Russia unleashed an unprecedented aerial onslaught on Kyiv late July 3 into July 4, deploying about 550 drones and missiles, including 539 Shahed drones and 11 missiles . The seven‑hour bombardment, the largest since the war’s start, injured at least 23 civilians, hospitalized 14, and killed one . Strikes triggered major fires and damaged residential buildings, a school, a medical facility, rail infrastructure, and metro shelters . Metro stations served as emergency bunkers amid continuous air‑raid alerts . President Zelensky condemned the attack as “deliberately massive and cynical,” noting its timing came hours after a Trump–Putin phone call.  

In a historic diplomatic shift, Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban-led "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. The announcement came on July 3, 2025, marking a major departure from the global stance since the Taliban seized power in 2021. Russia had earlier removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations in April. The Kremlin has now accepted the Taliban’s ambassador and is looking to deepen economic, trade, and regional security cooperation. Taliban officials welcomed the move, calling it a model for broader international recognition. (PC: CNN)  

Two Israeli missiles struck northern Tehran’s Tajrish district on June 15 during a 12-day Iran–Israel conflict, targeting senior military figures but killing 17 civilians—children, a pregnant woman—and wounding 46, hurling cars into the air and damaging a mosque and water main . Footage reveals massive destruction and debris raining over ordinary citizens. Iran condemns the strikes as war crimes and has suspended cooperation with IAEA inspectors amid escalating nuclear tensions . The episode underscores that despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Tehran–Tel Aviv hostilities continue to ripple into civilian life and global nuclear diplomacy.  

China’s commerce ministry has confirmed that the U.S. eased several export curbs such as lifts on restrictions for chip‑design software, ethane, and jet engines under the “hard‑won” London framework from June’s trade talks. Beijing has begun reviewing export licence applications for controlled items. While both sides are working “swiftly” to implement agreements, China cautioned Washington against “blackmail and coercion” and urged correction of “erroneous practices.” The move comes amid efforts to de‑escalate after retaliatory trade measures and tariffs. The timing is critical, with a July 9 deadline approaching and the broader objective of sustaining the 90‑day tariff pause and stabilizing economic ties. (PC: CNN & YouTube)

President Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” now headed to his desk after narrow congressional passage, cements the 2017 tax cuts, restores business write-offs, raises the SALT deduction cap to $40k, and introduces temporary tip/overtime exemptions. It boosts funding for border control and defense while slashing Medicaid, SNAP, affordable‑care subsidies, clean‑energy credits, and EV incentives. Wealthy individuals, corporations, and certain workers gain, but low‑income Americans, hospitals, clean‑energy firms, and future generations notably younger people stand to lose, facing up to 11 million more uninsured and a $3+ trillion debt spike. Critics frame it as a regressive transfer of wealth that could undermine climate goals and fiscal stability. (PC: The White House)

Russia has officially become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan by accepting Ambassador credentials from Gul Hassan Hassan and removing the group from its banned list . The Russian Foreign Ministry hailed the move as initiating “productive bilateral cooperation” across trade, security, counter‑terrorism, drugs, energy and infrastructure sectors . Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described it as a “courageous step” that could set a global precedent . Observers note this landmark recognition heightens the Taliban’s international legitimacy—although global human rights concerns, particularly women’s education and mobility restrictions, continue to strain wider acceptance. (PC: Reuters)

The US Congress has passed President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in a narrow 218–214 House vote, delivering a major legislative win in his second term. The 800-page bill enshrines permanent 2017 tax cuts, introduces new tax breaks, and funds his immigration crackdown. Despite internal GOP divisions—two Republicans voted against it—and total Democratic opposition, GOP leaders secured support after overnight lobbying. The White House confirmed Trump will sign the bill Friday at 5 pm. Though seen as a landmark conservative win, Democrats are expected to campaign hard against the bill in the 2026 midterms. (PC: India Today)

Dr Marwan Sultan, director of Gaza's Indonesian Hospital, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his Gaza City home, along with several family members, according to relatives. The strike reportedly hit only his room, with daughter Lubna al-Sultan stating he “was not affiliated with any movement.” The IDF claimed to have targeted a Hamas “key terrorist” and said civilian harm is being reviewed. At least 139 Palestinians were killed across Gaza in 24 hours. A strike on a “safe zone” in al-Mawasi also killed 5, including children. The UN reports no functioning hospitals remain in north Gaza amid ongoing Israeli strikes. (PC: BBC)

Novak Djokovic stormed into the third round of Wimbledon 2025 with a dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 win over Dan Evans, marking his 99th career victory at the tournament. The 24-time Grand Slam champion set a new Open Era record with his 19th third-round appearance at SW19. Djokovic converted 6 of 16 break points and hit 46 winners in just 74 minutes. “Wimbledon remains the most special tournament in my heart,” he said. Djokovic next faces compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic. Meanwhile, Mirra Andreeva, Alex de Minaur, and Elena Rybakina also advanced to the third round with impressive Round 2 performances. (PC:India Today)

Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota tragically died in a car crash in Spain’s Zamora province, along with his brother, Andre Silva. The 28-year-old was en route to board a ferry back to England after minor surgery. Jota, who married just 11 days ago, was remembered by Liverpool as “irreplaceable.” Manager Arne Slot called him “the essence of a Liverpool player.” Cristiano Ronaldo and Jurgen Klopp led emotional tributes, with Ronaldo writing, “It doesn’t make sense.” Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and 14 goals in 49 internationals for Portugal. The football world is in mourning. (PC: BBC)