India–North Macedonia diplomacy: President Droupadi Murmu wrapped up her first-ever state visit to North Macedonia (21–22 July), meeting President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and PM Hristijan Mickoski, addressing the Assembly, and pushing a trade-tech-tourism agenda plus support for UN Security Council reform. Cultural ties: Murmu and Siljanovska-Davkova unveiled a Mahatma Gandhi bust in Skopje, framing it as a symbol of peace and friendship. EU integration pressure: A fresh commentary says Skopje’s refusal to implement the 2022 EU negotiating framework—linked to constitutional issues—risks slowing accession momentum and deepening isolation. Health watch: WHO and European public health updates warn West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with locally transmitted cases reported including in North Macedonia, urging mosquito protection and fast care for severe symptoms. Finance scrutiny: Hungary is investigating two Eximbank loans to North Macedonia worth about EUR 988m, as part of a wider probe into Eximbank deals totaling EUR 2.74bn. Border logistics: Albania approved joint border checks with North Macedonia to cut waiting times, pending parliamentary approval. Weather impacts: A severe storm hit North Macedonia, with thousands of fallen trees and injuries reported in Skopje and beyond.