US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (August 5) targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin, after he again warned India that the US will raise the tariff on India in the next '24 hours over Russian oil import. As he pointed to Russia, Trump said that the drop in energy prices could make Putin halt the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;While speaking to CNBC’s Squawk Box, the US president stressed that if energy goes down, Putin will stop killing people.&nbsp;“If energy goes down enough, Putin is going to stop killing people,” he said. Further slamming Russia’s economy, Trump said, “If you get energy down, another $10 a barrel, he’s going to have no choice because his economy stinks.”&nbsp;Trump further repeated that he would increase US tariffs on India soon and maybe in the next 24 hours over their import of Russian oil, and since “they’re fueling the war machine.”&nbsp;“They have the highest tariff of anybody ... We settled on 25%, but I think I’m going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours because they’re buying Russian oil, they’re fueling the war machine, and if they going to do that, I’m not going to be happy,” he said.<h2>EU could face 35% tariffs</h2>Trump warned the European Union, while speaking to Squawk Box, saying that the EU could face 35 per cent tariffs if it fails to meet $600 billion investment promises under the US-EU deal.&nbsp;“They brought down their tariffs. They paid $600bn, and because of that, I reduced their tariffs from thirty percent down to fifteen percent, and a couple of countries came, ‘How come the EU is paying less than us’, and I said, well, because they gave me $600bn,” he said.&nbsp;“And that’s a gift, that’s not like, you know, a loan … they gave us $600bn that we can invest in anything we want,” Trump added.&nbsp;Trump further stressed that the EU has been “ripping us” for so many years, and it's time that they pay up.

While speaking to CNBC’s Squawk Box, the US president stressed that if energy goes down, Putin will stop killing people, adding that he will have no choice because his economy stinks. 

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (August 5) targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin, after he again warned India that the US will raise the tariff on India in the next '24 hours over Russian oil import. As he pointed to Russia, Trump said that the drop in energy prices could make Putin halt the war in Ukraine. While speaking to CNBC’s Squawk Box, the US president stressed that if energy goes down, Putin will stop killing people. “If energy goes down enough, Putin is going to stop killing people,” he said. Further slamming Russia’s economy, Trump said, “If you get energy down, another $10 a barrel, he’s going to have no choice because his economy stinks.” Trump further repeated that he would increase US tariffs on India soon and maybe in the next 24 hours over their import of Russian oil, and since “they’re fueling the war machine.” “They have the highest tariff of anybody ... We settled on 25%, but I think I’m going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours because they’re buying Russian oil, they’re fueling the war machine, and if they going to do that, I’m not going to be happy,” he said. EU could face 35% tariffs Trump warned the European Union, while speaking to Squawk Box, saying that the EU could face 35 per cent tariffs if it fails to meet $600 billion investment promises under the US-EU deal. “They brought down their tariffs. They paid $600bn, and because of that, I reduced their tariffs from thirty percent down to fifteen percent, and a couple of countries came, ‘How come the EU is paying less than us’, and I said, well, because they gave me $600bn,” he said. “And that’s a gift, that’s not like, you know, a loan … they gave us $600bn that we can invest in anything we want,” Trump added. Trump further stressed that the EU has been “ripping us” for so many years, and it's time that they pay up.

While speaking to CNBC’s Squawk Box, the US president stressed that if energy goes down, Putin will stop killing people, adding that he will have no choice because his economy stinks.&nbsp;

‘Russia’s economy stinks’: Trump targets Kremlin, says if energy prices go down, Putin will stop killing people

Amid the ongoing India-US tariff tussle, a video of a former US envoy has surfaced, where he was seen admitting that the US itself encouraged India to buy Russian oil in order to stabilise global oil prices. Notably, the envoy's statement came as US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil.&nbsp;Trump has recently threatened India with imposing 25 per cent tariffs, along with penalties, citing several reasons, including oil and arms trade with Russia.&nbsp;In a video that has gone viral, former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti admitted that the US encouraged India to buy Russian oil. Garcetti's statement has put the US in a baffled situation.<h2>WATCH video</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Hear US Ambassador Eric Garcetti openly admit that the US wanted India to buy Russian oil to keep global prices stable. Yet today, Trump, defying all logic, is accusing India of ‘war profiteering.’ When nothing else works, just blame India? <a href="https://t.co/5bOokHyIQe">pic.twitter.com/5bOokHyIQe</a>&mdash; Jai Gohil (@Junkie4news_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Junkie4news_/status/1952427887736287359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"They bought Russian oil because we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil at a price cap. That was not a violation or anything. It was actually the design of the policy because, as a commodity, we didn’t want the oil prices going up, and they fulfilled that," Garcetti said at an event last year. The video has shocked netizens, with people noticing how the US stance has flipped with time, contradicting its foreign policy.<h2>‘Is Trump a hypocrite’, netizens ask</h2>As the video went viral, netizens started slamming the US president over his threats to India. One of the users wrote, "Someone should show this clip to President Trump." Another user asked Grok, "Is Grok a Trump hypocrite? Listen video." While a third user slammed the US president and said, “He will blame it on Biden. It wasn't his policy..so..” "Hear US Ambassador Eric Garcetti openly admit that the US wanted India to buy Russian oil to keep global prices stable. Yet today, Trump, defying all logic, is accusing India of ‘war profiteering.’ When nothing else works, just blame India?" another user wrote. After Trump's continuous threats, India today called out the United States and the European Union for their "unjustified and unreasonable" targeting of India for having ties with Russia, stressing that its purchase of Russian crude oil was "actively encouraged" by the US. "The US at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy market stability," India's Ministry of External Affairs said.

In a video that has gone viral, former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti admitted that the US encouraged India to buy Russian oil. Garcetti's statement has put the US in a baffled situation.

Amid the ongoing India-US tariff tussle, a video of a former US envoy has surfaced, where he was seen admitting that the US itself encouraged India to buy Russian oil in order to stabilise global oil prices. Notably, the envoy's statement came as US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. Trump has recently threatened India with imposing 25 per cent tariffs, along with penalties, citing several reasons, including oil and arms trade with Russia. In a video that has gone viral, former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti admitted that the US encouraged India to buy Russian oil. Garcetti's statement has put the US in a baffled situation. WATCH video

In a video that has gone viral, former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti admitted that the US encouraged India to buy Russian oil. Garcetti's statement has put the US in a baffled situation.

US wanted India to import Russian oil when Ukraine war started, but flipped now - Here's what US envoy reveals | WATCH

After US President Donald Trump criticised India for buying Russian oil amid its war with Ukraine, the Kremlin on Tuesday (August 5) slammed Trump's threats to raise tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, calling it "illegal". Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, while speaking to reporters, said that it was unacceptable to force countries to stop trading with Russia, according to Reuters and AFP reports.&nbsp;Peskov further stressed that sovereign nations can choose their trading partners.&nbsp;“Sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trading partners,” spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.&nbsp;Trump earlier took to Truth Social, posting, "They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine." The US president further accused India of selling Russian oil "on the Open Market for big profits”.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariffs-average-us-tariffs-jump-to-nearly-20-surge-10-times-under-trump-2-0-1754380751487/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariffs-average-us-tariffs-jump-to-nearly-20-surge-10-times-under-trump-2-0-1754380751487/embed</a>&nbsp;Trump last week also imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties for arms trading with Russia, as well as oil imports. Later, on Monday (Aug 4), Trump issued a fresh threat of a “substantial hike” in trade duties on India for buying Russian oil and “selling it on the open market for big profits”.&nbsp;Following the statements made by the US president, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hypocrisy-exposed-west-s-russia-energy-trade-is-on-while-trump-boxes-india-modi-vs-trump-russia-oil-gas-nato-eu-trade-reality-explained-1754380112701">Also read: Bad if we do it, good if you do? US, West's Russia energy trade HYPOCRISY EXPOSED as Trump browbeats India with tariffs, fines</a>&nbsp;India even stated that the US earlier actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening the stability of global energy markets.&nbsp;“In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the statement added.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, while speaking to reporters, said that it was unacceptable to force countries to stop trading with Russia.

After US President Donald Trump criticised India for buying Russian oil amid its war with Ukraine, the Kremlin on Tuesday (August 5) slammed Trump's threats to raise tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, calling it "illegal". Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, while speaking to reporters, said that it was unacceptable to force countries to stop trading with Russia, according to Reuters and AFP reports. Peskov further stressed that sovereign nations can choose their trading partners. “Sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trading partners,” spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Trump earlier took to Truth Social, posting, "They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine." The US president further accused India of selling Russian oil "on the Open Market for big profits”. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariffs-average-us-tariffs-jump-to-nearly-20-surge-10-times-under-trump-2-0-1754380751487/embed Trump last week also imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties for arms trading with Russia, as well as oil imports. Later, on Monday (Aug 4), Trump issued a fresh threat of a “substantial hike” in trade duties on India for buying Russian oil and “selling it on the open market for big profits”. Following the statements made by the US president, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.” Also read: Bad if we do it, good if you do? US, West's Russia energy trade HYPOCRISY EXPOSED as Trump browbeats India with tariffs, fines India even stated that the US earlier actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening the stability of global energy markets. “In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the statement added.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, while speaking to reporters, said that it was unacceptable to force countries to stop trading with Russia.

'Can't force countries': Kremlin hits back at Trump for 'illegally' threatening India over Russian oil imports

Amid the ongoing India-US tariff row, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) factcheck unit debunked claims that India is reviewing the list of US goods exempted from tariffs. Taking to X, the fact-check unit of the ministry has dismissed these claims made by several reports.&nbsp;The reports claimed, "The Indian government begins reviewing the list of U.S. products exempted from tariffs... and declares: 'No privileges without mutual respect."&nbsp;The MEA fact-check unit called it "fake news" on Sunday (August 3).&nbsp;In another post, the MEA factcheck shared the "fake" claims being spread on X, saying, “Disinformation being spread on X.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is FAKE News!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEAFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEAFactCheck</a> <a href="https://t.co/3dyvVcOYtA">https://t.co/3dyvVcOYtA</a>&mdash; MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAFactCheck/status/1952003374116999504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;One of the reports claimed, "India is considering suspending or reviewing certain bilateral agreements with the United States if hostile economic policies continue."&nbsp;Trump last week imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, citing several reasons. The US president even slapped a penalty on India. Trump slammed New Delhi for having the most "strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country".&nbsp;&nbsp;"Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country," he wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;The US delegation is expected to land in New India on August 24 to participate in the sixth round of trade talks.&nbsp;The next day, Trump wrote another post, saying that India and Russia can "take their dead economies and go down together."&nbsp;A day after Trump announced the tariffs, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government is now engaging with exporters to assess the impact of Mr Trump's tariffs.&nbsp;The New Delhi officials were shocked and disappointed by the tariffs, the people said on condition of anonymity. The government is keen to keep bilateral trade talks on track and is exploring ways to increase purchases from its largest trading partner.

India debunked media reports, claiming India is reviewing the list of US goods exempted from tariffs. This comes after Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs, along with penalty on India, citing several reasons.

Amid the ongoing India-US tariff row, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) factcheck unit debunked claims that India is reviewing the list of US goods exempted from tariffs. Taking to X, the fact-check unit of the ministry has dismissed these claims made by several reports. The reports claimed, "The Indian government begins reviewing the list of U.S. products exempted from tariffs... and declares: 'No privileges without mutual respect." The MEA fact-check unit called it "fake news" on Sunday (August 3). In another post, the MEA factcheck shared the "fake" claims being spread on X, saying, “Disinformation being spread on X.”

India debunked media reports, claiming India is reviewing the list of US goods exempted from tariffs. This comes after Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs, along with penalty on India, citing several reasons.

FACTCHECK: India reviewing US goods exempted from tariffs? MEA clarifies claims by media

India is gearing up for a new highway travel initiative, and it’s set to roll out this Independence Day. The Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry, under Nitin Gadkari, is introducing a FASTag Annual Pass exclusively for private vehicles. The pass aims to simplify toll payments and provide unlimited ease on designated National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE), up to a limit.<h2>What is FASTag Annual Pass?</h2>Effective from August 15, 2025, the FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid tolling system that allows cars, jeeps, and vans to make up to 200 free trips or travel for one year, whichever comes first. It is designed for private users and will work only at designated NH and NE toll plazas identified by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).&nbsp;As per the announcement, this move is part of a broader strategy to decongest toll booths and reduce friction in India’s growing road network. The FASTag system is already mandatory for all vehicles, and the new pass is expected to further incentivise digital toll payments.<h2>What about price, availability and validity?</h2>The cost of the FASTag Annual Pass has been fixed at ₹3,000 for the financial year 2025–26. It can be purchased via the Rajmargyatra mobile app or directly through the official NHAI website. After purchase, the pass will be activated within two hours—pending verification of the vehicle and its linked FASTag account.&nbsp;The pass remains valid for one year from the date of activation or 200 transactions, depending on which limit is hit earlier. Once the pass expires—either due to duration or number of trips—it automatically reverts to a standard FASTag, meaning tolls will start being deducted per trip again as usual.<h2>Is it transferable?&nbsp;</h2>Each Annual Pass is vehicle-specific. It cannot be transferred to another car or reused across vehicles. According to NHAI’s guidelines, any attempt to use the pass on a different vehicle will result in immediate deactivation of the pass.<h2>What counts as a trip?</h2>Under the rules, each crossing of a point-based toll plaza counts as one trip. A round journey, going and coming back, counts as two trips. For closed tolling systems, which are usually found on access-controlled expressways, a full journey from entry to exit will be counted as one trip.<h2>Gadkari’s push for smart highways</h2>The FASTag Annual Pass comes amid Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s push for intelligent transport systems and digitalisation of India’s roadways. As per the Ministry, the new system is expected to benefit lakhs of commuters who frequently travel on national highways and face repetitive toll charges.&nbsp;By capping annual payments and offering digital pass management, the initiative is likely to encourage more people to switch to private road travel, especially across India’s expanding expressway network.With the FASTag Annual Pass, the government is taking another step towards seamless highway travel and digitised tolling. While it offers convenience and cost predictability to frequent travellers, users will need to follow strict guidelines to avoid deactivation.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)

Set to debut this Independence Day, the FASTag Annual Pass promises smoother, cost-effective highway travel, but with strict rules on use and vehicle verification.

India is gearing up for a new highway travel initiative, and it’s set to roll out this Independence Day. The Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry, under Nitin Gadkari, is introducing a FASTag Annual Pass exclusively for private vehicles. The pass aims to simplify toll payments and provide unlimited ease on designated National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE), up to a limit. What is FASTag Annual Pass? Effective from August 15, 2025, the FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid tolling system that allows cars, jeeps, and vans to make up to 200 free trips or travel for one year, whichever comes first. It is designed for private users and will work only at designated NH and NE toll plazas identified by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). As per the announcement, this move is part of a broader strategy to decongest toll booths and reduce friction in India’s growing road network. The FASTag system is already mandatory for all vehicles, and the new pass is expected to further incentivise digital toll payments. What about price, availability and validity? The cost of the FASTag Annual Pass has been fixed at ₹3,000 for the financial year 2025–26. It can be purchased via the Rajmargyatra mobile app or directly through the official NHAI website. After purchase, the pass will be activated within two hours—pending verification of the vehicle and its linked FASTag account. The pass remains valid for one year from the date of activation or 200 transactions, depending on which limit is hit earlier. Once the pass expires—either due to duration or number of trips—it automatically reverts to a standard FASTag, meaning tolls will start being deducted per trip again as usual. Is it transferable? Each Annual Pass is vehicle-specific. It cannot be transferred to another car or reused across vehicles. According to NHAI’s guidelines, any attempt to use the pass on a different vehicle will result in immediate deactivation of the pass. What counts as a trip? Under the rules, each crossing of a point-based toll plaza counts as one trip. A round journey, going and coming back, counts as two trips. For closed tolling systems, which are usually found on access-controlled expressways, a full journey from entry to exit will be counted as one trip. Gadkari’s push for smart highways The FASTag Annual Pass comes amid Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s push for intelligent transport systems and digitalisation of India’s roadways. As per the Ministry, the new system is expected to benefit lakhs of commuters who frequently travel on national highways and face repetitive toll charges. By capping annual payments and offering digital pass management, the initiative is likely to encourage more people to switch to private road travel, especially across India’s expanding expressway network. With the FASTag Annual Pass, the government is taking another step towards seamless highway travel and digitised tolling. While it offers convenience and cost predictability to frequent travellers, users will need to follow strict guidelines to avoid deactivation. (With inputs from the agencies)

India to launch a FASTag Annual Pass for private vehicles on August 15, offering up to 200 toll-free trips on select highways for ₹3,000 a year.

India launches FASTag Annual Pass for private vehicles from August 15: Details here

Days after US President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on India, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Friday (August 1) reaffirmed the strength and resilience of India-US relations. The MEA stressed that the India-US relationship has "weathered many transitions" and remains anchored in shared interests and mutual respect.&nbsp;Trump on Wednesday announced 25 per cent tariffs, along with a penalty on India, citing high trade barriers and India's arms and oil imports from Russia amid its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that India and the US have strong defence ties, which have been strengthening over the last several years.&nbsp;“There is potential for our defence partnership to grow further. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that both countries have committed to," Jaiswal asserted.&nbsp;Despite the disappointing tariff announcement, India's ministry expressed confidence that bilateral ties between the two nations would continue to progress.&nbsp;"We are confident our relationship with the United States will continue to move forward,” Jaiswal said.<h2>Ties shouldn't be seen from prison of third nation</h2>MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further stressed that the ties between India and the US should not be seen through the prism of a third nation.&nbsp;“Ties with any country, and all the ties that we have with various countries, stand on their own merit and shouldn’t be seen through the prism of a third country,” he said.&nbsp;Trump on Wednesday announced that impose 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with a penalty, citing several reasons. India has been disappointed by the US tariffs.&nbsp;India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government is now engaging with exporters to assess the impact of Mr Trump's tariffs. He added that his ministry is collecting feedback from exporters and industry groups, and will take "all necessary steps to secure and advance our national interest."&nbsp;

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that India and the US have strong defence ties, which have been strengthening over the last several years. This comes days after Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs, along with a penalty on India. 

Days after US President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on India, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Friday (August 1) reaffirmed the strength and resilience of India-US relations. The MEA stressed that the India-US relationship has "weathered many transitions" and remains anchored in shared interests and mutual respect. Trump on Wednesday announced 25 per cent tariffs, along with a penalty on India, citing high trade barriers and India's arms and oil imports from Russia amid its war with Ukraine. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that India and the US have strong defence ties, which have been strengthening over the last several years. “There is potential for our defence partnership to grow further. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that both countries have committed to," Jaiswal asserted. Despite the disappointing tariff announcement, India's ministry expressed confidence that bilateral ties between the two nations would continue to progress. "We are confident our relationship with the United States will continue to move forward,” Jaiswal said. Ties shouldn't be seen from prison of third nation MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further stressed that the ties between India and the US should not be seen through the prism of a third nation. “Ties with any country, and all the ties that we have with various countries, stand on their own merit and shouldn’t be seen through the prism of a third country,” he said. Trump on Wednesday announced that impose 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with a penalty, citing several reasons. India has been disappointed by the US tariffs. India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government is now engaging with exporters to assess the impact of Mr Trump's tariffs. He added that his ministry is collecting feedback from exporters and industry groups, and will take "all necessary steps to secure and advance our national interest."

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that India and the US have strong defence ties, which have been strengthening over the last several years. This comes days after Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs, along with a penalty on India.&nbsp;

Can Trump's tariffs upend India-US ties? MEA responds amid ongoing trade row—Here's what it said

Days after US President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs plus a penalty on India, a Pakistani propaganda account claimed that India has entered a state of financial emergency. However, the Indian government fact-check unit Press Information Bureau (PIB) debunked the claims.The PIB fact-checked the claim it shared on its official X handle, stating that the claim made by the Pakistani account is "fake", clarifying that no financial emergency has been declared in India.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Pakistani propaganda account is claiming that a financial emergency has been declared in India following a $60 billion market wipeout due to a 25% tariff announced by Donald Trump.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a> ❌This claim is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fake</a> ✅ No financial emergency has been declared in India… <a href="https://t.co/cJRp1GeeA1">pic.twitter.com/cJRp1GeeA1</a>&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1950939650291581426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;According to the Pakistani propaganda account, it suggested that India had entered a state of financial emergency after its markets reportedly lost $60 billion in value following Trump's tariff announcement. The Indian government stressed that the information is entirely baseless and fabricated.<h2>What did Pakistan claim?</h2>The Pakistani account shared a post, claiming that a financial emergency has been declared in India following a $60 billion market wipeout due to a 25 per cent tariff announced by Donald Trump.The Press Information Bureau clarified, calling it "fake".Trump on Wednesday (July 30) announced to impose a 25 per cent tariff on India, effective from August 1, saying that the US has a massive trade deficit with India. Trump stressed that, along with a 25 per cent tariff, India will also be paying penalties.While noting that India is a "friend", said that relatively, the US has done "little business with them because their tariffs are far too high." The US president added that India's tariffs are among the “highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.”Trump continued, as he raised concerns over India buying the majority of its military equipment from Russia, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the war in Ukraine.Later, India reacted to the US imposing 25 per cent tariffs on India, saying that the government is studying the implications of tariffs. The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.Moreover, it concluded that the Indian government will take all steps necessary to "secure our national interest".&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pakistani account shared a post, claiming that a financial emergency has been declared in India following a $60 billion market wipeout due to Trump's 25% cent tariff.  The Indian government stressed that the information is entirely baseless and fabricated.

Days after US President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs plus a penalty on India, a Pakistani propaganda account claimed that India has entered a state of financial emergency. However, the Indian government fact-check unit Press Information Bureau (PIB) debunked the claims. The PIB fact-checked the claim it shared on its official X handle, stating that the claim made by the Pakistani account is "fake", clarifying that no financial emergency has been declared in India.

The Pakistani account shared a post, claiming that a financial emergency has been declared in India following a $60 billion market wipeout due to Trump's 25% cent tariff. &nbsp;The Indian government stressed that the information is entirely baseless and fabricated.

Financial emergency in India post Trump's 25% tariffs? India's fact check unit clarifies Pakistani propaganda claims

In a written statement in the Indian Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (August 1) said that India is closely monitoring developments that have national security implications, including those about the anti-India map by a Turkish NGO. On behalf of the government, Jaishankar said that his ministry has taken note of an Islamic group in Dhaka named ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’, which is backed by a Turkish NGO called the 'Turkish Youth Federation', that has put out a map of the so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ that includes parts of India. Jaishankar was responding to a starred question by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala in the Rajya Sabha, saying the map in question was displayed at Dhaka University on the occasion of Poila Boisakh on April 14 this year. The EAM added that India continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard it.<h2>What is Centre's response to the controversy?</h2>"The Government has taken note of reports that an Islamist group in Dhaka called the ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’, backed by a Turkish NGO called the ‘Turkish Youth Federation’, has put out a map of the so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ that includes parts of India. The map was displayed in the Dhaka University," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs quoted Jaishankar as saying. "The Government of Bangladesh fact-checker platform, ‘BanglaFact’, claimed that there is no evidence of ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ operating in Bangladesh. It further clarified that the ‘map’ was displayed at a historical exhibition in reference to the so-called earlier Bengal Sultanate," the statement added. The MEA statement also added that the organisers behind the exhibition denied any connections with any foreign political entity.<h2>What is the controversy?</h2>A Turkish NGO-backed Islamist group in Dhaka allegedly displayed maps of ‘Greater Bangladesh’ — which comprised several Indian states of the Eastern and Northeast regions. According to a report published by the Economic Times, a group ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ allegedly put out the controversial map of "Greater Bangladesh". The map marked Myanmar's Arakan State, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the entire Northeast region of India as part of ‘Greater Bangladesh’. According to ET, Turkey is increasing its influence in Bangladesh after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. It must be noted that Bangladesh is already mending ties with Pakistan and the latter has a good relationship with Turkey. Turkey has reportedly stepped up its engagement through proposed military supplies to the Bangladesh armed forces. As per the report, Turkish NGOs aligned with the country's ruling government have also grown increasingly active in Bangladesh. Notably, Turkey supported Pakistan after India launched Operation Sindoor to hit terror infrastructure inside the neighbouring country, prompting calls for its boycott in India.

In a written statement in the Indian Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (August 1) said that India is closely monitoring developments that have national security implications, including those about the anti-India map by a Turkish NGO.

In a written statement in the Indian Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (August 1) said that India is closely monitoring developments that have national security implications, including those about the anti-India map by a Turkish NGO. On behalf of the government, Jaishankar said that his ministry has taken note of an Islamic group in Dhaka named ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’, which is backed by a Turkish NGO called the 'Turkish Youth Federation', that has put out a map of the so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ that includes parts of India. Jaishankar was responding to a starred question by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala in the Rajya Sabha, saying the map in question was displayed at Dhaka University on the occasion of Poila Boisakh on April 14 this year. The EAM added that India continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard it. What is Centre's response to the controversy? "The Government has taken note of reports that an Islamist group in Dhaka called the ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’, backed by a Turkish NGO called the ‘Turkish Youth Federation’, has put out a map of the so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ that includes parts of India. The map was displayed in the Dhaka University," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs quoted Jaishankar as saying. "The Government of Bangladesh fact-checker platform, ‘BanglaFact’, claimed that there is no evidence of ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ operating in Bangladesh. It further clarified that the ‘map’ was displayed at a historical exhibition in reference to the so-called earlier Bengal Sultanate," the statement added. The MEA statement also added that the organisers behind the exhibition denied any connections with any foreign political entity. What is the controversy? A Turkish NGO-backed Islamist group in Dhaka allegedly displayed maps of ‘Greater Bangladesh’ — which comprised several Indian states of the Eastern and Northeast regions. According to a report published by the Economic Times, a group ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ allegedly put out the controversial map of "Greater Bangladesh". The map marked Myanmar's Arakan State, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the entire Northeast region of India as part of ‘Greater Bangladesh’. According to ET, Turkey is increasing its influence in Bangladesh after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. It must be noted that Bangladesh is already mending ties with Pakistan and the latter has a good relationship with Turkey. Turkey has reportedly stepped up its engagement through proposed military supplies to the Bangladesh armed forces. As per the report, Turkish NGOs aligned with the country's ruling government have also grown increasingly active in Bangladesh. Notably, Turkey supported Pakistan after India launched Operation Sindoor to hit terror infrastructure inside the neighbouring country, prompting calls for its boycott in India.

In a written statement in the Indian Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (August 1) said that India is closely monitoring developments that have national security implications, including those about the anti-India map by a Turkish NGO.

‘Greater Bangladesh’ map includes Indian territory: S Jaishankar responds to Turkey links - What he said

Indian state refiners have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week, citing discounts narrowed this month, the industry sources told Reuters. This comes amid US President Donald Trump warning India against buying oil from Russia as Moscow intensifies its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;Several state refiners of India, including Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), opens new tab, Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL.NS), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL.NS), and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd (MRPL.NS), have not sought Russian crude in the past week, four sources familiar with the refiners' purchase told Reuters.&nbsp;Notably, India is the world's third-largest oil importer and the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude.&nbsp;However, the refiners have not responded to the request for comment yet.&nbsp;These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil, sources said.&nbsp;State refiners control over 60 per cent of India's overall 5.2 million barrels per day refining capacity.<h2>Trump calls India, Russia's economy 'dead'</h2>Earlier today, Trump hit out at India for purchasing oil from Russia. This came hours after the US president announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports.&nbsp;Trump said that he does not care about India's trade dealings with Russia, saying that the two "can take their dead economies down together".&nbsp;"I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;On July 14, Trump even threatened 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine.&nbsp;

These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil. 

Indian state refiners have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week, citing discounts narrowed this month, the industry sources told Reuters. This comes amid US President Donald Trump warning India against buying oil from Russia as Moscow intensifies its war with Ukraine. Several state refiners of India, including Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS), opens new tab, Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL.NS), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL.NS), and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd (MRPL.NS), have not sought Russian crude in the past week, four sources familiar with the refiners' purchase told Reuters. Notably, India is the world's third-largest oil importer and the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude. However, the refiners have not responded to the request for comment yet. These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil, sources said. State refiners control over 60 per cent of India's overall 5.2 million barrels per day refining capacity. Trump calls India, Russia's economy 'dead' Earlier today, Trump hit out at India for purchasing oil from Russia. This came hours after the US president announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports. Trump said that he does not care about India's trade dealings with Russia, saying that the two "can take their dead economies down together". "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. On July 14, Trump even threatened 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine.

These four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis, but now they have turned to spot markets for replacement supply, including Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil.&nbsp;

Indian state refiners halt Russian oil imports amid Trump's 25% tariff and penalty threat

As tariffs and trade remain in the headlines, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) said that the tariffs are making America great and "rich again". He stressed that the US has successfully countered this "onslaught of tariffs" used against it.&nbsp;The US president took to Truth Social, saying that the tariffs were used against the US for decades, coupled with "pathetic and crooked politicians."&nbsp;"Tariffs are making America GREAT &amp; RICH Again. They were successfully used against the USA for decades and, coupled with really dumb, pathetic, and crooked politicians, we’re having a devastating impact on the future, and even the survival, of our country," he wrote in the post.&nbsp;Trump added that it has completely changed now, stressing that America was a dead country a year ago, but now it is the hottest country in the world.&nbsp;"Now the tide has completely turned, and America has successfully countered this onslaught of Tariffs used against it. ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE “HOTTEST”COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," he added.&nbsp;This comes a day after Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties for several reasons, effective from August 1. He said that the US has a massive trade deficit with India.&nbsp;Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, and while noting that India is a "friend", said that relatively, the US has done “little business with them because their tariffs are far too high.” The US president added that India's tariffs are among the “highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.”&nbsp;Trump continued, as he raised concerns over India buying the majority of its military equipment from Russia, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. Trump announced to put penalties on India, along with the 25 per cent tariffs, starting on August 1.<h2>Here's how India reacted</h2>Hours after Trump imposed tariffs on India, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry reacted to the US imposing 25 per cent tariffs on India. It stated that the government is studying the implications of tariffs.&nbsp;The ministry said that the government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. "The Government is studying its implications."&nbsp;It further noted that India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.

Day after Trump imposed tariffs on India, he posted on Truth Social, saying that tariffs has made America hottest country in the world, stressing that one year ago, it was a dead country. 

As tariffs and trade remain in the headlines, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31) said that the tariffs are making America great and "rich again". He stressed that the US has successfully countered this "onslaught of tariffs" used against it. The US president took to Truth Social, saying that the tariffs were used against the US for decades, coupled with "pathetic and crooked politicians." "Tariffs are making America GREAT & RICH Again. They were successfully used against the USA for decades and, coupled with really dumb, pathetic, and crooked politicians, we’re having a devastating impact on the future, and even the survival, of our country," he wrote in the post. Trump added that it has completely changed now, stressing that America was a dead country a year ago, but now it is the hottest country in the world. "Now the tide has completely turned, and America has successfully countered this onslaught of Tariffs used against it. ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE “HOTTEST”COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!," he added. This comes a day after Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties for several reasons, effective from August 1. He said that the US has a massive trade deficit with India. Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, and while noting that India is a "friend", said that relatively, the US has done “little business with them because their tariffs are far too high.” The US president added that India's tariffs are among the “highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.” Trump continued, as he raised concerns over India buying the majority of its military equipment from Russia, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. Trump announced to put penalties on India, along with the 25 per cent tariffs, starting on August 1. Here's how India reacted Hours after Trump imposed tariffs on India, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry reacted to the US imposing 25 per cent tariffs on India. It stated that the government is studying the implications of tariffs. The ministry said that the government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. "The Government is studying its implications." It further noted that India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months.

Day after Trump imposed tariffs on India, he posted on Truth Social, saying that tariffs has made America hottest country in the world, stressing that one year ago, it was a dead country.&nbsp;

'America HOTTEST country in world': Trump credits tariffs for making US great and rich again

People in India's Uttar Pradesh villages have spotted blinking drones in the sky, triggering paranoia and fear among the civilians. As everybody is on alert there, people have armed themselves and are assembling for night patrolling to keep an eye on what's happening in the villages.&nbsp;Moreover, not just this, videos and forwarded messages on social media have also triggered panic among people.In Kumhera village, a group out on a night patrol said that "drone sightings" began a week ago. They made announcements on a megaphone, saying, "If you spot a drone, please inform the police immediately, or inform us."&nbsp;The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad, according to reports.&nbsp;Indian news agency ANI reported that the unverified viral videos on social media show blinking objects flying in the sky, with residents insisting it is a drone “scouting” the area.&nbsp;Moreover, as the people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village. “We need to be sure who we are letting in," members of the group, some armed with axes, said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in Moradabad, people have armed themselves with flashlights and sticks while patrolling at night.The additional SP of Moradabad told ANI that the police have been receiving reports from rural areas about an object that blinks and is being spotted at night.<h2>Police investigation on</h2>The police said that they have received reports of drones flying on Sunday, but as they reached the spot, there was no such activity spotted.&nbsp;However, the police have found no evidence to support the villagers' claims. “However, when our deployed out teams, we didn't find evidence of criminal activity,” SP said.&nbsp;He also said that the police are conducting patrols on a regular basis, and the matter is being investigated.&nbsp;On the other hand, two people in Muzaffarnagar have been arrested for allegedly spreading rumours about drones flying over Kairana town in Shamli, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad. as the people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village. 



People in India's Uttar Pradesh villages have spotted blinking drones in the sky, triggering paranoia and fear among the civilians. As everybody is on alert there, people have armed themselves and are assembling for night patrolling to keep an eye on what's happening in the villages. Moreover, not just this, videos and forwarded messages on social media have also triggered panic among people. In Kumhera village, a group out on a night patrol said that "drone sightings" began a week ago. They made announcements on a megaphone, saying, "If you spot a drone, please inform the police immediately, or inform us." The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad, according to reports. Indian news agency ANI reported that the unverified viral videos on social media show blinking objects flying in the sky, with residents insisting it is a drone “scouting” the area. Moreover, as the people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village. “We need to be sure who we are letting in," members of the group, some armed with axes, said. Meanwhile, in Moradabad, people have armed themselves with flashlights and sticks while patrolling at night. The additional SP of Moradabad told ANI that the police have been receiving reports from rural areas about an object that blinks and is being spotted at night. Police investigation on The police said that they have received reports of drones flying on Sunday, but as they reached the spot, there was no such activity spotted. However, the police have found no evidence to support the villagers' claims. “However, when our deployed out teams, we didn't find evidence of criminal activity,” SP said. He also said that the police are conducting patrols on a regular basis, and the matter is being investigated. On the other hand, two people in Muzaffarnagar have been arrested for allegedly spreading rumours about drones flying over Kairana town in Shamli, news agency PTI reported.

The fear has created chaos in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Amhroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, and the villages of Ghaziabad. As people become more aware now, residents of Amirpuri Gharhi have begun asking for verification from those entering the village.&nbsp;

'Blinking drones' spying on India's UP? Villagers go for armed patrol as flying object videos create panic

India’s legal discourse has a new conundrum. Supreme Court advocate Indira Jaising has appealed to the top court&nbsp;to consider lowering the age of consent from 18 to 16. The age of consent is the age at which people are considered legally capable of agreeing to sexual intercourse.&nbsp;Jaising has filed a written submission challenging the blanket criminalisation of sexual activity among adolescents aged 16 to 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;She has argued that “there is no rational reason or empirical data to justify the increase in the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, when the age was 16 for 70 years.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Union of India has opposed it, saying “the statutory age of consent fixed at 18 years must… be strictly and uniformly enforced. Any departure from this standard, even in the name of reform or adolescent autonomy, would amount to rolling back decades of progress in child protection law.”&nbsp;&nbsp;A Brief History&nbsp;&nbsp;The age of consent in India stood at 10 for females and no specified age for men in 1860.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1891, it was raised to 12 after Phulmoni,&nbsp; an 11-year-old girl, died due to a rupture of her vagina after her husband forced sex on her, but the accused was only sentenced to one year's rigorous imprisonment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following that, the age of consent was increased to 14 in 1925 and 16 in 1940.&nbsp;In 2012, following the horrific Delhi Nirbhaya rape case, the age of consent was raised to 18 for both males and females under the POCSO or Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;International Comparision&nbsp;Countries across the world have lowered or maintained their age of consent to 16 or lower.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the US, federal law maintains the age of consent as 18, but in several states, the age of consent differs.&nbsp;In Australia, the age of consent varies from 16 to 17 years depending on the state or territory.&nbsp;&nbsp;Japan had the age of consent as 13 till 2023, while the age of majority is 20 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;South Africa, too, has the age of consent as 16 while the age of majority is 18.&nbsp;Inter-caste, inter-faith teenage love&nbsp;&nbsp;In many cases across the country, parents of interfaith and inter-caste teenage couples have filed rape cases against one of the partners, even though the relationships were consensual.&nbsp;Jaising noted in her submission to the SC that there has been a 180% rise in prosecutions under POCSO involving minors aged 16–18 between 2017 and 2021, highlighting an alarming trend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Citizens' view&nbsp;On being asked about sexual activity among those below 18, Naman Verma, a 28-year-old, said that “it is definitely common, consensually and comfortably practised amongst people under 18. I have learned about instances of sexual activities from people when they were under 18. So, it does happen, even if it is illegal.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Verma added that “ I think the 'age of consent' in this context does not define the autonomy of a teenager, but also depicts an opinion of the nation; the system. If I, as ruler, have to decide such a thing, I will keep in mind the trends amongst the people engaging in this activity. For instance, 'sex education'. If I am allowing teens to officially engage in sexual activity by their own will, I need to ensure that they are educated and aware of the risks and precautions required to take.&nbsp;Shubham Ranjan, a 27-year-old designer, said that “lowering the age might help in genuine cases of consensual teenage love. Many boys, especially from minority or lower castes, are wrongfully punished due to family disapproval. A lower consent age could prevent misuse of strict laws like POCSO, but it needs careful safeguards.”&nbsp;Richa Kapoor, an Advocate on Record for the Supreme Court and a former public prosecutor at the Delhi High Court, says that “with advancement in technology, modernization in education and access to knowledge, 16-year-old teens today are more capable of making mature, educated decisions about their own bodies and relationships.”&nbsp;Advocate Kapoor elaborated on the protection of children from rape, stating that abuse against adolescents can still be prevented, as "without consent" would still be considered rape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Advocate Kunal Anand, a designated Partner at Mark Legal LLP, recommends a “close-in-age” in the law. This exception will create an exception for couples who are close to the age of consent and thus prevent false cases.&nbsp;Anand says that by introducing this exception, “the law would still punish exploitation and coercion but stop unfairly criminalizing teenagers who are in consensual relationships. This change would balance child protection with the rights to privacy, dignity, and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, while also ensuring that POCSO focuses on genuine cases of abuse..”&nbsp;&nbsp;An alternative to lowering the age of consent is the application of the 'judicial discretion’, which basically means that each case will be considered by the judge and the discretion of the judge would apply to differentiate between genuine cases of ‘teenage love’ and exploitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;But Anand says that this approach also has its limitations. “It leaves adolescents vulnerable to lengthy criminal trials before relief is granted, as discretion comes only at the stage of judicial decision-making,” he explains.&nbsp;&nbsp;Need for sex education&nbsp;&nbsp;India severely lacks sex education among adolescents. The people WION talked to agreed that there is a need for widespread sex education before the age of consent is lowered to allow young adults to make informed choices about their bodies.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If teenagers are themselves aware and sensible about their sexual health and rights, they would be in a better position to understand consent and also protect themselves from exploitation,” said Namam Verma.&nbsp;&nbsp;While lowering the age of consent might be the way forward to ensure sexual autonomy for young adults, providing them with information about consent, safe sexual practices and hygiene is a prerequisite.&nbsp;

The Indian Supreme Court is considering lowering the age of consent in the country from 18 to 16, drawing divisive reactions. WION’s Akul Baiju talks to experts and citizens on whether India should take this significant step. 

India’s legal discourse has a new conundrum. Supreme Court advocate Indira Jaising has appealed to the top court to consider lowering the age of consent from 18 to 16. The age of consent is the age at which people are considered legally capable of agreeing to sexual intercourse. Jaising has filed a written submission challenging the blanket criminalisation of sexual activity among adolescents aged 16 to 18. She has argued that “there is no rational reason or empirical data to justify the increase in the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, when the age was 16 for 70 years.” Meanwhile, the Union of India has opposed it, saying “the statutory age of consent fixed at 18 years must… be strictly and uniformly enforced. Any departure from this standard, even in the name of reform or adolescent autonomy, would amount to rolling back decades of progress in child protection law.” A Brief History The age of consent in India stood at 10 for females and no specified age for men in 1860. In 1891, it was raised to 12 after Phulmoni, an 11-year-old girl, died due to a rupture of her vagina after her husband forced sex on her, but the accused was only sentenced to one year's rigorous imprisonment. Following that, the age of consent was increased to 14 in 1925 and 16 in 1940. In 2012, following the horrific Delhi Nirbhaya rape case, the age of consent was raised to 18 for both males and females under the POCSO or Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act. International Comparision Countries across the world have lowered or maintained their age of consent to 16 or lower. In the US, federal law maintains the age of consent as 18, but in several states, the age of consent differs. In Australia, the age of consent varies from 16 to 17 years depending on the state or territory. Japan had the age of consent as 13 till 2023, while the age of majority is 20 years. South Africa, too, has the age of consent as 16 while the age of majority is 18. Inter-caste, inter-faith teenage love In many cases across the country, parents of interfaith and inter-caste teenage couples have filed rape cases against one of the partners, even though the relationships were consensual. Jaising noted in her submission to the SC that there has been a 180% rise in prosecutions under POCSO involving minors aged 16–18 between 2017 and 2021, highlighting an alarming trend. Citizens' view On being asked about sexual activity among those below 18, Naman Verma, a 28-year-old, said that “it is definitely common, consensually and comfortably practised amongst people under 18. I have learned about instances of sexual activities from people when they were under 18. So, it does happen, even if it is illegal.” Verma added that “ I think the 'age of consent' in this context does not define the autonomy of a teenager, but also depicts an opinion of the nation; the system. If I, as ruler, have to decide such a thing, I will keep in mind the trends amongst the people engaging in this activity. For instance, 'sex education'. If I am allowing teens to officially engage in sexual activity by their own will, I need to ensure that they are educated and aware of the risks and precautions required to take. Shubham Ranjan, a 27-year-old designer, said that “lowering the age might help in genuine cases of consensual teenage love. Many boys, especially from minority or lower castes, are wrongfully punished due to family disapproval. A lower consent age could prevent misuse of strict laws like POCSO, but it needs careful safeguards.” Richa Kapoor, an Advocate on Record for the Supreme Court and a former public prosecutor at the Delhi High Court, says that “with advancement in technology, modernization in education and access to knowledge, 16-year-old teens today are more capable of making mature, educated decisions about their own bodies and relationships.” Advocate Kapoor elaborated on the protection of children from rape, stating that abuse against adolescents can still be prevented, as "without consent" would still be considered rape. Advocate Kunal Anand, a designated Partner at Mark Legal LLP, recommends a “close-in-age” in the law. This exception will create an exception for couples who are close to the age of consent and thus prevent false cases. Anand says that by introducing this exception, “the law would still punish exploitation and coercion but stop unfairly criminalizing teenagers who are in consensual relationships. This change would balance child protection with the rights to privacy, dignity, and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, while also ensuring that POCSO focuses on genuine cases of abuse..” An alternative to lowering the age of consent is the application of the 'judicial discretion’, which basically means that each case will be considered by the judge and the discretion of the judge would apply to differentiate between genuine cases of ‘teenage love’ and exploitation. But Anand says that this approach also has its limitations. “It leaves adolescents vulnerable to lengthy criminal trials before relief is granted, as discretion comes only at the stage of judicial decision-making,” he explains. Need for sex education India severely lacks sex education among adolescents. The people WION talked to agreed that there is a need for widespread sex education before the age of consent is lowered to allow young adults to make informed choices about their bodies. “If teenagers are themselves aware and sensible about their sexual health and rights, they would be in a better position to understand consent and also protect themselves from exploitation,” said Namam Verma. While lowering the age of consent might be the way forward to ensure sexual autonomy for young adults, providing them with information about consent, safe sexual practices and hygiene is a prerequisite.

The Indian Supreme Court is considering lowering the age of consent in the country from 18 to 16, drawing divisive reactions. WION’s Akul Baiju talks to experts and citizens on whether India should take this significant step.&nbsp;

India debates lowering age of consent from 18 to 16. Experts weigh in

US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties, as he slams India for several things, including arms trade with Russia amid its war with Ukraine. Trump said the tariffs will be imposed effective from August 1. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, stressed that India, although it is a friend, has done "relatively little business with them", adding that their tariffs are far too high.<h2>Why did Trump slap India with penalties?</h2>The US president explained in his post on Truth Social why he has imposed 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties. Trump said that India's tariffs are too high and the highest in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that they have the highest tariffs in the world and have the most "strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country."&nbsp;Trump then shifted the focus to India's arms trade deal with Russia, saying that India has always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia.&nbsp;The US president added that India is Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, "at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!"&nbsp;"INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST," he said.&nbsp;Earlier on Tuesday, Trump, while speaking to reporters, said that India will pay 25 per cent if the US and India fail to finalise a trade deal soon. Although Trump referred to India as a friendly partner, he has repeatedly criticised the country’s trade practices and high import duties, calling the relationship “very tough”.&nbsp;The US has taken issue not only with India’s high tariffs but also with its non-tariff barriers, such as digital service taxes and complex regulations for foreign imports. The administration has called India’s testing requirements “uniquely burdensome.”

The US president explained in his post on Truth Social why he has imposed 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties. Trump said that India's tariffs are too high and the highest in the world.

US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on India, along with penalties, as he slams India for several things, including arms trade with Russia amid its war with Ukraine. Trump said the tariffs will be imposed effective from August 1. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, stressed that India, although it is a friend, has done "relatively little business with them", adding that their tariffs are far too high. Why did Trump slap India with penalties? The US president explained in his post on Truth Social why he has imposed 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties. Trump said that India's tariffs are too high and the highest in the world. He added that they have the highest tariffs in the world and have the most "strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country." Trump then shifted the focus to India's arms trade deal with Russia, saying that India has always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia. The US president added that India is Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, "at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!" "INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST," he said. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump, while speaking to reporters, said that India will pay 25 per cent if the US and India fail to finalise a trade deal soon. Although Trump referred to India as a friendly partner, he has repeatedly criticised the country’s trade practices and high import duties, calling the relationship “very tough”. The US has taken issue not only with India’s high tariffs but also with its non-tariff barriers, such as digital service taxes and complex regulations for foreign imports. The administration has called India’s testing requirements “uniquely burdensome.”

The US president explained in his post on Truth Social why he has imposed 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties. Trump said that India's tariffs are too high and the highest in the world.

Why Trump announced 25% tariffs plus penalties on India - Here's what he said

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 30) announced to impose a 25 per cent tariff on India, effective from August 1, saying that the US has a massive trade deficit with India. Trump stressed that, along with a 25 per cent tariff, India will also be paying penalties.&nbsp;Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, and while noting that India is a "friend", said that relatively, the US has done "little business with them because their tariffs are far too high."&nbsp;The US president added that India's tariffs are among the “highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">US President Donald Trump announces 25% tariffs on India starting August 1st. Source: Donald Trump&#39;s Truth Social Account <a href="https://t.co/bgj1wsGcMR">pic.twitter.com/bgj1wsGcMR</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1950531766038761550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Trump continued, as he raised concerns over India buying the majority of its military equipment from Russia, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. "Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE," he stressed. Trump announced to put penalties on India, along with the 25 per cent tariffs, starting on August 1. "ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!," he posted. In just a few minutes, Trump shared another post, stating, "WE HAVE A MASSIVE TRADE DEFICIT WITH INDIA!!!." Earlier on Tuesday, while speaking to reporters, Trump threatened to slap tariffs of up to 25% on Indian imports if Washington and New Delhi fail to finalise a trade deal soon. Although Trump referred to India as a friendly partner, he has repeatedly criticised the country’s trade practices and high import duties, calling the relationship “very tough”.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 30) announced to impose 25 per cent tariff on India, effective from August 1, saying that the US has a massive trade deficit with India. 

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 30) announced to impose a 25 per cent tariff on India, effective from August 1, saying that the US has a massive trade deficit with India. Trump stressed that, along with a 25 per cent tariff, India will also be paying penalties. Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday, and while noting that India is a "friend", said that relatively, the US has done "little business with them because their tariffs are far too high." The US president added that India's tariffs are among the “highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.”

The US president said that India's tariffs are among the highest in the world, adding that they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.

'Massive trade deficit with India': Trump imposes 25% tariff on India, plus penalties for arms trade with Russia

Maldives finance minister Moosa Zameer has said that soon Indian tourists can pay in Indian Rupees as his country is working for a local currency settlement with India. Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Malé, said, "Local currency settlement agreements that we are coming in, it will be easier for local businesses to source from India and pay in Indian rupees. And Indian tourists will come to the Maldives to pay in Indian rupees to the locals."&nbsp;The Maldives and India are working on the usage of Indian currency in the country, whose mainstay is tourism. Indian tourists form the 6th largest number of foreign tourists arriving in the Maldives. When asked about free trade agreement talks, the finance minister said, "groundwork has been laid" with PM Modi's visit and "more Indian businesses will be interested in supplying to the Maldives".&nbsp;PM Modi was on a visit to the Maldives on Friday and Saturday, his 3rd visit to the country since 2014. During this visit, he was the guest of honour at the Independence Day celebrations. Interview:&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How do you think, opening of the new terminal will help the Maldives? Moosa Zameer: Obviously, we have had some hurdles in the past couple of years because of the high number of tourists that were arriving, and we were not able to give enough space for the market that was developing in the aviation industry. Today, with this opening of the new terminal, I'm sure that has changed. And looking at the Indian market, yes, and it has been growing tremendously. And with the visit of Prime Minister Modi recently as a guest of honour for the Maldives Independence Day, I'm sure the numbers will increase. The Government is actively seeking to find ways to increase Indian destinations to Maldives. India as a source market has played a key role in Maldives, and I'm sure with this expansion, it will help much more than what we can anticipate right now, because we see the growth. If you look at the past two years, it's evident.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: During PM Modi's visit, a line of credit was announced. If you can talk about that. Also announcement related to UPI, FTA. Moosa Zameer: One of the most important things that I see is the UPI. India's RBI is working on it. This is going to unite us in a way that has not happened in the past. The Prime Minister's visit will definitely increase the People to People connection and also at the government level, the work that we have been doing will get boosted. And then this is how we see the economy getting benefits. Indian market is a source market, plus many other things that have happened in the visit are about the development of housing and many other projects that have been initiated. And also, I think it will also increase the number of tourists that will arrive in the north by September, since the Hanimaadhoo international airport will be opened. It's very close to India, so it will be easier for Indian tourists to travel. So I'm very optimistic about the rest of the areas.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: By when do you plan to conclude the India-Maldives FTA? Moosa Zameer: &nbsp;The groundwork has been done with the Prime Minister's visit. &nbsp;We do a lot of cross-border trade, and with FTA definitely. FTA definitely will give a boost. And also it will be more Indian businesses will be interested in supplying to the Maldives, will have the opportunity, plus local currency settlement agreements that we are coming in, it will be easier for local businesses to source from India and pay in Indian rupees. And Indian tourists will come to Maldives to pay in Indian rupees to the locals. Bank of Maldives has now started opening Indian rupee accounts for even retail customers, that's going to increase the kind of activity.

The Maldives and India are working on the usage of Indian currency in the country, whose mainstay is tourism. Indian tourists form the 6th largest number of foreign tourists arriving in the Maldives. 

Maldives finance minister Moosa Zameer has said that soon Indian tourists can pay in Indian Rupees as his country is working for a local currency settlement with India. Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Malé, said, "Local currency settlement agreements that we are coming in, it will be easier for local businesses to source from India and pay in Indian rupees. And Indian tourists will come to the Maldives to pay in Indian rupees to the locals." The Maldives and India are working on the usage of Indian currency in the country, whose mainstay is tourism. Indian tourists form the 6th largest number of foreign tourists arriving in the Maldives. When asked about free trade agreement talks, the finance minister said, "groundwork has been laid" with PM Modi's visit and "more Indian businesses will be interested in supplying to the Maldives". PM Modi was on a visit to the Maldives on Friday and Saturday, his 3rd visit to the country since 2014. During this visit, he was the guest of honour at the Independence Day celebrations. Interview: Sidhant Sibal: How do you think, opening of the new terminal will help the Maldives? Moosa Zameer: Obviously, we have had some hurdles in the past couple of years because of the high number of tourists that were arriving, and we were not able to give enough space for the market that was developing in the aviation industry. Today, with this opening of the new terminal, I'm sure that has changed. And looking at the Indian market, yes, and it has been growing tremendously. And with the visit of Prime Minister Modi recently as a guest of honour for the Maldives Independence Day, I'm sure the numbers will increase. The Government is actively seeking to find ways to increase Indian destinations to Maldives. India as a source market has played a key role in Maldives, and I'm sure with this expansion, it will help much more than what we can anticipate right now, because we see the growth. If you look at the past two years, it's evident. Sidhant Sibal: During PM Modi's visit, a line of credit was announced. If you can talk about that. Also announcement related to UPI, FTA. Moosa Zameer: One of the most important things that I see is the UPI. India's RBI is working on it. This is going to unite us in a way that has not happened in the past. The Prime Minister's visit will definitely increase the People to People connection and also at the government level, the work that we have been doing will get boosted. And then this is how we see the economy getting benefits. Indian market is a source market, plus many other things that have happened in the visit are about the development of housing and many other projects that have been initiated. And also, I think it will also increase the number of tourists that will arrive in the north by September, since the Hanimaadhoo international airport will be opened. It's very close to India, so it will be easier for Indian tourists to travel. So I'm very optimistic about the rest of the areas. Sidhant Sibal: By when do you plan to conclude the India-Maldives FTA? Moosa Zameer: The groundwork has been done with the Prime Minister's visit. We do a lot of cross-border trade, and with FTA definitely. FTA definitely will give a boost. And also it will be more Indian businesses will be interested in supplying to the Maldives, will have the opportunity, plus local currency settlement agreements that we are coming in, it will be easier for local businesses to source from India and pay in Indian rupees. And Indian tourists will come to Maldives to pay in Indian rupees to the locals. Bank of Maldives has now started opening Indian rupee accounts for even retail customers, that's going to increase the kind of activity.

The Maldives and India are working on the usage of Indian currency in the country, whose mainstay is tourism. Indian tourists form the 6th largest number of foreign tourists arriving in the Maldives.&nbsp;

Indian tourists can pay in Indian Rupees with local currency settlement agreement, says Maldives Finance Minister Moosa Zameer

As India and the United Kingdom signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday (July 24) after three years of negotiations, the deal will give a much-needed boost to the bilateral trade between the two nations, by around $34 billion annually. As per the details of the agreement, cost of scotch whiskey, cars, chocolates, aerospace parts and several other products will decrease. This comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK, to sign the historic deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Notably, this is India's most ambitious trade deal in over a decade, which both nations have called a "historic milestone" in their economic relationship.&nbsp;The deal will lead to a cut in prices of scotch whiskey; however, it won't have a major impact on reshaping the market. It will now be easier for UK firms to export whiskey to India with tariffs slashed in half.<h2>Scotch whiskey</h2>It will now be immediately from 150% to 75% and then drop even further to 40% over the next ten years. In the premium segment of scotch, where the prices start from Rs 3500 per bottle, brands like Johnie Walker, Black Label and Chivas Regal 12 years may cost less by Rs 200-300 per bottle.&nbsp;Meanwhile, for the standard segment, which costs somewhere between Rs 1700 and Rs 2000, brands like Red Label and Ballentine's may cost less by Rs 100-150.&nbsp;"Most Indian whisky producers import Scotch whiskey to use for blending with domestic whiskies. Reduction in customs duty will help the bottom lines of these Indian producers," said Vinod Giri, liquor trade expert and director general of Brewers Association of India.<h2>Aerospace parts</h2>Now, under the deal, people and industries in India will be able to access several products made and imported from the UK, including medical devices and aerospace parts at much affordable prices.<h2>Soft drinks, chocolate, and biscuits</h2>Indian customers will now have better access to British products, including soft drinks and cosmetics. Meanwhile, India will also cut tariffs on salmon, chocolates, and biscuits imported from the UK, making them cheaper for Indians.&nbsp;Moreover, the Indian professionals will be exempted from UK social security payments for three years under this deal.&nbsp;

India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is India's most ambitious trade deal in over a decade, which both nations have called a "historic milestone" in their economic relationship.

As India and the United Kingdom signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday (July 24) after three years of negotiations, the deal will give a much-needed boost to the bilateral trade between the two nations, by around $34 billion annually. As per the details of the agreement, cost of scotch whiskey, cars, chocolates, aerospace parts and several other products will decrease. This comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK, to sign the historic deal. Notably, this is India's most ambitious trade deal in over a decade, which both nations have called a "historic milestone" in their economic relationship. The deal will lead to a cut in prices of scotch whiskey; however, it won't have a major impact on reshaping the market. It will now be easier for UK firms to export whiskey to India with tariffs slashed in half. Scotch whiskey It will now be immediately from 150% to 75% and then drop even further to 40% over the next ten years. In the premium segment of scotch, where the prices start from Rs 3500 per bottle, brands like Johnie Walker, Black Label and Chivas Regal 12 years may cost less by Rs 200-300 per bottle. Meanwhile, for the standard segment, which costs somewhere between Rs 1700 and Rs 2000, brands like Red Label and Ballentine's may cost less by Rs 100-150. "Most Indian whisky producers import Scotch whiskey to use for blending with domestic whiskies. Reduction in customs duty will help the bottom lines of these Indian producers," said Vinod Giri, liquor trade expert and director general of Brewers Association of India. Aerospace parts Now, under the deal, people and industries in India will be able to access several products made and imported from the UK, including medical devices and aerospace parts at much affordable prices. Soft drinks, chocolate, and biscuits Indian customers will now have better access to British products, including soft drinks and cosmetics. Meanwhile, India will also cut tariffs on salmon, chocolates, and biscuits imported from the UK, making them cheaper for Indians. Moreover, the Indian professionals will be exempted from UK social security payments for three years under this deal.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is India's most ambitious trade deal in over a decade, which both nations have called a "historic milestone" in their economic relationship.

Scotch whiskey prices to drop in India? Here's what all will be cheaper after India-UK free trade deal

India’s central bank is stepping in to calm rising short-term borrowing costs. On Wednesday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a ₹500 billion ($5.8 billion) liquidity injection into the banking system via a two-day repurchase (repo) auction, after money market rates unexpectedly spiked above the central bank’s policy benchmark.&nbsp;The move comes after the weighted average call rate, a key interbank borrowing rate that the RBI closely watches, surged to 5.79 per cent, overtaking the RBI’s repo rate of 5.5 per cent. According to Bloomberg, this marks the first time since March that overnight funding costs have breached the RBI’s policy rate, a development that raises fresh questions about liquidity management and monetary transmission. In a statement, the RBI cited “current and evolving liquidity conditions” as the reason for the cash injection.<h2>Why borrowing costs spiked</h2>The sudden rise in borrowing costs is being linked to monthly tax outflows, particularly GST payments, which pulled large sums out of the banking system. At the same time, aggressive participation by banks in the RBI’s variable rate reverse repo (VRRR) operations, where the central bank absorbs excess liquidity appears to have backfired.&nbsp;“It seems that banks tendered very aggressively at the last variable rate reverse repurchase operation and once the GST outflows hit the system, they were left with a situation they did not envisage,” said Abhishek Upadhyay, economist at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership Ltd., as quoted by Bloomberg. This mismatch between inflows and outflows highlights the challenge of managing liquidity in a fast-digitising economy where funds move 24/7.<h2>What’s behind the volatility?</h2>While liquidity fluctuations are not new, the RBI is under increasing pressure to stabilise funding rates, especially when they deviate from the policy rate, a critical anchor for borrowing costs across the economy. According to DBS Bank Ltd., nearly ₹2 trillion ($24 billion) is currently locked in a seven-day VRRR with the RBI, draining liquidity from the system.&nbsp;Surplus liquidity, the excess cash parked by banks with the RBI, dropped to ₹2.2 trillion ($26 billion) as of July 22, down sharply from ₹3.9 trillion just a few days earlier, according to Bloomberg Economics estimates. Bond traders are now seeking greater clarity from the RBI on how much surplus liquidity it considers “ideal” following its recent liquidity-draining actions, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.<h2>More auctions ahead, but with caution</h2>The RBI is widely expected to continue with its variable rate reverse repo auctions, albeit with smaller amounts, as the market digests recent volatility. “The RBI will likely continue to offer the VRRR auction, though likely reduce the size,” said Nathan Sribalasundaram, rates strategist at Nomura Holdings Inc. “Banks are likely to be a little more cautious this time around.”&nbsp;The RBI’s next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for August 6, and money market participants will be watching closely for signs of how the central bank plans to recalibrate its liquidity framework. According to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, a detailed report on this new liquidity model is expected by end-July.&nbsp;For now, the central bank’s latest action serves as a reminder of the delicate balance it must strike keeping short-term funding markets stable without undermining its broader inflation and monetary policy goals.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)

This spike is attributed to monthly tax outflows, especially GST payments, and aggressive bank participation in RBI variable rate reverse repo operations, leading to a liquidity mismatch.

India’s central bank is stepping in to calm rising short-term borrowing costs. On Wednesday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a ₹500 billion ($5.8 billion) liquidity injection into the banking system via a two-day repurchase (repo) auction, after money market rates unexpectedly spiked above the central bank’s policy benchmark. The move comes after the weighted average call rate, a key interbank borrowing rate that the RBI closely watches, surged to 5.79 per cent, overtaking the RBI’s repo rate of 5.5 per cent. According to Bloomberg, this marks the first time since March that overnight funding costs have breached the RBI’s policy rate, a development that raises fresh questions about liquidity management and monetary transmission. In a statement, the RBI cited “current and evolving liquidity conditions” as the reason for the cash injection. Why borrowing costs spiked The sudden rise in borrowing costs is being linked to monthly tax outflows, particularly GST payments, which pulled large sums out of the banking system. At the same time, aggressive participation by banks in the RBI’s variable rate reverse repo (VRRR) operations, where the central bank absorbs excess liquidity appears to have backfired. “It seems that banks tendered very aggressively at the last variable rate reverse repurchase operation and once the GST outflows hit the system, they were left with a situation they did not envisage,” said Abhishek Upadhyay, economist at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership Ltd., as quoted by Bloomberg. This mismatch between inflows and outflows highlights the challenge of managing liquidity in a fast-digitising economy where funds move 24/7. What’s behind the volatility? While liquidity fluctuations are not new, the RBI is under increasing pressure to stabilise funding rates, especially when they deviate from the policy rate, a critical anchor for borrowing costs across the economy. According to DBS Bank Ltd., nearly ₹2 trillion ($24 billion) is currently locked in a seven-day VRRR with the RBI, draining liquidity from the system. Surplus liquidity, the excess cash parked by banks with the RBI, dropped to ₹2.2 trillion ($26 billion) as of July 22, down sharply from ₹3.9 trillion just a few days earlier, according to Bloomberg Economics estimates. Bond traders are now seeking greater clarity from the RBI on how much surplus liquidity it considers “ideal” following its recent liquidity-draining actions, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. More auctions ahead, but with caution The RBI is widely expected to continue with its variable rate reverse repo auctions, albeit with smaller amounts, as the market digests recent volatility. “The RBI will likely continue to offer the VRRR auction, though likely reduce the size,” said Nathan Sribalasundaram, rates strategist at Nomura Holdings Inc. “Banks are likely to be a little more cautious this time around.” The RBI’s next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for August 6, and money market participants will be watching closely for signs of how the central bank plans to recalibrate its liquidity framework. According to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, a detailed report on this new liquidity model is expected by end-July. For now, the central bank’s latest action serves as a reminder of the delicate balance it must strike keeping short-term funding markets stable without undermining its broader inflation and monetary policy goals. (With inputs from the agencies)

India's Reserve Bank (RBI) injected ₹500 billion ($5.8 billion) into the banking system via a two-day repo auction to address rising short-term borrowing costs, as the weighted average call rate surged to 5.79%, surpassing the RBI's repo rate of 5.5%.

RBI steps in with cash boost as borrowing costs surge

Amid global trade&nbsp;turmoil, India’s equity markets have weathered global headwinds with notable resilience in the first half of 2025. According to EY’s latest report, the Indian IPO market recorded 108 listings, raising $4.6 billion, despite a 30 per cent drop in deal volume year-on-year.&nbsp;While the number of IPOs declined, the capital raised fell only marginally by 2 per cent, signalling that fewer but stronger companies tapped the public markets. As per EY, this trend reflects a more selective and strategic approach by both issuers and investors, with firms focusing on market timing and valuations amid a volatile global backdrop.<h2>Geopolitical and macro pressures delay listings</h2>Ongoing global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic risks, have led many high-profile companies to defer their IPOs, said the report, as quoted by ANI. However, the report adds that many firms have already secured regulatory clearances and are waiting for more favourable market conditions in the second half of 2025.&nbsp;The IPO pipeline remains strong, particularly in high-growth sectors such as technology (including fintech) and healthcare, indicating pent-up demand and investor interest.<h2>India among top 3 IPO markets</h2>Globally, the IPO market logged 539 deals raising $61.4 billion in H1 2025. While the deal count remained flat year-on-year, total proceeds saw a significant jump. The second quarter saw 241 IPOs worth $31.5 billion, making it the weakest Q2 for IPO volume since 2020, according to EY.&nbsp;India, despite the dip, remains among the top three IPO markets globally, alongside the US and Greater China, each of which hosted more than 100 listings in the first six months of 2025.<h2>Outlook: Signs of rebound in H2</h2>Looking ahead, EY’s outlook remains optimistic. The report anticipates a rebound in the second half of 2025, supported by stabilising macroeconomic conditions, easing inflation, and pro-capital market government policies.&nbsp;“The combination of improving domestic economic fundamentals and a robust pipeline of quality issuers positions India’s IPO market for potential acceleration as investor sentiment strengthens and market volatility subsides,” the EY report noted, as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;Despite short-term volatility, India’s IPO ecosystem appears well-poised for growth, driven by institutional confidence, sectoral depth, and regulatory readiness.&nbsp;

Looking ahead, EY outlook remains optimistic. The report anticipates a rebound in the second half of 2025, supported by stabilising macroeconomic conditions, easing inflation, and pro-capital market government policies.

Amid global trade turmoil, India’s equity markets have weathered global headwinds with notable resilience in the first half of 2025. According to EY’s latest report, the Indian IPO market recorded 108 listings, raising $4.6 billion, despite a 30 per cent drop in deal volume year-on-year. While the number of IPOs declined, the capital raised fell only marginally by 2 per cent, signalling that fewer but stronger companies tapped the public markets. As per EY, this trend reflects a more selective and strategic approach by both issuers and investors, with firms focusing on market timing and valuations amid a volatile global backdrop. Geopolitical and macro pressures delay listings Ongoing global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic risks, have led many high-profile companies to defer their IPOs, said the report, as quoted by ANI. However, the report adds that many firms have already secured regulatory clearances and are waiting for more favourable market conditions in the second half of 2025. The IPO pipeline remains strong, particularly in high-growth sectors such as technology (including fintech) and healthcare, indicating pent-up demand and investor interest. India among top 3 IPO markets Globally, the IPO market logged 539 deals raising $61.4 billion in H1 2025. While the deal count remained flat year-on-year, total proceeds saw a significant jump. The second quarter saw 241 IPOs worth $31.5 billion, making it the weakest Q2 for IPO volume since 2020, according to EY. India, despite the dip, remains among the top three IPO markets globally, alongside the US and Greater China, each of which hosted more than 100 listings in the first six months of 2025. Outlook: Signs of rebound in H2 Looking ahead, EY’s outlook remains optimistic. The report anticipates a rebound in the second half of 2025, supported by stabilising macroeconomic conditions, easing inflation, and pro-capital market government policies. “The combination of improving domestic economic fundamentals and a robust pipeline of quality issuers positions India’s IPO market for potential acceleration as investor sentiment strengthens and market volatility subsides,” the EY report noted, as quoted by ANI. Despite short-term volatility, India’s IPO ecosystem appears well-poised for growth, driven by institutional confidence, sectoral depth, and regulatory readiness.

Amid the global market turmoil, in the first half of 2025, India’s equity markets recorded 108 listings, raising $4.6 billion, despite a 30 per cent drop in deal volume year-on-year, says EY report.&nbsp;

India’s IPO market holds firm in H1 2025 despite global jitters, says EY report

China started the controversial hydroelectric dam over the Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the downstream of the Brahmaputra in Tibet’s Nyingchi prefecture, just a few km north of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is being developed by a newly state-backed entity called China Yajiang Group. The $167.8 billion project is expected to generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually. The location and timing should have rung alarms at New Delhi.<h2>Why does this dam worry India and Bangladesh?</h2>The Brahmaputra is not just any river; it's a lifeline for millions in India's northeast region. The massive new dam is not the first dam to be built over the Brahmaputra. China has already built several smaller ones, and these dams “should be considered as one of the major flashpoints between India and China,” said B Deepak, a professor at JNU, Delhi.Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma stated in June that the Brahmaputra is a river that expands as it flows through India, due to the country's geography and topography. China contributes only 30-35 per cent of the water in the Brahmaputra. He was responding to Pakistan's threat of a hypothetical scenario, “What if China stops the water of Brahmaputra”, calling it another baseless "scare tactic".Experts in India fear that Beijing’s unilateral control over the river’s upper reaches could give it the ability to manipulate water flow, especially during the monsoon or periods of heightened geopolitical tension. Environmentalists called it a ticking time bomb. The dam, being situated in a seismic zone, can trigger massive floods and landslides, not only in Tibet but also in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and even in Bangladesh. On January 7, a 7.1-scale earthquake killed at least 126 people. The pattern of earthquakes continues in Tibet, and this should also concern India. Following the earthquake, at least five out of the 14 existing dams showed cracks.The Indian government had previously conveyed its objections during bilateral talks in January, demanding transparency, data sharing, and environmental assessment. However, with China breaking ground on the project, New Delhi’s alarm bells are ringing louder. Throughout Beijing, the crucial turning point of the river is called the ‘Great Bend', from where they say the “river goes rogue”.&nbsp;India and China do not have a water sharing agreement; it has a hydrological data (water level, rainfall) sharing agreement, which China have previously suspended. The Memorandum of Understanding expired in June 2023, since it is not a treaty, so it is non-binding.Beijing maintains that the dam will not adversely affect downstream countries, claiming its intent is clean energy generation and regional development. However, the dam is not just a technical tool for power generation; it has significant implications. As Himalayan glaciers recede, whoever holds control over the hardwater source will have a massive advantage in the diplomatic talks. The threat from Pakistan about China's influence over the Brahmaputra is not completely unfounded. Its location also makes this dam one of the most difficult and dangerous engineering feats in the world, keeping northeastern India in a chokehold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

China officially began construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) in Tibet on July 19, 2025. The colossal project was launched under the newly formed ‘China Yajiang Group Co’. What does it mean for India? 

China started the controversial hydroelectric dam over the Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the downstream of the Brahmaputra in Tibet’s Nyingchi prefecture, just a few km north of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is being developed by a newly state-backed entity called China Yajiang Group. The $167.8 billion project is expected to generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually. The location and timing should have rung alarms at New Delhi. Why does this dam worry India and Bangladesh? The Brahmaputra is not just any river; it's a lifeline for millions in India's northeast region. The massive new dam is not the first dam to be built over the Brahmaputra. China has already built several smaller ones, and these dams “should be considered as one of the major flashpoints between India and China,” said B Deepak, a professor at JNU, Delhi. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma stated in June that the Brahmaputra is a river that expands as it flows through India, due to the country's geography and topography. China contributes only 30-35 per cent of the water in the Brahmaputra. He was responding to Pakistan's threat of a hypothetical scenario, “What if China stops the water of Brahmaputra”, calling it another baseless "scare tactic". Experts in India fear that Beijing’s unilateral control over the river’s upper reaches could give it the ability to manipulate water flow, especially during the monsoon or periods of heightened geopolitical tension. Environmentalists called it a ticking time bomb. The dam, being situated in a seismic zone, can trigger massive floods and landslides, not only in Tibet but also in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and even in Bangladesh. On January 7, a 7.1-scale earthquake killed at least 126 people. The pattern of earthquakes continues in Tibet, and this should also concern India. Following the earthquake, at least five out of the 14 existing dams showed cracks. The Indian government had previously conveyed its objections during bilateral talks in January, demanding transparency, data sharing, and environmental assessment. However, with China breaking ground on the project, New Delhi’s alarm bells are ringing louder. Throughout Beijing, the crucial turning point of the river is called the ‘Great Bend', from where they say the “river goes rogue”. India and China do not have a water sharing agreement; it has a hydrological data (water level, rainfall) sharing agreement, which China have previously suspended. The Memorandum of Understanding expired in June 2023, since it is not a treaty, so it is non-binding. Beijing maintains that the dam will not adversely affect downstream countries, claiming its intent is clean energy generation and regional development. However, the dam is not just a technical tool for power generation; it has significant implications. As Himalayan glaciers recede, whoever holds control over the hardwater source will have a massive advantage in the diplomatic talks. The threat from Pakistan about China's influence over the Brahmaputra is not completely unfounded. Its location also makes this dam one of the most difficult and dangerous engineering feats in the world, keeping northeastern India in a chokehold.

China officially began construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) in Tibet on July 19, 2025. The colossal project was launched under the newly formed ‘China Yajiang Group Co’. What does it mean for India?&nbsp;

China begins world's largest dam on Brahmaputra: A ticking water bomb for India?

The Indian Army has achieved a huge milestone with the Akash Prime missile on Wednesday, as it successfully destroyed two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh sector. India's Defence Ministry took to social media and posted impressive video of the missile being launched.&nbsp;In a post on X, the defence ministry noted that the Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army.&nbsp;The Indian Army Air Defence and DRDO achieved the milestone in conjunction with defence PSUs, including Bharat Dynamics Limited &amp; Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners.&nbsp;"India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army," the office of Defence Ministry stated in a post on X. It also shared the video of the Akash Prime missile, being launched at an altitude over 15,000 feet in Ladakh.<h2>Watch video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army. <a href="https://t.co/DjJAc5uzkk">pic.twitter.com/DjJAc5uzkk</a>&mdash; रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1945778396799418637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres, and with the latest upgrades, it has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.&nbsp;The Akash Prime system would form the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defence systems in the Indian Army. The system also performed very well in thwarting aerial attacks by the Pakistani military using Chinese aircraft and Turkish drones during Operation Sindoor, according to the defence officials.&nbsp;The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday said, "Based on the operational feedback from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system."&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Army's and DRDO's achievements, saying that it is a significant boost to India's air defence capabilities, particularly for meeting high-altitude operational requirements.

It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres and has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.

The Indian Army has achieved a huge milestone with the Akash Prime missile on Wednesday, as it successfully destroyed two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh sector. India's Defence Ministry took to social media and posted impressive video of the missile being launched. In a post on X, the defence ministry noted that the Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army. The Indian Army Air Defence and DRDO achieved the milestone in conjunction with defence PSUs, including Bharat Dynamics Limited & Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners. "India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army," the office of Defence Ministry stated in a post on X. It also shared the video of the Akash Prime missile, being launched at an altitude over 15,000 feet in Ladakh. Watch video here:

It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres and has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.

WATCH - How India's new Akash Prime missiles destroyed two aerial targets at 15,000ft in Ladakh

The Government in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association(TNTA) announced the return of the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships - a WTA 250 event, and the highest-ranking tennis event in India. Making the announcement, Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is will be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025."I must acknowledge the efforts of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Octagon for allotting the event to Chennai. I am sure the sports and tennis-loving public of Chennai will turn up to witness the matches in great numbers and enjoy the wonderful experience. The event is likely to be in Chennai for a longer duration than the one event held in 2022. The players expected to participate in the event would be among the top 100 in the world," Amritraj said.According to the event organizers, up to 90 participants from around the world would be taking part in the event, where a total prize money of over USD275,000 (Rs 2.39crores) is up for grabs. Reflecting on the century of illustrious achievements of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Amritraj recalled having a Davis Cup player from Tamil Nadu in the Indian Team each year since the fifties, the development of tennis legends Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Anand, and a host of top men and women players.Highlighting the value of hosting high-profile Tennis events in Chennai, Amritraj said,&nbsp; there is no doubt as to the impact that a major international event has on any game in the State and the Country. In Tennis during the ATP event, not only did the best in the world come to Chennai but our own players Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Ramkumar and Sumit used the home opportunity to the maximum to move onto the top world stage."Since I became the President of TNTA in 2018, the mandate of the Association was to get a major event to Chennai, my home town so that it inspires everyone – the players, the administrators, the coaches, the younger generation - to play Tennis, constantly improve the game in the State and ensure the dominance of Tamil Nadu both in the game of Tennis for both Men and Women, and also see the State of Tamil Nadu as an international destination for Tourism. This major event will promote Women’s tennis and should encourage more girls in the State to play the great sport of Tennis, which will immensely help them in both education and life," remarked the Indian tennis legend.“Our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has its job cut out to firmly place Tamil Nadu as a player on the global sports map. Since this government assumed office, Tamil Nadu has been hosting numerous international sporting events, earning us accolades all over. As a testament to our concerted efforts to host marquee sports events in Tamil Nadu, it is heartening to note that the Chennai Open WTA event returns to Chennai after three years. It is one of the prestigious Tennis Tournaments in the country and our government will extend its fullest support towards its successful conduct. Tennis has been given significant importance in our scheme of things. In the last financial year, a Centre of Excellence for Tennis was set up at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, Nungambakkam," said Tamil Nadu Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.Alastair Garland, Managing Director - Tennis, Octagon, commenting from the USA, said, "We are extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to bring India the biggest professional tennis event that exists in the country today. We very much look forward to making our presence felt in Tamil Nadu and India this October. We deeply appreciate the support of our key partners - the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. Octagon looks forward to working closely with the TNTA to make this a memorable event for the athletes, fans and partners.”

Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is to be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025.

The Government in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association(TNTA) announced the return of the Chennai Open International Women's Tennis Championships - a WTA 250 event, and the highest-ranking tennis event in India. Making the announcement, Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is will be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025. "I must acknowledge the efforts of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Octagon for allotting the event to Chennai. I am sure the sports and tennis-loving public of Chennai will turn up to witness the matches in great numbers and enjoy the wonderful experience. The event is likely to be in Chennai for a longer duration than the one event held in 2022. The players expected to participate in the event would be among the top 100 in the world," Amritraj said. According to the event organizers, up to 90 participants from around the world would be taking part in the event, where a total prize money of over USD275,000 (Rs 2.39crores) is up for grabs. Reflecting on the century of illustrious achievements of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Amritraj recalled having a Davis Cup player from Tamil Nadu in the Indian Team each year since the fifties, the development of tennis legends Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Anand, and a host of top men and women players. Highlighting the value of hosting high-profile Tennis events in Chennai, Amritraj said, there is no doubt as to the impact that a major international event has on any game in the State and the Country. In Tennis during the ATP event, not only did the best in the world come to Chennai but our own players Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Ramkumar and Sumit used the home opportunity to the maximum to move onto the top world stage. "Since I became the President of TNTA in 2018, the mandate of the Association was to get a major event to Chennai, my home town so that it inspires everyone – the players, the administrators, the coaches, the younger generation - to play Tennis, constantly improve the game in the State and ensure the dominance of Tamil Nadu both in the game of Tennis for both Men and Women, and also see the State of Tamil Nadu as an international destination for Tourism. This major event will promote Women’s tennis and should encourage more girls in the State to play the great sport of Tennis, which will immensely help them in both education and life," remarked the Indian tennis legend. “Our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has its job cut out to firmly place Tamil Nadu as a player on the global sports map. Since this government assumed office, Tamil Nadu has been hosting numerous international sporting events, earning us accolades all over. As a testament to our concerted efforts to host marquee sports events in Tamil Nadu, it is heartening to note that the Chennai Open WTA event returns to Chennai after three years. It is one of the prestigious Tennis Tournaments in the country and our government will extend its fullest support towards its successful conduct. Tennis has been given significant importance in our scheme of things. In the last financial year, a Centre of Excellence for Tennis was set up at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, Nungambakkam," said Tamil Nadu Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Alastair Garland, Managing Director - Tennis, Octagon, commenting from the USA, said, "We are extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to bring India the biggest professional tennis event that exists in the country today. We very much look forward to making our presence felt in Tamil Nadu and India this October. We deeply appreciate the support of our key partners - the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. Octagon looks forward to working closely with the TNTA to make this a memorable event for the athletes, fans and partners.”

Indian tennis legend and TNTA President Vijay Amritraj said that the high-profile sporting event will be held in the state, coinciding with the Centenary year of the TNTA. The event is to be held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai between October 27 and November 2, 2025.

Chennai Open returns after 3 years - Highest ranking tennis event in India

As India and the US will soon be finalising the trade deal, one of the biggest barriers they are facing is related to agriculture and dairy. Reportedly, India has been hesitating to allow American dairy products into the country since it includes "non-veg milk", citing cultural concerns. This comes just ahead of US President Donald Trump's August 1 deadline to reach a deal with America or face higher tariffs.&nbsp;The two sides are facing difficulty in finding a common ground to agree on the deal terms ahead of the deadline.<h2>What is non-veg milk?</h2>India has been stressing one key issue, which is the import of dairy products from the US, including "non-veg milk". Cows in the US are fed animal-based products like meat or blood. The milk produced from these cows is referred to as "non-veg milk". &nbsp;&nbsp;Hence, India is pushing the US for a strict verification to ensure that the imported milk from cows that have not been fed animal-based products. India has made it a "non-negotiable red line".&nbsp;According to a 2023 World Atlas report, approximately 38 percent of India's population is vegetarian. Hindus in India use milk and ghee in religious rituals on an everyday basis.&nbsp;As the concerns were raised, Ajay Srivastava of Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI) told news agency PTI, "Imagine eating butter made from the milk of a cow that was fed meat and blood from another cow. India may never allow that."&nbsp;India's Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying mandates veterinary certification for food imports. It means that the source animals have not been fed meat or blood.&nbsp;"The source animals have never been fed with feeds produced from meat or bone meal, including internal organs, blood meal, and tissues of ruminant origin and porcine origin materials, except milk and milk products," the certificate reads.<h2>How will it impact Indian dairy farmers?</h2>The Indian farmers could face annual losses up to Rs 1.03 lakh crore if India imports daily products from the US, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI).&nbsp;“If the dairy sector is opened up, the price of milk in India is likely to drop by at least 15 per cent, which could cause a potential annual loss of Rs 1.03 lakh crore to dairy farmers,” the report stated.&nbsp;Despite pressure from US President Trump, India remains hesitant to open its dairy and agricultural markets to the US.

Ahead of Trump's trade deadline, India and the US have been moving further with the deal, making progress. However, one key concern has become a barrier in their trade deal, "non-veg milk". India has been hesitating to allow American dairy products into the country citing cultural concerns.

As India and the US will soon be finalising the trade deal, one of the biggest barriers they are facing is related to agriculture and dairy. Reportedly, India has been hesitating to allow American dairy products into the country since it includes "non-veg milk", citing cultural concerns. This comes just ahead of US President Donald Trump's August 1 deadline to reach a deal with America or face higher tariffs. The two sides are facing difficulty in finding a common ground to agree on the deal terms ahead of the deadline. What is non-veg milk? India has been stressing one key issue, which is the import of dairy products from the US, including "non-veg milk". Cows in the US are fed animal-based products like meat or blood. The milk produced from these cows is referred to as "non-veg milk". Hence, India is pushing the US for a strict verification to ensure that the imported milk from cows that have not been fed animal-based products. India has made it a "non-negotiable red line". According to a 2023 World Atlas report, approximately 38 percent of India's population is vegetarian. Hindus in India use milk and ghee in religious rituals on an everyday basis. As the concerns were raised, Ajay Srivastava of Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI) told news agency PTI, "Imagine eating butter made from the milk of a cow that was fed meat and blood from another cow. India may never allow that." India's Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying mandates veterinary certification for food imports. It means that the source animals have not been fed meat or blood. "The source animals have never been fed with feeds produced from meat or bone meal, including internal organs, blood meal, and tissues of ruminant origin and porcine origin materials, except milk and milk products," the certificate reads. How will it impact Indian dairy farmers? The Indian farmers could face annual losses up to Rs 1.03 lakh crore if India imports daily products from the US, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). “If the dairy sector is opened up, the price of milk in India is likely to drop by at least 15 per cent, which could cause a potential annual loss of Rs 1.03 lakh crore to dairy farmers,” the report stated. Despite pressure from US President Trump, India remains hesitant to open its dairy and agricultural markets to the US.

Ahead of Trump's trade deadline, India and the US have been moving further with the deal, making progress. However, one key concern has become a barrier in their trade deal, "non-veg milk". India has been hesitating to allow American dairy products into the country citing cultural concerns.

What is non-veg milk? Here's why it has become a 'non-negotiable red line' for India-US trade deal

The town of Maski in Karnataka was home to humans some 4,000 years ago. The revelation was made by scientists who were digging to unearth more secrets about the quaint place in Raichur after an inscription from the age of Ashoka was found here. Scientists from the United States, Canada and India collaborated to learn more about the history of Maski. Archaeologists dug up around Mallikarjun Hill and the Anjaneya Swamy temple and discovered various artefacts and other tools. They go as far as four millennia and reveal that the region was once a thriving settlement. The three researchers - Prof Andreem M Bower from the US-based Stanford University, Peter G Johansson from McGill University, Canada and Hemanth Kadambi from the Noida University - made the breakthrough along with 20 others who assisted them. Ever since the inscription was found here from the time of the Maurya emperor, scientists have been intrigued by Maski. They have been searching for signs of human civilisation in the region.&nbsp;After obtaining necessary permissions from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the team planned how to go about the excavation. They surveyed the area and identified 271 points which could hold some secrets. After three months of digging, they came across evidence of a thriving society in Maski around the 11th and 14th centuries BC. This was particularly true for the area around the Mallikarjun Hill and the temple. “We have found evidence that indicates that there was a human settlement in Maski around 4,000 years ago,” Kadambi confirmed. The researchers stumbled upon pots and pans, indicating humans were present here during the age of Ashoka.&nbsp;<h2>The Maski inscription from the time of Ashoka</h2>The Maski inscription was discovered in 1915 by British gold mining engineer C. Beadon. It was carved on a rock face inside a cave. It is one of the first inscriptions from the time of the Mauryan emperor with his name clearly mentioned along with his royal title "Devanampriya" (Beloved of the Gods). The mention of the title with Ashoka's name solved a long-standing dispute that the title "Devanampriya" was indeed used for Ashoka. It was written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script and proved that Ashoka was committed to non-violence.&nbsp;

Archaeologists from India, the United States and Canada have dug up new evidence of humanity thriving in a small town in Karnataka. This comes 110 years after the famous Maski inscription about Ashoka was unearthed from the region.

The town of Maski in Karnataka was home to humans some 4,000 years ago. The revelation was made by scientists who were digging to unearth more secrets about the quaint place in Raichur after an inscription from the age of Ashoka was found here. Scientists from the United States, Canada and India collaborated to learn more about the history of Maski. Archaeologists dug up around Mallikarjun Hill and the Anjaneya Swamy temple and discovered various artefacts and other tools. They go as far as four millennia and reveal that the region was once a thriving settlement. The three researchers - Prof Andreem M Bower from the US-based Stanford University, Peter G Johansson from McGill University, Canada and Hemanth Kadambi from the Noida University - made the breakthrough along with 20 others who assisted them. Ever since the inscription was found here from the time of the Maurya emperor, scientists have been intrigued by Maski. They have been searching for signs of human civilisation in the region. After obtaining necessary permissions from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the team planned how to go about the excavation. They surveyed the area and identified 271 points which could hold some secrets. After three months of digging, they came across evidence of a thriving society in Maski around the 11th and 14th centuries BC. This was particularly true for the area around the Mallikarjun Hill and the temple. “We have found evidence that indicates that there was a human settlement in Maski around 4,000 years ago,” Kadambi confirmed. The researchers stumbled upon pots and pans, indicating humans were present here during the age of Ashoka. The Maski inscription from the time of Ashoka The Maski inscription was discovered in 1915 by British gold mining engineer C. Beadon. It was carved on a rock face inside a cave. It is one of the first inscriptions from the time of the Mauryan emperor with his name clearly mentioned along with his royal title "Devanampriya" (Beloved of the Gods). The mention of the title with Ashoka's name solved a long-standing dispute that the title "Devanampriya" was indeed used for Ashoka. It was written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script and proved that Ashoka was committed to non-violence.

Archaeologists from India, the United States and Canada have dug up new evidence of humanity thriving in a small town in Karnataka. This comes 110 years after the famous Maski inscription about Ashoka was unearthed from the region.

110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town

In what is being widely perceived as a temporary relief, the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya has been indefinitely postponed by Yemeni authorities. The execution was slated to happen on Wednesday (July 16), but the order postponing the execution had surfaced on Tuesday. However, those who are closely associated with the case hold the impression that this temporary postponement or indefinite postponement does not mean anything significant, and that the risk of Priya's execution in Yemen remains very high.Samuel Jerome, an Indian national who has been residing in Yemen for more than two decades, has been leading efforts to secure the release of Nimisha. "Getting a temporary postponement of execution does not mean that we have all the time in the world. The execution could happen even tomorrow. The victim's family would not keep quiet; they will protest, and the Yemeni authorities will be forced to take action," he told WION. An aviation consultant by profession, Jerome is also a social worker. As a power of attorney holder, Jerome has been undertaking efforts on behalf of Nimisha's mother, Prema Kumari. Power of attorney is a legal document that allows one person to act on someone else's behalf.Meanwhile, members of the India-based Nimisha Priya International Action Council maintain that efforts are on to reach out to the victim's family to seek pardon and to offer them blood money, to save Priya's life. However, they too acknowledge that the plea for pardon has been facing resistance from the younger members in the victim's family. Notably, according to a social media post, the victim's brother has been firm in his stance about punishment for Nimisha Priya. The post also indicates that the victim's family is unwilling to reconsider their decision, and it also adds that they would follow up till the punishment is carried out.<h2>About Nimisha Priya and her case</h2>Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic.Nimisha's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandan maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Yemeni national Talal, who had later subjected the women to physical and mental abuse and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid.<h2>When Nimisha's mother met her in a Yemeni jail</h2>After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Prema Kumari, Nimisha's mother, was able to meet her daughter in a Yemeni prison in April 2024. Back then, jail authorities had permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises. Nimisha's mother, Prema Kumari, continues to be in Yemen, in the hope that she can return to India with her daughter.Since 2017, India has strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen; for others, it is a punishable offence.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Samuel Jerome, an Indian national who has been residing in Yemen for more than two decades, has been leading efforts to secure the release of Nimisha. He said that the victim's family would not keep quiet, stressing that they will protest against it. 

In what is being widely perceived as a temporary relief, the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya has been indefinitely postponed by Yemeni authorities. The execution was slated to happen on Wednesday (July 16), but the order postponing the execution had surfaced on Tuesday. However, those who are closely associated with the case hold the impression that this temporary postponement or indefinite postponement does not mean anything significant, and that the risk of Priya's execution in Yemen remains very high. Samuel Jerome, an Indian national who has been residing in Yemen for more than two decades, has been leading efforts to secure the release of Nimisha. "Getting a temporary postponement of execution does not mean that we have all the time in the world. The execution could happen even tomorrow. The victim's family would not keep quiet; they will protest, and the Yemeni authorities will be forced to take action," he told WION. An aviation consultant by profession, Jerome is also a social worker. As a power of attorney holder, Jerome has been undertaking efforts on behalf of Nimisha's mother, Prema Kumari. Power of attorney is a legal document that allows one person to act on someone else's behalf. Meanwhile, members of the India-based Nimisha Priya International Action Council maintain that efforts are on to reach out to the victim's family to seek pardon and to offer them blood money, to save Priya's life. However, they too acknowledge that the plea for pardon has been facing resistance from the younger members in the victim's family. Notably, according to a social media post, the victim's brother has been firm in his stance about punishment for Nimisha Priya. The post also indicates that the victim's family is unwilling to reconsider their decision, and it also adds that they would follow up till the punishment is carried out. About Nimisha Priya and her case Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic. Nimisha's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandan maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Yemeni national Talal, who had later subjected the women to physical and mental abuse and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid. When Nimisha's mother met her in a Yemeni jail After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Prema Kumari, Nimisha's mother, was able to meet her daughter in a Yemeni prison in April 2024. Back then, jail authorities had permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises. Nimisha's mother, Prema Kumari, continues to be in Yemen, in the hope that she can return to India with her daughter. Since 2017, India has strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen; for others, it is a punishable offence.

Samuel Jerome, an Indian national who has been residing in Yemen for more than two decades, has been leading efforts to secure the release of Nimisha. He said that the victim's family would not keep quiet, stressing that they will protest against it.&nbsp;

Nimisha Priya's execution postponed, but victim's family could protest against it

How 5 countries are using AI to transform air force pilot training, from simulators to virtual combat. Will these innovations reshape air warfare? 

How 5 countries are using AI to transform air force pilot training, from simulators to virtual combat. Will these innovations reshape air warfare?&nbsp;

5 countries using AI to train fighter jet pilots like never before

Scientists have revealed that an underground phenomenon in Oman changed the direction of India millions of years ago. Our country could have ended up in an altogether different place if it weren't for a "ghost" plume discovered under Oman. A magma plume is caught thick portion of Earth's crust and the upper part of the mantle under the Salma Plateau. The age of this plateau and the plume revealed how India landed where it is today. The plume is trapped and cannot trigger volcanic activity. However, a study has found that the pressure created by this plume shifted the trajectory of the Indian tectonic plate after it collided with Eurasia tens of millions of years ago. Oman's Salma Plateau is up to 6,600 feet high. Lead author of the study, Simone Pilia, a geophysicist and assistant professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia, told Live Science that this plateau likely formed because of the ghost plume. Although some scientists also attribute it to the bending of Earth's crust created by the Makran subduction zone off the coasts of Pakistan and Iran. This plume presented itself during seismic studies, when the sound waves that travel through the Earth at different speeds were captured by several stations in Oman. The data revealed the plume was alive under the Salma plateau. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-a-rogue-planet-roaming-in-the-solar-system-dwarf-planet-sedna-2076-1752223198472">Scientists in race against time to reach outer world planet roaming in our solar system in 2076</a> &nbsp;<h2>Ghost plume under Oman moved India to where it is today</h2>The research was published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters. Named the Dani plume, Pilai says that the uplift in this region of Oman proves that the plume is active. He says it is the first clear example of an amagmatic "ghost" plume, a name used for plumes that don't trigger volcanic eruption. Most mantle plumes trigger eruptions in the middle of oceanic plates. However, the one in Oman is trapped in continental plates - it can neither rise nor undergo decompression melting because these plates have a thicker crust and upper mantle. Pilai says that just because there are no volcanic eruptions, it doesn't mean there are no plumes under continental plates. There are no volcanic eruptions, but they can still result in changes in the topography of a region. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-detect-more-evidence-of-underground-city-in-egypt-this-time-under-great-sphinx-1752127738821">Claims of underground city under pyramids get a boost as scientists detect secret chambers under Great Sphinx</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-an-underwater-volcano-getting-ready-to-erupt-in-andaman-warning-issued-as-earthquakes-rock-thailand-myanmar-and-nicobar-1751628746437">Is an underwater volcano getting ready to erupt in Andaman? Warning issued as dozens of earthquakes rock Thailand, Myanmar and Nicobar</a><h2>Salma Plateau in Oman and its link to India</h2>The Salma Plateau is 40 million years old, which means that the Dani plume also dates back to around the same time. This is the time when a collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates occurred, and Pilia was left wondering if they could be related in some way. The two plates collided somewhere near Oman, after which they moved northward to their current positions. The researchers reconstructed the trajectory of the Indian plate. The results revealed that it changed direction slightly between 40 million and 25 million years ago. Pilai said that the "shear stress produced by the plume was the reason for the change in azimuth [angle] of the Indian plate." Magma plumes have been known to change the direction of tectonic plates, but only now has the movement of the Indian plate been tied to a specific plume.&nbsp; &nbsp;

How did India get to its present location? Could it have been somewhere else if history were different? A study has found that something under Oman changed Indias trajectory 40 million to 25 million years ago. A ghost plume pushed India and changed it forever.    

Scientists have revealed that an underground phenomenon in Oman changed the direction of India millions of years ago. Our country could have ended up in an altogether different place if it weren't for a "ghost" plume discovered under Oman. A magma plume is caught thick portion of Earth's crust and the upper part of the mantle under the Salma Plateau. The age of this plateau and the plume revealed how India landed where it is today. The plume is trapped and cannot trigger volcanic activity. However, a study has found that the pressure created by this plume shifted the trajectory of the Indian tectonic plate after it collided with Eurasia tens of millions of years ago. Oman's Salma Plateau is up to 6,600 feet high. Lead author of the study, Simone Pilia, a geophysicist and assistant professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia, told Live Science that this plateau likely formed because of the ghost plume. Although some scientists also attribute it to the bending of Earth's crust created by the Makran subduction zone off the coasts of Pakistan and Iran. This plume presented itself during seismic studies, when the sound waves that travel through the Earth at different speeds were captured by several stations in Oman. The data revealed the plume was alive under the Salma plateau. Also Read: Scientists in race against time to reach outer world planet roaming in our solar system in 2076 Ghost plume under Oman moved India to where it is today The research was published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters. Named the Dani plume, Pilai says that the uplift in this region of Oman proves that the plume is active. He says it is the first clear example of an amagmatic "ghost" plume, a name used for plumes that don't trigger volcanic eruption. Most mantle plumes trigger eruptions in the middle of oceanic plates. However, the one in Oman is trapped in continental plates - it can neither rise nor undergo decompression melting because these plates have a thicker crust and upper mantle. Pilai says that just because there are no volcanic eruptions, it doesn't mean there are no plumes under continental plates. There are no volcanic eruptions, but they can still result in changes in the topography of a region. Also Read: Claims of underground city under pyramids get a boost as scientists detect secret chambers under Great Sphinx Also Read: Is an underwater volcano getting ready to erupt in Andaman? Warning issued as dozens of earthquakes rock Thailand, Myanmar and Nicobar Salma Plateau in Oman and its link to India The Salma Plateau is 40 million years old, which means that the Dani plume also dates back to around the same time. This is the time when a collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates occurred, and Pilia was left wondering if they could be related in some way. The two plates collided somewhere near Oman, after which they moved northward to their current positions. The researchers reconstructed the trajectory of the Indian plate. The results revealed that it changed direction slightly between 40 million and 25 million years ago. Pilai said that the "shear stress produced by the plume was the reason for the change in azimuth [angle] of the Indian plate." Magma plumes have been known to change the direction of tectonic plates, but only now has the movement of the Indian plate been tied to a specific plume.

How did India get to its present location? Could it have been somewhere else if history were different? A study has found that something under Oman changed India's trajectory 40 million to 25 million years ago. A ghost plume pushed India and changed it forever. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Why is India where it is? Because 'ghost' force under Oman pushed it 40 million years ago

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jul 11) said that the United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine to defend against Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the situation in Gaza worsens amid the Israel-Hamas war, be it cash, food, fuel, or medicine, everything is in short supply.&nbsp;Click on the headlines for more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-buying-weapons-for-ukraine-trump-says-us-will-sell-arms-to-european-allies-to-aid-kyiv-amid-russia-war-1752249971684">NATO buying weapons for Ukraine? Trump says US will sell arms to European allies to aid Kyiv amid Russia war</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752250351714.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,682)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="NATO buying weapons for Ukraine? Trump says US will sell arms to European allies to aid Kyiv amid Russia war"></figure>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jul 11) said that the United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine to defend against Russia. This comes as Kyiv witnesses a recent escalation in Moscow’s drone and missile attacks. Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv had received positive “signals” from the Trump administration about new weapons supplies following a telephone conversation between the two leaders.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gazans-crying-blood-it-s-suffocating-war-torn-gaza-paying-high-price-as-inflation-hits-230-amid-israel-hamas-war-1752249674034">'Gazans crying blood, it's suffocating': War-torn Gaza paying high price as inflation hits 230% amid Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752250144182.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Gazans crying blood, it's suffocating': War-torn Gaza paying high price as inflation hits 230% amid Israel-Hamas war"></figure>&nbsp;As the situation in Gaza worsens amid the Israel-Hamas war, be it cash, food, fuel, or medicine, everything is in short supply. People in Gaza have been selling their possessions to buy essential goods to feed their families and for basic survival needs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-whole-top-floor-caved-in-bmw-crashes-into-care-home-during-police-chase-in-uk-two-women-die-1752240712689">'Whole top floor caved in': BMW crashes into care home during police chase in UK, two women die</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752241012075.jpeg?rect=(0,137,806,604)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Whole top floor caved in': BMW crashes into care home during police chase in UK, two women die"></figure>&nbsp;In a shocking incident, two elderly women died after a BMW car crashed into their care home following a police chase in Sunderland, United Kingdom. The Highcliffe Care Home was then evacuated after the deadly crash.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-firing-over-1-300-staffers-under-trump-admin-s-restructuring-plan-1752240594933">US State Department firing over 1,300 staffers under Trump admin’s restructuring plan</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752241220079.jpg?rect=(0,73,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US State Department firing over 1,300 staffers under Trump admin’s restructuring plan"></figure>&nbsp;The US State Department is firing over 1,300 employees on Friday as part of a sweeping reorganisation plan launched by the Trump administration earlier this year. According to a senior State Department official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, termination notices will be sent to 1,107 civil service employees and 246 foreign service officers currently serving in domestic roles.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/earthquake-tremors-felt-in-delhi-ncr-second-in-a-week-1752244068636">Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, second time in a week</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752244268692.webp?rect=(0,0,663,497)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, second time in a week"></figure>&nbsp;Earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi NCR on Friday (July 11) around 7:50 pm. Notably, it was the second earthquake in a week, that jolted India's National Capital Region. On Thursday, another earthquake of 4.4 magnitude hit Delhi NCR.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-gaza-rapporteur-francesca-albanese-sanctioned-by-us-for-supporting-icc-arrest-warrants-who-is-she-1752238753501">UN Gaza rapporteur Francesca Albanese sanctioned by US for supporting ICC arrest warrants. Who is she?</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752239125508.jpg?rect=(0,29,454,341)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="UN Gaza rapporteur Francesca Albanese sanctioned by US for supporting ICC arrest warrants. Who is she?"></figure>&nbsp;The United States has sanctioned an independent expert who has been commissioned by the United Nations to probe human rights violations in the Palestinian territories. UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has been a vocal critic of what she has termed the Israeli "genocide" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. She has also come out strongly in favour of arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/musk-s-tesla-to-start-deliveries-at-india-s-showroom-from-august-second-showroom-to-be-opened-in-this-city-1752250417441">Musk’s Tesla to start deliveries at India’s showroom from August, second showroom to be opened in THIS city</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752251791550.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,681)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Musk’s Tesla to start deliveries at India’s showroom from August, second showroom to be opened in THIS city"></figure>&nbsp;Billionaire Elon Musk’s Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India on Tuesday (Jul 15). The electric car maker is expected to start deliveries as early as next month, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. This comes as Tesla seeks to tap into the world’s third-largest automobile market amid declining sales. The showroom, which will open in Mumbai, marks the official entry of the vehicle manufacturer into the market, offering a range of variants, trim options and access to pricing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-expect-a-positive-response-indian-nurse-nimisha-priya-s-husband-says-days-ahead-of-her-execution-1752245161400">‘Expecting a positive response’: Here’s what Indian nurse Nimisha Priya’s husband says ahead of her executive</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752245444777.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="‘Expecting a positive response’: Here’s what Indian nurse Nimisha Priya’s husband says ahead of her executive"></figure>&nbsp;Days before the execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen, her husband said that he is expecting a positive response as the Central government, the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) continue to make an effort. Last year, Nimisha Priya’s death sentence was approved by the President of Yemen, following which the Indian government said that it would extend all possible help to her and her family. Originally from Kerala, the 37-year-old is accused of killing Talal Abdo Mehdi.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/aap-jai-koi-review-r-madhavan-and-fatima-sana-sheikh-s-woke-love-story-on-patriarchy-has-wes-anderson-coded-frames-1752232605165">Aap Jaisa Koi review: R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Sheikh's woke love story on patriarchy has Wes Anderson coded frames</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752232840054.jpg?rect=(0,174,764,573)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Aap Jaisa Koi review: R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Sheikh's woke love story on patriarchy has Wes Anderson coded frames"></figure>&nbsp;He is 42, a virgin and desperately in need of female company. R Madhavan's Shrirenu Tripathi is unlike a Bollywood hero, especially at a time when leading heroes flex their muscles and wield machetes in heavy-duty actioners. Filmmaker Vivek Soni's Aap Jaisa Koi, stands apart from regular Bollywood films on many accounts. At its core is a man who is unsure of himself, and thus shy to make friends with the opposite gender. The film has shy and conservative men pitted against liberal, free-thinking modern women.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-updates/sports/wimbledon-2025-semi-final-live-score-updates-carlos-alcaraz-vs-taylor-fritz-jannik-sinner-vs-novak-djokovic-tennis-result-men-s-singles-1752235037838">Wimbledon 2025 Men's Singles Semi-Final Live: Sinner takes first set vs Djokovic</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250711/image-1752249237309.jpg?rect=(0,0,1080,810)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Wimbledon 2025 Men's Singles Semi-Final Live: Sinner takes first set vs Djokovic"></figure>&nbsp;Carlos Alcaraz has beaten Taylor Fritz 6-4 5-7 6-3 7(8)-6(6) to enter his third consecutive men's singles final at Wimbledon and now it's Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner to decided who's face him on Sunday (Jul 11).

Stay updated with our top stories from around the world, offering you a comprehensive overview of today's most impactful news and events.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jul 11) said that the United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine to defend against Russia. As the situation in Gaza worsens amid the Israel-Hamas war, be it cash, food, fuel, or medicine, everything is in short supply. Click on the headlines for more NATO buying weapons for Ukraine? Trump says US will sell arms to European allies to aid Kyiv amid Russia war US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jul 11) said that the United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine to defend against Russia. This comes as Kyiv witnesses a recent escalation in Moscow’s drone and missile attacks. Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv had received positive “signals” from the Trump administration about new weapons supplies following a telephone conversation between the two leaders. 'Gazans crying blood, it's suffocating': War-torn Gaza paying high price as inflation hits 230% amid Israel-Hamas war As the situation in Gaza worsens amid the Israel-Hamas war, be it cash, food, fuel, or medicine, everything is in short supply. People in Gaza have been selling their possessions to buy essential goods to feed their families and for basic survival needs. 'Whole top floor caved in': BMW crashes into care home during police chase in UK, two women die In a shocking incident, two elderly women died after a BMW car crashed into their care home following a police chase in Sunderland, United Kingdom. The Highcliffe Care Home was then evacuated after the deadly crash. US State Department firing over 1,300 staffers under Trump admin’s restructuring plan The US State Department is firing over 1,300 employees on Friday as part of a sweeping reorganisation plan launched by the Trump administration earlier this year. According to a senior State Department official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, termination notices will be sent to 1,107 civil service employees and 246 foreign service officers currently serving in domestic roles. Earthquake tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, second time in a week Earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi NCR on Friday (July 11) around 7:50 pm. Notably, it was the second earthquake in a week, that jolted India's National Capital Region. On Thursday, another earthquake of 4.4 magnitude hit Delhi NCR. UN Gaza rapporteur Francesca Albanese sanctioned by US for supporting ICC arrest warrants. Who is she? The United States has sanctioned an independent expert who has been commissioned by the United Nations to probe human rights violations in the Palestinian territories. UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has been a vocal critic of what she has termed the Israeli "genocide" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. She has also come out strongly in favour of arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Musk’s Tesla to start deliveries at India’s showroom from August, second showroom to be opened in THIS city Billionaire Elon Musk’s Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India on Tuesday (Jul 15). The electric car maker is expected to start deliveries as early as next month, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. This comes as Tesla seeks to tap into the world’s third-largest automobile market amid declining sales. The showroom, which will open in Mumbai, marks the official entry of the vehicle manufacturer into the market, offering a range of variants, trim options and access to pricing. ‘Expecting a positive response’: Here’s what Indian nurse Nimisha Priya’s husband says ahead of her executive Days before the execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen, her husband said that he is expecting a positive response as the Central government, the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) continue to make an effort. Last year, Nimisha Priya’s death sentence was approved by the President of Yemen, following which the Indian government said that it would extend all possible help to her and her family. Originally from Kerala, the 37-year-old is accused of killing Talal Abdo Mehdi. Aap Jaisa Koi review: R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Sheikh's woke love story on patriarchy has Wes Anderson coded frames He is 42, a virgin and desperately in need of female company. R Madhavan's Shrirenu Tripathi is unlike a Bollywood hero, especially at a time when leading heroes flex their muscles and wield machetes in heavy-duty actioners. Filmmaker Vivek Soni's Aap Jaisa Koi, stands apart from regular Bollywood films on many accounts. At its core is a man who is unsure of himself, and thus shy to make friends with the opposite gender. The film has shy and conservative men pitted against liberal, free-thinking modern women. Wimbledon 2025 Men's Singles Semi-Final Live: Sinner takes first set vs Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz has beaten Taylor Fritz 6-4 5-7 6-3 7(8)-6(6) to enter his third consecutive men's singles final at Wimbledon and now it's Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner to decided who's face him on Sunday (Jul 11).

Stay updated with our top stories from around the world, offering you a comprehensive overview of today's most impactful news and events.

Top 10 world news: US selling weapons to NATO allies to aid Ukraine; Inflation hits 230% in Gaza, and more

Based on current estimation and projection for 2025, India has surpassed China as the most populous country in the world. Here is the list of the Top 10 most populous nations in the world.

Based on current estimation and projection for 2025, India has surpassed China as the most populous country in the world. Here is the list of the Top 10 most populous nations in the world.

Top 10 most populous countries in the world (2025): See where India, China stand

India’s NSE International Exchange (NSE IX), located in Gujarat’s flagship GIFT City, is set to attract its first foreign-currency-denominated equity listing this quarter, in what officials say is a major step toward establishing the financial hub as a global fundraising centre.&nbsp;According to Bloomberg, the exchange is initially targeting unlisted companies for this debut listing. These may include Indian firms with foreign shareholding structures as well as overseas entities registered in places like Silicon Valley or Delaware.&nbsp;V. Balasubramaniam, chief executive of NSE IX, told Bloomberg the move represents an opportunity for Indian companies to access international capital while reducing currency risks and broadening their investor base.<h2>GIFT City’s ambition to rival global financial hubs</h2>The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, widely known as GIFT City, is one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship projects designed to position India as a world-class financial centre on par with Dubai or Hong Kong.&nbsp;As Bloomberg notes, the zone offers a range of incentives, including exemptions from certain taxes and regulatory requirements, aiming to make it an attractive destination for international capital raising. This special status is intended to help Indian firms raise funds more efficiently while luring global investors looking for favourable conditions. Industry leaders argue that just as Hong Kong’s stock exchange became a springboard for Chinese companies to go global, GIFT City can help Indian corporates achieve similar ambitions.<h2>Building an alternative to traditional overseas fundraising</h2>Indian firms have long used instruments like American Depository Receipts (ADRs) to tap overseas markets. According to Bloomberg, companies in India raised over $20 billion through initial share sales last year, reflecting strong appetite for equity fundraising.&nbsp;However, a foreign-currency listing within GIFT City offers a new onshore avenue for raising international capital. By allowing companies to issue shares directly in foreign currencies, it can reduce the costs associated with currency conversion and hedging, making overseas expansion strategies more viable.Officials also see the new mechanism as a way to showcase the growing maturity of India’s capital markets and provide companies with an alternative to traditional domestic exchanges.<h2>Regulatory coordination to enable future growth</h2>Bloomberg reports that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is working with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), GIFT City’s unified regulator, to address outstanding regulatory hurdles. Once these issues are resolved, already-listed Indian companies will be able to raise additional capital through GIFT City in the form of separate dollar floats or follow-on public offerings. This could greatly expand the scope of the new international exchange.&nbsp;Another key incentive for investors is the absence of securities transaction and capital gains taxes within GIFT City, which authorities hope will drive foreign inflows and cement the zone’s appeal as a regional financial hub. With five to six companies already preparing to list, according to Bloomberg, the first foreign-currency equity listing at NSE IX is set to mark an important milestone in India’s ongoing push to modernise its financial sector and compete on the world stage. &nbsp;

The move targets unlisted Indian and overseas companies looking to tap international capital. The platform reduces currency risks and tax burdens while expanding investor reach.

India’s NSE International Exchange (NSE IX), located in Gujarat’s flagship GIFT City, is set to attract its first foreign-currency-denominated equity listing this quarter, in what officials say is a major step toward establishing the financial hub as a global fundraising centre. According to Bloomberg, the exchange is initially targeting unlisted companies for this debut listing. These may include Indian firms with foreign shareholding structures as well as overseas entities registered in places like Silicon Valley or Delaware. V. Balasubramaniam, chief executive of NSE IX, told Bloomberg the move represents an opportunity for Indian companies to access international capital while reducing currency risks and broadening their investor base. GIFT City’s ambition to rival global financial hubs The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, widely known as GIFT City, is one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship projects designed to position India as a world-class financial centre on par with Dubai or Hong Kong. As Bloomberg notes, the zone offers a range of incentives, including exemptions from certain taxes and regulatory requirements, aiming to make it an attractive destination for international capital raising. This special status is intended to help Indian firms raise funds more efficiently while luring global investors looking for favourable conditions. Industry leaders argue that just as Hong Kong’s stock exchange became a springboard for Chinese companies to go global, GIFT City can help Indian corporates achieve similar ambitions. Building an alternative to traditional overseas fundraising Indian firms have long used instruments like American Depository Receipts (ADRs) to tap overseas markets. According to Bloomberg, companies in India raised over $20 billion through initial share sales last year, reflecting strong appetite for equity fundraising. However, a foreign-currency listing within GIFT City offers a new onshore avenue for raising international capital. By allowing companies to issue shares directly in foreign currencies, it can reduce the costs associated with currency conversion and hedging, making overseas expansion strategies more viable. Officials also see the new mechanism as a way to showcase the growing maturity of India’s capital markets and provide companies with an alternative to traditional domestic exchanges. Regulatory coordination to enable future growth Bloomberg reports that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is working with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), GIFT City’s unified regulator, to address outstanding regulatory hurdles. Once these issues are resolved, already-listed Indian companies will be able to raise additional capital through GIFT City in the form of separate dollar floats or follow-on public offerings. This could greatly expand the scope of the new international exchange. Another key incentive for investors is the absence of securities transaction and capital gains taxes within GIFT City, which authorities hope will drive foreign inflows and cement the zone’s appeal as a regional financial hub. With five to six companies already preparing to list, according to Bloomberg, the first foreign-currency equity listing at NSE IX is set to mark an important milestone in India’s ongoing push to modernise its financial sector and compete on the world stage.

Backed by tax exemptions and regulatory incentives, GIFT City’s NSE International Exchange is gearing up for its first foreign-currency equity float—aiming to attract global capital and showcase India’s maturing financial ecosystem.

India’s GIFT City exchange eyes first foreign-currency equity listing

The 17th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place on July 6-7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It will be held at the city's Museum of Modern Art with an emphasis on inclusive and sustainable global south, covering trade, health, digital tech, climate, forest conservation fund and a new investment guarantee mechanism via the New Development Bank (NDB). With the induction of Vietnam, BRICS+ now constitutes 44 per cent of Global GDP and 56 per cent of the world population. With 10 members and 10 partners, BRICS has expanded to 20 countries.<h2>Which countries are in the 17th BRICS summit 2025?</h2>There will be participation from 20 countries in the 17th BRICS summit 2025, with 10 core members and 10 partner countries.Core members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are the founding members. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates become members of BRICS on January 1, 2024. Indonesia became a member of BRICS in January 2025.&nbsp;Partners: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam are partner nations. Vietnam was the most recent member to be inducted into the BRICS in June 2025.Brazil's President Lula da Silva, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be present for the 17th BRICS Summit.Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the summit in person.<h2>Why will Putin and Xi not join the 17th BRICS Summit?</h2>&nbsp;Putin will participate virtually due to an outstanding arrest warrant, which mandates his arrest if he enters Brazil. Instead, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be present as Russia's representative. Chinese President will miss the summit for the first time since his Presidential term since assuming power due to a scheduling conflict. Premier LiQang will lead the Chinese delegation for the summit.

The global south-led organisation BRICS expand to 56 per cent of the world population and 44 per cent of the global GDP. BRICS leaders are meeting in Rio, Brazil, on July 6-7 for the 17th BRICS summit. Which countries are part of the 17th BRICS summit in 2025?

The 17th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place on July 6-7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It will be held at the city's Museum of Modern Art with an emphasis on inclusive and sustainable global south, covering trade, health, digital tech, climate, forest conservation fund and a new investment guarantee mechanism via the New Development Bank (NDB). With the induction of Vietnam, BRICS+ now constitutes 44 per cent of Global GDP and 56 per cent of the world population. With 10 members and 10 partners, BRICS has expanded to 20 countries. Which countries are in the 17th BRICS summit 2025? There will be participation from 20 countries in the 17th BRICS summit 2025, with 10 core members and 10 partner countries. Core members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are the founding members. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates become members of BRICS on January 1, 2024. Indonesia became a member of BRICS in January 2025. Partners: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam are partner nations. Vietnam was the most recent member to be inducted into the BRICS in June 2025. Brazil's President Lula da Silva, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be present for the 17th BRICS Summit. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the summit in person. Why will Putin and Xi not join the 17th BRICS Summit? Putin will participate virtually due to an outstanding arrest warrant, which mandates his arrest if he enters Brazil. Instead, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be present as Russia's representative. Chinese President will miss the summit for the first time since his Presidential term since assuming power due to a scheduling conflict. Premier LiQang will lead the Chinese delegation for the summit.

The global south-led organisation BRICS expand to 56 per cent of the world population and 44 per cent of the global GDP. BRICS leaders are meeting in Rio, Brazil, on July 6-7 for the 17th BRICS summit. Which countries are part of the 17th BRICS summit in 2025?

44% of global GDP, 56% of world population: Which countries are part of the 17th BRICS summit in 2025?

Deadly flash floods struck Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer retreat after torrential rains triggered a rise in water levels late Thursday night.&nbsp;After nearly two decades of political estrangement, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a stage for the first time since 2005.&nbsp;Click on the headlines for more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-floods-at-least-23-girls-missing-from-mystic-camp-after-deadly-floods-details-inside-1751730317568">Texas floods: At least 23 girls missing from Mystic Camp after deadly floods - Details inside</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751730826199.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Texas floods: At least 23 girls missing from Mystic Camp after deadly floods - Details inside"></figure>&nbsp;Deadly flash floods struck Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer retreat after torrential rains triggered a rise in water levels late Thursday night. Search operations have been going on as nearly two dozen girls have been missing, while at least 27 people have died.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-balasaheb-raj-to-uddhav-thackeray-understanding-the-family-tree-of-maharashtras-biggest-political-dynasty-1751710151861">'From Balasaheb, Raj to Uddhav Thackeray': Understanding the family tree of Maharashtra's biggest political dynasty</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751711349467.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'From Balasaheb, Raj to Uddhav Thackeray': Understanding the family tree of Maharashtra's biggest political dynasty"></figure>&nbsp;After nearly two decades of political estrangement, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a stage for the first time since 2005 at a joint public rally titled 'Awaj Marathicha' in Mumbai.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-uk-for-child-rape-1751727804019">Indian-origin man sentenced to life imprisonment in UK for child rape</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751728057093.jpg?rect=(0,17,854,641)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Indian-origin man sentenced to life imprisonment in UK for child rape"></figure>&nbsp;A 24-year-old Indian-origin man was sentenced to life imprisonment after an investigation into an attempted rape and rape of a minor in London. Scotland Yard described the probe as “significant” following which Navroop Singh was jailed with a minimum term of 14 years behind bars by Isleworth Crown Court on Friday (Jul 4). He has been charged with five counts, including rape, the Metropolitan Police said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-from-india-s-kerala-found-dead-at-israel-apartment-was-working-as-caregiver-1751726381024">Man from India's Kerala found dead at Israel apartment; was working as caregiver</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751728252913.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Man from India's Kerala found dead at Israel&nbsp;apartment; was working as caregiver"></figure>&nbsp;A man from India's Kerala, who worked as a caregiver in Israel, was found dead at the house where he was employed, on Friday. The man identified as Jinesh P Sukumaran was a native of Wayanad, Kerala, and was found at Mevasseret Zion in Jerusalem.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-news-7-shot-in-indianapolis-shooting-police-chief-slams-parents-says-not-your-children-s-keeper-1751717227178">US news: 7 shot in Indianapolis; police chief slams parents, says not your children's keeper</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751718536888.jpg?rect=(0,198,1704,1278)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US news: 7 shot in Indianapolis; police chief slams parents, says not your children's keeper"></figure>&nbsp;In a shocking incident, one person was killed and six others were wounded in a mass shooting in the US city of Indianapolis on Saturday. The incident took place a day after the United States celebrated the nation's Independence Day.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-all-fake-trump-s-trade-war-just-for-show-white-house-insider-claims-tariff-threats-are-theatrical-game-1751727467439">‘It’s all fake’: Trump’s trade war just for show? White House insider claims tariff threats are ‘theatrical game’</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751727641609.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="‘It’s all fake’: Trump’s trade war just for show? White House insider claims tariff threats are ‘theatrical game’"></figure>&nbsp;As Donald Trump pushes ahead with threats of major tariffs unless new trade deals are reached, some inside the White House say it’s all just for show. According to a Politico report, the president’s tariff warnings are part of a “theatrical show” aimed at grabbing attention rather than real policy action.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-rises-to-4th-globally-in-income-equality-ahead-of-us-and-china-world-bank-1751725101137">India rises to 4th globally in income equality, ahead of US and China: World Bank</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751726540913.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="India rises to 4th globally in income equality, ahead of US and China: World Bank"></figure>&nbsp;India has quietly emerged as one of the most income-equal countries in the world, according to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief. With a Gini Index of 25.5, India ranks fourth globally in income equality, behind only the Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4). The Gini Index positions India ahead of the United States (41.8), China (35.7), and all G7 and G20 countries. This shift marks a significant change in India’s economic narrative, which has historically been associated with high levels of inequality.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nehal-modi-brother-of-fugitive-nirav-modi-arrested-in-us-on-india-s-extradition-request-1751710251939">Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, arrested in US on India’s extradition request</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751710816038.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, arrested in US on India’s extradition request"></figure>&nbsp;Nehal Modi, the younger brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following an extradition request made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), officials told news agency PTI on Saturday (Jul 5). Nehal Modi, who is also implicated in the PNB scam case, was taken into custody on Friday (Jul 4), according to the US Department of Justice.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/big-releases-of-the-week-check-out-reviews-of-metro-in-dino-kaalidhar-laapata-jurassic-world-rebirth-and-uppu-kappurambu-1751695721263">Big releases of the week: Check out reviews of Metro...In Dino, Kaalidhar Laapata, Jurassic World Rebirth and Uppu Kappurambu</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751700153439.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Big releases of the week: Check out reviews of Metro...In Dino, Kaalidhar Laapata, Jurassic World Rebirth and Uppu Kappurambu"></figure>&nbsp;Movie reviews, be it Bollywood, Hollywood, and Regional (Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam), focus on a wide range of perspectives, from in-depth analysis to a quick take on whether a film is worth watching. Check out the reviews of Metro...In Dino, Uppu Kappurambu, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Kaalidhar Laapata.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-shubman-gill-hits-peak-form-in-edgbaston-becomes-1st-indian-in-54-years-to-achieve-this-feat-1751728306300">IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill hits peak form in Edgbaston, becomes 1st Indian in 54 years to achieve THIS feat</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250705/image-1751728459204.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill hits peak form in Edgbaston, becomes 1st Indian in 54 years to achieve THIS feat"></figure>&nbsp;There is no stopping Shubman Gill. The newly-appointed Indian Test captain is on a run-scoring spree in the UK, completing his third Test hundred on English soil in only his second Test of this five-match series. After rocking scoreboards and records with a hundred in Leeds and a career-best 269 in the first innings at Edgbaston, Gill notched up another hundred in the second innings in this Test, becoming only the second Indian batter in 54 years to unlock this feat, and ninth overall. He stays unbeaten at the crease at tea on day four, with Team India leading by 484.

Deadly flash floods struck Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer retreat after torrential rains triggered a rise in water levels late Thursday night. After nearly two decades of political estrangement, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a stage for the first time since 2005. Click on the headlines for more Texas floods: At least 23 girls missing from Mystic Camp after deadly floods - Details inside Deadly flash floods struck Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer retreat after torrential rains triggered a rise in water levels late Thursday night. Search operations have been going on as nearly two dozen girls have been missing, while at least 27 people have died. 'From Balasaheb, Raj to Uddhav Thackeray': Understanding the family tree of Maharashtra's biggest political dynasty After nearly two decades of political estrangement, cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a stage for the first time since 2005 at a joint public rally titled 'Awaj Marathicha' in Mumbai. Indian-origin man sentenced to life imprisonment in UK for child rape A 24-year-old Indian-origin man was sentenced to life imprisonment after an investigation into an attempted rape and rape of a minor in London. Scotland Yard described the probe as “significant” following which Navroop Singh was jailed with a minimum term of 14 years behind bars by Isleworth Crown Court on Friday (Jul 4). He has been charged with five counts, including rape, the Metropolitan Police said. Man from India's Kerala found dead at Israel apartment; was working as caregiver A man from India's Kerala, who worked as a caregiver in Israel, was found dead at the house where he was employed, on Friday. The man identified as Jinesh P Sukumaran was a native of Wayanad, Kerala, and was found at Mevasseret Zion in Jerusalem. US news: 7 shot in Indianapolis; police chief slams parents, says not your children's keeper In a shocking incident, one person was killed and six others were wounded in a mass shooting in the US city of Indianapolis on Saturday. The incident took place a day after the United States celebrated the nation's Independence Day. ‘It’s all fake’: Trump’s trade war just for show? White House insider claims tariff threats are ‘theatrical game’ As Donald Trump pushes ahead with threats of major tariffs unless new trade deals are reached, some inside the White House say it’s all just for show. According to a Politico report, the president’s tariff warnings are part of a “theatrical show” aimed at grabbing attention rather than real policy action. India rises to 4th globally in income equality, ahead of US and China: World Bank India has quietly emerged as one of the most income-equal countries in the world, according to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief. With a Gini Index of 25.5, India ranks fourth globally in income equality, behind only the Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4). The Gini Index positions India ahead of the United States (41.8), China (35.7), and all G7 and G20 countries. This shift marks a significant change in India’s economic narrative, which has historically been associated with high levels of inequality. Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, arrested in US on India’s extradition request Nehal Modi, the younger brother of fugitive Nirav Modi, has been arrested in the United States following an extradition request made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), officials told news agency PTI on Saturday (Jul 5). Nehal Modi, who is also implicated in the PNB scam case, was taken into custody on Friday (Jul 4), according to the US Department of Justice. Big releases of the week: Check out reviews of Metro...In Dino, Kaalidhar Laapata, Jurassic World Rebirth and Uppu Kappurambu Movie reviews, be it Bollywood, Hollywood, and Regional (Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam), focus on a wide range of perspectives, from in-depth analysis to a quick take on whether a film is worth watching. Check out the reviews of Metro...In Dino, Uppu Kappurambu, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Kaalidhar Laapata. IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Shubman Gill hits peak form in Edgbaston, becomes 1st Indian in 54 years to achieve THIS feat There is no stopping Shubman Gill. The newly-appointed Indian Test captain is on a run-scoring spree in the UK, completing his third Test hundred on English soil in only his second Test of this five-match series. After rocking scoreboards and records with a hundred in Leeds and a career-best 269 in the first innings at Edgbaston, Gill notched up another hundred in the second innings in this Test, becoming only the second Indian batter in 54 years to unlock this feat, and ninth overall. He stays unbeaten at the crease at tea on day four, with Team India leading by 484.

Top 10 world news: At least 27 dead, 23 missing in Texas floods; Thackeray brothers reunite, and more

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