What’s been making the news/

The UN and World Trade Organisation, is warning about Global Food supply crisis. Blockade of food passage through the black sea is causing major problems together with supply chain issues that could lead to starvation and mass migration around the World.

 

Russia’s biggest oil tanker, the Sig, was struck by Ukrainian sea drone, carrying 450 kilograms (992 pounds) of TNT. Russian sources reported that the sea drone created a hole in the vessel’s engine room at the waterline on the starboard side, forcing the 11-strong crew to fight the flooding of the vessel which was rescued and that it was not carrying oil whereas Ukrainian Officials, said some crew were injured and that the tanker was carrying fuel for the Russian military. Earlier, a ship was attacked by an unmanned sea drone at the black sea.

After 47 yrs., Russia launched its first space mission to the surface of the moon in the midst of its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow's Luna 25 mission, lifted off on schedule from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East. The Moon's South Pole is believed to hold deposits of water. It follows, India’s launch of the lander a month ago which has been orbiting the moon and expected to touch down on the 21st. 

Following almost 8 weeks of protests & demonstrations in which businesses closed their doors, Israeli Knesset voted 64-0 with the absence of opposition parties on proposed judicial overhaul that would see Parliament curtail the powers of the Supreme Court, which critics and Protesters, have suggested will undermine Israel’s democracy & the rule of law as the Courts will no longer be Independent since they would be under the control of the PM, Parliament and Cabinet. The approval abolishes the ‘reasonableness clause’ which weakens the Supreme Court’s ability to review Cabinet decisions that it views as, unreasonable and that means, there will be no checks and balances to power. Prominent members of Israeli society (Economists, Security Officials and Reservists, Businesses) among others, have opposed the move highlighting that, the concentration of power, will have adverse effect on Israel’s democracy and economy.

 

Ex Pakistan PM, Imran Khan called for nationwide protests after he was jailed for 3 years over corruption claims that he did not declare money earned from selling gifts from Foreign governments which included, (Rolex watches, a ring and two cuff links) valued at 140m Pakistani rupees ($635,000/£500,000). He denied all charges that he believes are politically motivated and his lawyers will appeal the sentence. It means he can no longer participate in the up-coming elections if his appeal isn’t upheld.

 

Former US President, Donald Trump was indicted a 3rd time around for plotting to overturn the 2020 election result on 4 counts of conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy against the rights of citizens. He was arraigned before the Court in Washington DC and denied all charges until he appears again in Court before the Jury. He was given the option to appear in person or virtually but chose to appear in person as expected because he relishes in being a villain, which he turns into his own advantage/false spectacle for his followers as their saviour!

The Republican base still has him as their leading candidate for nomination as he is polling at sixty-something %, which wouldn’t even translate into a National win in 2024 against current President, Joe Biden. Majority have had enough of the chaos in the White House and hostility towards US allies during his tenure in office and don’t want a repeat of the same circus show.

 

Chinese economy faces deflation as trade data shows that imports and exports  to major markets have slowed with a fall in domestic demand and less disposal income for consumption abroad. China’s GDP used to grow at 2.2% in previous quarters but is now growing at 0.8% in Q2 of 2023. China's exports fell by 14.5% in July compared with a year earlier, while imports dropped 12.4%. Added to the problems China is facing are youth unemployment at 21.3% rise from 20.8% and growing debt crisis in the property market. The Property market fuels Chinese economic growth  for up to 30% of its GDP. Country Garden  one of the largest developers missed interest payments on some of its debt with its shares plunging at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, leading to fears it may become another Evergrande, the rival property giant that defaulted on its debt of £235bn in 2021.

 

36 people died in wildfires in the Hawaiian Island of Maui and more than 270 buildings destroyed in what seemed like an apocalypse fueled by strong winds by Hurricane Dora that spread the fire widely. Many Residents and tourists/holiday makers visiting the City of Lahaina were evacuated to makeshift shelters and a state of emergency declared. The area and state has been declared a major disaster zone. Very strong hurricane winds and dry weather conditions helped fuel the flames. Wildfires generally need three ingredients in the form of fuel from biomass like dry vegetation or trees, a spark, and with dry and windy weather conditions help to drive the flames. Droughts across Hawaii, including in the Island of Maui may have also played a role.

Presidential candidate was shot dead in Ecuador while holding a political rally, where, he vowed to root out corruption and end the gang war & drug cartels culture exported from Mexico and Columbia.

England qualified for the Semi-finals of the World Cup beating Columbia and will play Australia, one of the host nations whilst defending Champions the US Germany and Japan were defeated. Well done and Congratulations to the ladies. Wishing them the best.

 

In Tennis, Pegula won the ladies final at Toronto Open while Sinner won the men’s final. Congratulations to both players.