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World Weekly Recap: Key Global Developments Beyond Entertainment (July 20–27, 2025)

Stay updated with the top global news from July 20–27, 2025. This non-entertainment weekly roundup covers diplomacy, economy, humanitarian issues, environment, and world politics in a concise, human-readable format.

NEWS/CURRENT AFFAIRSNEPOTISM/SOCIAL ISSUESGLOBAL ISSUES

Kim Shin

7/28/20256 min read

Global Diplomacy: Alliances, Visits, and Power Shifts
Global Diplomacy: Alliances, Visits, and Power Shifts

Each week, the world evolves in ways that shape our future—politically, economically, socially, and environmentally. In this digest, we step away from celebrity spotlights and streaming buzz to focus on what truly matters—real-world events. From major diplomatic visits and environmental warnings to security concerns and financial shifts, here’s your essential overview of the most impactful global news between July 20 and July 27, 2025.

China Proposes International AI Governance Body

  • At the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang proposed establishing a global organization to coordinate AI development and governance. The initiative aims to prevent monopolization by a few powerful countries or firms and promote equitable access to AI, especially for the Global South. China also released a global AI governance action plan, inviting cooperation from governments, international organizations, companies, and researchers to boost infrastructure and promote openness.

Thailand & Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Talks

  • After days of border clashes, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to ceasefire talks, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. While skirmishes persist, both nations have signaled readiness to negotiate, aiming to de-escalate tensions and restore regional stability.

Gold Prices Near Record Highs Globally

  • Gold prices have surged close to record highs, with MCX August futures in India reaching ₹100,555 per 10 grams. This increase is driven by global market trends, currency volatility, and evolving demand in major economies, underscoring gold's role as a safe-haven asset amid economic uncertainty.

Earth's Rotation Accelerates, Shortening Days

  • Scientists have observed an increase in Earth's rotational speed, resulting in slightly shorter days. On July 10, 2025, the planet recorded its shortest day of the year, finishing 1.36 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours. This acceleration is linked to climate change and melting polar ice, which redistribute Earth's mass and alter its spin, potentially affecting atomic timekeeping and GPS systems.

Global Hunger Crisis Intensifies

  • Progress in reducing childhood malnutrition is reversing, with severe food insecurity emerging in countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Yemen. Rising food prices, extreme weather, and reduced U.S. food aid exacerbate the issue, threatening to undo decades of progress in combating global hunger.

Greenpeace Activists Protest Against Fracked Gas in Scotland

  • On July 25, 2025, Greenpeace activists staged a major protest on the Forth Road Bridge in South Queensferry, Scotland, aiming to block a gas tanker delivering fracked American gas to the INEOS petrochemical plant. Ten activists suspended themselves from the bridge, halting the tanker's progress for 24 hours. The protest coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Scotland and aimed to draw attention to plastic pollution and INEOS's practices.

Earth's Rotation Accelerates, Shortening Days

  • Scientists have observed an increase in Earth's rotational speed, resulting in slightly shorter days. On July 10, 2025, the planet recorded its shortest day of the year, finishing 1.36 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours. This acceleration is linked to climate change and melting polar ice, which redistribute Earth's mass and alter its spin, potentially affecting atomic timekeeping and GPS systems.

President Trump Clashes with Federal Reserve Chair

  • During his visit to Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Federal Reserve Chair over interest rate policies, highlighting tensions between the executive branch and the central bank. The disagreement centers on differing views regarding economic strategies amid global financial uncertainties.

Australia Condemns Israel's Aid Blockade in Gaza

  • Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have condemned Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, labeling it a breach of international law. The Australian government is urging immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Security & Human Rights
Security & Human Rights

UK's Afghanistan Data Breach Exposed

  • A significant data breach from 2022, involving the personal details of over 18,700 Afghan asylum applicants, has come to light. The UK government's two-year effort to keep the breach secret has been criticized, raising concerns about transparency and the safety of those affected.

Pope Condemns Violence in Gaza

  • Pope Leo XIV has denounced the ongoing violence in Gaza, describing the situation as "barbarity." He called for immediate humanitarian assistance and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need to protect civilians.

Superbug Threat Escalates Globally

  • A new report warns that antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" could cause millions of deaths annually by 2050. The study highlights a decline in global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, urging immediate action to prevent a looming health crisis.

U.S. National Debt Interest Payments Surge

  • Interest payments on the U.S. national debt have reached $749 billion for the current fiscal year, second only to Social Security expenditures. Economists warn that this trajectory could lead to significant tax increases, service cuts, or potential default if not addressed.

France to Recognize State of Palestine

  • French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to officially recognize the state of Palestine, signaling a significant shift in foreign policy. This move aims to support peace efforts in the Middle East and has garnered both support and criticism from the international community.

Prime Minister Modi's Diplomatic Visits to the UK and Maldives

  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-nation state visit from July 23 to 26, 2025. His itinerary included a two-day visit to the United Kingdom beginning on July 23, where he engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Following the UK visit, he traveled to the Maldives on July 25 to further diplomatic conversations, focusing both on regional issues and bilateral cooperation. These visits are part of India’s broader effort to reinforce strategic ties with key international partners.

Japan's Political Landscape Shifts After Upper House Elections

  • On July 21, 2025, Japan's political scene experienced a shake-up as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house elections. Despite the setback, Ishiba vowed to remain in office, bringing some market stability amid fears of leadership uncertainty. Notably, the far-right Sanseito party gained traction in the elections, advocating anti-immigration rhetoric and welfare reforms.

Bangladesh Fighter Jet Crash Claims Over 30 Lives

  • A tragic incident occurred on July 21, 2025, when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7BGI training aircraft crashed into Milestone College in Uttara, Dhaka. The crash resulted in the deaths of 31 people, including the pilot, and raised serious concerns about aviation safety protocols in the region.

Iran Courthouse Attack Leaves Multiple Casualties

  • On July 26, 2025, a terrorist mass shooting attack at a courthouse in Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including three attackers, and injured 13 others. The Jaysh al-Adl militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.

Health Concerns
Health Concerns

Earth's Rotation Accelerates, Shortening Days

  • Scientists have observed an increase in Earth's rotational speed, resulting in slightly shorter days. On July 10, 2025, the planet recorded its shortest day of the year, finishing 1.36 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours. This acceleration is linked to climate change and melting polar ice, which redistribute Earth's mass and alter its spin, potentially affecting atomic timekeeping and GPS systems.

Global Markets Remain Stable Amid Political Tensions

  • Despite mounting political and policy tensions—including rising U.S. public debt, looming tariff hikes, and questions over Federal Reserve independence—global markets remained surprisingly stable. Stock indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached record highs, buoyed by strong earnings reports and positive economic indicators. The U.S. annualized economic growth stood around 2.4%, with financial conditions at their loosest in three years.

France to Recognize State of Palestine

  • French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to officially recognize the state of Palestine, signaling a significant shift in foreign policy. This move aims to support peace efforts in the Middle East and has garnered both support and criticism from the international community.

While entertainment often dominates headlines, the heartbeat of global change pulses through policy moves, economic turns, environmental alerts, and humanitarian actions. This week’s events remind us how interconnected our world is—from rising gold prices to the spin of the Earth itself. Whether it’s a diplomatic visit, a security breach, or an environmental protest, each event carries weight. Staying informed helps us not only understand the present but also shape a more conscious future.