Global Affairs Weekly: Major Non-Entertainment News from July 7–13, 2025

The world never stands still—and last week, from July 7 to 13, 2025, it proved just that. While headlines often spotlight celebrity gossip or pop culture chatter, the truly impactful stories often go unnoticed. This roundup brings you a global perspective on events that shaped economies, challenged political systems, and touched millions of lives—without a single reference to entertainment. Whether you're a global citizen, researcher, journalist, or just someone who values staying informed, this is your concise yet comprehensive look into the week's defining moments.

Global Coral Bleaching Crisis Intensifies

• The ongoing 2023–2025 global coral bleaching event has become the most extensive in history, affecting approximately 84% of the world's coral reef ecosystems. Elevated ocean temperatures, primarily due to anthropogenic climate change, are the main culprits. Marine researchers have yet to determine when this environmental disaster might conclude.

European & Mediterranean Wildfires Escalate

• Since June 2025, parts of Europe, especially Mediterranean countries, have been grappling with severe wildfires exacerbated by a record-breaking heatwave. At least six fatalities have been reported, with hundreds injured and over 57,500 people evacuated across countries like Spain, Turkey, Greece, and France.

U.S. Trade Tensions Heighten Global Market Uncertainty

• Former President Donald Trump has intensified trade disputes by proposing steep tariffs—200% on pharmaceuticals and 50% on copper. These measures have driven copper prices to record highs and caused significant concern among global markets. Additionally, the U.S. has threatened a 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS, labeling their stance as "anti-American," though BRICS members have denied any adversarial intent.

Deutsche Bank Warns of Potential Summer Market Crisis

• Deutsche Bank strategist Henry Allen has highlighted the summer of 2025 as a period historically prone to market volatility. Potential triggers for a crisis include escalating trade wars, inflation risks from earlier tariffs, and weakening economic data that could intensify recession fears. Rising term risk premia are also causing bond yields to increase in the U.S., Japan, and the U.K., reflecting concerns over funding large deficits.

World Population Day 2025 Observed Amid Demographic Shifts

• On July 11, World Population Day 2025 was observed, emphasizing the importance of understanding global population dynamics. With the world’s population surpassing 8 billion and projected to approach 10 billion by mid-century, the focus has shifted to challenges posed by declining birth rates and rapidly aging populations. This annual observance encourages discussions and policies addressing demographic trends and their implications for economies, societies, and the planet.

Record High Executions in Saudi Arabia Reported

• Amnesty International reported that Saudi Arabia executed 345 people last year, marking the highest number ever recorded by the human rights group in over three decades of reporting. This surge in executions has raised significant human rights concerns globally.

International Court of Justice to Issue Climate Change Opinion

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced it will issue a nonbinding advisory opinion on July 23 regarding nations’ legal responsibilities to combat climate change. This ruling could significantly impact climate-related litigation worldwide, particularly concerning whether major greenhouse gas-emitting countries should be held accountable for damage to vulnerable small island nations.

Historic Flooding Devastates Texas Hill Country

• On July 7, 2025, unprecedented flooding struck Texas Hill Country, resulting in dozens of fatalities and numerous missing persons. Continuous heavy rains have hampered search and rescue operations, exacerbating the crisis. The disaster has prompted urgent calls for enhanced disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.

Mount Lewotobi Eruption Disrupts Air Travel in Southeast Asia

• Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on July 7, 2025, leading to significant ash clouds that disrupted air travel between Australia and Bali. Major airlines, including Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar, were forced to cancel flights, affecting thousands of travelers. The eruption underscores the need for robust disaster response strategies in volcanic regions.

Bharat Bandh: Massive Nationwide Strike in India

• On July 9, 2025, India witnessed a massive nationwide strike, or "Bharat Bandh," involving approximately 250 million workers. Organized by 10 central trade unions and supported by various farmers' and rural workers' groups, the strike protested against the central government's labor and economic policies, which are perceived to favor corporations over workers. The strike disrupted public transportation and banking services across the country.

G20 Finance Ministers Convene Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

• G20 finance ministers met in South Africa to address pressing global economic issues, including slow progress on debt relief and climate finance. The meeting was marked by the absence of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, reflecting the waning influence of the G20. Alternative groups like BRICS are attempting to fill the gap, despite U.S. criticism of their currency strategies.

Earth Experiences One of the Shortest Days Ever Recorded

• On July 9, 2025, Earth experienced one of its shortest days ever recorded, a phenomenon attributed to an increase in the planet's rotational speed. Scientists describe this event as unprecedented and significant, with similar short days forecasted for later in the month. These anomalies are attracting scientific attention due to their potential implications for timekeeping and geophysical studies.

Israel's Prime Minister Visits White House Amid Middle East Tensions

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House to discuss critical issues concerning Gaza and Iran. The high-stakes meeting aimed to address escalating tensions in the Middle East and reinforce diplomatic ties between the two nations. The discussions are expected to influence future policies and regional stability.

Australian Coroner's Report Criticizes Police Conduct in Indigenous Teen's Death

• A 680-page report by Coroner Elisabeth Armitage on the death of Indigenous teenager Kumanjayi Walker strongly criticized police conduct, finding officer Zachary Rolfe to be racist. The report issued 32 recommendations to improve systemic issues within the police force. This has sparked political attention and calls for leadership in Indigenous affairs.

French President Macron Advocates for European Autonomy

• During a state visit to the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the UK Parliament, emphasizing the need for Europe to reduce its economic dependence on the US and China. He called for enhanced cooperation between France and the UK on issues like illegal migration and collective security. Macron also highlighted global challenges, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Former President Trump Proposes New Tariffs Amid Trade Tensions

• Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed steep tariffs—200% on pharmaceuticals and 50% on copper—intensifying trade disputes and driving copper prices to record highs. Additionally, he threatened a 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS, labeling their stance as "anti-American," though BRICS members have denied any adversarial intent.

UK's Post Office Horizon Inquiry Reveals Systemic Failures

• The first volume of the UK's Post Office Horizon inquiry report was released, uncovering that false IT-based prosecutions may have led over 13 people to take their lives and caused immense suffering. The report criticized compensation schemes and called for a permanent redress body to address the injustices faced by affected individuals.

U.S. Supreme Court Clears Path for Federal Workforce Reductions

• In a significant judicial move, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a block on former President Trump's downsizing plan, clearing the way for large-scale federal workforce reductions. This decision has sparked debates about the future of federal employment and the potential impacts on government services.

Mount Lewotobi Eruption Disrupts Air Travel in Southeast Asia

• Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted, leading to significant ash clouds that disrupted air travel between Australia and Bali. Major airlines, including Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar, were forced to cancel flights, affecting thousands of travelers. The eruption underscores the need for robust disaster response strategies in volcanic regions.

Earth Experiences One of the Shortest Days Ever Recorded

• On July 9, 2025, Earth experienced one of its shortest days ever recorded, a phenomenon scientists describe as unprecedented and significant. This event is attributed to an increase in the planet's rotational speed, with similar short days forecasted for later in the month. Researchers are closely monitoring the situation to understand the underlying causes and potential long-term effects.

U.S. TSA Implements New Airport Security Policy

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new policy allowing air travelers to keep their shoes on during screenings. This change aims to streamline the security process and enhance passenger convenience without compromising safety.

From the devastating floods in Texas to diplomatic recalibrations in Europe and climate warnings from coral reefs, last week presented a cross-section of the issues that truly matter. These aren’t just isolated headlines—they are threads in a larger global narrative of resilience, conflict, cooperation, and change. By staying informed on these non-entertainment events, we not only understand the world better but also become more thoughtful participants in its future. Stay curious, stay aware—because every week tells a story worth knowing.

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