Day 5 of the 2nd Test between India and England at Edgbaston was disrupted again by rain, frustrating India’s hopes of a historic victory. India, led by Shubman Gill, need 7 wickets to win and level the series 1-1, while England are 72/3, chasing an improbable 608. Heavy rain before play and repeated interruptions led to lost overs despite ground staff efforts. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized the poor drainage and ground management, stating, “It’s unacceptable for a venue like Edgbaston.” India are aiming to end a 58-year wait for a Test win at this venue. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires on July 5 during his five‑nation tour’s third leg. Argentine President Javier Milei warmly welcomed him, with both leaders sharing a hug outside the presidential palace and engaging in delegation‑level talks. Modi paused to pay tribute at the San Martín Memorial and met enthusiastic Indian diaspora members, who greeted him with traditional dance and chants of “Modi‑Modi” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Rio (July 6–7), Brazil is planning a cultural reception featuring a devotional performance of “Jai Jagadamba Maa Durga” by a Brazilian music ensemble. Modi’s agenda focuses on enhancing cooperation in defence, agriculture, energy, trade, and cultural ties with Argentina. (PC: X/Narendra Modi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on an official two‑day visit to Argentina (July 4–5), is the first Indian PM in 57 years after Indira Gandhi. Received with a grand welcome in Buenos Aires, Modi paid homage to General José de San Martín and held wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei. The agenda focused on expanding cooperation in energy (notably shale gas, oil, uranium), critical minerals (lithium, copper, rare earths), agriculture, defence, pharmaceuticals, space (ISRO collaboration) and trade. Modi championed India’s Drone Didi initiative, NavIC satellite use, and sought improved market access for Indian medicines. Both leaders also discussed enhancing the India‑MERCOSUR PTA and boosting bilateral investment.

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated Pakistan would support extraditing “individuals of concern” to India such as LeT leader Hafiz Saeed and JeM chief Masood Azhar but only within a framework of comprehensive, cooperative dialogue. He emphasised that convictions must be based on properly presented court evidence, including witness testimony from India. Saeed is currently serving a 33‑year sentence for terror financing in Pakistan, and Azhar is widely believed to be in Afghanistan. Bilawal criticised what he called India’s “new abnormal” approach associating terrorist attacks with war warning this raises the risk of conflict between the two nuclear-armed rivals. (PC: Reuters)

Nehal Deepak Modi, brother of fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi, was arrested in the United States on July 5 following an extradition request from India’s CBI and ED linked to the massive ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud. He faces charges including money laundering under the PMLA and criminal conspiracy for aiding fund transfers via shell companies and destroying evidence, such as gold and cash from Dubai . Born in Belgium, he’s currently detained ahead of a US court hearing on July 17, where bail may be opposed by prosecutors. (PC: NDTV)

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Buenos Aires on July 4 for a landmark two-day bilateral visit—the first by an Indian PM since 1967 . He was greeted with a ceremonial welcome at Ezeiza Airport and will meet President Javier Milei to deepen ties across defence, agriculture, mining, oil & gas, renewable energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment . Argentina, rich in strategic minerals like lithium and shale reserves, is key to India's clean-energy ambitions—bilateral cooperation expected to expand in critical minerals and energy security . This marks the third leg of Modi’s five-nation tour following visits to Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago, ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil. (PC: ANI)    

Indian Army Deputy Chief Lt Gen Rahul R Singh stated that during Operation Sindoor, China leveraged Pakistan to test its weaponry in a “live lab,” providing 81% of Pakistan’s military hardware, including drones obtained via Turkey . He explained that Pakistan received real-time intelligence from China, even during ceasefire talks . Highlighting strategic cooperation, Lt Gen Singh noted China prefers to “kill by a borrowed knife,” avoiding direct conflict with India on its northern frontier . The remarks followed India’s May 7 strikes responding to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. (PC: PTI)  

A 21‑year‑old Indian‑origin man, identified as Ishaan Sharma, was arrested after allegedly launching an unprovoked attack on a fellow passenger aboard Frontier Airlines Flight from Philadelphia to Miami on June 30 . A passenger video shows Sharma physically grabbing and choking Keanu Evans mid‑flight, while muttering ominous threats like, “You puny, mortal man…” . Sharma suffered a black eye and eyebrow cut; Evans had minor scratches . After landing, Sharma was charged with battery, held on $500 bond, and ordered to stay away from Evans, his school, and workplace . His lawyer claims misconduct stemmed from meditation practices, a plea the judge dismissed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Trinidad & Tobago, the first Indian PM since 2009 announced that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be issued up to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora there. With over 40% of the nation’s 1.36 million people of Indian origin, Modi emphasized deep cultural and historical bonds, urging descendants to “visit the villages of your ancestors”. He also praised the diaspora’s successes from political leaders to artists and commended Trinidad & Tobago’s adoption of India’s UPI system, promising digital transactions “faster than West Indies bowling”. (PC: X)

India’s Deputy Army Chief Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai has spotlighted a growing “Pakistan–China nexus” during Operation Sindoor, underlining China’s deep military backing for Islamabad. He noted the use of Chinese-made weaponry—J‑10C fighter jets, PL‑15 missiles, HQ‑9 air‑defence systems and UCAVs—during Pakistan’s response to India’s precision strikes on terror camps post‑Pahalgam attack. While Chinese military aid boosted Pakistan’s capabilities, Indian forces effectively bypassed these defences using BrahMos missiles and indigenous systems. China has vehemently denied transporting arms via Y‑20 cargo planes or its jets' involvement. Meanwhile, Pakistan confirmed ongoing intelligence cooperation with China. The exchange underscores escalating regional tensions and the strategic implications of Beijing’s defence partnership with Islamabad.