July 9, 2025

Trump’s Tariff Announcements: President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, escalating trade tensions. China vowed retaliation after similar levies. Copper prices surged, boosting U.S. miners like Freeport McMoRan but hurting foreign firms. The policy aims to protect American industries but risks global supply chain .

Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hamas expressed readiness for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire, showing flexibility on disarmament. Israel’s response is pending, with Netanyahu visiting Washington. Trump suggested a deal could come soon, but a controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to a Rafah “humanitarian city” has raised concerns.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia launched a record 539-drone attack on Ukraine’s capital on July 8, hours after a Trump-Putin call. Trump expressed disappointment, doubting Putin’s ceasefire interest. The U.S. approved more weapons for Ukraine, signaling continued support amid escalating hostilities and pessimism over peace talks.

Japan Earthquake Fears: Japan braced for quakes after a manga-based doomsday prediction sparked panic. Flight cancellations followed, with Hong Kong arrivals down 11%. Authorities dismissed the hype, but seismic activity concerns persist in the quake-prone nation, impacting tourism despite record visitor numbers.

Italy Police Dog Killing: The killing of Bruno, a police bloodhound who saved nine lives, outraged Italians. Found dead after eating food laced with nails, the incident prompted a criminal investigation. Premier Giorgia Meloni called it “vile” and “unacceptable,” reflecting public anger over the cruelty.

India’s Nationwide Strike: Over 25 crore workers joined a Bharat Bandh on July 9, disrupting banking, transport, and electricity in cities like Mumbai. Ten trade unions protested labor policies and privatization. Authorities deployed police to manage clashes, with minimal disruptions reported in some southern states.

Australian Synagogue Arson: A Melbourne synagogue was firebombed on July 6, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to vow strict action against antisemitic attacks. The incident, part of a recent wave, damaged the building but caused no injuries. Police are investigating it as a targeted hate crime.

Seine River Pollution: Paris closed the Seine to swimmers on July 7, just days after lifting a century-long ban, due to pollution concerns. A $1.5 billion cleanup for the 2024 Olympics improved water quality, but recent tests failed European standards, halting public swimming.

Ireland’s Record Drug Bust: Irish authorities released footage of a July 6 operation seizing Ireland’s largest cocaine haul from a container ship. Eight men were sentenced to 129 years combined. The sting, involving international cooperation, disrupted a major drug trafficking network, authorities said.

Macron’s Palestine Recognition Call: French President Macron urged the UK to recognize Palestine during a July 9 parliamentary speech, aiming to advance peace talks. The statement, made amid Gaza ceasefire discussions, drew mixed reactions, with some praising the move and others questioning its timing.

Haiti Gang Violence: G9 gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier was killed in a Port-au-Prince shootout on July 8, escalating Haiti’s gang crisis. The violence displaced thousands, with police struggling to maintain control. International aid efforts are stalled, and the U.S. is considering increased support for stabilization.

South Korea Plane Crash Inquiry: A Jeju Air crash at Muan Airport on July 6 killed 179, prompting a global investigation. Faulty landing gear is suspected, with South Korea auditing all Boeing 737-800s. The tragedy, the deadliest on South Korean soil, has raised aviation safety concerns.

Pakistan Polio Outbreak: Pakistan reported 17 new polio cases in 2025, with five in one week, threatening eradication efforts. Low vaccination rates and militant attacks on health workers are blamed. The WHO is deploying emergency teams to Balochistan, where the outbreak is concentrated, to curb spread.

Ethiopia Landslide Tragedy: A landslide in Ethiopia’s Amhara region on July 7 killed 13 and displaced hundreds. Heavy rains triggered the disaster, with rescue efforts ongoing. The government is providing aid, but infrastructure damage is hampering access. Climate change is increasing such events across the Horn of Africa.

UK Illegal Migration Crackdown: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new unit on July 8 to deport 14,000 illegal migrants by year-end. The policy targets smuggling gangs, with 4,000 already detained. It follows a 25% rise in Channel crossings, sparking debates over border security measures.