The Hindu Morning Digest: July 24, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the U.K. on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) evening, kicking off the first leg of his two-nation tour, as India and the U.K. prepare to sign a 'free trade' agreement (FTA) on Thursday (July 24, 2025).
After 5 years, India to issue visas to Chinese tourists
India will start issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a gap of five years, the Indian Embassy in Beijing announced on Wednesday. The announcement, that was called 'positive' by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marks another step in normalising India-China ties ruptured by the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control and Galwan clashes in 2020.
Kerala bids tearful farewell to V.S. Achuthanandan
As the sun dipped over the Alappuzha coastline on Wednesday evening, the air grew heavy — not just with the weight of monsoon clouds, but with the silent grief of thousands bidding farewell to a leader who had become the conscience of Kerala's Left politics. V.S. Achuthanandan, the unyielding comrade, was cremated with full State honours at the Punnapra-Vayalar Martyrs' Memorial at Valiya Chudukkad at 9.15 p.m., on the very soil that shaped his life and struggles.
U.N.'s top court delivers landmark decision on tackling climate change
The United Nations' top court in a landmark advisory opinion Wednesday said countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change, and nations harmed by its effects could be entitled to reparations.
Two days before Bihar SIR deadline, 15 lakh yet to submit enumeration forms, one lakh untraceable: ECI
Around 15 lakh Bihar voters are yet to submit their enumeration forms with just two days to go for the July 25 deadline as part of the Special Intensive Revision of the State's electoral rolls, according to data from the Election Commission of India. Another one lakh voters remain untraceable.
India, U.K. to sign free trade agreement on July 24 in London
India and the U.K. will sign a free trade agreement on Thursday (July 24, 2025) in London that will allow export of labour-intensive products such as leather, footwear and clothing at concessional rates, while making imports of whisky and cars from Britain cheaper.
Mandaviya introduces sports governance bill for greater transparency in NSFs, including BCCI
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) introduced the National Sports Governance Bill in Lok Sabha that proposes to institute a Board which will have sweeping powers to lay down rules and oversee the functioning of federations, including the cash-rich BCCI.
Parliamentary proceedings: In five years, 295% rise in the number of people seeking de-addiction treatment, govt. data shows
In the past five years, the number of people seeking de-addiction treatment for substance abuse at government-supported facilities has seen a 295% rise, data tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday showed.
BJP accuses Samajwadi Party of holding 'political meeting' at a mosque; SP refutes the charge
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) accused the Samajwadi Party of holding a political meeting at a mosque located close to Parliament, while the Opposition party refuted the charge.
IndiGo's Ahmedabad-Diu flight aborts take-off due to technical snag
A Diu-bound IndiGo flight from Ahmedabad carrying around 50 passengers and crew members aborted take-off at the last minute on Wednesday (June 23, 2025) due to a technical issue, sources said.
Delhi HC grants anticipatory bail to NewsClick founder in two separate cases, including one on foreign funding
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) granted anticipatory bail to NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha in two separate cases, including one filed by the Delhi Police over alleged foreign funding.
Gait test conducted on accused in Kolkata law student gang-rape case
The four accused in the Kolkata law student gang-rape case underwent gait tests inside a city correctional home on Wednesday (July 23, 2024) to help match their walking style with individuals seen in CCTV footage recovered from the college and its surrounding areas.
PM 'shows weakness' by not responding to Trump's repeated claims on India-Pakistan conflict: Congress chief
After U.S. President Donald Trump repeated his claim — for the 25th time, according to the Congress — that he had stopped the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, party leaders questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued 'silence' on the issue.
Home Ministry begins moving out of British-era North Block
The iconic North Block building at Raisina Hills in Lutyens Delhi will no longer be home to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Ministry has been known by the address for nearly 90 years.
Fewer foreign trips, protocol lapses upset Jagdeep Dhankhar; former Vice-President felt he had a diminished role
Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, in his 35-month-long tenure, travelled abroad only four times for bilateral visits, and his office often had complained to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over protocol issues, official sources told The Hindu.
J&K leaders demand Statehood, decry Pulwama, Pahalgam 'security failures'
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) that the Pahalgam terror attack took place even though the former State has been governed by the Union government for the past 11 years.
Bangladesh rights group demands 'independent investigation' into the air force jet crash that killed many in Dhaka
The crash of a military aircraft in Dhaka that killed a large number of students and teachers should be properly investigated and the interim government should publish the names of the victims who perished in this incident, said a human rights outfit that is highlighting the unfolding state of affairs in Bangladesh under the interim government.
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