OpenAI broke from Anthropic on July 25 by joining a 32-company letter defending open-weight AI models, leaving Anthropic as the only major US AI lab outside a growing coalition that now includes Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, and Google.
Posted inMarkets
Brent Crude Falls 5% as Iran-US Pause Eases 13-Day Supply Threat
International oil benchmark Brent crude fell roughly 5% on July 27 after the US halted strikes on Iran and Tehran signalled it would reciprocate, reversing part of the war-driven premium that had pushed prices above $100 a barrel.
Posted inEconomy
UK Inflation Falls to 2.6% in June as Diesel and Food Prices Cool
UK consumer price inflation eased to 2.6% in June 2026, its lowest reading since March 2025, driven by falling diesel pump prices and the softest food inflation since August 2024, though services costs held firm at 3.6%.
Posted inGeopolitics
Iran Signals Attack Halt as US Pauses 13-Day Strike Campaign
After thirteen consecutive days of US air and naval strikes, Washington paused military operations against Iran on July 26 and Tehran indicated it would reciprocate, opening the first serious diplomatic space since the conflict began.
Posted inWorld
Brazil Blocks US Election Envoys as Lula-Trump Tensions Escalate
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry denied visas to two Trump administration officials planning to scrutinise the country’s October 4 presidential election, citing interference concerns amid an escalating tariff dispute.
Posted inTech
China Weighs Export Controls on AI Models, Training Data and Use of TSMC
China’s Ministry of Commerce is consulting AI and chip companies on export controls that would restrict overseas access to Chinese AI models, training data, and ban use of TSMC for Chinese chip designs.
Posted inMarkets
Gold Holds Bear Market Territory, Down 27% from January’s Record High
Spot gold traded at around $4,059 on July 25, extending a decline of more than 27% from its January peak of $5,597, as sticky inflation delays Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Posted inEconomy
IMF Holds 2026 Global Growth at 3% While Lifting Inflation Forecast to 4.7%
The IMF’s July 2026 update keeps global growth unchanged at 3% but raises its inflation forecast 0.3 points to 4.7%, citing an energy shock stalling the disinflation trend.
Posted inGeopolitics
Philippines Sailor Wounded as China Coast Guard Clashes at Ayungin Shoal
A Philippine sailor was injured when Chinese and Filipino forces clashed at Second Thomas Shoal on July 21, drawing US condemnation and overshadowing ASEAN diplomacy in Manila.
Posted inWorld
India’s Education Minister Quits as Cockroach Youth Movement Claims Victory
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25 after weeks of mass student protests over exam leaks, conceding to all three demands of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party.