India and England clash in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston starting July 2. After a thrilling first Test in Leeds, where India amassed almost 850 runs but succumbed to England’s chase of 371 both sides seek redemption. India’s top order delivered, with KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant (twin centuries!) shining, though batting depth and fielding lapses cost them. A pivotal selection battle is on, Kuldeep Yadav versus Washington Sundar for the second spinner slot behind Jadeja. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is uncertain. England, buoyed by staunch seam bowling led by Chris Woakes and the absence of Archer, look to sustain momentum. Edgbaston, a venue where India has never won, promises another fiercely competitive Test. (PC: Crictoday & Sportskeeda)

The Quad — India, the US, Japan, and Australia — condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “We call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice,” the joint statement read. The group also warned about China’s “dangerous actions” in the Indo-Pacific, including live-fire drills and sea aggression. “These actions threaten peace,” the statement added. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said the country has the right to defend itself. The Quad also discussed Myanmar, North Korea, and launched new steps on security, minerals, and logistics. India will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year. (PC: Reuters)

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said he will remain Chief Minister for five years, ending rumours of a leadership change. “Why do you doubt it? I’ll be CM,” he told reporters. His deputy, DK Shivakumar, also said there is no conflict in the Congress and that he has not asked to become CM. Both leaders said they are united and working together. Siddaramaiah hit out at the BJP and JD(S) for spreading false claims. Shivakumar added that leaders making public statements on leadership change will face action. Congress said it is strong and will complete its full term. (PC: PTI)

Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old Indian‑origin, Ugandan-born U.S. citizen and Democratic Socialist, has responded defiantly to former President Donald Trump’s threats to arrest, strip his citizenship, place him in a detention camp, and deport him if he obstructs ICE raids in New York City. Trump labelled him a “communist” and questioned his legal status despite Mamdani naturalizing in 2018. Clinched after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the June primary, Mamdani leads polls in the upcoming November mayoral race. He vowed, “We will not accept this intimidation,” and emphasised his campaign’s focus on working‑class and immigrant communities, not fear. (PC: History & New York City)

The government may soon reduce GST on many everyday items to give relief to middle-class families. Items like toothpaste, clothes, utensils, bicycles, shoes, and washing machines could become cheaper. The Centre is thinking about removing the 12% GST slab and shifting these goods to the 5% bracket. This move may cost the government ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 crore, but it hopes more sales will cover the loss. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hinted at these changes. Some states oppose the move, so the final decision will be made in the next GST Council meeting later this month. (PC: NDTV)

A new bipartisan Senate bill, S.1241, called the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, would impose 500% tariffs on countries such as India and China that continue buying Russian oil, gas, petroleum products or uranium, if Russia refuses peace negotiations on Ukraine. Backed by 84 co‑sponsors and endorsed by former President Trump, who reportedly gave the go‑ahead during a golf game, the measure would provide the president with discretionary “secondary tariffs”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the bill as “Russophobic” and urged backers to consider its potential harm to Ukraine peace efforts. The bill is expected to reach the Senate floor after August recess. (PC: The Indian Express & Business Standard)

Petra Kvitová, two‑time Wimbledon champion, played her final match at the All England Club, exiting in the first round after a 6‑3, 6‑1 loss to No. 10 seed Emma Navarro. The 35‑year‑old Czech, who will retire after the US Open, showed early promise with a 3‑1 lead in the opening set but lost momentum as Navarro dominated late. After a heartfelt farewell and an emotional on‑court interview usually reserved for winners Petra Kvitová reflected on winning Wimbledon twice in 2011 and 2014, calling it “something very, very special.” She shared gratitude to fans and said she’s “ready for the next chapter” in life. (PC: BBC & Yahoo Sport UK)

UK weather maps are predicting a blistering heatwave across the country, with temperatures potentially reaching 34 °C–35 °C in parts of England. Detailed projections highlight the precise regions likely to boil, changing from the unsettled start to summer to a dramatic hot spell. The maps also show the timing of the rise moving from current averages in the low 20s up to mid-30s next week. Meteorologists caution that single-model “exact‑date” forecasts can mislead, as long-range prediction carries high uncertainty. Still, many areas especially the south and east should prepare for scorching days. Officials urge vigilance around heat‑health alerts. (PC: The Mirror)

The Trump administration has revived a 2020 proposal to impose fixed-term limits on F‑1 and J‑1 student visas, replacing the current "duration of status" system that allows full‑time students to stay as long as they maintain enrollment. The Department of Homeland Security has forwarded the plan to the Office of Management and Budget for final review. The move aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to curb both illegal immigration and campus anti‑Semitism. Under the new rule, all foreign students and exchange visitors would receive visas with explicit expiry dates, necessitating periodic renewals rather than staying automatically while enrolled. (PC: The New Yorker & Amber)

India face a key selection headache ahead of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston. Jasprit Bumrah is fully fit, bowled at full tilt in nets but India must decide if they’ll rest him under a pre‑planned rotation, perhaps relying on Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna. The spin pairing is under debate as Ravindra Jadeja is certain, but alongside him Washington Sundar offers batting depth, while Kuldeep Yadav brings attacking wrist‑spin. India also ponder dropping Shardul Thakur (just 16 overs at Leeds) in favour of youth like Nitish Kumar Reddy. Fielding errors at Leeds prompted position shifts keeping Jaiswal out of slips. England maintain an unchanged XI, confident from their Headingley comeback. (PC: Reuters & The Times Of India)