Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in Brasilia as Indian and Brazilian performers blended the Shiva Tandava Stotram with vibrant Samba beats. The unique cultural fusion featured Amazonian chants and highlighted spiritual ties between India and Brazil. Padma Shri Jonas Masetti called the moment “deeply moving,” while ICCR director Jyoti Kiran Shukla noted the linguistic and spiritual links. Modi, moved by the warm reception, praised the Indian diaspora’s passion. The welcome followed his productive visit to Rio for the 17th BRICS Summit. Modi is scheduled to meet Brazilian President Lula da Silva to discuss bilateral ties. (PC: NDTV)

China has lodged a protest with India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. Beijing accused the Tibetan spiritual leader of being a “political exile” engaging in “anti-China separatist activities.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned India to “act prudently” and respect China's position on Xizang (Tibet). Modi had praised the Dalai Lama as a symbol of compassion and moral discipline. Union ministers also attended celebrations in Dharamshala. India’s foreign ministry reiterated that it upholds religious freedom and takes no position on matters of faith, including the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Washington is “close to making a deal” with India, even as the US imposed new tariffs on 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Talks between India and the US continue to stall over agricultural and dairy sector access, with New Delhi resisting pressure to open markets to genetically modified crops. India seeks tariff cuts on key exports like garments and footwear. Trump’s remarks come ahead of the August 1 tariff hike deadline. Both nations aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 through a limited tariff-reducing agreement. (PC: NDTV)

Novak Djokovic reached his 16th Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday, defeating Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The Serbian star finally broke what he jokingly called the “Federer curse” — a streak of never winning a match when Roger Federer was in the stands. Federer watched from the Royal Box as Djokovic rallied from a set down. "It’s probably the first time I’ve won with him watching," Djokovic said. The two legends shared a moment of mutual respect, delighting fans. Djokovic will now face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. His win came after a gritty comeback in a match lasting over three hours. (PC: India Today)

The death toll from flash floods in central Texas has surpassed 100, with dozens still missing. Kerr County alone reported 84 deaths, including 28 children. Among the worst-hit was Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and staff died, and 11 remain unaccounted for. Camp co-owner Richard Eastland, 70, died trying to rescue children. The disaster struck on July 4 following heavy overnight storms. Criticism arose over past US government budget cuts to weather services, though officials insist early warnings were issued. More rain is forecast, complicating rescue operations. Calls for flood sirens in Kerr County have intensified after the tragedy. (PC: BBC)

An Indian family of four — Venkat Bejugam, wife Tejaswini Cholleti, and children Siddarth and Mrida — were killed in a fiery car crash in Greene County near Dallas, Texas, on July 6. Their SUV collided head-on with a truck driving on the wrong side. The vehicle caught fire, leaving the bodies charred beyond recognition. The family, residents of Aubrey near Dallas, had just returned from visiting relatives in Atlanta. TEAM Aid is coordinating with the Indian consulate to repatriate the remains. This tragedy follows multiple similar incidents involving Indian families in Texas in recent months. (PC: HT)

Tensions flared in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Tuesday after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers, led by Raj Thackeray, were detained during a protest rally. The rally, held in Mira Bhayander, was in response to a traders’ protest over the assault of a food stall owner who allegedly didn’t speak Marathi. Police had denied permission for the MNS rally, but workers still gathered with plans to march to Mumbai. MNS’s Thane and Palghar chief Avinash Jadhav and others were detained early morning, disrupting the movement. Heavy police deployment caused traffic snarls, bringing parts of Thane to a standstill. (PC: India Today)

At least 91 people have died in Texas after flash floods hit the state on Friday, the White House confirmed. Heavy rain caused rivers to rise quickly, destroying homes and camps. Ten girls from a Christian summer camp are still missing. Camp director Dick Eastland died trying to save children. Rescue teams, including Mexican firefighters, are searching through debris. Over five million people remain under flood watch. Cities like Burnet and Kerrville have reported more deaths. Officials warn bodies may be buried deep in mud. The road to recovery will be long, but help and aid efforts are ongoing. (PC: Sky News)

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were spotted at Wimbledon 2025, watching Novak Djokovic’s Round of 16 match. Djokovic beat Australia’s Alex de Minaur after losing the first set. Kohli praised Djokovic on Instagram, saying, “Business as usual for the gladiator.” The Indian cricketer recently retired from Tests and T20Is and is now in London after winning the IPL with RCB. He congratulated Team India for their Edgbaston win, praising captain Shubman Gill and bowlers Siraj and Akash. Kohli will next play in India’s ODI series against Australia in October, continuing his career in the 50-over format. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has announced 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, calling their trade ties with the US “far from reciprocal.” In letters sent Monday, Trump warned, “If policy changes are not made, tariffs will apply from August 1.” He said the US is ready to “modify levies downwards” if both nations adjust their trade policies. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded, “I won’t easily compromise.” Trump had earlier warned countries aligning with “anti-American policies” of more tariffs. Talks are ongoing, but few deals have been reached so far, with time running out before deadlines. (PC: Reuters)