Russia Attacks Ukraine with Drones and Missiles; South Korea Hit by Deadly Rains

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Key Takeaways

  • Russia attacked Ukraine with drones and missiles on July 20-21, killing at least one.
  • Heavy rains in South Korea caused floods, landslides, 17 deaths, and 11 missing.
  • Klaus Schwab is under investigation for manipulating WEF reports; he denies allegations.
  • Polls show 55% of Americans disapprove of Trump's deportation policies, up 10% since February.
  • NATO seeks details on Trump's plan for large-scale weapons transfers to Ukraine.

Top Stories

Russia attacks Ukraine with drones and missiles, killing at least one.

On July 20-21, 2025, Russia attacked Ukraine with drones and missiles, resulting in at least one death in Kyiv. Ukrainian forces reported 426 drones and 24 missiles launched, with strikes also impacting Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and causing injuries.

Heavy rains in South Korea cause at least 17 deaths.

Heavy rains in South Korea caused floods and landslides, resulting in at least 17 deaths and 11 missing, with over 13,000 people evacuated. The hardest hit was Sancheong, and approximately 10,000 people have been displaced.

Klaus Schwab under investigation for manipulating WEF reports.

Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), is under investigation for manipulating reports and submitting high expense claims. Schwab has denied the allegations and stepped down from his post.

Polls show Trump's deportation strategy losing majority support.

CNN and CBS polls indicate that around 55% of Americans believe Trump's deportation policies go too far, with a 10% increase since February. 57% spoke out against the construction of huge deportation prisons.

NATO allies seek details on Trump's weapons plan for Ukraine.

NATO allies are seeking details on President Trump's plan for large-scale weapons transfers to Ukraine, aiming for quick distribution. The plan involves European nations sending US weapons to Ukraine via NATO, with initial deliveries expected soon.

Cultural Highlights

Cast member raises Palestinian flag at London's Royal Opera.

On July 18, 2025, a cast member at London's Royal Opera raised a Palestinian flag during a performance of "Il Trovatore", drawing audience cheers. The opera company condemned the act as unauthorized and inappropriate.

BBC launches new Polish Language Service.

On July 19, 2025, the BBC launched a new Polish Language Service, 20 years after the previous version was discontinued. The new service utilizes AI and social media.

Sandra Oh reflects on her career, including her role on “Grey’s Anatomy”.

In an interview published on July 19, 2025, Sandra Oh reflects on her career, including her role as Dr. Cristina Yang on “Grey’s Anatomy” for 10 seasons. She discusses the discrimination she faced in Hollywood, her personal growth in her 50s, and her upcoming role as Olivia in Shakespeare in the Park’s “Twelfth Night”.

Economic Trends

U.S. retailers struggle with holiday shopping plans due to tariff uncertainty.

U.S. retailers are struggling with holiday shopping plans due to uncertainty over tariffs, particularly those on Chinese imports, as a result of President Donald Trump's trade policies. The fluctuating tariffs have led to delayed production and scaled-back holiday lines.

Singapore's MAS allocates S$1.1 billion to boost stock market.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is allocating S$1.1 billion to Avanda Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management, and Fullerton Fund Management as part of a S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) to boost the stock market. The program aims to strengthen market functions and broaden investor participation.

U.S. dollar slips against euro.

On July 18, 2025, the U.S. dollar slipped against the euro but maintained weekly gains. Investors weighed expected Fed policy and signs of rising inflation. Trump criticized Fed Chair Powell and pushed for higher tariffs on EU goods.

Gold prices increase to around $3,370 per ounce.

On July 21, 2025, gold prices increased, reaching around $3,370 per ounce, attributed to a weaker US dollar, uncertainty surrounding US-EU trade negotiations, and speculation about potential interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. US President Trump's tariff threats boosted gold's safe-haven status.

Reliance Industries' share price falls despite profit rise.

On July 21, 2025, Reliance Industries' share price fell approximately 2%, despite a reported 76.5% to 78.3% rise in net profit for Q1 FY26. The oil-to-chemicals (O2C) and retail segments' earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) underperformed.

Bangladesh and US sign deal for 700,000 tonnes of wheat annually.

Bangladesh and the US have signed a deal for 700,000 tonnes of US wheat annually over five years. This agreement aims to boost food security and address the trade deficit.

Oil prices little changed as traders assess European sanctions.

On July 21, 2025, oil prices were little changed as traders assessed the consequences of the new European sanctions against Russian oil supplies. The EU's package includes changing the application of the price cap on Russian oil.

US stock futures stable amid earnings reports and tariff threats.

US stock futures were stable as investors assessed upcoming Q2 earnings reports and potential new tariffs from the White House. Donald Trump is considering tariffs of at least 15% to 20% on goods from the European Union, which are set to take effect from August 1st.

Political Pulse

Russia remains committed to achieving its goals in the Ukraine conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated that Russia's objectives in the conflict are clear and have not changed. President Putin seeks a peaceful resolution, but Russia's goals, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions and the cessation of NATO troop deployment, remain firm.

Ukraine plans to boost domestic weapons production.

On July 21, 2025, Ukraine announced plans to boost domestic weapons production and strengthen national defense, following recent Russian attacks. The shift is driven by the need for self-reliance due to uncertainties in weapons supply from allies.

Trump demands Commanders change name back to Redskins.

On July 20, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that the Washington Commanders change its name back to 'Redskins' and the Cleveland Guardians change back to 'Indians'. Trump threatened to block a new stadium project for the Commanders if they don't change their name.

Epstein case: Calls for more information.

Around July 20, 2025, both Republicans and Democrats are seeking more information on the Jeffrey Epstein case, with the Justice Department requested unsealing grand jury testimony. Maureen Dowd and Marta Peirano analyzed the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case and its impact on Donald Trump and his supporters.

Poll shows disapproval of Trump's economic policies.

A CBS/YouGov poll, conducted six months into Donald Trump's presidency, reveals that a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of economic policies. 61% believe he focuses too much on tariffs, and 70% feel he hasn't done enough to stabilize prices.

UAE begins returning Afghan evacuees.

On July 20, 2025, the UAE began returning Afghan evacuees to Afghanistan, following a State Department cable. Trump pledged to help detained Afghans, as the UAE prepared to hand over refugees to the Taliban.

Trump's Justice Department transforms legal system into a personal political weapon.

President Trump's Justice Department is transforming America's legal system into a personal political weapon. The department asked a federal judge to sentence a former Louisville police officer, Brett Hankison, to one day in prison for violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights.

NPR addresses increase in political advertisements.

NPR's 'Weekend Edition Sunday' addresses the noticeable increase in political advertisements, even though it is not a major election year. The report explores the reasons behind this surge in political ads and identifies the entities funding them.

Iran's approach in negotiations with Europe will be stronger.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's approach in the upcoming negotiations with the European countries will be stronger and firmer. A new round of Iranian negotiations with European Troika representatives will be held early next week at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

Republicans face challenges in 2026 Senate races.

Republicans face early challenges in Senate races crucial to their majority in the 2026 midterm elections, including recruitment issues, open primaries, internal conflicts, and a passive president. Democrats need to gain four seats to regain control.

BBC's Newscast releases political report card.

On July 20, 2025, BBC's Newscast released an episode titled 'The End Of Year Political Report Card'. The episode assesses how the parties have fared since the general election and determines which would receive top marks.

Simon Tisdall discusses elusiveness of peace in Gaza.

Simon Tisdall discusses the elusiveness of peace in Gaza, attributing it to moral relativism. The US's stance on the Gaza war, supporting Israel's right to defend itself while avoiding condemnation of civilian casualties, erodes its credibility as a mediator.

Justin Fulcher resigns from Pentagon post.

Justin Fulcher, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, resigned from his Pentagon post after six months on July 20, 2025. Fulcher's departure was amicable and planned.

Frank Kendall argues Trump administration uses fear to suppress dissent.

Frank Kendall, former Secretary of the Air Force, argues that the Trump administration is using fear to suppress dissent across various sectors, including the military, civil service, law firms, and universities. He highlights the palpable fear within the Pentagon.

UK government announces inquiry into 1984 'Battle of Orgreave'.

The UK government announced a public inquiry into the 1984 'Battle of Orgreave' on July 20-21, 2025, 41 years after the event. The inquiry will investigate the violent clashes between police and striking miners at the Orgreave coking plant on June 18, 1984.

Sports & Society

England defender Jess Carter faces racist abuse online during Women's Euro 2025.

England defender Jess Carter faced racist abuse online during the Women's Euro 2025, leading her to step back from social media. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed support, and the English FA reported the abuse to police.

Tech Innovations

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang visits China, emphasizes market importance.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang visited China, attending the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing around July 16, 2025, and emphasized China's innovation and large consumer base. Huang announced Nvidia would sell its H20 chips in China despite US export bans.

Chinese Embassy refutes reports linking network attacks to China.

The Chinese Embassy in Singapore refuted reports linking network attacks on Singapore's critical infrastructure to China and the UNC3886 cyber espionage group. The embassy called such claims 'groundless smears and accusations'.

World Affairs

Humanitarian aid enters Sweida after week-long clashes.

A humanitarian aid convoy entered Sweida, Syria, following week-long clashes between Druze and Bedouin tribes that resulted in over 940-1,000 deaths and 128,571 displaced. A U.S.-mediated ceasefire was announced.

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