IMF Outlook:
The IMF has modestly raised its forecast for global growth in 2025 to ~3.0%, and 3.1% in 2026, improving on earlier estimates due to pre‑tariff stockpiling and tariff easing. While effective U.S. tariff rates have been reduced to ~17% from highs near 24–30%, trade frictions—especially with the EU, Japan, and China—continue to weigh on growth and inflation. Risks include revived protectionism, central bank independence challenges, and fiscal deficits. News Ogle+7Life Hacks Blog+7News In Brief+7Reuters
Trade Tensions:
Pending or rolled‑back U.S. tariffs—such as the proposed “world tariff” of 15–20%—have stirred global markets, prompting cautious EU and Japanese negotiations to reduce exposure. An anticipated retaliatory EU €95 billion tariff package looms. News In Brief
🌡️ Climate & Extreme Weather
European Heatwave & Wildfires:
Europe experienced record-breaking summer heat in early July, with temperatures exceeding 46 °C in Spain and Portugal. Consequences included work stoppages, wildfires that killed at least six people, injured hundreds, and forced over 57,000 evacuations in nations like Spain, Turkey, Greece, and France. The UK also issued widespread heat alerts, and drought-related hosepipe bans were enforced in England. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Texas Flooding:
Central Texas was struck by devastating floods from July 4–13, resulting in over 145 fatalities and many missing persons. Recovery and humanitarian efforts remain active. indiatimes.com+2Life Hacks Blog+2Wikipedia+2
Coral Bleaching Event:
The ongoing 2023–2025 mass bleaching event has impacted nearly 84% of global reefs, marking the most severe such crisis in history. Rising ocean temperatures remain the primary cause. Wikipedia
🌐 Politics & Conflicts
Middle East & Gaza:
Fighting continues across Gaza and the West Bank. A tactical pause by Israel for aid convoys (10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily) has been implemented, but humanitarian agencies warn of engineered famine. In July alone, 63 out of 74 reported deaths were malnutrition-related. Attempts at ceasefire remain stalled. The Guardian
Syria & Druze–Bedouin Clashes:
Sectarian clashes in Suweida province have displaced hundreds of thousands, with over 350 reported deaths. HTS control over Damascus and fragmented governance persists, making relief efforts exceedingly complex. theprint.in+3theprint.in+3worldnewstrust.info+3
Ukraine & Russia:
Ukraine endured intense Russian drone and missile strikes—nearly 600 drones and 26 missiles—with significant infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, Kyiv appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister to manage wartime governance and boost domestic arms production. Life Hacks Blog+1theprint.in+1
Pakistan & Afghanistan:
Pakistan is grappling with increased militancy from the TTP and Baloch separatists post-2024 elections. TTP has regained influence in tribal areas, and violence has surged. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is facing its own humanitarian crisis—millions of returnees, widespread hunger, and IED casualties—with no formal peace process in sight. worldnewstrust.info
Thailand Cambodia Border Tensions:
The UN Security Council urged restraint amid escalating border clashes that have displaced thousands and raised fears of broader instability. Global Issues
New Political Upheavals:
- Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended pending a phone call scandal.
- Japan’s ruling coalition lost control of the upper house; the far‑right Sanseito party advanced on anti-immigrant platforms.
- In New Caledonia, France moved to grant expanded autonomy to native Kanak populations. Wikipediatheprint.inLife Hacks Blog
🤝 Diplomatic Summits & Alliances
17th BRICS Summit (Rio de Janeiro, July 6–7):
Leaders focused on global South cooperation, sustainable development, and AI governance. India was confirmed as the 2026 chair and host for the 18th summit. Wikipedia
Lithuania–Philippines Security Pact:
This new alliance underscores rising cross-regional concerns over Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. News Ogle
🧪 Science & Technology
Astrophysics Milestones:
- The LIGO‑Virgo‑KAGRA collaboration discovered the most massive black hole merger detected to date—creating a ~225‑solar‑mass object.
- Over 10,000 eclipsing binary stars were confirmed via TESS collaboration.
- A new interstellar object (3I/ATLAS) entered the inner solar system. Wikipedia
De‑Extinction Plans & Environmental Trends:
Colossal Biosciences announced a project to resurrect the moa bird, while research warned vanilla pollinator-plant mismatches could threaten global vanilla supply by 2050. China’s carbon emissions reportedly declined despite growth. Wikipedia
AI Policy Governance:
At BRICS, leaders called for UN-led international AI governance frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and human rights. Wikipedia
Nvidia Chip Deal:
After a private meeting with U.S. officials, Nvidia's export of its H20 AI chip to China was quietly approved—a move signaling flexibility in U.S. tech export controls. Prime Economist
OpenAI ChatGPT Agent Launch:
OpenAI introduced “ChatGPT Agent,” an autonomous task-completing system—marking a major step in agentic AI deployment. Wikipedia
🌪️ Disasters & Public Safety
Kamchatka Mega‑Earthquake & Tsunami (July 29–30):
An 8.7‑magnitude quake off Russia triggered Pacific‑wide tsunami alerts affecting Japan, Hawaii, and beyond. It was the strongest such quake in the region since 1952. Public anxiety surged amid renewed interest in prophecy linked to Baba Vanga and Ryo Tatsuki’s mural, though scientists urged reliance on early-warning systems over superstition. indiatimes.com+1economictimes.indiatimes.com+1
🧭 Key Emerging Themes
- Trade and Growth Jitters: Resurgent U.S. protectionism and tariffs are reshaping global supply chains—though recent de-escalation has lifted IMF forecasts, risks persist.
- Climate Crisis in Action: Extreme heat, wildfires, floods, and marine die-offs are forcing climate adaptation, infrastructure rethinking, and public health urgency.
- Humanitarian Flashpoints: Conflicts from Gaza to Syria and Pakistan fuel dire humanitarian crises, displacement, and stalled diplomacy.
- Science & Governance Divide: While technology surges—from AI to space science—governance frameworks and equitable access remain contentious priorities.
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Disasters & Preparedness: Earthquake-driven tsunamis highlight the gaps between myth-fueled fear and resilience built on robust warning system