US President credits South Asian leaders with preventing nuclear escalation amid regional tensions
The US President stated that leaders from two South Asian nations ended a recent conflict that could have escalated to nuclear war, following a meeting with a Pakistani military official. Chinese and Russian leaders condemned Israeli strikes on Iran and called for immediate ceasefire. An Indian minister discussed trade partnerships during a UK visit, where a bilateral free trade agreement was finalized. The UK reported a 23% increase in Indian-owned businesses. A large methane gas reserve was discovered in western Nepal. A former Maldivian president rejoined his previous political party. Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected petitions regarding judicial transfers and the country secured a $1 billion financing facility. Israeli-Iranian tensions escalated with missile exchanges causing casualties.

Customs seizes drugs worth Rs 30 crore in major operations, recovers heroin and methamphetamine
Customs officials seized drugs worth over Rs 30 crore during operations in Assam and Tripura. In Silchar, an abandoned vehicle contained 885.56 grams of heroin and 15 kg of methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 22 crore. Separate raids in Tripura recovered 8 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 8 crore from two locations. One person was arrested while two suspects escaped. The operations were conducted with assistance from BSF and Assam Rifles based on intelligence inputs.

Airline reduces international operations 15% after Boeing 787 crash kills 275 people
An airline's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed, killing 241 passengers and crew plus 34 people on ground. The CEO stated the aircraft was well-maintained with last major check in June 2023, next scheduled for December 2025. Following the crash, aviation authorities ordered enhanced surveillance of the airline's Boeing 787 fleet. Safety inspections were conducted on 33 aircraft, with 26 cleared for service. The airline announced a temporary 15 percent reduction in international wide-body operations through mid-July due to enhanced safety checks and external factors including airspace closures.

Prime Minister flags off second Vande Bharat Express for northeastern city amid massive railway infrastructure development
The Prime Minister will virtually flag off the second Vande Bharat Express for a northeastern city, connecting multiple stations via two intermediate stops. The Railway Board Chairman inspected station facilities and reviewed redevelopment plans under a 500-crore infrastructure scheme featuring world-class amenities including lounges, food courts, and accessibility features. The state received a record railway budget allocation of nearly 20,000 crores for development, representing an eight-fold increase from previous years. Officials announced that 157 stations statewide are being redeveloped, with major capacity expansion projects including new lines and doubling work across the eastern region.

Economy minister warns nation faces recession risk amid inflation and investment decline
The country's economy minister warned that the nation stands on the brink of recession during an international economic forum. Despite previously outperforming predictions due to high defense spending that maintained growth and low unemployment, the economy faces mounting pressures from inflation and lack of foreign investment. The militarized economy has benefited from military recruitment bonuses and increased wages, but economists warn of stagnation risks due to insufficient investment in non-military sectors. Other senior officials provided more optimistic assessments, describing the situation as economic cooling rather than impending recession.

India prioritizes trade deals with complementary economies, avoids competitors to prevent Chinese goods infiltration
India's Commerce and Industry Minister stated the country focuses on trade agreements with nations that complement rather than compete with India's economy. The minister criticized previous administrations for negotiating deals with competitors, effectively opening markets to Chinese goods through intermediary countries. Current trade dialogues target developed nations including the US, New Zealand, EU, and Gulf countries where mutual benefits exist without harming either economy. The minister emphasized collaboration in innovation, highlighting recent agreements with the UK, Australia, UAE, and European Free Trade Association. A memorandum was signed between quantum technology councils to enhance UK-India cooperation in emerging technologies.

Commerce Minister highlights India-UK FTA implementation priorities at Global Forum 2025 in London
India's Commerce Minister showcased the country's economic vision at the India Global Forum 2025 in London following the historic India-UK Free Trade Agreement signed in May 2025. The Minister emphasized transitioning the FTA from negotiated text to transformative economic partnership, highlighting priorities including strengthening joint governance mechanisms, supporting SMEs and startups, and facilitating skilled professional mobility. Key discussions covered collaboration in digital infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, green technologies, fintech, artificial intelligence, and defense production. The Minister participated in sessions exploring bilateral cooperation opportunities and implementation strategies, reinforcing India's commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with the UK through enhanced trade, technology, and innovation cooperation.

Prime Minister announces two-day tour launching Rs 20,000 crore development projects across three states
The Prime Minister will undertake a two-day, three-state tour visiting Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. In Bihar, he will inaugurate railway projects worth over Rs 400 crore, flag off Vande Bharat Express service, and launch an export locomotive. Six sewage treatment plants under Namami Gange project worth Rs 1,800 crore will be inaugurated. In Odisha, development projects worth Rs 18,600 crore covering water supply, irrigation, health infrastructure, and transportation will be launched, marking the state government's first anniversary. The tour concludes in Visakhapatnam for International Day of Yoga celebrations with nearly five lakh participants.

Nepal's methane gas reserves could reach 430 billion cubic metres, meeting national demand for 50 years
A preliminary report reveals western Nepal's methane gas reserves could reach approximately 430 billion cubic metres, potentially meeting the nation's gas demand for 50 years. The findings come from exploration conducted under a 2019 bilateral agreement between Nepal and China. Initial drilling in one well in Dailekh district reached over 4,000 metres depth, revealing 1.12 billion cubic metres of methane. This represents findings from just one of four targeted wells. The Chinese government fully funds this pilot project, with final reports expected by year-end and commercial production testing planned thereafter.

Man declared proclaimed offender denied anticipatory bail in cheating and criminal conspiracy case
The Delhi High Court dismissed an anticipatory bail application from a man declared a proclaimed offender in a cheating case. The petitioner was charged with cheating, criminal conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust by banker/merchant/agent. The court noted the accused consistently failed to comply with trial court orders, didn't join investigation, and ignored non-bailable warrants. Justice emphasized that proclaimed offenders cannot receive anticipatory bail unless exceptional circumstances exist. The court found no extraordinary circumstances warranting discretionary relief, ruling the petitioner ineligible for pre-arrest bail protection.

Bank of England holds interest rate at 4.25 percent amid global uncertainty and inflation concerns
The Bank of England maintained its main interest rate at 4.25 percent, a two-year low, citing a "highly unpredictable" global environment. Three of nine policymakers voted for a quarter-point cut, raising expectations for an August reduction. The central bank expressed concerns about Middle East conflicts impacting oil prices, which have risen above $75 per barrel, and uncertainty regarding tariff policies. Current inflation stands at 3.4 percent above the 2 percent target. Officials expect inflation to remain elevated but gradually decline as unemployment rises, though geopolitical tensions could affect this trajectory.

Tech company launches optimized home design collection reducing construction time by 49 days across six cities
A tech-enabled construction company launched its Connoisseur Collection of optimized home designs across six major Indian cities. The collection, developed from seven years of research analyzing over 8,000 floor plans, addresses common construction challenges including delays, budget overruns, and quality concerns. The designs follow a LIVE methodology evaluating liveable area, indoor environmental quality, traditional spatial principles, and ergonomic flow. Key features include express delivery service reducing construction time by up to 49 days, modular designs for optimal space utilization, and cost-efficient solutions minimizing material waste while maintaining quality standards.

University launches M.Tech Computer Science program targeting AI and cybersecurity professionals for growing IT market
India's IT and business services market reached $19.93 billion in 2023, with expected 8.2% annual growth until 2028, driving demand for cybersecurity and AI professionals. A private university in Andhra Pradesh launched an M.Tech Computer Science and Engineering program addressing this need. The curriculum covers artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity through theoretical learning and practical applications. The program aims to develop ethical computing professionals for finance, healthcare, and administration sectors. Graduates can pursue roles as software engineers, AI specialists, cybersecurity analysts, or academic positions, supporting India's digital economy transformation.

Fintech platform targets 30,000 Indian exporters by 2025 with 50% savings on international payments
A cross-border payments platform announced plans to support over 30,000 Indian exporters by end-2025. The fintech company currently serves over 10,000 businesses across 25+ currencies, offering up to 50% savings compared to traditional banking channels. The platform targets IT service providers, funded startups, SaaS companies and fintech platforms with transparent, fast and cost-effective international payment solutions. The company has integrated with leading platforms for streamlined payment workflows and has processed hundreds of millions in transactions while being backed by major investors.

Petrochemical company completes 45-day maintenance turnaround achieving operational excellence and enhanced sustainability standards
A major petrochemical company completed its maintenance turnaround at its West Bengal facility in 45 days, starting April 16. The initiative aimed to achieve operational excellence, technological enhancement, and higher sustainability. The turnaround resulted in improved infrastructure reliability, increased safety standards, enhanced process efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The company incorporated digital technologies to support future growth and innovation. The facility has a production capacity of 7 lakh TPA of ethylene and is among the country's largest petrochemical companies.

Central government launches Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub digital platform to strengthen gender-responsive planning and inclusive growth
The Central government launched the Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub, a digital platform designed to strengthen gender-responsive planning and promote inclusive growth. The portal provides policymakers and researchers with centralized resources including policy briefs, best practices, and gender-disaggregated data for integration into planning and budgeting processes. The launch occurred during a national consultation with representatives from ministries, state governments, and international agencies. The government allocated Rs 4.49 lakh crore for gender budgeting in FY 2025-26, representing 8.86% of the Union Budget, with 49 ministries participating across 273 schemes.

Global markets fall amid Middle East tensions while Fed holds rates steady
Global financial markets declined as Middle East tensions escalated on the seventh day of conflict. European markets fell 0.5-0.9 percent, with Asian markets also retreating amid heavy tech selling. The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates while signaling two cuts expected this year, citing concerns over import tariffs fueling inflation. Central banks in Switzerland cut rates while England held steady. Oil prices rose due to supply disruption fears, as one nation sits near crucial shipping routes. A steel acquisition was completed despite government opposition, while unemployment claims decreased but housing starts fell below expectations.

Private insurer launches India's first state-wise health insurance policies covering 25 states with regional customization
A major private general insurer launched India's first state-wise health insurance policies tailored to regional healthcare needs across 25 states and 5 union territories. The policies feature customized coverage reflecting local hospital infrastructure, prevalent health conditions, and affordability levels. Coverage includes sum insured options from INR 5-20 lakh, inpatient hospitalization, advanced treatments, and organ donor expenses. Optional add-ons include unlimited sum insured reinstatement and super cumulative bonus up to 200%. Each policy carries region-specific names in local languages. The initiative aims to make healthcare coverage more accessible and relevant to diverse regional requirements across India.

India's first UPF resort-wear collection launches with sustainable bamboo silk garments for monsoon protection
A luxury fashion designer has launched India's first UPF resort-wear collection featuring bamboo silk garments designed for monsoon protection. The Classic Basics line includes kaftans, dresses, and coord sets with UV protection, cooling properties, and hypoallergenic benefits. The sustainable bamboo silk fabric offers protection against harsh UV rays during overcast conditions while maintaining comfort and style. The collection features diverse prints inspired by Mughal-Rajasthani art, animal prints, and geometric patterns. The designer emphasized addressing the lack of fashionable UPF clothing in India while focusing on sustainable materials and versatile designs suitable for humid monsoon conditions and vacation wear.

Gold drops Rs 150 to Rs 1,00,560 per 10g, silver falls Rs 1,000 following Fed rate decision
Gold prices declined by Rs 150 to Rs 1,00,560 per 10 grams in the national capital, while silver dropped Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,07,200 per kilogram following weak international market trends. The precious metals fell after the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 4.25-4.50 percent, strengthening the US dollar. Spot gold traded at USD 3,365.90 per ounce globally, with analysts citing the Fed's hawkish stance that pushed potential rate cuts further by six months. Despite geopolitical tensions providing some support, both metals retreated from recent highs amid market volatility.