The Canadian Immigration department (IRCC) plans to implement a Trusted Institution framework for its student visa program by 2024. This will evaluate post-secondary institutions on criteria like sustainable intake, compliance, and ensuring a positive student experience. Institutions meeting criteria will become Trusted Institutions, with implications like faster visa processing. The framework aims to partner with reliable institutions as part of modernizing and strategically managing Canada's international student visa program. Details are still limited, but the central concept focuses on designating institutions that demonstrate compliance, identify genuine students, and provide enriching experiences as trusted partners for areas like visa processing

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday that a free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK is close to being finalised and will happen "very soon". Speaking at the B20 Summit, she also indicated FTA talks with Canada may begin soon. This follows UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch stating on Thursday that FTA negotiations with India have entered their final stages. Badenoch noted the two countries are actively discussing business mobility under the proposed deal, while clarifying that overall visa liberalisation is not part of trade pacts. Sitharaman expressed confidence that India's GDP numbers for the first quarter will be good, stating the country's economy has performed well in Q1. Her comments signal momentum on finalising the India-UK FTA amid ongoing discussions on mobility issues between the two countries.

Amid speculation that India may impose its first sugar export ban in seven years, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has denied an immediate ban but said a decision could come in the next few weeks. A potential export ban by the world's second-largest sugar exporter could have major global impact amid high international prices and inflation fears. A recent Reuters report, citing government sources, said India was expected to ban sugar exports next season starting October due to reduced cane yields from lack of rains. ISMA stated the move is not imminent but possible within weeks. India restricting sugar exports could significantly affect global markets at a time of already rising commodity prices and supply concerns. The country's lower cane output this year is factoring into considerations of an export ban.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said on Thursday that India and Britain are actively discussing business mobility issues as part of the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, which are now in their final stages. Badenoch stated that overall visa liberalisation matters do not fall under trade deals. She expressed optimism about delivering a mutually beneficial FTA but did not give a timeline, saying she does not want to raise expectations. Badenoch is working closely with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as the two countries aim to finalize the trade pact. However, she noted that anything can still happen in the final stages of negotiations. The UK minister is not raising the deadline but remains hopeful of a positive outcome.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will begin his quest for his maiden World Championship crown as the 25-year-old gears up to take part in the qualifying round of the men’s javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championship 2023. The mega spectacle that is taking place in Budapest will see Neeraj in action on Friday, August 25 in the group A qualifying event. Apart from Neeraj Chopra, fellow Indian athletes D.P. Manu and Kishore Jena will also be in action.

India is pushing the UK for more visas for its citizens to work as nurses, caregivers, IT professionals and financial consultants, reports The Telegraph. A senior Indian commerce ministry official said differences remain over visas and protecting Indian industries. However, UK officials have made clear there will be no special visa concessions for Indians under the post-Brexit points-based system. Remarks last year by UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman voicing reservations about relaxing visa controls for Indians provoked anger in New Delhi. The visa issue arises as UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch visits India this week ahead of PM Rishi Sunak's expected trip next month. No timeline has been set for finalising any India-UK deal.

India and China have agreed to de-escalate tensions along their disputed Himalayan border after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in South Africa. The two leaders agreed to increase efforts for disengaging troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) according to India's Foreign Secretary. Mr Modi emphasized that maintaining peace and respecting the LAC are essential for normalizing India-China relations. Tensions between the two powers have been escalating for over three years along their ill-defined 2,100 mile border. The BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are seen as a counterweight to the Western-led world order.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shared the first selfies from the moon's surface of India's Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram and rover Pragyan. These historic images show the realization of a moment over a billion Indians have eagerly awaited. The photos and video show Vikram taking images of its own ramp as Pragyan slowly rolled down onto the lunar surface. ISRO shared the video on Twitter, writing "here is how the Chandrayaan-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander to the Lunar surface." The successful landing and surface operations mark a monumental achievement for India's space programme.

Indian grocery delivery startup Zepto has raised $200 million in fresh funding at a $1.4 billion valuation, becoming the first Indian unicorn in nearly a year. The Mumbai-based startup, founded in 2021 by two 19-year-old Stanford dropouts, promises 10-minute grocery deliveries. The funding round was led by US firms StepStone Group and Goodwater Capital. Existing investors including Nexus Venture Partners also participated. Zepto will use the funds to expand operations in seven Indian cities where it already makes $50-60 million in monthly revenue. The quick commerce sector is heating up with Zepto competing against SoftBank-backed Swiggy and Blinkit.

Kremlin Spokesperson confirms Russian President Putin will not visit India for G20 Summit.. “President Vladimir Putin is not planning a trip to the G20 summit in India, which will be held in September. The main emphasis now is a special military operation,” Russian President’s Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says. The president will not attend the meeting due to the ongoing military operation in Ukraine, Peskov said.