Gaza Conflict Intensifies Amidst Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has seen a severe escalation, with Israel's military declaring Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone" and initiating the "initial stages" of a planned offensive to seize the region's largest urban area. This declaration came as Israel carried out drone, artillery, and fighter jet attacks, reportedly killing at least 41 Palestinians, including children and those searching for food. The Israeli military has also suspended daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza City, which previously allowed for the delivery of aid. UNICEF has issued a stark warning, stating that Gaza's starvation crisis is worsening daily and that "famine is absolutely ravaging Gaza City." The offensive has prompted fears of re-displacement for up to one million people, as many residents are being urged to evacuate southwards. Israeli forces also recovered the bodies of two hostages, including Ilan Weiss, who was abducted by Hamas in October 2023. Separately, two Lebanese soldiers were killed and two injured when an Israeli drone exploded in South Lebanon. This incident occurred as the UN Security Council voted to end the UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon over the next two years.
US Tariff Policies Face Legal Challenge and Political Scrutiny
A significant legal development in the United States saw a federal appeals court rule that most of former President Donald Trump's tariffs were illegal. The 7-4 ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a lower court's finding that Trump had exceeded his authority in using emergency economic powers to impose widespread duties. Despite the ruling, the tariffs will remain in effect through mid-October, allowing the administration to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. President Trump responded to the ruling by asserting that "ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT!" and criticized the court as "highly partisan." This ruling marks a significant blow to Trump's economic policy tool, which has impacted numerous trading partners, including India, which recently saw its tariffs increased to 50% due to its purchases of Russian oil. Additionally, an exemption that allowed low-value parcels shipped to the US to avoid tariffs officially ended.
Thailand's Prime Minister Removed by Constitutional Court
Thailand's political landscape was shaken as the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. The court found her guilty of ethical misconduct related to a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen regarding a border dispute. This ruling makes Paetongtarn the fifth prime minister to be removed by Thai judges since 2008, plunging the kingdom into renewed political uncertainty. She had been suspended from her duties since July 1 pending the verdict. The Shinawatra family has a history of their tenures being cut short, with Paetongtarn's father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck also being removed from office.
India Strengthens Global Ties and Boosts Domestic Economy
India continued its active engagement on the global stage and implemented significant domestic economic measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan, where he and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba agreed to expand ties in security, economy, clean energy, and human resources, aiming for a 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) Japanese private sector investment in India over the next decade. PM Modi also emphasized the importance of India and China working together for global economic stability and is set to attend the SCO Summit, indicating a diplomatic reset with Beijing. On the economic front, Qatar has expressed interest in negotiating a trade pact with India. Domestically, the Union Cabinet extended the Prime Minister Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme until March 31, 2030, with enhanced loan amounts and cashback incentives. India's bioeconomy has shown significant growth, reaching $165.7 billion in 2024, with plans to expand to $300 billion by 2030. Furthermore, former RBI Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as an Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three-year term.