Global gold demand, including over-the-counter trading, increased by 3% year-on-year to 1248. 8 tonnes in the second quarter of 2025. Gold investments increased by 78%, and spot prices reached a record $3500 per troy ounce.
Oil prices stabilized as investors assessed the risk of supply shortages amid Trump's push for a resolution to the war in Ukraine. An unexpected increase in US oil inventories is putting pressure on prices.
Canada plans to recognize the state of Palestine in September 2025 at a UN meeting. This decision is driven by the spread of famine in Gaza and assurances from the Palestinian Authority regarding reforms.
Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected demands for disarmament, claiming it serves Israel's interests. The US insists on disarming the group to resume negotiations on ending Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
A technical malfunction of the air traffic control radar system in the UK caused four-hour disruptions at airports. The problem has been resolved, but Ryanair demands the resignation of NATS CEO.
Oil prices rose after Donald Trump's statement about introducing measures against Russia and tariff threats to countries trading Russian oil. Brent futures rose to $72.09, and WTI to $69.97.
After earthquakes, the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano began erupting on Kamchatka. Scientists are recording the descent of incandescent lava down the western slope.
The truce between Cambodia and Thailand continues for a second day, despite mutual accusations of violations. Cambodia withdrew military attachés and diplomats to a destroyed checkpoint to verify compliance with the ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on goods from India, accusing the country of buying Russian weapons and energy. This decision, which will take effect on August 1, also includes an additional penalty.
The owners of three vessels chartered by India's Nayara Energy are asking to terminate their contracts. The decision is related to the impact of new EU sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector.
Separate Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups penetrate the city, where they are destroyed.
An earthquake occurred in Guatemala on July 29. Its magnitude, according to various sources, ranged from 5.7 to 6, and there are currently no reports of casualties.
An earthquake of magnitude 8. 8 occurred in Kamchatka, causing a tsunami threat. It was felt in Japan, the USA, Canada, and South America, and the port of Severo-Kurilsk was partially flooded.
The US Treasury Secretary warned China about high tariffs on Russian oil, but Beijing declared the protection of energy sovereignty. China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil, despite the threat of sanctions.
Over 1,300 firefighters and dozens of aircraft are involved in battling three large forest fires in Portugal. Due to prolonged heat and drought, a red alert has been declared in the country, and residents have been evacuated and tourist routes closed in the Arouca area.
Pavlo Shamshyn, spokesman for the Kharkiv Joint Forces Operation Group, reported that Russian occupiers are bogged down near Pokrovsk, although the situation there remains difficult. He also commented on Reuters' information about the possible deployment of North Korean troops to Russia.
Dozens of holidaymakers on the Italian island of Sardinia were forced to flee a beach by boat due to a wildfire that broke out nearby. 102 people, including 12 children and a pregnant woman, were evacuated by sea as the flames blocked other escape routes.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose after the US reached a trade agreement with the EU and may extend the tariff pause with China. This dispelled fears about the negative impact of tariffs on economic activity and fuel demand.
In eastern Congo, militants from the ADF group, linked to the "Islamic State", attacked a church in the city of Komanda. At least 38 people were killed in the attack.
Northern China, including Beijing and Hebei province, has been hit by heavy rains, resulting in the death of two people and the evacuation of thousands of residents. Record rainfall, floods, and landslides have been recorded, as well as power and communication outages in some areas.
South Korean lawmakers stated that the DPRK could send additional troops to Russia in July-August to participate in the war against Ukraine. In exchange for weapons, Moscow is likely transferring military technologies for satellites and navigation to Pyongyang.
At the UN, the US called on China to stop exporting dual-use goods to Russia that are used in the war against Ukraine. China responded that it is not a party to the conflict and accused the US of trying to shift blame.
US President Donald Trump said the US may not reach a trade deal with Canada, suggesting the imposition of tariffs. This comes ahead of August 1, when Washington threatens to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods.
The European Parliament is considering proposals to accelerate the EU's abandonment of Russian gas to January 2027, a year earlier than the European Commission's initial plan. Lawmakers propose obliging governments to impose sanctions on companies that violate the ban.
Elon Musk ordered the Starlink terminals in the Kherson region to be disabled in September 2022, which caused communication disruptions and hindered the encirclement of Russian positions. This incident was the first known case of Starlink being disabled on the battlefield, raising concerns about the billionaire's influence on geopolitics.
In central Vietnam, a bus veered off the road, crashed into road signs, and overturned. The accident killed at least nine people, including children, and injured 16.
Oil prices rose on Friday amid optimism about trade talks, which supported the prospects for the global economy and oil demand. Brent futures reached $69.38 per barrel, WTI - $66.23.
South Korean police raided the offices of K-pop agency HYBE over allegations that chairman Bang Si-hyuk provided false information to investors. The financial regulator referred him to the prosecutor's office for investigation into the company's activities during its stock market listing.
Chinese engines are secretly supplied to the Russian drone manufacturer IEMZ Kupol through shell companies, which has allowed for an increase in the production of Harpy-A1 attack drones despite Western sanctions. The new Chinese firm Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade began supplying L550E engines to Kupol after sanctions were imposed on Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co.
Indian company Ideal Detonators Private Limited supplied military-grade explosive octogen to Russia in December for $1. 4 million. This happened despite US warnings of possible sanctions against organizations supporting Russia's war efforts.
