Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared publicly for the first time in months during an Ashura ceremony in Tehran, ending speculation over his absence during a 12-day conflict with Israel. State TV showed Khamenei entering a hall amid chants, dressed in black, participating in the Shi’ite religious observance. His absence followed Israeli airstrikes that killed key Iranian military and nuclear leaders, raising questions about his location and health. Officials said safety concerns prompted pre-recorded speeches. Khamenei’s reappearance is seen as a move to project strength amid rising regional tensions and fears of further escalation with Israel. (PC: India Today)

As he turned 90, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his commitment to defy China’s authority over Tibetan Buddhism, declaring he would reincarnate independently as the next spiritual leader. Celebrations in Dharamshala included performances, global followers, Indian ministers, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere. The Nobel laureate said his reincarnation will be recognized solely by the Gaden Phodrang Trust. China insists it must approve any successor. Exiled in India since 1959, the Dalai Lama continues to advocate for Tibetan autonomy. The U.S. has urged China to end its interference in Tibetan religious affairs, supporting the Dalai Lama’s right to determine his succession. (PC: X)

At least 43 people, including 15 children, have died in devastating flash floods in central Texas, with 27 girls still missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp on the Guadalupe River. Governor Greg Abbott signed an expanded disaster declaration as rescue operations intensify. President Trump confirmed federal assistance, including Coast Guard deployment. Survivors recount harrowing escapes; over 850 people have been rescued. Many residents, like Anthony and the Rojas family, lost homes and loved ones. Forecasts warn of more rain through the weekend. Officials insist it remains a rescue mission as hopes persist for those still missing. (PC: BBC)

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has launched the 'America Party' in the United States, aiming to “give back freedom” to citizens after a public fallout with President Donald Trump. Announced on his platform X, Musk criticised both Republicans and Democrats for operating as a “uniparty,” enabling waste and corruption. Citing a poll where 65.4% supported the idea, Musk declared, “You shall have it!” He likened his strategy to Epaminondas’s military tactics, vowing focused political disruption. The move follows Musk's exit from the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency and his opposition to Trump’s USD 3.3 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill.” (PC: India Today)

A powerful eruption occurred on Mount Shinmoedake in Kyūshū, Japan, on July 2, following a June 27 alert after seismic swelling and gas spikes. The ash plume blanketed Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) urged residents within 2 miles to shelter indoors due to rock and pyroclastic risks. This activity followed a 5.5‑magnitude earthquake near the Tokara Islands on July 1, reigniting public attention to the 2025 “mega‑disaster” prophecy by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki dubbed Japan’s modern‑day Baba Vanga. Though the JMA and scientists stress that precise quake forecasting is impossible, the eerie sequence is fueling widespread anxiety and testing public trust in science. (PC: The Economic Times & AFP)

Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on July 5, expressed deep frustration after his call with Vladimir Putin, accusing the Russian president of wanting to “keep killing people” in Ukraine. He confirmed Putin was warned that new U.S. sanctions may arrive. Trump later held a “strategic” call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing the urgent need for Patriot missile defence systems. He also spoke with Germany’s Chancellor Merz about bolstering Ukraine’s air defences and hinted at potential Patriot missile deliveries. The push comes amid Russia’s largest-ever drone and missile assault on Kyiv, increasing pressure on Western allies to reinforce Kyiv’s defences. (PC: Rolling Stone & DD News)

On July 4, President Trump oversaw a dramatic Independence Day ceremony at the White House, featuring a flyover by two B‑2 Spirit bombers—recently involved in strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—flanked by F‑22 and F‑35 fighters . From the Truman Balcony, he signed his mammoth tax-and-spending “One Big Beautiful Bill,” framing it as fulfillment of campaign promises . Trump boasted of booming stock markets, job growth, and record-low illegal border crossings. Critics warned cuts to Medicaid and SNAP could jeopardize millions’ health and food security. Military families and pilots from “Operation Midnight Hammer” were honored at the event.  

At a Brussels meeting on July 4, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told EU foreign policy chief that Beijing “cannot accept a Russian loss in the war in Ukraine,” arguing it would allow the U.S. to shift its focus to Asia . While China officially claims neutrality, EU officials accuse Chinese firms of supplying key components—such as drone parts—to the Russian military . This candid stance has heightened EU concerns ahead of the next China‑EU summit, with discussions set to cover cybersecurity, Taiwan, trade imbalances, and weapons exports. (PC: The Telegraph)

President Trump signed the $4.5 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, 2025, at 4 pm ET, making permanent most 2017 tax cuts and introducing new deductions for tips, overtime, SALT, and seniors . However, deep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, clean energy incentives, and student loan protections are also included . Tax benefits like tip–overtime deductions start in 2025 filings, while Medicaid work requirements and SNAP changes phase in by 2026–2028 . Critics warn the law favors the wealthy, hikes deficits by ~$3 trillion, removes clean‑energy support, and may strip health coverage from millions. (PC: Reuters)  

IAEA inspectors have departed Tehran following Iran’s government suspending cooperation, a direct response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities during a 12‑day conflict from June 13–24, 2025 . Iran’s parliament passed legislation and President Pezeshkian signed it on July 2, requiring the suspension until Tehran’s nuclear sites and scientists are deemed secure . Inspectors reportedly exited via Armenia back to Vienna, with some possibly remaining temporarily . IAEA chief Grossi emphasized urgency in resuming verification efforts amid uncertainty over Iran’s stockpile of near‑bomb‑grade uranium. (PC: AP)