Shubman Gill delivered a historic performance in the 2nd Test against England at Edgbaston, scoring 269 runs off 387 balls. His innings included 30 fours and 3 sixes and helped India post 587 in the first innings. Gill broke 13 records, including the highest individual Test score by an Indian in SENA countries, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 241. He also broke Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian Test captain. At 25, Gill became the second-youngest Indian captain to hit a double century and the first Asian captain to score a double ton in SENA nations. (PC: BCCI)

In an hour-long call with Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would not abandon its objectives in Ukraine but remains open to negotiations, the Kremlin said on Thursday. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed Putin emphasized achieving the "root causes" of the conflict. The call followed the Trump administration's pause on transferring key weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot systems and 155mm shells, citing low US stockpiles. Putin also urged diplomatic solutions for tensions in Iran and the Middle East. Despite Trump's pledge to end the Ukraine war, Putin has rejected direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (PC: HT)

Major General Mikhail Gudkov, deputy head of the Russian Navy, was killed during “combat work” in Russia’s western Kursk region near the Ukraine border, Russia’s defence ministry confirmed. Appointed in March by President Putin, Gudkov died alongside 10 others, reportedly in a Ukrainian missile strike near Korenevo, about 30 km from Ukraine’s Sumy region. Gudkov, who once led the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, was a decorated officer honoured with the Hero of Russia medal. Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility. Simultaneously, strikes in Odesa and Poltava killed 4 and injured dozens, amid ongoing cross-border escalations. (PC: Reuters)

A deadly drive-by shooting in Chicago’s River North neighborhood late Wednesday left 4 people dead and at least 14 injured, police confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred outside a restaurant and lounge hosting a rapper’s album release party. A vehicle reportedly drove up and someone inside opened fire on the crowd before fleeing the scene. Three of the injured are in critical condition. Emergency services from Northwestern Medicine are treating multiple victims. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues into one of the city’s deadliest shootings this year. (PC: News18)

India and Pakistan may face off in hockey for the first time since Operation Sindoor, with the Asia Cup scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7. Despite strained relations following April’s Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent military action, Pakistan’s hockey team has received clearance from India’s Home and External Affairs Ministries. "Pakistan is more than willing to come," a Hockey India source confirmed. Officials stressed that international tournaments differ from bilateral series and must go ahead. The Asia Cup could mark the first sporting engagement between the two nations since ties deteriorated in May 2025. (PC: NDTV)

A drive-by shooting in Chicago’s River North area late Wednesday left four people dead and 14 others injured. The gunfire broke out outside a lounge that had just hosted a rapper’s album launch. A car pulled up, someone inside opened fire, and the vehicle sped away, police said. Three of the injured are in critical condition. No arrests have been made so far. Victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Police are still investigating the case. Hospital officials confirmed they were treating multiple people but did not share details about their conditions. The shooter is still at large. (PC: Representative)

Sean “Diddy” Combs was found not guilty of sex trafficking and running a criminal group by a New York jury. The rapper fell to his knees in court after hearing the verdict. He was, however, found guilty on two smaller charges of transporting people for prostitution. His family and lawyers showed strong emotions in court. Diddy’s lawyers asked for his release, but Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail. He will remain in jail until sentencing later this year. Outside court, crowds shouted “Free Diddy.” He has been in jail since September. The case drew huge public attention and media coverage. (PC: Reuters/Jane Rosenberg)

A ferry, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles (including 14 trucks) sank off Bali’s Gilimanuk coast on July 2, around 30 minutes after departing Ketapang, East Java. Two bodies have been recovered and approximately 20–23 people rescued—many unconscious after drifting in 2‑metre waves. Authorities confirm at least four fatalities, with 38–43 still missing. Search operations involve nine vessels, including tugs and inflatables, battling harsh sea conditions. Indonesian maritime safety concerns have been raised as ferry transport remains vital across the archipelago. Rescue efforts continue under urgent circumstances. (PC: The Economic Times)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by President John Dramani Mahama during his historic visit—the first by an Indian PM in over 30 years. Recognised for his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” Modi accepted the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, dedicating it to India’s youth, cultural diversity, and the deep-rooted bonds with Ghana . He announced new initiatives: doubling ITEC and ICCR scholarships, setting up a Skill Development Centre, and supporting Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme. India also pledged enhanced cooperation across agriculture, healthcare, defence, digital payments (UPI), vaccine production, and aims to double bilateral trade in five years. (PC: DPR PMO)

US rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transporting people for prostitution, but not guilty of sex trafficking or other serious crimes. A New York court heard claims that he forced his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and others into sex acts. Cassie said she was abused and made to take part in “freak off” parties. Diddy’s lawyers said the sex was agreed to by all. He now faces up to 20 years in jail. Diddy thanked the jury after being cleared of the more serious charges. Cassie’s lawyer said her bravery helped expose the truth in the music industry. (PC: AP)