China strongly objected after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and Indian ministers attended celebrations in Dharamshala. “India should fully appreciate the great sensitivity of Xizang-related issues,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. She called the Dalai Lama a “political exile” trying to separate Tibet from China under the “guise of religion.” PM Modi had posted, “His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths.” China also criticised the Dalai Lama’s announcement about his reincarnation. It warned India not to “interfere in China’s internal affairs” and to honour past commitments on Tibet. (PC: PTI)

Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former transport minister, died by suicide on Monday, just hours after President Vladimir Putin removed him from his post. His body was found in a car in a Moscow suburb. No reason was given for his sudden dismissal. Starovoit had served as transport minister for just over a year. Before that, he was the governor of Kursk. His removal followed recent travel disruptions and drone attacks in Russia. Reports also link his downfall to past corruption cases in Kursk. Andrei Nikitin has been named as the new acting minister. The Kremlin said he is fit for the role. (PC: Reuters)

At least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, have died after flash floods swept through the region, bringing the statewide death toll to 82. The Christian girls’ camp was devastated over the Fourth of July weekend as floodwaters surged through the Guadalupe River. Amid tragedy, two girls were miraculously found alive in Kendall County, clinging to a tree 27 feet above ground for over 24 hours. “It gives us hope,” said rescuer Cord Shiflet. Rescue operations continue, with 41 still missing. President Trump declared a major disaster and plans to visit the affected area Friday. (PC: HT)

Top intelligence sources reveal the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is quietly exploring alternatives to President Xi Jinping due to growing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Xi's ideological rigidity, economic mismanagement, and aggressive international posturing have alarmed CCP veterans seeking institutional reform over centralised control. His crackdown on dissent, constant surveillance, and removal of key aides like Li Shangfu and Qin Gang have further fueled internal unrest. While Xi remains in formal command, insiders now view his governance as a liability to China’s long-term stability. Senior CCP factions reportedly believe his hardline model no longer serves China’s political or global interests. (PC: News18)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla is excelling aboard the International Space Station during the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). He’s leading India’s experiments on muscle atrophy, microalgae cultivation, and wireless acoustics. Shukla redeployed a culture bag for the Space Micro Algae project and collected samples for the myogenesis study, aiding future Mars missions. He also contributed to cardiovascular scans and acoustic monitoring. Shukla’s role supports real-time AI-driven health tracking and long-term sustainability in space. Axiom released new images of Shukla smiling in zero gravity. “He’s loving it up there,” said ISRO sources after his call with ISRO Chief S Somanath. (PC: X)

India captain Shubman Gill delivered a historic performance at Edgbaston, scoring 269 and 161 in two innings to total 430 runs — the most by any Indian in a single Test match. He led India to a 336-run victory over England, levelling the five-Test series 1-1. Gill surpassed Virat Kohli’s 254, Sachin Tendulkar’s 241, and even edged past Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar in key records. His aggregate is second only to Graham Gooch's 456 in Test history. Gill’s total of 585 runs in the first two Tests is the highest for an Indian captain after two matches. (PC: BCCI )

The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed Turkish firm Celebi Aviation’s plea challenging the revocation of its security clearance at Indian airports. The Centre cited national security concerns, following public calls to ban Turkish entities after Turkey’s support to Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor. Celebi, handling 70% of Mumbai airport's ground operations, called the decision “arbitrary” and warned of job losses and service disruption. The government maintained it acted in national interest. Minister Murlidhar Mohol stated the clearance was revoked following “serious concerns.” Celebi is partly owned by Turkish President Erdogan’s daughter, whose husband produces drones used by Pakistan. (PC: News18)

Wimbledon 2025 Enters Its Thrilling Second Week, With Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, And Iga Swiatek Leading The Day 8 Centre Court Action. Djokovic Faces Alex De Minaur As He Chases An Eighth Wimbledon Crown. World No.1 Sinner Meets Former Semi-Finalist Grigor Dimitrov, While Swiatek Battles Denmark’s Clara Tauson On No.1 Court. Teen Stars Mirra Andreeva And Emma Navarro Also Clash In A Key Women’s Singles Match. In Doubles, India’s Yuki Bhambri And Robert Galloway Take On Fourth Seeds Marcel Granollers And Horacio Zeballos For A Quarter-Final Spot. Veteran Marin Cilic And American Ben Shelton Also Headline Key Matches Across Outer Courts. (PC: India Today)

A video of an England fan serenading India’s Akash Deep outside Edgbaston has gone viral, as the pacer’s 10-wicket haul helped India crush England by 336 runs in the 2nd Test and level the series 1-1. The fan sang a spoof of The Beatles’ “Let It Be,” replacing the lyrics with “Akash Deep, Akash Deep, Bowling England Out, Akash Deep.” The gesture won hearts online. Akash Deep dedicated his stellar performance to his sister, who is battling cancer, saying, “Her picture came to mind every time I held the ball.” His strategic bowling dismantled Joe Root and Harry Brook with precision.

At least 81 people, including 28 children, have died and 41 remain missing after devastating flash floods hit central Texas, with Kerr County the worst affected. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes early Friday, swamping Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp. Among the dead is the camp’s longtime director. Rescue operations, hindered by debris and venomous snakes, have turned toward recovery as more storms loom. President Donald Trump has declared a federal emergency, and Governor Greg Abbott vowed relentless efforts to locate the missing. Pope Leo XIV also offered prayers for grieving families during a Sunday address in Rome. (PC: BBC)