Roman Starovoit, recently dismissed as Russia’s transport minister by President Vladimir Putin, was found dead from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. His body was discovered hours after his dismissal on Monday. Starovoit had earlier served as governor of the Kursk region, parts of which were seized by Ukrainian forces in 2024. Moscow only recently reclaimed most of the territory, though Kyiv says it still holds ground. Russian outlet Kommersant reported Starovoit was facing charges linked to border fortification fund embezzlement. His successor, Aleksey Smirnov, was previously arrested in the same case. Investigations into the death are ongoing. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in Brasilia as Indian and Brazilian performers blended the Shiva Tandava Stotram with vibrant Samba beats. The unique cultural fusion featured Amazonian chants and highlighted spiritual ties between India and Brazil. Padma Shri Jonas Masetti called the moment “deeply moving,” while ICCR director Jyoti Kiran Shukla noted the linguistic and spiritual links. Modi, moved by the warm reception, praised the Indian diaspora’s passion. The welcome followed his productive visit to Rio for the 17th BRICS Summit. Modi is scheduled to meet Brazilian President Lula da Silva to discuss bilateral ties. (PC: NDTV)

At least 91 people have died in Texas after flash floods hit the state on Friday, the White House confirmed. Heavy rain caused rivers to rise quickly, destroying homes and camps. Ten girls from a Christian summer camp are still missing. Camp director Dick Eastland died trying to save children. Rescue teams, including Mexican firefighters, are searching through debris. Over five million people remain under flood watch. Cities like Burnet and Kerrville have reported more deaths. Officials warn bodies may be buried deep in mud. The road to recovery will be long, but help and aid efforts are ongoing. (PC: Sky News)

US President Donald Trump has announced 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, calling their trade ties with the US “far from reciprocal.” In letters sent Monday, Trump warned, “If policy changes are not made, tariffs will apply from August 1.” He said the US is ready to “modify levies downwards” if both nations adjust their trade policies. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded, “I won’t easily compromise.” Trump had earlier warned countries aligning with “anti-American policies” of more tariffs. Talks are ongoing, but few deals have been reached so far, with time running out before deadlines. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has eased his threat of a 10% tariff on BRICS nations. He said the tariff will apply only if countries follow “anti-American” policies. India and Indonesia are now working on trade deals with the US before the July 9 deadline. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Sunday night. A source said, “If policy decisions are made that are anti-American, then the tariff will be charged.” BRICS members have denied being against the US. India sees this as a relief, as it may avoid higher duties if talks go well before the deadline. (PC: India Today)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has claimed that Israel tried to assassinate him during the recent 12-day war. In an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, he said, “They did try, yes. They acted accordingly, but they failed.” Pezeshkian added that he was in a meeting when the targeted strike happened. “It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel,” he said. The war began on June 13, killing over 900 in Iran and 28 in Israel. Pezeshkian said Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks, but only “if trust is rebuilt.” (PC: Reuters)

At least 75 people have died in Kerr County, Texas, after sudden flash floods hit on Friday. The Guadalupe River rose over 26 feet in less than an hour. Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp, lost 27 girls and staff. More than 80 deaths are confirmed so far, and many people are still missing. Search efforts continue, but phone signals are poor. Some families report scammers asking for money, claiming to have their children. US President Donald Trump has signed a disaster declaration. More rain is expected in the next two days, with flood alerts still active until Monday night. (PC: Reuters)

Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former transport minister, died by suicide on Monday, just hours after President Vladimir Putin removed him from his post. His body was found in a car in a Moscow suburb. No reason was given for his sudden dismissal. Starovoit had served as transport minister for just over a year. Before that, he was the governor of Kursk. His removal followed recent travel disruptions and drone attacks in Russia. Reports also link his downfall to past corruption cases in Kursk. Andrei Nikitin has been named as the new acting minister. The Kremlin said he is fit for the role. (PC: Reuters)

At least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, have died after flash floods swept through the region, bringing the statewide death toll to 82. The Christian girls’ camp was devastated over the Fourth of July weekend as floodwaters surged through the Guadalupe River. Amid tragedy, two girls were miraculously found alive in Kendall County, clinging to a tree 27 feet above ground for over 24 hours. “It gives us hope,” said rescuer Cord Shiflet. Rescue operations continue, with 41 still missing. President Trump declared a major disaster and plans to visit the affected area Friday. (PC: HT)

Top intelligence sources reveal the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is quietly exploring alternatives to President Xi Jinping due to growing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Xi's ideological rigidity, economic mismanagement, and aggressive international posturing have alarmed CCP veterans seeking institutional reform over centralised control. His crackdown on dissent, constant surveillance, and removal of key aides like Li Shangfu and Qin Gang have further fueled internal unrest. While Xi remains in formal command, insiders now view his governance as a liability to China’s long-term stability. Senior CCP factions reportedly believe his hardline model no longer serves China’s political or global interests. (PC: News18)