📰 Key political updates from India and world news

The DMK has set conditions to back the delimitation Bill, while Amit Shah assured Christian bodies the FCRA Bill is religion-neutral. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed that 'laggard' states require government handholding for improvement. The government also revealed it spent ₹557.51 crore on PM Modi's 77 foreign visits from 2021 to July 2026. Additionally, the Bangladesh Election Commission announced the presidential election is set for August 20, 2026. 🇮🇳

✈️ Most study-abroad aspirants plan to come back to India

A survey by Oxford International found that 81% of Indian study-abroad aspirants intend to return to India after their courses. This data comes from the third edition of the Student Global Mobility Index, which analyzed 17,925 core responses. Almost nine in ten participants were the first in their families to study overseas, and nearly half made the decision themselves. The biggest trend shows self-motivated students increasing from 29% in 2023-24 to 49% in 2025-26. Moving forward, Google searches are the most trusted source for education information among these students. 🇮🇳

🤖 Alibaba eyeing fees for big AI model users

Sources indicate that Alibaba is planning to implement charges for heavy users of its upcoming open-source AI model. This move is expected to affect large corporations utilizing the new technology. Specific rollout dates and fee structures have not yet been publicly disclosed. The decision comes as the AI space sees rapid adoption of open-source tools across industries. Alibaba is reportedly positioning this to monetize its advanced AI infrastructure. 🤖

🧑‍⚕️ Temporary disability certs won't block MBBS quota admission

The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced that candidates won't be denied MBBS admission due to a temporary disability certificate. This update clarifies that disability status must still be verified by Medical Assessment Boards (MABs) for eligibility. The change ensures adherence to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and 2024 Rules. For disabilities not likely to improve, temporary certificates are now acceptable for admission. Candidates with 'likely to improve' disabilities will undergo a reassessment before final eligibility is determined. 🧑‍⚕️

⛽ Oil prices jump over Hormuz Strait tension

Oil prices rose amid fears of supply chain disruptions after Iran released a restrictive draft plan concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This development occurred on Friday, affecting Brent crude futures which gained 1.22% to $83.50 a barrel. The draft plan reportedly seeks to ban U.S. and Israeli ships while requiring compensation from nations that harmed Iran. Meanwhile, Ukraine also struck major Russian oil refineries, adding to the market stress. Future transit route agreements between Iran and Oman are reportedly under discussion. ⛽

💊 India's drug import rules go fully digital

India's drug regulator is making all import approval processes fully online via a new rulebook. This change impacts the $60 billion pharmaceutical market, which relies heavily on foreign ingredients. New rules mandate online applications through the SUGAM portal, requiring submissions like factory details and QR codes. Foreign manufacturers must now apply through authorized local agents in India for all consignments. This shift aims to boost oversight and speed up clearances for pharmaceutical businesses. 💊

💊 weight loss drugs: market hype vs reality

Saloni Khera shared her weight loss journey using Mounjaro, a GLP-1 drug, after gaining 30 kg post-Covid in Mumbai. The drug, Tirzepatide, helps by mimicking satiety hormones and was prescribed after a doctor advised her to lose weight first. While Khera lost 35 kg in 11 months, her community found many using these drugs without proper medical supervision. The market is booming, with sales rising from Rs 525 crore in May 2025 to Rs 1,906 crore this May. Unauthorised doctors in salons are pushing these treatments, treating them like beauty fixes instead of health tools. 😟

🏊 Golf tryouts become epic lake rescue for teens

Three Virginia teens were hailed as heroes after they jumped into Lake Culpeper to save two adults and a child. This happened on July 27 when Andrew Tuggle, 15, and 17-year-olds Gavin Cain and Jackson Castro were at the Culpeper Country Club links. Officials confirmed the rescue occurred around 3:35 PM, saving lives after their kayaks capsized. The teens acted without hesitation, despite the difficult, overgrown location. Their quick thinking and courage prevented a tragedy for the community. 🏊

✈️ Taiwan practices jet drills with French jets

Taiwan conducted rapid turnaround drills using French-made fighter jets during its annual war games. This exercise involved the Taiwanese military forces and took place within the scope of the scheduled annual war games. Specific details regarding the number of jets or dates of the drills were not provided in the report. These maneuvers are part of Taiwan's ongoing military readiness preparations against regional tensions. The drills aim to enhance operational capability for future defense scenarios. ✈️

📉 US Visa Drops Sharply for Indian Students 😟

US student visa approvals for Indian nationals saw a massive 62% drop in 2025 compared to the previous year. This trend was noted by a US think tank report from the Centre for Immigration Studies. Specifically, 22,149 visas were issued to Indians in 2025, versus 58,694 in 2024. Meanwhile, Chinese students experienced a smaller 34% decline, with 40,034 visas granted in 2025. The report suggests changes to the OPT program to protect US workers.

📈 Gold stable amidst Hormuz tensions and Fed uncertainty

Gold prices have remained steady as geopolitical tensions near the Strait of Hormuz cast shadows on the Federal Reserve's future outlook. Traders are currently focusing their attention on upcoming payroll data releases for crucial economic indicators. The market remains watchful regarding inflation trends and global stability over the next few weeks. This cautious trading environment reflects investors' hedging against potential economic volatility. Future movements will heavily depend on the official payroll figures released soon. 📈