temperature environments at higher altitudes.
• The system can be deployed at heights up to 4,500 meters and can take down targets at a distance of 25-30 km.
• The successful trial has enhanced the confidence of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force in the system, which will form the 3^rd and 4^th regiments of the Akash air defence systems. (more)

Assam Takes the Helm in Oil Production

• Assam is set to become the first state govt in India to directly participate in oil production, marking a significant shift in the country’s energy sector.
• The state govt holds a significant stake, likely 10%, in the Namrup Borhat-1 well, where Oil India Limited (OIL) has discovered hydrocarbons.
• This move empowers Assam with revenue, royalty, and steady energy availability.
• Assam’s role in oil production is no longer passive, as it transitions from just supplying resources to being a partner in production, sharing both risks and revenues.
• The state has also invested in other energy sector ventures, including a joint venture with OIL for city gas distribution networks and a 40% equity stake in the Namrup-IV Fertilizer Plant.
• This development is expected to strengthen Assam’s economy and enhance its energy security.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma calls it a “major step forward in energy security and economic resilience.” (more)

India’s Retail Inflation Expected to Dip Below 2% RBI Tolerance Band

• India’s retail inflation is anticipated to fall below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2% lower tolerance band in July, according to Nomura.
• The inflation rate hit a new six-year low of 2.1% in June, driven by a sharp decline in food prices.
• Nomura expects inflation to track around 1.5% in July and has lowered its 2025-26 forecast to 2.8%, below the RBI’s estimate of 3.7%.
• The firm predicts 25 basis point rate cuts in October and December, bringing the terminal rate to 5%.
• Wholesale inflation turned negative in June at -0.13%. (more)

India-US set to ink mini trade deal soon, reach understanding on agricultural & dairy products

• India and the United States are close to finalizing a mini trade deal, with concessions on agriculture and dairy products expected from both sides.
• The deal aims to reduce or eliminate additional tariffs of around 26% imposed by the US on Indian goods, while India’s baseline tariff of 10% remains unchanged.
• Key areas for tariff cuts include American automobiles and certain agricultural products not commonly produced in India.
• Key Aspects of the Deal:
• Agriculture and Dairy: India will include certain agricultural products and dairy products in the deal, but genetically modified crops are unlikely to be part of the agreement.
• Tariff Cuts: Tariffs on American automobiles and specific industrial goods will likely be reduced.
• Trade Goal: The deal aims to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
• Negotiations: India’s Commerce Secretary and US Trade Representative are engaged in intense talks, with a possible announcement soon.
• The deal’s finalization depends on Washington and President Trump’s approval.
• India and the US are also working on a larger free trade agreement, expected to be finalized later this year. (more)

China and India Seek Improved Relations

• China’s Communist Party has expressed willingness to work closely with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to enhance bilateral relations.
• Minister Liu Jianchao stated that sound and steady development of China-India relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and the Global South.
• This development comes after External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar raised concerns about terrorism and extremism during the SCO meeting of foreign ministers.
• Jaishankar highlighted the need for SCO nations to take a strong stance against terrorism, citing a recent attack in Pahalgam.
• He also emphasized the importance of cooperation in a multipolar world.
• Despite past tensions, including border skirmishes, both sides seem eager to improve relations.
• The move is seen as a positive step towards advancing modernization drives and meeting shared expectations of the Global South (more)

Air India finds no issues with locking mechanism of fuel control switch in Boeing-787 planes: Official

• Air India recently completed inspections on the locking mechanism of fuel control switches in its Boeing 787 planes and found no issues.
• This move comes after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking systems on Boeing 787 and 737 planes.
• The inspections were prompted by a preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) that revealed fuel switches were cut off before an Air India plane crash last month that claimed 260 lives.
• The report showed that fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a second of each other, causing confusion in the cockpit shortly after takeoff.
• Inspection Results: Air India found no issues with the locking mechanism of fuel control switches in its Boeing 787 planes.
• Throttle Control Module (TCM) Replacement: All Boeing 787-8 aircraft have undergone TCM replacement as per Boeing’s maintenance schedule, which includes the fuel control switch.
• Pilot Vigilance: Air India has asked pilots to remain vigilant and report any defects in the technical log.
• AAIB Investigation: The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the AAIB trying to determine whether a technical snag led to a fuel control switch malfunction. (more)

ED Raids Chhangur Baba’s Premises in Religious Conversion Case

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 14 locations linked to Chhangur Baba, a self-styled godman accused of masterminding a large-scale religious conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur.
• The raids, which began at 5 am on Thu, covered 12 premises in Uttar Pradesh’s Utaraula and two in Mumbai.
• The ED recovered large quantities of land documents, luxury vehicles, gold, and unaccounted cash during the searches.
• Chhangur Baba is accused of accumulating vast wealth through religious conversions, with properties worth crores of rupees disclosed.
• The ED is investigating foreign funding links, with evidence of money coming from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal.
• Chhangur Baba and his aide Neetu alias Nasreen were arrested by the UP Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad on July 5 for allegedly running an organized network involved in converting Hindus and non-Muslims to Islam. (more)

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Upendra Yadav’s Party Withdraws Support to Oli Government

• Upendra Yadav’s Janata Samajbadi Party, Nepal (JSP-N) has withdrawn its support to PM KP Sharma Oli’s govt, throwing the ruling alliance into a minority in the National Assembly.
• The party cited the government’s neglect of their concerns, failure to uphold prior commitments, and lack of response to policy proposals as reasons for the withdrawal.
• The move significantly alters the balance in the 59-member upper house, with the opposition bloc now holding a majority of 30 members.
• The ruling alliance, which previously had 31 lawmakers backing it, now commands just 28 seats.
• This development will make it challenging for the Oli govt to pass bills in the National Assembly.
• However, PM Oli is not constitutionally required to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives. (more)

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Sought by FBI

• The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has been added to the FBI’s most-wanted list for his alleged involvement in the abduction, detention, and probable death of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson.
• Levinson disappeared on March 9, 2007, while visiting Iran’s Kish Island.
• Despite this, the Pakistani Foreign Office has reaffirmed its respect for Moghadam, citing his positive role in fostering bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan. Key Facts:
• Allegations Against Moghadam: Involvement in Levinson’s abduction, detention, and presumed death
• Levinson’s Disappearance: Mar 9, 2007, on Kish Island, Iran
• Current Status: Levinson is considered the longest-held hostage in US history
• Diplomatic Relations: Iran and Pakistan enjoy “brotherly ties” based on mutual respect and dignity
• The US has vowed not to rest until Iran provides information about Levinson’s fate. Moghadam holds a PhD in International Relations and serves as Deputy of the Supreme National Security Council in Foreign and International Policy affairs. (more)

Pakistan Army Major Martyred in Balochistan Operation

• A Pakistan Army major, Syed Rabnawaz Tariq, was martyred during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Awaran district, killing three Indian-sponsored terrorists from the Fitna-al-Hindustan group.
• The operation was launched after confirmed intelligence about the terrorists’ presence.
• Major Tariq, 34, from Muzaffarabad, led his troops bravely before laying down his life.
• A sanitization operation is underway to eliminate remaining threats.
• The military’s media wing, ISPR, stated that Pakistan’s security forces are determined to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism, and sacrifices like Major Tariq’s strengthen the nation’s resolve. (more)
• [After the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan’s pattern of blaming India for every terrorist incident persists, likely to deflect attention from its involvement in such attacks. This tendency is part of a broader issue where Pakistan-backed terrorist groups often strike during significant diplomatic events to disrupt peace and international relations.]

Pakistan and China Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

• Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership.
• They discussed progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and enhanced multilateral cooperation, emphasizing the significance of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
• Strengthening Ties: Both countries aim to promote regional peace, stability, and development through bilateral cooperation.
• Upcoming Visit: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the SCO heads of government meeting in late August and meet President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
• Military Cooperation: China supports Pakistan’s anti-terrorism operations and will work together to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
• Economic Cooperation: China is willing to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, industry, and mining. (more)

B’desh: Curfew Imposed in Gopalganj After Violent Clashes

• A curfew is in effect in Gopalganj district town until 6 pm today following violent clashes between Awami League activists and law enforcers over an NCP rally.
• The government imposed the curfew to contain escalating tensions after four people were killed and dozens injured in the clashes.
• Section 144 was also imposed in Gopalganj Sadar to maintain order.
• Details of the Clashes:
• Attack on NCP Rally: Awami League and Chhatra League activists attacked the NCP rally venue, vandalizing property and setting fires.
• Govt Response: Army, RAB, police, and BGB personnel were deployed to maintain order.
• Casualties: Four people were killed, and dozens injured, with many sustaining gunshot wounds.
• NCP Reaction: NCP convener Nahid Islam accused the Awami League of launching a militant-style attack and announced nationwide demonstrations to protest the attack (more)