News, July 25

Famine Intensifies in Gaza, Over 100 Dead in Recent Days

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels, with at least 113 people—including 81 children—dying of starvation and malnutrition since the war began, and 5,000 new cases reported in July alone . Aid organizations have termed it a “man‑made famine”, citing blockade-induced disruptions and bureaucratic delays. Treatment centers are overwhelmed and supplies critically low. Thousands have been injured or died while seeking food near aid distribution points, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian access corridors. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry tallies over 59,000 total deaths in the conflict. The crisis shows no signs of abating as both aid logistics and security conditions remain dire.

Global Markets Brace Ahead of U.S. Tariff Deadline & Central Bank Meetings

After a week of major trade pacts—including with Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and almost-finalized EU talks—global markets have cautiously stabilized. Investors await the August 1 deadline set by U.S. President Trump, who threatens 30% tariffs if no deal is reached. Meanwhile, leading central banks—U.S. Fed, Bank of Japan, Bank of Canada—are preparing interest rate announcements. Tech giants (Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft) are due to report earnings that could influence sentiment. Investors appear confident that risk has not been fully realized yet, and AI-focused companies continue outperforming traditional firms.

Trump Visits Federal Reserve Amid Rising Pressure on Powell

On July 24, President Trump visited the Federal Reserve headquarters, escalating scrutiny of Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate policy and cost overruns on building renovations estimated to have ballooned due to toxic materials and upgraded security features . Though no firings were announced, the visit raised concerns about political interference in central bank independence. Markets responded with muted volatility, but commentators emphasize that preserving monetary autonomy remains critical to controlling inflation expectations.

IMF Signals Revised Global Forecast as Trade Tensions Persist

The International Monetary Fund plans to update its 2025 global growth forecast by the end of July, with modest upward revisions anticipated due to front-loading of trade before tariff hikes and easing inflation in many economies . But IMF Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath cautioned that ongoing trade disputes and tightened financing for emerging markets continue to pose major risks. She urged expansion of the G20 Common Framework for Debt Restructuring to include middle-income countries.

BRICS Summit in Rio Pushes UN‑Led AI Governance & India to Chair in 2026

At the 17th BRICS Summit (July 6–7) in Rio de Janeiro, leaders adopted the Rio Declaration, focusing on global health, climate, trade, and AI governance . They urged the United Nations to spearhead international rules for the development and application of artificial intelligence that ensure inclusivity and sustainability. India was announced as the rotating chair for 2026, signaling its growing role in shaping the Global South’s geopolitical agenda.

Israeli Airstrikes Strike Damascus Military Compounds

On July 16, Israeli warplanes targeted key government installations in Damascus, including the Syrian military headquarters and buildings near the presidential palace, in a reported “warning” message amid escalating Druze–government clashes in southern Syria . At least 3 people were killed and 34 injured. Syrian forces then withdrew from Suwayda after reaching a ceasefire. Israeli officials claimed the strikes disrupted command nodes directing hostilities in southern Syria.

Deadly Mall Fire in Iraq and Airport Reopening After Conflict

In Kut, Iraq, a shopping mall fire on July 16 claimed the lives of at least 61 people, while hundreds remain missing or injured . On the same day, Mosul International Airport reopened after 11 years, marking a symbolic milestone in post-IS reconstruction. The crisis led to political fallout: the governor of Wasit resigned over criticisms of his administration’s response to the fire.

Europe Faces Devastating Heatwave and Mediterranean Wildfires

Summer 2025 brought record-breaking heat across Europe, with temperatures above 46 °C in Portugal and Spain and an estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths between May and July—about 65% higher than in a climate-change‑free scenario . Concurrently, wildfires fueled by the high temperatures forced over 57,500 evacuations across Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, and Germany, led to at least six deaths, and inflicted significant property damage and public health crises

UK Resident Doctors Strike Amid NHS Pay Dispute

Resident doctors in England launched a five‑day strike, demanding a 29% pay increase to restore pay to pre‑2008 levels amid complaints of overwork and chronic understaffing . While they’ve already seen a 28.9% uplift over three years, doctors say the rise doesn’t match inflation and responsibilities. Public support has dropped to 26%, and government says its offer is final. The strike poses political risks for the Labour administration, which pledged NHS reform.

Indian PM Modi Visits UK and Maldives to Strengthen Diplomacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-nation state visit from July 23–26, visiting the United Kingdom and the Maldives . The trip aims to deepen post‑Brexit bilateral relations with London and strengthen India’s regional presence in the Indian Ocean. Key items on the agenda include trade, strategic cooperation, and shared regional security initiatives, especially with the Maldives.