President Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” now headed to his desk after narrow congressional passage, cements the 2017 tax cuts, restores business write-offs, raises the SALT deduction cap to $40k, and introduces temporary tip/overtime exemptions. It boosts funding for border control and defense while slashing Medicaid, SNAP, affordable‑care subsidies, clean‑energy credits, and EV incentives. Wealthy individuals, corporations, and certain workers gain, but low‑income Americans, hospitals, clean‑energy firms, and future generations notably younger people stand to lose, facing up to 11 million more uninsured and a $3+ trillion debt spike. Critics frame it as a regressive transfer of wealth that could undermine climate goals and fiscal stability. (PC: The White House)

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has criticized India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah and omit Kuldeep Yadav for the Edgbaston Test, calling it “baffling” and urging the return of attacking options . Finch tweeted, “If Bumrah was fit… at least Kuldeep has to be in the XI,” . Meanwhile, former India all‑rounder Irfan Pathan echoed the sentiment, saying players shouldn’t “pick and choose” matches . India countered that the squad change aimed to manage bowling workload and bolster batting depth. India finished Day 1 strongly with captain Shubman Gill scoring a century amid the selection storm. (PC: NDTV)

During his historic first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured the Indian diaspora in Port of Spain, celebrating their deep ancestral ties and cultural contributions. He gifted a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from Ayodhya’s Sarayu (and Sangam) rivers, reciprocating the diaspora’s past gesture of sending shilas and sacred water for Ayodhya’s temple construction. Modi praised Indo‑Trinidadians for preserving festivals like Navaratri, Ram Leela performances, and folk traditions, calling them “cultural ambassadors” and “messengers of a timeless civilisation”. He highlighted enduring bonds across geography and generations and reinforced cultural diplomacy through spiritual symbolism. His journey, part of a multi‑nation tour, underscores India’s intent to strengthen global cultural connections. (PC: X/Narendra Modi)

Indian-origin 21‑year‑old Ishaan Sharma, traveling from Philadelphia to Miami on Frontier Airlines on June 30, allegedly attacked nearby passenger Keanu Evans mid‑flight without provocation. Video shows Sharma grabbing Evans by the throat after muttering disturbing death threats (“You puny, mortal man…”), prompting Evans to defend himself. Passengers and crew intervened until the skirmish ended. Sharma sustained a black eye and an eyebrow cut; Evans suffered minor scratches. Upon landing, Sharma was arrested at Miami‑Dade International Airport and charged with battery; bond was set at $500. His attorney claims he was meditating and that Evans misinterpreted this act. A judge imposed a stay‑away order pending further proceedings.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reportedly advised the BCCI to call off or reschedule the White-ball cricket tour to Bangladesh set for mid-August, citing strained bilateral relations and recent political sensitivities . While cancellation is under consideration, the Bangladesh Cricket Board maintains the ICC Future Tours Programme requires the series, prompting discussions on alternate windows, possibly in August–September . Media rights sales have been paused by Bangladesh, reflecting the uncertainty . A final decision is expected within days as both boards await governmental clearance. (PC: AP)

Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh, delivered a commanding performance at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament in Zagreb. Following an earlier jibe from Magnus Carlsen who downplayed him as “one of the presumably weaker players”Gukesh avenged with back-to-back wins against Carlsen in Round 6 rapid, taking outright lead with 10/12. Earlier, he showcased dominance over Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Fabiano Caruana, marking five consecutive victories and master Garry Kasparov noted this as a “convincing loss” for Carlsen, signalling a potential shift in elite chess . Gukesh now stands two points clear heading into blitz, poised to challenge the legend’s rapid‑blitz reign. (PC: English Bombay Samachar)

Liverpool forward Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, 25, died early on July 3, 2025, after their Lamborghini veered off Spain’s A‑52 motorway near Zamora and burst into flames, reportedly following a tire blowout. Jota, who had just married Rute Cardoso 11 days earlier and was father to three children, recently helped Liverpool win the Premier League, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances. The football world mourns deeply, tributes from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jürgen Klopp, UEFA and fans have poured in. Anfield displayed scarves, flags lowered, and a moment of silence observed at Euro 2025 matches. (PC: Rappler)

Himachal Pradesh is facing devastating monsoon impacts, with at least 37 confirmed fatalities and estimated infrastructural losses of around ₹400 crore since late June, per the State Disaster Management Authority . The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert across key districts—including Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla—warning of continued heavy rainfall through July 7 . Mandi district, notably Thunag, remains severely affected: roads are blocked, essential services disrupted, and dozens of residents missing. Rescue efforts—supported by NDRF, SDRF, police, and the Indian Air Force—are underway in flood-ravaged areas. Authorities are proactively managing relief camps and critical infrastructure repairs. (PC: PTI)

Russia has officially become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan by accepting Ambassador credentials from Gul Hassan Hassan and removing the group from its banned list . The Russian Foreign Ministry hailed the move as initiating “productive bilateral cooperation” across trade, security, counter‑terrorism, drugs, energy and infrastructure sectors . Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described it as a “courageous step” that could set a global precedent . Observers note this landmark recognition heightens the Taliban’s international legitimacy—although global human rights concerns, particularly women’s education and mobility restrictions, continue to strain wider acceptance. (PC: Reuters)

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for ten major capital procurement programs worth approximately ₹1.05 lakh crore. All approved deals fall under the “Buy (Indian‑Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured)” category, reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance . Key procurements include Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, Integrated Common Inventory Management, and Surface‑to‑Air Missiles to boost army air-defence and logistics . For the Navy, approvals cover Moored Mines, Mine Counter-Measure Vessels (over ₹44,000 cr), Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels, enhancing maritime security . The move underscores strategic preparedness amid regional tensions. (PC: Business Standard)