Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to remain in office despite his coalition losing its majority in the upper house to right-wing populists. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito secured just 47 of 125 seats. Voters punished Ishiba over rising prices and the looming threat of US tariffs. The far-right Sanseito gained 14 seats, reflecting growing frustration. Ishiba called the result “harsh” but said Japan needs stability for trade talks with Donald Trump. His position weakens as Japan faces a crucial August 1 tariff deadline. Past PMs have quit after similar defeats, but Ishiba refuses to resign. (PC: News18)

The INDIA bloc will target the Centre during the monsoon session over the Pahalgam terror attack, Donald Trump’s ceasefire claims on India-Pakistan, and alleged voter suppression in Bihar. At a meeting of 24 opposition parties, leaders demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi address these issues in Parliament. Restoration of J&K’s statehood, ‘One Nation, One Poll’, and rising crimes against minorities are also on their agenda. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to brief Parliament on Operation Sindoor. The government signaled readiness to discuss Trump’s claims but Modi is unlikely to speak directly on these matters, sources said. (PC: HT)

India suffered fresh injury blows ahead of the 4th Test against England in Manchester. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out after suffering a knee ligament injury during a gym session. Seamer Arshdeep Singh has also been ruled out due to a hand injury sustained in training. Akash Deep, who starred in Birmingham, remains doubtful. The injuries further weaken India’s bowling depth, already strained with Rishabh Pant’s injury and workload concerns over Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Anshul Kamboj has been drafted into the squad as cover, though no official announcement has been made yet. (PC: India Today)

Several people were injured in Bohmte, northwestern Germany, after a car veered off the road, hit a 7-year-old boy on a trampoline, and crashed into a barn roof, police said. The boy and the 42-year-old driver’s wife were seriously injured. The driver and three children on board, aged 11, 12, and 13, escaped with minor injuries. The car reportedly collided with a parked vehicle, broke through a hedge, and was launched into the barn roof three meters high. Firefighters, ambulances, and helicopters responded. Authorities used a crane to remove the car. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. (PC: NDTV)

Ukraine’s latest drone offensive forced temporary closures of Moscow’s major airports, disrupting over 140 flights, Russian officials said. More than 230 drones were shot down since Saturday, including 27 over Moscow, according to Russia’s defense ministry. Kaluga International Airport was also briefly closed. Ukrainian strikes targeted Rostov, Bryansk, and Black Sea regions. Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes killed 3 people in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Sumy regions. Ukraine said it downed 18 of 57 Russian drones overnight. Talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain stalled, despite renewed proposals from both sides. President Trump pledged advanced weapons to Ukraine and threatened tariffs on Russia. (PC: BBC)

China has started building a $167.8 billion hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the project, set to become the world’s largest, generating 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually. India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns over potential disruptions to water flow, agriculture, and ecosystem stability. India fears China could use the dam for strategic advantage. The site’s earthquake-prone location adds to safety worries. Despite ongoing talks, tensions persist. China claims the project is environmentally safe. Data-sharing agreements on transboundary rivers between India and China remain in place. (PC: mint)

Tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv have deepened as US officials described Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as a “madman,” criticizing his relentless airstrikes in Gaza and Syria. Axios reported President Donald Trump called Netanyahu after Israel’s strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, demanding an explanation. A US official said, “Bibi bombs everything… this could undermine what Trump is trying to do.” Despite Netanyahu praising Trump during his US visit, skepticism within the White House grows over Israel’s aggression. Officials warned Netanyahu’s actions risk destabilizing US efforts to manage Middle East tensions. Israel has not officially responded. (PC: HT)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that England will host the next three World Test Championship (WTC) finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031. England has already staged all three previous finals, including the 2025 edition at Lord’s where South Africa defeated Australia. The ICC cited England’s “successful track record” despite India’s interest in hosting. England and Wales Cricket Board chief Richard Gould said hosting the finals highlights the country’s love for Test cricket. Nearly 110,000 fans attended the 2025 final. England finished fifth in the 2023-25 cycle, largely due to points deductions for slow over-rates. (PC: X)

Over 41 lakh voters in Bihar risk exclusion from electoral rolls, the Election Commission said, citing deaths, migration, and duplicate registrations. Of these, 14.1 lakh are confirmed dead, 19.7 lakh shifted, and 7.5 lakh are registered at multiple addresses. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav called the revision an assault on democracy, alleging BJP influence. He wrote to 35 opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, seeking support. The EC is conducting door-to-door visits and verifying foreign nationals’ names. The final date to submit forms is July 25. Opposition claims the process is rushed to manipulate voter lists. (PC: NDTV)

At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces while waiting for UN aid trucks in northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN World Food Programme confirmed its convoy came under gunfire after crossing from Israel. Israel’s military claimed it only fired warning shots. Six more people were killed elsewhere seeking aid, with over 150 injured. Reports say Gaza’s hospitals are overwhelmed, with civilians starving. The Israeli military also issued new evacuation orders for Deir al-Balah. Over 58,895 people have died in Gaza since October 2023, the ministry said. (PC: BBC)