Qari Abdul Rauf, a convicted leader of the Rochdale grooming gang has been spotted building a house in Charhoi, Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, even as he remains free and working in Rochdale, UK. Rauf, found guilty in 2012 of trafficking and sexually abusing at least 47 underaged girls, served just 2½ years of a six‑year sentence. He claims statelessness to block deportation, while Pakistan refuses to accept him without travel documents. His UK neighbours fear for their children’s safety. Despite losing appeals in 2020 and 2022, Rauf lives off taxpayer-supported legal aid and delivers food locally. Critics warn his continued presence highlights systemic failures addressing grooming gangs. (PC: The Times)

At least 42 people have died in a devastating explosion at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, Telangana. The suspected reactor blast on Monday triggered a massive fire, completely destroying the industrial shed. Over 90 workers were present; some were flung over 100 meters, according to officials. Rescue operations, led by NDRF, HYDRAA, and fire services, are ongoing. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to visit the site. Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha and Governor Jishnu Dev Varma have expressed condolences. The blast’s cause remains under investigation, but authorities suspect a dangerous chemical reaction triggered the deadly explosion. (PC: HT)

Wimbledon’s Day 1 scorched its own record temperatures hit ~32 °C, eclipsing the previous ~29.3 °C from 2001, with fears of climbing even higher. Spectators sought shade, hydration, ice-packs and cooling scarves while staff rotated ball‑kids and prepared medical aid. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz battled past Fabio Fognini in a five-set thriller, aided by ice towels and pausing play when a fan collapsed. Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys also advanced; several top seeds including Medvedev, Rune and Tsitsipas fell amid the intense heat. Organisers activated the heat‑rule (10‑minute breaks), distributed ice, and advised fans to wear hats, sunscreen and light clothing. (PC: AP News)

Wimbledon 2025 continues with top seeds Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek launching their title bids on Day 2. Djokovic faces France’s Alexandre Muller, aiming to reclaim dominance on grass after back-to-back Wimbledon final losses. Sinner, the World No. 1, begins against fellow Italian Luca Nardi, seeking to bounce back from a Roland Garros heartbreak. Swiatek, seeded 8th, meets Polina Kudermetova as she eyes her first semi-final appearance at Wimbledon. Britain’s Jack Draper and in-form Alexander Bublik also play today. Day 1 saw upsets and record heat, setting a tense tone for the tournament's early rounds. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signaled progress on the long-awaited US-India trade deal, telling Newsweek that negotiations are “beyond the middle” and could conclude soon. While cautioning that final hurdles remain, Jaishankar praised consistent improvement in bilateral ties across five US presidencies. Speaking at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, Jaishankar joined counterparts to discuss Indo-Pacific cooperation and regional security. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed a trade deal announcement is likely soon. Stressing India’s strategic autonomy, Jaishankar said, “We’re a democracy, a market economy, and globally engaged,” citing India’s ability to maintain relations across global power blocs. (PC: Reuters)

A record-breaking heatwave continues to grip southern Europe, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.8°C) in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Italy issued red alerts for 16 cities, while France shut down a nuclear reactor to protect overheated rivers and wildlife. French Prime Minister canceled a trip to focus on the crisis, reflecting growing alarm. Many residents struggle without air conditioning, still rare or frowned upon in parts of Europe. Authorities have urged tourists, workers, and residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and alter schedules. The scorching conditions are expected to persist through midweek, raising fears of health emergencies.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has decided to rest spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, as part of a planned three‑match workload rotation. In his place, Akash Deep, a 28‑year‑old right‑arm seamer with seven Tests and 15 wickets to his name, is set to join Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in the pace attack. Bumrah, fresh from a five‑wicket haul at Headingley, was absent from bowling in nets and reportedly held a lengthy discussion with Gambhir. Arshdeep Singh appears unlikely to feature. This selection move deepens scrutiny of India’s seam unit after a collapse in the first Test’s second innings. (PC: NDTV Sports)

Over 130 global aid groups, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International, have called for the immediate shutdown of the US-Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Since GHF began operations in May, over 500 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while seeking aid, and nearly 4,000 injured. The charities accuse Israeli forces of routinely firing at civilians near GHF-controlled sites, calling the system “militarized” and “inherently unsafe.” The UN has condemned the GHF, with Secretary-General Guterres stating it violates humanitarian norms. “This is not a humanitarian response,” said the aid groups, demanding a UN-led distribution model to replace the controversial operation. (PC: BBC)

India’s selection for the second Test at Edgbaston remains uncertain. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah may be rested to manage his workload, with a decision expected within 24 hours. This opens the door to at least two frontline seamers and the possibility of debutant all‑rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy replacing Shardul Thakur. India is also set to field two spinners, likely a combination of wrist‑spinner Kuldeep Yadav or batting all‑rounder Washington Sundar, alongside Jadeja. Fielding adjustments include moving Yashasvi Jaiswal out of gully after dropping multiple catches at Leeds. England, by contrast, have named an unchanged XI with Archer still sidelined. (PC: X/BCCI)

Chaos erupted Monday at Wimbledon when play halted on Court 1 as No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard were tied after four sets. With the 11 p.m. curfew looming under a Merton Council agreement, officials suspended the match despite only 40 minutes remaining. Fritz, visibly furious after mounting a comeback from two sets down winning the third 6‑4 and the fourth-set tiebreak 8‑6 expressed his frustration, and the crowd booed the decision. Perricard had delivered 33 aces and won the first two sets in tiebreaks . Play will resume Tuesday with the decisive fifth set. (PC: X)