Around the world

INDIA
Indian teen grandmaster

Becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup title, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh defeated fellow Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a three-day final held in Batumi, Georgia. The final was decided through tiebreaks, with Divya securing victory in the second rapid game with black pieces, earning a score of 2.5–1.5 and marking a historic achievement. With this triumph, she became the fourth Indian woman and the 88th Grandmaster, also securing a place in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

USA
Historic trade agreement

President Donald Trump finalised a major trade deal with the EU, imposing a 15% tariff on EU exports following a high-stakes meeting with european commission president Ursula von der Leyen. The deal, averted a 30% levy on European goods. In exchange, the EU pledged to 750 billion USD in U.S. energy purchases and 600 billion USD in investments. Though hailed as historic by Trump, the agreement now awaits approval from EU member states and sparked mixed reactions.

 UK
Triumph in Euro 2025

England clinched their second consecutive European title by defeating Spain in a tense penalty shootout in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final. The match, held overseas, saw Chloe Kelly once again emerge as the hero echoing her heroics from Euro 2022. Trailing 1-0 at halftime after a header by Spain’s Mariona Caldentey, England fought back through Alessia Russo’s equaliser, set up by substitute Kelly. The comeback helped them become the first team to win a single-legged Euro final after being behind at half-time, and redeeming their 2023 World Cup loss with unparalleled resilience.

CONGO
Natural habitat at risk

The DRC has launched oil and gas bids across 124 million hectares, covering over half the country. Experts warn of significant carbon release and biodiversity loss, including endangered lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and bonobos. Citing delayed climate funding, the government defends fossil fuel expansion. Activists call for cancelling the 2025 tender, urging sustainable development for 39 million affected residents.

NETHERLANDS
Climate’s urgent call

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a pivotal advisory opinion affirming nations’ legal duty to prevent climate harm, highlighting the 1.5°C global warming limit. Although the opinion is non-binding, it could reinvigorate global climate negotiations by supporting vulnerable countries seeking, justice, stronger climate action and compensation for climate-induced damages.

RUSSIA
Quake hits Kamchatka

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific. The quake, centred 125 km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, sent 3 - 4 metre waves to Kamchatka and Severo-Kurilsk, prompting evacuations and building damage. Governor Solodov called it the strongest in decades. Authorities remain on high alert as aftershocks are anticipated.

 CHINA
Launch of childcare subsidy

The govt. of China has launched a childcare subsidy of 3,600 yuan per child under three, aiming to ease costs and address China’s three-year consecutive population decline. Administered through the National Health Commission, it will reach more than 20 million families each year. It also provides prorated payments for children born in 2022–24, upto 10,800 yuan per child, marking a major move towards direct fiscal support for families.

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