RUSSIA’S LAVROV VISITS NORTH KOREA
On July 12, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, emphasizing stronger bilateral cooperation amid global tensions. During the high‑profile visit, Lavrov praised the “strategic partnership,” and both sides pledged to expand military and economic ties, challenging U.S.-led sanctions. This marks Moscow's increasing diplomatic outreach to non-Western partners amid its own geopolitical isolation. Observers view the rapprochement as a potential counterbalance to Western pressure, with possible implications for regional security dynamics. Analysts caution that deeper ties could complicate efforts to impose sanctions or curb Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions, while signalling new Cold‑War style alignments.
KENYAN PROTESTS TURN DEADLY AFTER VENDOR SHOT
Kenya witnessed renewed unrest over the killing of street‑vendor Boniface Kariuki by police, triggering protests nationwide and growing calls for President Ruto's resignation. Public grief and anger mounted as police faced criticism for excessive force. Demonstrators have been demanding accountability and justice reforms. Authorities responded by deploying extra security, heightening tensions across Nairobi and other cities. The death sparked national mourning; civil society activists are urging full investigations and legislative action to curb police violence. The incident has fuelled wider debates on human rights and public protesters' protection, with international observers calling for restraint and transparency in response.
Air India Crash Blamed on Fuel Flow Injection Switch Malfunction
A recently released crash report into the Air India Flight 171 disaster points to a malfunctioning fuel‑control chip as the likely cause. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departing from Ahmedabad on June 12, tragically killed 229 onboard and 19 on the ground; only one person survived. Analysts noted design flaws that could misinterpret fuel‑switch positions, causing unintended engine shutdowns. Victims’ families have called for accountability, prompting investigations into corporate and regulatory responsibility. Though technical solutions are proposed, the aviation community demands heightened scrutiny on chip‑based systems as the probe continues.
\HOUTHI STRIKE SINKS LIBERIAN-FLAGGED SHIP IN RED SEA
On July 7, Houthi militants sank the Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, in the Red Sea after launching small arms fire and drone attacks. Four crew were killed, two wounded, and fourteen reported missing as the vessel sank near Hodeida. The attack reflects growing instability in Red Sea shipping lanes amid ongoing Yemen conflict. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operation confirmed the vessel’s crew abandoned ship after sustaining direct hits. This incident intensifies calls from global navies and shipping firms for increased security measures in this key trade corridor.
CENTRAL TEXAS FLOODS KILL OVER 100 IN FLASH FLOODING
Severe flash floods struck Central Texas from July 4–7, killing at least 104 people, including 28 children; 41 remain unaccounted for. Torrential rain overwhelmed flood defences, flooding homes and roads across multiple counties. Emergency teams launched extensive rescue operations, saving over 85 individuals from rising waters. The disaster has sparked debate over climate resilience and urban planning amid intensifying extreme weather patterns. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant during storm warnings. The Texas governor has declared disaster areas, and federal aid is being mobilized as recovery efforts begin.
TRUMP TO IMPOSE 30 % TARIFFS ON EU AND MEXICO
On July 12, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to implement 30 % tariffs on imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1, escalating his trade war despite ongoing negotiations. The move follows his previous broad tariff threats, retaining existing levies like 50 % on steel and aluminium and 25 % on autos. EU leaders and Mexico have condemned the tariffs as “unfair and disruptive,” urging dialogue, while the White House cited protection of American industry. With 23 additional countries at risk under expanded duties, global economic uncertainty is rising markets are closely watching whether Trump will soften his stance before the deadline.
GAZA TRUCE TALKS STALL AMID DEADLY AID SHOOTINGS
Ceasefire negotiations in Doha for Gaza have stalled amid disagreement over Israeli troop withdrawal, a key sticking point for both sides. During these talks, at least 17 Palestinians were shot and killed at a food‑aid distribution site in Rafah after Israeli forces opened fire on civilians forming long queues. Eyewitnesses described targeted firing lasting five minutes, with victims hit “in the head and torso.” The United Nations reports nearly 800 people killed in similar aid‑seeking incidents since late May. While protests continue in Tel Aviv demanding immediate release of remaining hostages, the humanitarian toll in Gaza deepens, and international calls for a ceasefire intensify.
SOUTH KOREA’S FORMER PRESIDENT YOON ARRESTED OVER MARTIAL LAW
South Korea’s Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant last week for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on multiple charges related to his martial‑law decree issued on December 3, 2024. The court cited concerns over potential evidence tampering, marking the first custody since March 2025. The decision sparked fierce public debate: supporters argue it preserves constitutional order, while critics view it as political persecution.
Yoon’s legal team vows appeal. Meanwhile, parliament has opened inquiries into the decree’s legality and intent. The case poses profound implications for civil-military relations in South Korea.
TALIBAN LEADERS INDICTED BY ICC FOR WOMEN’S PERSECUTION
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and official Abdul Hakim Haqqani, citing charges of systematic persecution of women under Taliban rule. The ICC alleges campaigns of gender-based oppression, including banning female education and employment. The Taliban, which seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, has not responded directly to the indictments. Human rights groups praised the move, calling it a critical step toward accountability amid flagrant human rights abuses. However, enforcement remains difficult given Afghanistan’s current politics and lack of ICC membership recognition.
GUATEMALA EARTHQUAKES LEAVE DOZENS HURT
On July 8, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Guatemala, resulting in at least six deaths and injuring hundreds. Tremors damaged homes, roads, and public infrastructure across rural regions. Emergency services mobilized to affected areas, with search-and-rescue teams coordinating evacuations. The quake triggered landslides, complicating relief efforts. The government declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit zones and requested international aid. Despite aftershocks, humanitarian groups continue working to provide shelter and medical care to those displaced.
