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)

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)