Heavy moonsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh, resulting in 69 deaths and an estimated ₹700 crore in damages. The state has been battered by intense rainfall since late June, triggering 29 landslides and 72 flash floods across districts including Mandi, Shimla, Chamba, and Kullu. Several houses were swept away, roads and bridges destroyed, and power and water supply systems disrupted. Over 100 people are injured, and rescue operations by NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities are underway. The IMD has issued a continued heavy rain alert till July 7, urging caution in vulnerable areas. (PC: PTI)

Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon campaign concluded in a gripping third-round match on July 4, 2025. The British No. 1 battled valiantly but fell to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7‑6(7‑6), 6‑4 on Centre Court . Raducanu saved seven set points in a marathon first-set tiebreak before leading 4‑1 in the second, only for Sabalenka to reel off five consecutive games . Sabalenka’s victory means she has now reached at least the fourth round in 11 straight women’s Grand Slams—the first to do so since Serena Williams . Sabalenka will face Elise Mertens next. Despite the loss, Raducanu highlighted her progress, while Sabalenka lauded her resilience and denied any upset jitters. (PC: Sky News)

Reigning World Chess Champion D. Gukesh showcased his dominance yet again by winning the Rapid segment of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia. Gukesh displayed exceptional consistency and composure across all rounds, outperforming top global contenders. This victory further strengthens his position as the sport’s rising titan following his historic World Championship win. The young Indian prodigy has been lauded for his strategic brilliance and calm demeanor under pressure. His performance in Zagreb adds to India's growing influence in international chess. (PC: PTI)  

India has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of its intent to impose retaliatory tariffs on select US goods in response to American safeguard duties on Indian auto parts. The US had imposed a 25% tariff on passenger vehicles and components from India starting May 3, 2025, without WTO notification. India says these measures violate GATT 1994 and the WTO’s Safeguards Agreement. The retaliation could affect over $700 million in US imports. While legal under WTO rules, the move comes amid ongoing India-US trade deal talks, suggesting this may be a strategic warning rather than an immediate enforcement step. (PC: NDTV)

For the first time in 148 years, Wimbledon will break its all-white dress code, allowing players to wear black armbands in tribute to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota. Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, on July 3. The brothers’ Lamborghini veered off-road and burst into flames. Authorities suspect a tire blowout during an overtaking attempt. Jota was reportedly heading to Santander for a ferry to England after being advised not to fly post-surgery. Wimbledon’s gesture marks a rare tradition break, as global tributes pour in for the late Portuguese striker. (PC: India Today)

An Israeli airstrike on Al-Baqa Cafe in Gaza City killed a mid-ranking Hamas operative, Hisham Ayman Mansour, but also left at least 40 civilians dead, including 9 women and several children, according to BBC investigations. The popular seaside venue, known for hosting artists, students, and journalists, was crowded when the bomb struck. Witnesses described a "real massacre," with dozens injured and some bodies unidentifiable. The Israel Defense Forces claimed it targeted terrorists and said the incident is under review. The attack has raised questions over proportionality in Israel’s military campaign against Hamas as the war in Gaza continues. (PC: BBC)

India surged ahead in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston as Mohammed Siraj claimed 6 wickets to bowl England out for 407, giving India a commanding 180-run first-innings lead. Siraj struck early on Day 3, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes in successive balls. Akash Deep supported with 4 wickets. Despite England’s collapse to 84/5, Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184*) rescued the innings with a 303-run stand. Their effort helped England avoid the follow-on, but India remain in control. The match now heads into a crucial fourth day, with India eyeing a 2-0 lead in the series. (PC: BCCI)

An Air India flight from Bengaluru to Delhi was delayed on July 4 after the pilot assigned to AI2414 collapsed before take-off. The pilot suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to a local hospital, where he is now reported to be stable but remains under medical supervision. The airline swiftly arranged for another pilot, and the flight departed after a delay. Air India emphasized its priority is supporting the pilot and his family. This incident follows a similar case in April when a 36-year-old Air India Express pilot died after cardiac arrest post-landing in Delhi, prompting a DGCA probe. (PC: X)

American hopes at Wimbledon took a hit as Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka exited in the third round. Keys fell 6-3, 6-3 to Germany’s Laura Siegemund after committing 31 unforced errors. Osaka, despite winning the first set, lost 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz battled injury and delays to beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in four sets, reaching the fourth round. Russia’s Andrey Rublev advanced with a straight-set victory over Adrian Mannarino. Siegemund becomes the oldest woman left in the draw and will next face lucky loser Solana Sierra in her first Wimbledon fourth round. (PC: India Today)

At least 9 people have died across Europe as a deadly heatwave, described by scientists as a “silent killer,” scorches the continent. Italy issued red alerts for 17 cities, with temperatures reaching 39°C in Florence. Victims include a 47-year-old worker in Bologna, elderly beachgoers in Sardinia, and a woman in Palermo. Spain hit a blistering 47°C in Seville, while France and Germany reported fires, blackouts, and hospitalizations. A&E admissions surged 20% in Sardinia. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying such heat events, with extreme weather striking earlier in the summer. Europe’s 2022 heatwave killed over 61,000 people. (PC: Sky News)