TODAY NEWS ON July 24, 2025

Source: The print media ( The Hindu, Indian Express and others )

Election Commission of India begins preparations to hold vice-presidential poll

The Election Commission of India (ECI) said it has begun the process of holding the vice-presidential election and has started constituting the electoral college comprising MPs of both Houses of Parliament. The poll panel said it is also finalising Returning Officers for the vice-presidential election. "On completion of the preparatory activities, the announcement of the election schedule to the office of the Vice-President of India will follow as soon as possible," the ECI said.

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.

PM Modi embarks on four-day visit to U.K., Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on a four-day visit to the U.K. and the Maldives, expressing confidence that this will boost India's ties with the two countries. In his departure statement, Mr. Modi said India and the United Kingdom share a comprehensive strategic partnership that has witnessed significant progress in recent years. He noted that the collaboration between the two countries spans a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties.

Modi begins U.K. visit, trade deal to be inked today

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

India extends airspace closure for Pakistan planes till August 24

India has extended the closure of its airspace for Pakistan planes by another month till August 24. In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22, India closed its airspace for planes operated, owned or leased by Pakistan airlines and operators, including military flights, with effect from April 30. The ban is part of various measures taken by the government against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

CJI agrees to constitute Bench to hear plea on behalf of Justice Varma

Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said he will constitute a Bench for hearing a petition filed on behalf of Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, challenging the in-house inquiry procedure and the then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s recommendation to the President and Prime Minister, in the month of May, to remove the judge from office. The Chief Justice said he, however, would not be part of the Bench.

Pakistan steeped in fanaticism, terrorism: India tells UNSC meeting

India told a United Nations Security Council meeting presided over by Pakistan that there should be a “serious cost” to nations who foment cross-border terrorism, as it described the neighbouring country as a “serial borrower” steeped in “fanaticism”. “As we debate promoting international peace and security, it is essential to recognise that there are some fundamental principles which need to be universally respected. One of them is zero tolerance for terrorism,” India’s Permanent Representative to the U.N. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said.

Trump announces trade deal with Japan including 15% tariff

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade framework with Japan, placing a 15% tax on goods imported from that nation. “This Deal will create Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs — There has never been anything like it,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that the United States “will continue to always have a great relationship with the Country of Japan.”