Former England cricketer David Lloyd hailed Shubman Gill as the rightful successor to Virat Kohli, declaring, “The King is dead, long live the King.” Writing in the Daily Mail, Lloyd praised Gill’s historic performance in the ongoing Test series against England, where he smashed 161 at near run-a-ball pace and broke several of Kohli’s records. Lloyd also praised Rishabh Pant for taking India to the "next level" post-Dhoni. With 585 runs in four innings, Gill is just eight short of Kohli’s highest tally in England. Lloyd questioned India’s decision to bench Kuldeep Yadav for Washington Sundar on a turning Edgbaston pitch. (PC: News18)

A White House insider has labeled President Donald Trump’s tariff threats a “theatrical show,” claiming there’s no real deadline or seriousness behind the announcements. The anonymous source told Politico that the tariff talks are “all fake,” driven by Trump’s belief that trade conflict is the most engaging part of his presidency. On Friday, Trump said he signed letters to 12 countries warning of tariffs up to 70%, set to begin August 1. While country names remain undisclosed, Indian officials suspect India is among them, citing failed trade talks. Trump described the offers as “take it or leave it” propositions. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a four-day visit to attend the 17th BRICS Summit and hold bilateral talks. Welcomed with cultural performances and cheers from the Indian diaspora, Modi is expected to meet several world leaders. This is the fourth leg of his five-nation tour, after visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. He will travel to Brasília for a state visit on President Lula’s invitation—the first by an Indian PM in nearly 60 years. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to BRICS as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies striving for a balanced world order. (PC: The Hindu)

Palestine Action was officially declared a terrorist organisation in the UK at midnight on July 5, following overwhelming parliamentary approval. Hours later, police arrested 29 protesters in London’s Parliament Square under the Terrorism Act 2000. Expressing support for the group, now banned alongside ISIS and al Qaeda, is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Even wearing its T-shirt or badge risks a six-month sentence. The protest, organised by Defend Our Juries, included placards opposing genocide and calling for Palestinian freedom. Among those removed was 83-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt. A judicial review challenge is set for July 21. (PC: Sky News)

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)