- India will not finalise a trade deal with the US until it secures a comparative tariff advantage over rival exporters. Negotiations are progressing, with both sides aiming for an interim agreement.
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann denied being the person in a viral sacrilege video, calling it fabricated and politically motivated. He claimed the footage featured an impostor wearing a mask resembling him.
- At least 164 people were killed and 971 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Authorities declared a state of emergency as rescue teams searched for survivors amid widespread destruction.
- The government clarified that an Indian passport is not definitive proof of citizenship, citing the Passports Act. Citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act through birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or incorporation.
- Ireland advanced the start time of its T20Is against India to avoid overlapping with India’s Women’s World Cup clash against Australia. The series could also see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut.
Here are the top 5 stories from the day:
No deal with US without tariff advantage framework, says Piyush Goyal
Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said India will not sign the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the US until a framework guaranteeing a comparative tariff advantage for Indian exports is finalised.India and the US have reviewed progress on the interim trade pact, covering market access, digital trade and supply chains. Both countries are working to conclude an agreement before the July 24 deadline for the expiry of Washington’s temporary 10 per cent tariff regime. Read the full story.
Bhagwant Mann says ‘imposter wearing my mask’ for ‘sacrilege’ video row
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann rejected allegations linking him to a viral sacrilege video, asserting that the person seen was an impostor wearing a mask resembling him.Citing the absence of a surgery scar on the individual’s neck, Mann called the video fake and part of a political conspiracy to damage his image ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly elections. He also questioned the Akal Takht’s actions and announced plans to submit evidence for scrutiny. Read the full story.
Venezuela earthquake: Dual earthquake tremors kill 164; state of emergency declared
Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela, killing at least 164 people and injuring 971 others. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency as rescue operations continued in heavily affected areas, particularly La Guaira state.Buildings collapsed, critical infrastructure was damaged, and Caracas’ main international airport was shut down. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as search efforts continue. Read the full story.
MEA says passport not citizenship proof; documentation explained
The government clarified that while a passport certifies nationality abroad, it is not conclusive proof of citizenship. Citing Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, officials noted that passports can, in certain circumstances, be issued to non-citizens in the public interest.Citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955, through birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or incorporation of territory, with supporting documents serving as evidence. Read the full story.
India vs Ireland: Match timings changed ahead of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s expected debut
Cricket Ireland has moved the start time of its two T20Is against India to 6 pm IST, an hour earlier than usual, to avoid a clash with India’s Women’s World Cup match against Australia.The Belfast series, beginning Friday, could mark the international debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shreyas Iyer’s first stint as India’s T20 captain. Former India leg-spinner MV Narsimha Rao will ring the ceremonial bell before the second match. Read the full story.