The Hindu Morning Digest: July 5, 2025
'India does not enter into any trade agreement based on deadlines and will accept the proposed trade deal with the U.S. only when it is fully finalised, properly concluded and in the national interest,' Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday (July 4, 2025). He also said that India was negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with different countries, including the European Union, New Zealand, Oman, Chile, and Peru. FTAs are possible only when both sides benefit, and it should be a win-win agreement, he told reporters when asked about the proposed interim trade agreement with the U.S.
Trump signs 'big, beautiful' bill on U.S. Independence Day
U.S. President Donald Trump signed his package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law Friday (July 4, 2025) after his cajoling produced almost unanimous Republican support in Congress for the domestic priority that could cement his second-term legacy. Flanked by Republican legislators and members of his Cabinet, Mr. Trump signed the multitrillion-dollar legislation outside the White House and then banged down the gavel that House Speaker Mike Johnson gifted him that was used during the bill's final passage Thursday (July 3, 2025).
China used conflict between India and Pakistan as a live lab: Deputy Chief of Army Staff
India had to deal with three adversaries during Operation Sindoor, with Pakistan being the 'front face' and China and Türkiye providing vital support to India's western neighbour, Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, said on Friday (July 4, 2025). Lt. Gen. Singh was addressing an event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 'New Age Military Technologies'. Shedding light on the lessons learnt during Operation Sindoor, Lt. Gen. Singh said the conflict emphasised the need for indigenisation of defence technology and a robust air-defence system while stressing that the country must be prepared for the future.
Allahabad HC rejects plea to refer Mathura's Shahi Idgah as 'disputed structure'
The Allahabad High Court on Thursday (July 3, 2025) dismissed a plea seeking that the Mathura-based Shahi Idgah mosque be referred to as a 'disputed structure' in all future proceedings. A Bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra dismissed the plea filed by advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, who requested the court to direct the stenographer concerned to use the word 'disputed structure' in place of 'Shahi Idgah Mosque' in all further proceedings of this original suit, and other related cases.
Trinidad and Tobago will be a priority nation for India: PM Modi
Terming terrorism as the enemy of humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (July 4, 2025) said the global community must stand united to deny it any shelter or space. In his address to the Joint Assembly of Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago, Prime Minister Modi also announced that the Caribbean nation will be a priority nation for India.
Fire breaks out at Noida society flat, girl rescued
A massive fire broke out at a flat in a residential society in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Friday (July 4, 2025) evening, and a 15-year-old girl, who was trapped inside, was safely rescued, officials said. Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Choubey said the fire broke out due to an explosion in the air conditioner in a house in the society in the Bisrakh area police station area.
Allow Aadhaar and ration cards as key documents for Bihar special revision of electoral roll: INDIA bloc
A delegation of INDIA bloc leaders on Friday (July 4, 2025) met Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinod Singh Gunjiyal to raise their objection over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in Bihar. INDIA bloc coordination committee head and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav led the delegation, which said that the Union and State governments were hatching a conspiracy to prevent the deprived sections of society from exercising their franchise in the upcoming Assembly election in Bihar.
Hamas says has given 'positive' response to latest ceasefire proposal in Gaza
Hamas says it has given a 'positive' response to the latest proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza but said further talks were needed on implementation. It was not clear if Hamas' statement meant it had accepted the proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump for a 60-day ceasefire. Hamas has been seeking guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war, now nearly 21 months old.
At least 13 dead, 20 missing in Texas flash flood
At least 13 people were dead after flash flooding hit south-central Texas early Friday (July 4, 2025), officials said, with more than 20 girls at a summer camp still unaccounted for. 'We have identified 13 fatalities,' Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha told a press conference after devastating floods swept through the region northwest of San Antonio, warning more casualties were likely. Some of the dead were children, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said.
China imposes anti-dumping duties on European brandy as trade tensions rise
China on Friday (July 4, 2025) imposed anti-dumping duties on European brandy, most notably cognac produced in France, as trade tensions between Beijing and the United States allies continue to rise. The tariffs, effective on Saturday (July 5, 2025), will range from 27.7% to 34.9%, China's Commerce Ministry said. They are to be in place for five years and will not be applied retroactively.
In new threat to U.K.'s Labour, former leader Corbyn in talks to start new party
The former leader of Britain's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, announced on Friday (July 4, 2025), he was in talks to start a new political party because Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government had 'refused to deliver the change' voters expected during its first year in office. Mr. Corbyn, an avowed socialist who took control of the party in 2015, was its most left-wing leader in a generation, with plans for a sweeping programme of nationalisation. He resigned as Labour leader after the 2019 election when the party suffered its worst defeat since 1935.
Siraj, Akash strike back after the Brook-Smith show
Notwithstanding a first-rate counter-attack from England that oozed Bazball right through, India ended day three of the second Test at Edgbaston 244 runs in the green. The visitors restricted England to 407 to secure a 180-run lead, and then reached 64 for one at stumps, with K.L. Rahul (28 batting, 38b, 6x4) and Karun Nair (7 batting, 18b, 1x4) at the crease.
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