1. Modi begins U.K. visit, trade deal to be inked today
2. China breaks ground on $170 billion dam near Arunachal—why India is concerned, and what it plans to do
3. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit: Unanswered Questions and Speculation
4. India and Israel Strengthen Defence Ties
5. Parliament to Discuss Operation Sindoor Next Week

What Else

1. Government Moves to Impeach Justice Yashwant Varma
2. India Responds to UK Report on Wrong Bodies Sent After Air India Crash
3. Hate Graffiti Defaces Swaminarayan Temple in Australia
4. India, China Ease Tensions: Tourist Visas to Resume for Chinese Citizens
5. Gujarat ATS Busts Al-Qaeda Module, Arrests 4 Suspects
6. PayPal World Integrates UPI for Seamless Cross-Border Payments
7. Fake Embassy Busted in Ghaziabad, ₹44 Lakh Cash Seized
8. India Emerges as Third-Largest Mobile Phone Exporter
9. Pakistan, Bangladesh Agree on Visa-Free Entry for Diplomats
10. Former Bangladesh Chief Justice Detained in Dhaka
11. Bangladesh Bank Imposes Strict Dress Code for Female Employees
12. Jamaat-e-Islami Refuses to Join Elections Without Reforms
13. Drought Hits Nepal’s Breadbasket: Madhesh Province Declared Disaster Zone
14. Nepal, India Finalize Mutual Legal Assistance Deal
15. Pakistan PM Calls for Meaningful Dialogue with India
16. PTI Slams May 9 Ruling as Bid to Disrupt August 5 Rally

Modi begins U.K. visit, trade deal to be inked today

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in London for a two-day visit, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between India and the UK.
• The highlight of his visit is the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expected to boost trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. Key Aspects of the FTA:
• Tariff Elimination: The agreement will eliminate tariffs on approximately 99% of Indian exports to the UK and reduce tariffs on 90% of British goods.
• Trade Boost: The FTA is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030, reaching $120 billion, and enhance British exports like whisky and cars to India.
• Benefits to India: The agreement will likely benefit Indian sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, and engineering goods, while easing British access to the Indian market for high-end automobiles and whisky.
• Agenda for PM Modi’s Visit:
• Meetings: PM Modi will hold discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and meet King Charles III to review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Regional and Global Issues: The two leaders will exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual concern.
• Khalistani Extremists: PM Modi is expected to raise concerns about Khalistani extremists operating from UK soil.
• Outcomes and Expectations:
• New Investment: British officials announced nearly 6 billion pounds in new investment and export agreements, with 26 British companies poised to expand in India.
• Economic Cooperation: The FTA will deepen economic cooperation, drive growth, and create jobs in both countries. (more)

China breaks ground on $170 billion dam near Arunachal—why India is concerned, and what it plans to do

• China has started constructing a massive $170 billion dam on the Yarlung Zangpo River in Tibet, which is upstream of the Brahmaputra River in India.
• This project has raised concerns in India about potential downstream impacts, including flooding and water control issues.
• The dam is expected to be the world’s largest hydropower project, generating over 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
• Concerns for India:
• Flooding Risks: Sudden water releases from the dam could cause devastating floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, affecting millions of people and causing significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
• Water Control: China could potentially use the dam to control water flow, affecting India’s water security and agriculture.
• Impact on Local Communities: The dam’s construction has raised concerns about the displacement of indigenous populations, destruction of local ecosystems, and threats to cultural identity.
• India’s Response:
• Upper Siang Multipurpose Project: India plans to build a massive storage-based dam in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district to act as a buffer against sudden changes in water flows.
• The project aims to regulate water flow, protect downstream populations and infrastructure, and generate hydroelectric power.
• Diplomatic Efforts: India has raised concerns with China through diplomatic channels, urging transparency and consultation on transboundary water issues.
• Uncertainties and Challenges:
• Lack of Water-Sharing Agreements: India and China do not have a formal agreement on water sharing, which complicates diplomatic negotiations and creates uncertainty about China’s intentions.
• Local Opposition: The construction of dams has faced resistance from local communities and environmentalists, citing concerns about displacement, ecological damage, and seismic risks. (more)
• [This dam could become a potent geopolitical tool, allowing it to exert significant influence over India’s northeastern states. This leverage could potentially reshape regional dynamics.]

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Sudden Exit: Unanswered Questions and Speculation

• Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation has sparked intense speculation about the reasons behind his sudden exit, with many questioning the timing and citing health reasons as a mere cover-up. Here are the key points surrounding his resignation:
• Key Events Leading to Resignation
• Impeachment Move: Dhankhar accepted an Opposition-sponsored notice for the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma, which caught the government off guard.
• Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed Dhankhar that the PM wasn’t happy about this decision.
• Government Reaction: The government suggested that the Lok Sabha would have been a more suitable platform for the impeachment process, fueling speculation about Dhankhar’s strained relationship with the government.
• Resignation and Aftermath
• Health Reasons: Dhankhar cited health reasons for his resignation, stating he needed to “prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.”
• Vacating VP Residence: Dhankhar has begun vacating the Vice President Enclave and declined meeting requests from opposition leaders.
• Government’s Stance: The govt denied rumors of forcing Dhankhar to vacate his residence or sealing his office.
• Speculations and Reactions
• Congress Leaders’ Queries: Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, questioned the timing of Dhankhar’s resignation, suggesting there might be more to it than meets the eye.
• MPs’ Observations: Some MPs pointed out that Dhankhar seemed fine during the House proceedings, fueling speculation about the real reason behind his resignation.
• Other Contributing Factors
• Limited Foreign Trips: Dhankhar’s foreign trips were significantly curtailed, reducing his engagement with foreign counterparts and likely contributing to his perception of a diminished role.
• Protocol Lapses: Dhankhar was upset about protocol lapses, both at home and abroad, including being overlooked in official representations.(more, more, more)

India and Israel Strengthen Defence Ties

• India and Israel have agreed to deepen their defence cooperation with a long-term perspective, focusing on developing an institutional framework to further strengthen their bilateral defence ties.
• Defence Secretary RK Singh and Israel’s Ministry of Defence Director General Maj Gen Amir Baram discussed enhancing their strategic partnership during a meeting in New Delhi.
• Both sides condemned terrorism, with Singh reiterating India’s zero-tolerance approach and Baram expressing support for India’s fight against terrorism.
• They also reviewed progress on ongoing defence collaboration activities since the last Joint Working Group meeting in July 2024.
• This visit marks a significant step in India-Israel defence relations, reinforcing their commitment to enhance cooperation.
• The two nations have a history of strong defence ties, with Israel being India’s second-largest supplier of military equipment after Russia. (more)

Parliament to Discuss Operation Sindoor Next Week

• The Indian Parliament will hold a discussion on Operation Sindoor, a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, next week.
• The Lok Sabha will start the debate on July 28, followed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29. Both houses have allocated 16 hours for the discussion. Key Points:
• Operation Details: Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
• Government Stance: The govt aims to highlight the success of the military operation and India’s fight against terrorism.
• Opposition’s Standpoint: The opposition will question the government over US claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the intelligence failure in Pahalgam.
• Prime Minister’s Involvement: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the debate after returning from his foreign tour. (more)

Government Moves to Impeach Justice Yashwant Varma

• The government has initiated impeachment proceedings against Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma, following allegations of corruption.
• Union Minister Amit Shah met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh to discuss the process.
• A statutory committee may be set up to investigate the charges, comprising a senior Supreme Court judge, a sitting high court chief justice and a distinguished jurist.
• If found guilty, the committee’s report will be tabled in Parliament, followed by a discussion and voting on the motion for removal.
• This comes after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation, reportedly linked to his acceptance of an Opposition-sponsored notice for Varma’s impeachment.
• Dhankhar had stated that the notice was active, citing the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
• A total of 208 MPs submitted notices for Varma’s removal. (more)

India Responds to UK Report on Wrong Bodies Sent After Air India Crash

• The Indian government has addressed a UK report claiming that families of British victims of the Air India flight 171 crash received the wrong bodies.
• The crash killed 242 people, including 52 British citizens.
• India’s External Affairs Ministry said they are working with UK authorities to address concerns and issues.
• A top-level inquiry is underway in both countries, and the UK Prime Minister is expected to raise concerns with PM Narendra Modi during his visit to the UK.
• India handled the mortal remains with professionalism and dignity. (more)

Hate Graffiti Defaces Swaminarayan Temple in Australia

• A Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia, Australia, was vandalized with hate slurs painted in red graffiti on July 21. The same messages were also found on two nearby Asian-run restaurants.
• The temple’s management and the Hindu Council of Australia condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on their identity, right to worship, and freedom of religion.
• The Victoria Police have launched an investigation into the incidents.
• This act of vandalism follows similar incidents targeting temples in Canada, including the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey and the Khalsa Diwan Society’s Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, which were defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti.
• The incidents have sparked concerns about hate crimes and extremism targeting religious institutions. (more)
• [If a similar attack were to take place on a religious building of another faith, the response and media coverage might vary. Media response varies based on targeted faith and community.]

India, China Ease Tensions: Tourist Visas to Resume for Chinese Citizens

• India and China are easing tensions after a 5-year freeze on tourist visas. Starting July 24, 2025, India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, a move China has welcomed as “positive” and “widely beneficial”.
• This development follows high-level diplomatic talks, including a meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in Russia.
• Both countries aim to normalize ties, improve people-to-people exchanges, and resolve border disputes.
• The visa resumption is part of broader efforts to restore relations strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Direct flights between the two countries are also set to resume. (more)

Gujarat ATS Busts Al-Qaeda Module, Arrests 4 Suspects

• The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested 4 individuals linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), a banned terror outfit affiliated with Al-Qaeda. The suspects are:
• Mohd Faiq (Delhi), Mohd Fardeen (Ahmedabad), Sefullah Kureshi (Aravalli), Zeeshan Ali (Noida)
• The accused allegedly used social media platforms and suspicious apps to spread Al-Qaeda’s ideology and recruit youth.
• They also used an auto-delete app to erase their communication trail.
• The ATS discovered the module after detecting discussions on terror activities and monitored their movements before making the arrests.
• Further investigation is underway to uncover more details about the module’s operations.
• The ATS is analyzing the suspects’ chats and social media handles to determine the extent of their activities and potential connections to other terror groups (more)

PayPal World Integrates UPI for Seamless Cross-Border Payments

• Indian users can now make international payments using Unified Payments Interface (UPI) through PayPal’s new platform, PayPal World.
• This integration enables users to shop on foreign e-commerce sites and pay using UPI, eliminating the need for multiple payment systems.
• With PayPal World, users can transact seamlessly across borders, leveraging the familiarity of UPI. Key Benefits:
• Simplified Cross-Border Payments: Indian users can now pay international merchants using UPI.
• Global Partnerships: PayPal World collaborates with global partners, including Mercado Pago, NPCI International Payments Limited, Tenpay Global, and Venmo.
• Convenience Abroad: Users can make payments abroad using their preferred payment method.
• Growing UPI Footprint: This integration expands UPI’s global presence, benefiting Indian users and businesses.
• Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO of NPCI International Payments Limited, welcomes this development, citing enhanced convenience and security for users.
• PayPal World’s innovative approach streamlines international transactions, making it easier for users to shop and send money globally (more)

Fake Embassy Busted in Ghaziabad, ₹44 Lakh Cash Seized

• The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) Noida unit has arrested Harshvardhan Jain for running a fake embassy from a rented house in Ghaziabad’s Kavi Nagar area.
• Jain claimed to be the ambassador of made-up countries like Westarctica and Lodonia.
• During the arrest, police seized ₹44 lakh in cash, foreign currency, forged documents, 34 seals of various countries and companies, 12 diplomatic passports, and four vehicles with diplomatic number plates.
• Jain allegedly ran a hawala racket through shell companies and brokered deals for companies and individuals to work abroad. Further investigation is ongoing. (more)

India Emerges as Third-Largest Mobile Phone Exporter

• India has transformed from a heavily import-dependent mobile phone market to the world’s third-largest exporter, with $20.5 billion in exports in 2024.
• The Centre for Development Studies report highlights the significant role of policy interventions and integration into global value chains in driving this growth.
• Key findings include:
• Domestic Value Addition: Total DVA stood at 23% of production value in 2022-23, exceeding $10 billion, with direct DVA rising 283% and indirect DVA growing 604%.
• Employment and Wage Growth: The sector employs over 1.7 million people, with export-linked employment growing 33-fold and notable income gains in jobs tied to exports.
• Policy Prescriptions: Maintain an outward-oriented industrial strategy, address tariff distortions, prioritize scale, improve logistics, and attract foreign investment to sustain momentum.
• The report suggests India can replicate its mobile manufacturing success across the electronics sector, positioning itself as a global manufacturing leader. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan, Bangladesh Agree on Visa-Free Entry for Diplomats

• Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to grant visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.
• The agreement was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh’s Home Minister Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka.
• The two sides also discussed increasing cooperation in internal security, police training, anti-narcotics, and anti-human trafficking. A joint committee will be established to further boost bilateral cooperation.
• Additionally, a high-level Bangladeshi delegation will visit Islamabad’s National Police Academy to explore exchange programs.
• The agreement is seen as a diplomatic gesture to improve relations between the two countries, which have been working to reset their ties since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s govt in Aug 2023. (more)

Former Bangladesh Chief Justice Detained in Dhaka

• Former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque has been detained by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police from his Dhanmondi residence. He is facing three separate cases, including one in Narayanganj for allegedly issuing a fabricated verdict and sedition.
• The cases are related to his verdict abolishing the caretaker government system, which has been politically contentious.
• Khairul Haque, who served as the 19^th Chief Justice of Bangladesh from 2010 to 2011, has been a prominent figure in the country’s judiciary, delivering landmark verdicts on issues like the caretaker government system and fatwas.
• He was also the chairman of the Law Commission until his resignation last year.
• The former Chief Justice will be shown arrested in one of the pending cases.
• The development comes amid renewed scrutiny of his past judicial decisions. (more)

Bangladesh Bank Imposes Strict Dress Code for Female Employees

• The Bangladesh Bank has issued a directive outlining a dress code for its employees, emphasizing modesty and professionalism.
• Female officials and staff are instructed to wear sarees, salwar-kameez with scarves, or other formal attire, avoiding short-sleeved dresses, short-length dresses, and leggings.
• Men are required to wear formal shirts and pants, avoiding jeans and chinos trousers.
• The bank’s spokesperson stated that the guideline aims to promote unity and equality in workplace attire.
• The directive has sparked debate, with some questioning its necessity and suggesting it reflects a broader effort to shape a certain cultural sphere.
• Critics argue that the bank should prioritize more pressing tasks, such as ensuring professional responsibilities are fulfilled, rather than dictating employees’ clothing choices.
• Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action for misconduct. (more)

Jamaat-e-Islami Refuses to Join Elections Without Reforms

• Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party will not participate in any election without a level playing field and necessary reforms.
• Addressing a gathering in Sylhet, Rahman emphasized that Jamaat believes in dialogue and peaceful resolution of national crises, prioritizing the welfare of the people and the country.
• He criticized the recently ousted dictatorship for 15 years of misrule, including assassinations and torture, and demanded justice for those responsible.
• Rahman called for trials of fascist Awami League leaders who committed injustices, seeking to establish justice rather than revenge.
• The party remains committed to supporting those affected by recent events, including the July Mass Uprising and a fighter jet crash.
• Jamaat-e-Islami is determined to overcome the current national crisis through unity and resolve, prioritizing the welfare of the people and the country. (more)

Drought Hits Nepal’s Breadbasket: Madhesh Province Declared Disaster Zone

• Nepal’s cabinet has declared Madhesh province a disaster crisis zone due to severe drought affecting the nation’s breadbasket.
• The unusual absence of rain in the southern plains has pushed the region into crisis, impacting agriculture and drinking water.
• All eight districts in the Terai belt are affected, with farmers struggling to transplant paddy and facing acute water shortages.
• Groundwater levels are receding, causing hand-pumps and wells to dry up.
• The government has deployed teams to resolve the situation and will utilize emergency funds to address the crisis.
• The drought threatens farmers’ livelihoods and the national economy, with Madhesh province contributing 13.13% to Nepal’s GDP.
• The declaration enables the government to urgently use funds allocated for disaster response, aiming to mitigate the impact on agriculture and local communities.
• Efforts are underway to distribute drinking water and support affected areas. (more)

Nepal, India Finalize Mutual Legal Assistance Deal

• Nepal and India have finalized the text of an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, a significant step forward after years of negotiations.
• The agreement aims to facilitate cooperation in criminal matters between the two countries.
• Home Secretary-level talks were held in New Delhi, where both sides welcomed the finalization of the agreement and agreed to work towards an early conclusion of a revised extradition treaty.
• However, discussions on the extradition treaty are ongoing, with differences remaining over extraditing third-country nationals.
•  The meeting also reviewed bilateral security cooperation, border management, and issues like human trafficking, fake currency, and narcotics trafficking.
• Both countries agreed to strengthen border infrastructure, enhance intelligence sharing, and prevent the movement of third-country nationals across the border.
• The agreement now needs cabinet approval and signatures from both countries to come into operation. (more)

Pakistan PM Calls for Meaningful Dialogue with India

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in “meaningful dialogue” with India to address long-standing regional tensions.
• In a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Sharif emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and diplomacy.
• He welcomed the UK’s decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, which will ease travel difficulties for the British Pakistani community and promote people-to-people exchanges.
• The PM also appreciated the high commissioner’s role in facilitating the decision. Marriott commended the Pakistani government’s economic performance under Sharif’s leadership, highlighting improvements in key macroeconomic indicators.
• The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, with Sharif’s call for dialogue seen as a step towards easing regional tensions and promoting constructive engagement with neighbors. (more)

PTI Slams May 9 Ruling as Bid to Disrupt August 5 Rally

• The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has denounced the verdicts issued by anti-terrorism courts, sentencing senior party leader Dr. Yasmin Rashid and 40 others to 10 years in prison in connection with the May 9 riots case.
• PTI labeled the decision politically motivated and a serious blow to judicial integrity.
• The party vowed to continue with its planned rally on August 5, marking the anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest.
• PTI questioned the credibility of witness testimony and pointed out inconsistencies in the trial.
• The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over the convictions, warning that such verdicts could erode public confidence in the judiciary.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry dismissed allegations of political victimization, asserting that the convictions were based on clear evidence and facts. (more)