Daily Dispatch: Yesterday, Across the Globe – July 5, 2025

1. Global Politics & Diplomacy

Biden-Trump Transition Talks Begin Amid Tensions
In Washington, formal discussions began between outgoing President Joe Biden’s team and the incoming administration of Donald Trump, following the Supreme Court’s validation of the election results. Despite continued street-level protests across several cities, both sides agreed to initiate a structured transition focusing on national security and trade policy continuity.

EU Holds Emergency Summit on Ukraine Aid
Leaders of the European Union convened an emergency summit in Brussels to deliberate a new €70 billion aid package for Ukraine. Amid rising pressure from member states like Hungary and Slovakia to scale down military support, Germany and France led efforts to push for continued economic and defense assistance.

India and Iran Revive Chabahar Port Agreement
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and Iran signed a long-term pact to develop and manage Chabahar Port, aimed at enhancing trade connectivity with Central Asia and Afghanistan. The deal is being seen as a strategic counter to China’s influence in the region through the Belt and Road Initiative.

2. Conflicts and War Zones

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Drone War Intensifies
Kyiv reported launching over 30 long-range drones targeting Russian air bases in Belgorod and Voronezh on Friday night. Moscow claimed to have intercepted most of them, though local media reported fires near key installations. Four civilians were reported injured. The drone war has significantly intensified in recent weeks.

Tensions Flare on Korean Peninsula
South Korea accused North Korea of flying surveillance balloons across the demilitarized zone (DMZ), violating the 2018 military pact. President Lee Jae Myung’s administration called it “an act of psychological provocation,” and temporarily reactivated loudspeaker propaganda systems near the border.

3. Economic Highlights

Global Oil Prices Spike Amid Supply Concerns
Crude oil prices jumped by 4% on Friday after reports of fresh drone strikes on key oil infrastructure in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Brent crude closed at $93.40 per barrel, marking a three-month high. Energy analysts warn of a potential ripple effect on inflation globally.

China’s Export Numbers Fall Sharply
Beijing released data showing a 6.8% decline in exports year-on-year for June 2025, triggering concern about weakening global demand. Manufacturing hubs in Guangdong and Zhejiang reported reduced factory activity, and the yuan fell slightly against the dollar.

4. Science and Health

WHO Confirms First Case of H7N10 in South America
The World Health Organization confirmed the first human case of H7N10 avian influenza in Colombia. The patient, a poultry worker, is in stable condition. Health authorities have begun culling operations and initiated a public health alert in the region.

NASA’s Europa Probe Begins Final Testing
NASA announced that its much-anticipated Europa Clipper probe has completed thermal vacuum testing and is on track for launch in October. The spacecraft will explore Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, in search of subsurface oceans and signs of life.

5. Sports

Wimbledon 2025: Upsets and Thrillers on Day 10
At the All England Club, unseeded American teenager Ava Chen stunned World No. 2 Iga Świątek in a dramatic three-set quarterfinal. Meanwhile, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semis after a hard-fought win over Daniil Medvedev.

Copa América Final Set: Argentina vs. Colombia
Argentina defeated Brazil 2-1 in a fiery semifinal clash, setting up a much-anticipated final against Colombia, who cruised past Uruguay 3-0. Lionel Messi confirmed this will be his last Copa América appearance, adding emotional weight to the July 7 showdown in Miami.

6. Culture & Society

Venice Introduces Tourist Entry Quotas
In a bid to combat over-tourism, Venice’s city council launched a daily tourist cap of 40,000 visitors effective immediately. New turnstile-style entry systems were installed at major entry points. Authorities said the move aims to protect the city’s fragile infrastructure and cultural heritage.

Weather Watch

Record Temperatures Scorch Southern Europe
Spain, Italy, and Greece faced extreme heat on July 5, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in some regions. Authorities issued red alerts and urged citizens to stay indoors. Scientists link the heatwave to intensified climate change patterns and poor urban planning.