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)

On Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, India pacer Akash Deep finally ended England’s massive 303-run stand by dismissing Harry Brook for 158. Jamie Smith, however, remains unbeaten and is closing in on a double century as England reached 395/6 in 85 overs. Earlier in the day, Mohammed Siraj rattled England with two back-to-back wickets, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes when they were just 84/5. But Smith and Brook rebuilt the innings with resilience. Smith also notched the joint third-fastest Test century by an Englishman. India’s Shubman Gill earlier stunned with a record 269-run knock. (PC: BCCI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the nation’s highest civilian honour, during his visit on July 4. This marks the first time the prestigious award has been conferred on a foreign leader. The recognition was given for his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties and global leadership. Modi expressed gratitude, stating he was “honoured to receive the award” and viewed it as a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago. The ceremony took place in Port of Spain, highlighting India’s growing diplomatic influence in the Caribbean region. (PC: India Today)

India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, set for August 17–31, has been cancelled amid growing diplomatic tensions. The series, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, was expected to mark the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, reports suggest the Indian government advised BCCI against proceeding due to strained relations. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has paused media rights sales and is now focused on an upcoming series against Pakistan. BCB hopes to reschedule but awaits a clear decision from India. While the official announcement is pending, sources say the series is “effectively off” following the Pahalgam attack fallout. (PC: NDTV)

On US Independence Day, Elon Musk intensified his feud with Donald Trump by launching a poll on X asking if Americans should form a new “America Party,” challenging the two-party system. Calling the current system a “uniparty,” Musk urged a breakaway from the status quo. The move follows his sharp criticism of Trump’s $4.5 trillion “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he called a “disgusting abomination.” Trump retaliated on Truth Social, accusing Musk of hypocrisy and relying heavily on government subsidies. He even teased Musk’s deportation and called for DOGE to investigate his federal funding. The feud shows no signs of slowing. (PC: News18)

Kyiv endured a record-breaking Russian drone and missile barrage overnight, with 1 killed and 26 injured. Ukraine’s air force reported 550 drones and 11 missiles launched, hours after President Trump’s call with Putin. Trump said he was “very disappointed” Putin showed no interest in ending the war. President Zelensky called it one of the most “cynical” attacks yet, urging allies for more sanctions and air defence support. Damage was reported across Kyiv, including schools, railways, and the Polish consulate. Russia claimed the strike was retaliation. Meanwhile, NATO and Germany discussed fresh military aid as US weapons shipments to Ukraine face delays.

Indian Army Deputy Chief Lt Gen Rahul R Singh stated that during Operation Sindoor, China leveraged Pakistan to test its weaponry in a “live lab,” providing 81% of Pakistan’s military hardware, including drones obtained via Turkey . He explained that Pakistan received real-time intelligence from China, even during ceasefire talks . Highlighting strategic cooperation, Lt Gen Singh noted China prefers to “kill by a borrowed knife,” avoiding direct conflict with India on its northern frontier . The remarks followed India’s May 7 strikes responding to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. (PC: PTI)  

India reaffirmed its neutral stance on the Dalai Lama’s succession, stating the government does not intervene in religious matters. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.” The statement follows Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remark supporting the Dalai Lama’s right to choose his successor, which drew criticism from China. India is home to the Tibetan government-in-exile, but maintains it upholds religious freedom without interfering. China insists Beijing must approve the next Dalai Lama, sparking international concern over Tibet’s autonomy. (PC: India Today)

A 21‑year‑old Indian‑origin man, identified as Ishaan Sharma, was arrested after allegedly launching an unprovoked attack on a fellow passenger aboard Frontier Airlines Flight from Philadelphia to Miami on June 30 . A passenger video shows Sharma physically grabbing and choking Keanu Evans mid‑flight, while muttering ominous threats like, “You puny, mortal man…” . Sharma suffered a black eye and eyebrow cut; Evans had minor scratches . After landing, Sharma was charged with battery, held on $500 bond, and ordered to stay away from Evans, his school, and workplace . His lawyer claims misconduct stemmed from meditation practices, a plea the judge dismissed.