1. Britain and India Sign Landmark Free Trade Agreement
2. Indian Firm Defies US Sanctions, Exports Explosive Compound to Russia
3. India Slams China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Meet, Calls CPEC Expansion ‘Unacceptable’
4. India’s NAVIC Satellites on Brink of Collapse: Urgent Replacement Needed
5. India Extends Fresh Line of Credit to Maldives Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit

What Else

1. PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Russia Plane Crash
2. IAF Seeks 2-3 Squadrons of Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets from Foreign Sources
3. India Train Blast Accused Freed After 19 Years, Seek to Rebuild Lives
4. Manipur: President’s Rule extended for six months; effective from Aug 13
5. Operation SINDOOR: India’s “Decisive Response” to Terrorism
6. Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir Meets Chinese Foreign Minister Amid Tensions
7. Pakistan: PM Shehbaz Sharif Appreciates World Bank’s Backing on Indus Waters Treaty
8. Pakistan Dismisses Reports of Recognizing Taliban Govt as Speculative
9. Two Pakistani Soldiers Martyred in Mastung Anti-Terror Operation
10. Chinmoy Krishna Das’ Bail Petition Rejected, Sent to Jail

Britain and India Sign Landmark Free Trade Agreement

• Britain and India have signed a free trade agreement, marking a significant milestone in their economic relationship. The deal, signed during PM Modi’s visit to the UK, aims to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion ($34 billion) by 2040.
• The agreement will reduce tariffs on various goods, including Scotch whisky, cars, textiles, and jewelry.
• Tariffs on Scotch whisky will drop from 150% to 75% immediately, and then to 40% over the next decade.
• India will also cut duties on cars to 10% within five years [1).
• The deal is expected to bring “huge benefits” for both countries, making trade cheaper, quicker, and easier.
• British PM Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as a “blueprint for our shared prosperity”.
• The Confederation of British Industry welcomed the deal, saying it sends a “powerful signal that the UK is open for business”.
• The agreement will take effect after a ratification process, likely within a year.
• It is Britain’s biggest trade deal since Brexit, and India’s biggest strategic partnership with an advanced economy. (more)
• MOU signed between CBI & National Crime agency of UK is “intended to combat instances of corruption”, says foreign secretary Misri.
• PM Modi told PM Starmer, in a joint presser, “Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy must be held accountable.”
• PM Modi Meets King Charles III at Sandringham House: PM Modi met King Charles III at Sandringham House during his official UK visit.
• The King was gifted a tree to be planted in autumn, inspired by PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, promoting tree planting in honor of one’s mother. (more)

Indian Firm Defies US Sanctions, Exports Explosive Compound to Russia

• Despite warnings from the US, an Indian company, Ideal Detonators Private Limited, exported $1.4 million worth of HMX, a military-grade explosive, to Russia in December
• The HMX is a crucial component in various military applications, including missile warheads and torpedo systems.
• The US has designated HMX as important to Russia’s military operations and has cautioned financial institutions against enabling any Moscow-bound transactions of this substance.
• The Indian government maintains that the export is consistent with its policies, and the compound has some civilian uses.
• However, the US State Department has warned India about potential sanctions risks for companies engaged in military-related commerce with Russia.
• The US Treasury has the authority to penalize entities selling HMX and similar materials to Russia. (more)

India Slams China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Meet, Calls CPEC Expansion ‘Unacceptable’

• India has strongly opposed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) expansion, deeming it “unacceptable”
• Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India has consistently protested CPEC’s inclusion in the Belt and Road Initiative, as it passes through Indian territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
• India has also objected to Afghanistan’s involvement in the project, communicating its concerns to the relevant parties
• The government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, keeping a constant watch on foreign developments that could impact national security (more)

India’s NAVIC Satellites on Brink of Collapse: Urgent Replacement Needed

• India’s indigenous navigation satellite system, NAVIC, is nearing collapse, with only four of its 11 satellites operational.
• These satellites, built by ISRO, provide crucial navigation services for India’s strategic forces and civilian applications.
• However, with one satellite exceeding its planned lifespan and another facing partial equipment failure, the system requires urgent replacement.
• NAVIC’s importance cannot be overstated, as it provides India with an independent navigation system, reducing reliance on foreign systems like GPS.
• The system serves various purposes, including terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, precision agriculture, and emergency services.
• ISRO plans to launch three more satellites by 2026, but given the current pace, this timeline seems unrealistic.
• With recent launch failures, ISRO must prioritize ramping up its launch activity and ensuring mission success to get NAVIC back on track. (more)

PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Russia Plane Crash

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in a plane crash in Russia’s far-eastern Amur region.
• Almost 50 people, including children, are feared dead after the Soviet-era passenger plane, an Antonov An-24, crashed while flying on a regional route
• Modi stated that India stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, extending deepest condolences.
• The Russian government has launched an investigation into the crash, with a special commission set up to deal with the incident.
• The plane was attempting to land for the second time when it crashed, with no survivors seen from the air (more)

India Extends Fresh Line of Credit to Maldives Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit

• India is set to provide a new line of credit to the Maldives, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit on July 25-26 likely to finalize the agreement
• This move aims to support the Maldives’ infrastructure and capacity-building efforts, which have become increasingly urgent due to the country’s economic challenges.
• The visit coincides with Maldives National Day and will see the inauguration of several India-funded projects.
• India has a long history of providing financial and developmental assistance to the Maldives, with 56 community development projects sanctioned to date, covering areas such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. (more)

IAF Seeks 2-3 Squadrons of Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets from Foreign Sources

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to acquire 2-3 squadrons (40-60 aircraft) of fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign sources to enhance its combat capabilities.
• This move is intended to fill the gap until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project becomes operational.
• The IAF has made a presentation to the government outlining its future requirements.
• The US has offered the F-35 fighter jet, while Russia has proposed its Su-57 jets.
• India is also exploring options for a government-to-government deal for 114 modern 4.5 plus generation fighters under the Make in India initiative. (more)

India Train Blast Accused Freed After 19 Years, Seek to Rebuild Lives

• Mohammad Sajid Margub Ansari, one of 12 men convicted for the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, was freed after 19 years in prison.
• The Bombay High Court overturned the convictions, citing the prosecution’s failure to prove guilt. Ansari, who was arrested at 29, missed his daughter’s childhood and now seeks to rebuild his life.
• He plans to finish his law degree, which he started in prison.
• The acquittal has sparked mixed reactions, with survivors expressing frustration and seeking answers.
• Ansari demands an apology from the agencies responsible for his imprisonment, seeking justice and closure. (more)

Manipur: President’s Rule extended for six months; effective from Aug 13

• The President’s Rule in Manipur has been extended for another six months, effective from August 13, 2025.
• This decision was made after Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a resolution in the Lok Sabha, which was subsequently approved ¹.
• The extension is aimed at restoring stability and evaluating conditions for future elections in the state, which has been experiencing ethnic violence and administrative breakdown since May 2023. (more)

Operation SINDOOR: India’s “Decisive Response” to Terrorism

• India launched Operation SINDOOR in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, killing 26 people.
• The operation aimed to destroy terror bases and infrastructure across the border.
• India conducted retaliatory strikes on radar installations in Lahore and destroyed nine major terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
• India eliminated 9 major terror camps, killed over 100 terrorists, and neutralized key terror commanders.
• Pakistan suffered significant losses, including destruction of 20% of its air force assets and damage to 11 airbases.
• The operation demonstrated India’s strategic clarity, calculated force, and zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
• PM Modi’s leadership played a crucial role in shaping the operation’s framework and ensuring a measured response.
• The operation has reshaped the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, asserting India’s sovereignty and global standing. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir Meets Chinese Foreign Minister Amid Tensions

• Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, amidst growing tensions over the security of Chinese nationals working on infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
• China expressed frustration over repeated attacks on Chinese citizens, despite assurances from Pakistan’s government and military.
• Wang Yi conveyed China’s impatience and warned that if Pakistan cannot guarantee security, cooperation cannot be guaranteed.
• Munir assured Beijing that Pakistan’s military would enhance security measures, including stepping up patrols and counter-terror coordination.
• However, China’s concerns come at a time when Pakistan is facing multiple challenges, including economic struggles, Taliban factions, and a simmering insurgency in Balochistan.
• The meeting highlights the complexities of the China-Pakistan relationship, with China’s growing impatience threatening to impact the strategic partnership.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $60 billion investment, is at stake.
• China’s warning serves as a reminder that Pakistan must prioritize security to maintain cooperation. (more, more)
• [General Munir’s report on CPEC security may have unwittingly exposed Pakistan’s delicate balance between China and the US. His perceived US ties could be fueling China’s growing suspicions.]

Pakistan: PM Shehbaz Sharif Appreciates World Bank’s Backing on Indus Waters Treaty

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the World Bank for supporting Pakistan’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, following India’s unilateral actions that risk undermining key international agreements.
• In a meeting with World Bank Regional Vice President Ousmane Dione, the prime minister appreciated the Bank’s principled support.
• However, notably, Dione did not publicly comment on the Indus Waters Treaty during the meeting.
• Instead, he praised Pakistan’s macroeconomic recovery progress and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Pakistan
• The meeting concluded with a joint pledge to deepen cooperation in pursuit of long-term development goals. (more)

Pakistan Dismisses Reports of Recognizing Taliban Govt as Speculative

• Pakistan’s Foreign Office has denied reports of recognizing the Taliban govt in Afghanistan, calling them “speculative.”
• Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said consultations are underway for the Afghan foreign minister’s visit, but no decision has been made on official recognition.
• Khan also expressed concern over terrorist sanctuaries operating from Afghan soil. Meanwhile, Pakistan is seeking an extension for the return of registered Afghan refugees, whose deadline expired on June 30.
• Russia recently became the first country to recognize the Taliban government, but Pakistan has only designated an ambassador to Kabul. (more)

Two Pakistani Soldiers Martyred in Mastung Anti-Terror Operation

• An army major and a sepoy were martyred during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Mastung district.
• Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal, 31, and Sepoy Nazam Hussain, 22, were killed in a firefight with terrorists from Fitna al-Hindustan, an “Indian proxy group”.
• Three terrorists were also killed in the operation. A sanitisation operation is ongoing to eliminate any remaining terrorists.
• The ISPR praised the soldiers’ bravery and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to combat Indian-sponsored terrorism. (more)

Chinmoy Krishna Das’ Bail Petition Rejected, Sent to Jail

• A Chattogram court has rejected the bail petition of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader, in five cases related to murder and clashes
• The court’s decision came after hearing both the prosecution and defense.
• Chinmoy was sent back to jail amid tight security. His lawyers had sought bail, citing health issues, but the court denied their request.
• The cases against Chinmoy stem from a violent incident on November 26 last year, where his supporters clashed with police, resulting in the death of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif.
• The court has taken a firm stance, ensuring Chinmoy’s continued detention.(more)

[In a country where even the Chief Justice can be detained, the voice of a common man, especially from a minority group, can be easily overlooked.]