A record-breaking 23 seeded players exited in the first round at Wimbledon 2025, including 13 men and 10 women. Top women seeds fell: No. 2 Coco Gauff lost 7‑6(3), 6‑1 to Dayana Yastremska, committing nine double faults; No. 3 Jessica Pegula was defeated by Elisabetta Cocciaretto; and No. 5 Zheng Qinwen was beaten by Katerina Siniakova. On the men’s side, No. 3 Alexander Zverev suffered a staggering five-set defeat to Arthur Rinderknech, admitting post-match emotional toll and loneliness. Also out early: Medvedev, Rune, Musetti among others, marking one of the most turbulent tournament openings ever. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to conditions for a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US will work with all sides to end the war. Hamas responded positively, saying it’s ready if the deal ensures a complete end to the conflict. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said there's majority support for a hostage-release framework. Netanyahu’s stance remains uncertain, though Trump hinted a deal could be finalised next week. Over 56,000 have died in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began. Aid groups continue to condemn civilian deaths near aid zones. (PC: Reuters)

India has finally received the initial batch of three Boeing AH‑64E Apache attack helicopters in July 2025—after around 18 months of delays stemming from U.S. supply‑chain disruptions, electrical safety concerns, and Defense Priorities allocation issues . The full delivery of six choppers under the ~$800 million 2020 contract is expected by October–November 2025 . These “flying tanks” will be deployed with the Army’s 451 Squadron based in Jodhpur, enhancing strike and surveillance capability along the Pakistan border . The setback highlights dependency on foreign suppliers and has prompted calls to accelerate indigenous platforms like HAL’s Prachand LCH. (PC: PTI)

Tensions flared on Day 1 of the 2nd Test between India and England at Edgbaston as India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and England captain Ben Stokes exchanged words during the morning session. After KL Rahul was bowled for 2 by Chris Woakes, Jaiswal and Karun Nair stitched a steady partnership, taking India past the early setback. Stokes had opted to bowl first after winning the toss. England lead the five-match series 1-0 following a 5-wicket victory in the first Test. The heated on-field exchange added drama to a crucial Test, with India aiming to level the series under pressure. (PC: X)

At Edgbaston on July 2, England’s Jack Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl under overcast skies. India made three changes, resting Jasprit Bumrah and bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep to strengthen batting depth. Early on, Chris Woakes broke through, trapping KL Rahul for 2, leaving India 15/1. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair then steadied the innings, putting on a ~50‑run partnership. Jaiswal edged close to an LBW, surviving on umpire’s call, and struck several early boundaries. England’s bowlers, led by Woakes and Brydon Carse, maintained disciplined pressure. Observers noted Stokes’ leadership and the significance of England wearing black armbands to honor Wayne Larkins. (PC: The Times UK & The Times of India)

Indian-American tech leader Balaji Srinivasan has bought a private island near Singapore to build a “Network State”—a new, digital-first country for techies and innovators. Srinivasan, former CTO of Coinbase, wants to form a nation based on shared online values. His project, Network School, brings startup founders and fitness lovers to live, learn, and grow together. Classes include AI, crypto, and entrepreneurship. "We got an island," he posted on X, calling it a place for “truth, health, and wealth.” Srinivasan plans more Network Schools worldwide. His dream is to create self-improving, tech-driven societies outside the bounds of traditional government. (PC: @LevelUpMindz/X)

Rain delayed play on Day 3 at Wimbledon, pushing matches to at least 12:15 pm BST, with light drizzle likely to continue. The spotlight falls on British hopefuls: Emma Raducanu, buoyed by support from friends and her team, faces former champion Markéta Vondroušová in a tough second‑round clash. Meanwhile, world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka opens on Centre Court, and qualifier Oliver Tarvet draws Carlos Alcaraz. Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter also take to No 1 Court later. Notably, Day 1 saw a record 23 seeded players ousted the highest in Open‑era grand slam history. (PC: The Guardian)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court by the International Crimes Tribunal. A three-judge panel gave the verdict in Dhaka. Hasina, who fled to India 11 months ago, was tried in absentia. Her party, the banned Awami League, called the trial a “show trial.” She also faces five charges linked to crimes against humanity. The UN says up to 1,400 people died during her government’s crackdown on protests in 2024. Hasina is accused of failing to stop the violence. Two other top officials are also facing trial with her. (PC: AP)

Germany and the UK are set to sign a defence treaty on July 17, 2025, introducing a mutual assistance clause that says, any strategic threat to one is considered a threat to both, Reuters reports. This pact builds upon an August declaration by British PM Keir Starmer and former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, deepening cooperation on trade, security and now formalizing defence. It marks a shift under Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz toward stronger European defence collaboration and reduced reliance on the U.S., particularly amid concerns over U.S. unpredictability under President Trump. The agreement, final text close to completion, reaffirms NATO allegiance while emphasizing Europe’s emerging defence autonomy. German government offices have yet to comment. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on an eight‑day, five‑nation tour from July 2–9, 2025, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit begins in Ghana, where he’ll engage in talks on investment, energy, health, security, and address the Ghanaian Parliament. Next is Trinidad & Tobago marking deep cultural and diaspora ties where he’ll meet leaders and rejuvenate ancestral bonds. In Buenos Aires, Modi becomes the first Indian PM in 57 years to visit Argentina, discussing trade, energy, agriculture, and critical minerals with President Javier Milei. From July 6–7, he’ll participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and hold a state visit in Brasilia. The tour concludes in Namibia, where he’ll address parliament and meet President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah. (PC: Mint)