World No.1 Magnus Carlsen surged to the top at the SuperUnited Croatia Rapid and Blitz tournament after defeating world champion D Gukesh in blitz. Gukesh, who had earlier stunned Carlsen in the rapid segment, suffered five consecutive blitz losses, including one to fellow Indian Praggnanandhaa, finishing with just 2/9 on day one. In contrast, Carlsen delivered a dominant 7.5/9 performance, calling his game against Gukesh “old man’s chess” but effective. Nine more blitz rounds remain on Sunday. Despite Garry Kasparov’s recent praise, Gukesh admitted he has “a long way to go” and remains focused on improvement. (PC: HT)

Novak Djokovic marked his 100th career victory at Wimbledon with a dominant straight-sets win over fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic, advancing to the fourth round of the 2025 tournament. The 38-year-old, eyeing a record 25th Grand Slam title, won 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 in under two hours. Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, now joins Roger Federer and Martina Navratilova as the only players with 100 or more wins at the All England Club. Cheered on by his children, Djokovic said he feels “blessed” to make history at his favorite tournament and aims to defeat top seeds Sinner and Alcaraz next week. (PC: News18)

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)

The Supreme Court has formally requested the Union government to ensure the immediate vacation of Bungalow No. 5 on Krishna Menon Marg, currently occupied by former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. He retired in November 2024 but continued residing in the Type VIII accommodation beyond the permitted period. Though permission was granted to stay until April 30, 2025, he remains there over two months later. Rule 3B allows only Type VII housing for six months post-retirement. Successor CJIs Sanjiv Khanna and Bhushan R Gavai declined to shift into the official residence, prompting the administration to reclaim the property. (PC: News18)

India's 14-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi broke the record for the fastest century in Men’s Youth ODIs, reaching the milestone in just 52 balls during the fourth U-19 ODI against England in Worcester. He surpassed Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam’s 53-ball record. Suryavanshi scored 143 off 78 balls, hitting 13 fours and 10 sixes. The young left-hander had already made headlines with a 35-ball IPL century earlier this year. In this five-match series, he also recorded a 20-ball half-century—India’s second-fastest in Youth ODIs. With previous scores of 48, 45, and 86, Suryavanshi has been the standout performer in the series. 

At least 51 people, including 15 children, have died in catastrophic floods in Texas’s Hill Country after a sudden storm dumped 15 inches of rain, causing rivers to rise over 29 feet. Over 850 people have been rescued, while many, including 27 girls from Camp Mystic, remain missing. Critics blame the Trump administration’s job cuts at NOAA for delayed warnings, as the National Weather Service had only issued a “moderate” flood watch. Governor Greg Abbott requested federal disaster aid, which Trump reportedly plans to approve. Former NOAA chief Rick Spinrad warned understaffed offices could hinder accurate weather forecasting nationwide.

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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires on July 5 during his five‑nation tour’s third leg. Argentine President Javier Milei warmly welcomed him, with both leaders sharing a hug outside the presidential palace and engaging in delegation‑level talks. Modi paused to pay tribute at the San Martín Memorial and met enthusiastic Indian diaspora members, who greeted him with traditional dance and chants of “Modi‑Modi” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Rio (July 6–7), Brazil is planning a cultural reception featuring a devotional performance of “Jai Jagadamba Maa Durga” by a Brazilian music ensemble. Modi’s agenda focuses on enhancing cooperation in defence, agriculture, energy, trade, and cultural ties with Argentina. (PC: X/Narendra Modi)