July 24, 2025: India's Trade Deals, Climate Chaos, and Border Disputes Dominate Global News

On July 24, 2025, global headlines are dominated by significant political, economic, and environmental developments, including the signing of a major India-UK free trade agreement and the resumption of India-China tourist visas. Domestically, India's Parliament faces persistent opposition protests, while internationally, Thailand and Cambodia experience deadly border clashes. Globally, the severe impacts of climate change are highlighted by food price spikes and extreme weather events across Asia.

Key International Trade Agreements

• India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Finalized on July 24, 2025, set to facilitate Indian labor-intensive exports (leather, footwear, clothing) and make British imports (whisky, cars) more affordable in India.
• India-China Tourist Visas: India resumes issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals for the first time in five years, signaling a potential thaw in diplomatic and economic ties.
• Indonesia's Trade Deals: Reached a framework agreement for a trade deal with the United States, but retail sector expresses concern over similar tariff exemptions for Chinese goods threatening local SMEs.

Indian Parliamentary Gridlock

• Persistent Opposition Protests: The Monsoon Session of India's Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) has seen four consecutive days of adjournments due to opposition demonstrations.
• Core Demands: Protests demand a rollback of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, and accountability regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and "Operation Sindoor."
• Scheduled Debate: Rajya Sabha Business Advisory Committee has agreed to a 16-hour discussion on these matters for the following week.

Regional Geopolitical Tensions

• Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes: Reports of deadly incidents along their shared, disputed border have reignited long-standing territorial disputes and military presence concerns.

Worsening Global Climate Impacts

• Food Price Spikes: A new study links extreme weather events observed between 2022 and 2024 directly to global food price increases.
• Extreme Weather Across Asia: South Korea experiences deadly landslides and floods; Typhoon Wipha intensifies monsoon rains in the Philippines (causing fatalities and evacuations) and is bracing for Vietnam; Pakistan reports a high death toll from relentless monsoon rains.

Notable Legal Developments

• NFTs as Trademarkable Goods: A federal appeals court has recognized Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as trademarkable goods.
• Other Cases: An Ontrak CEO seeks a reversal based on flawed jury instructions, and a retired justice fights a watchdog over the timing of charges related to judicial delays.