Russia’s Central Bank Slows Rate Cuts as Inflation Risks Persist
Russia’s central bank cut its key rate to 14%, but higher fuel costs, inflation expectations and weaker growth are keeping borrowing conditions tight.
International
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U.K. Regulator Keeps Broadband Businesses Separate During Merger Review
The CMA has accepted interim safeguards keeping Substantial’s broadband businesses separate from nexfibre as it reviews the proposed acquisition.
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NATO’s New Industry Strategy Puts Defense Production at the Center of Readiness
NATO’s SYNC strategy aims to improve industry coordination, demand visibility and defense production, but it does not guarantee funding, contracts or faster deliveries.
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Sudan’s El Obeid Crisis Deepens as Civilian Risks Converge
Drone strikes, displacement, shortages and cholera are converging in Sudan’s El Obeid, while aid access and safe movement remain under pressure.
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EU Ban on Destroying Unsold Fashion Takes Effect
The EU now bars large fashion companies from routinely destroying unsold clothes, accessories and shoes, requiring documented alternatives and new supply-chain controls.
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Venezuela’s ICC Exit Plan Draws U.N. Warning Over Accountability
Venezuela says it will leave the ICC, but Article 127 means withdrawal is not immediate and does not erase existing obligations or pending matters.
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A Spent Falcon 9 Rocket Stage Is Expected to Strike the Moon on August 5
NASA says a spent Falcon 9 stage is expected to hit the Moon near Einstein Crater on August 5, offering researchers a rare chance to study an artificial impact.
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WMO Warns Strengthening El Niño Could Amplify Heat, Drought and Floods
A strengthening El Niño is raising the odds of heat, drought and flooding in different regions, while governments and aid agencies prepare early action.
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U.N. Renews Global Urban Agenda Through 2036
The U.N. renewed its global urban policy framework through 2036, but cities still face a financing and authority gap over housing, services and climate.
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Gaza aid faces deeper strain as funding and access constraints compound
WFP warns Gaza aid cuts may deepen by October as access constraints, fuel shortages and funding gaps put fragile food-security gains at risk.
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UNESCO summit exposes global school-finance strain
UNESCO reported falling education aid and heavy debt-service pressure after its July summit, which produced a financing guide but no binding funding deal.
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Japan Raises Departure Tax to ¥3,000 as Tourism Pressure Builds
Japan’s departure tax rose to ¥3,000 on July 1 as record visitor numbers test whether new tourism revenue can ease pressure on crowded destinations.
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ASEAN Urges Hormuz Access, Renews South China Sea Code Goal
ASEAN’s July Manila meetings urged an immediate Middle East ceasefire and safe Hormuz passage while renewing a 2026 South China Sea code goal.
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Asian Markets Rally as Oil Eases on Hormuz Deal Hopes
Asian stocks surged and oil prices eased on August 5 as investors weighed strong earnings and tentative hopes for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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Indonesia’s Copyright Rewrite Puts AI Licensing and Music Royalties in Focus
Indonesia is weighing AI-era copyright rules while making song registration free, linking creative-work protection, platform duties and royalty tracking.
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Haiti begins voter registration as election timetable remains uncertain
Haiti began voter registration on July 30, but its December 13 election target still depends on security, funding and access for displaced voters.
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Rights group says Sudan drone strike killed 35 at Darfur court
Emergency Lawyers says drones hit a civil court in North Darfur on August 2, while UN warnings show how attacks are disrupting food, water and aid.
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Australia-Fiji Defense Treaty: What It Requires and What Comes Next
Australia and Fiji signed a Pacific mutual-defense treaty on July 6, but it still needs ratification and does not mandate an automatic military response.
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FIFA’s World Cup Commercial Model Faces Scrutiny After Proposal Fails
FIFA withdrew its proposed private-investor vehicle after opposition from football confederations, leaving development funding and governance questions unresolved.
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Bangladesh President Resigns, Speaker Takes Interim Duties
Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned July 24, and a July 25 gazette placed presidential duties temporarily with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
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Taiwan Begins Han Kuang 42 Drills With Civilian Readiness Tests
Taiwan’s Han Kuang 42 drills run through August 14 and test military readiness, arms-production relocation, sea routes, communications and civilian response.
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West Bank settler attacks exceed 2025 fatality total, UN says
A U.N. humanitarian report says 18 Palestinians were killed in settler-attack-linked incidents in the West Bank by July 20, above 2025’s full-year total.