India: relationships with the USA take a downward turn
US-India relations entered a turbulent phase when Donald Trump tore into India for its continued oil imports from Russia and slow progress on trade negotiations. Formerly close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump, accusing India of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine, has vowed to raise tariffs on Indian exports to 50%. India regards its Russian energy imports as economically necessary; it has a longstanding relationship with Russia and is among the largest importers of Russian oil. Modi’s government has so far resisted Trump’s pressure, particularly over opening up US access to the heavily protected agriculture and dairy sectors. In response to Trump’s belligerent language, Modi has called on citizens to buy only Indian-made goods, leading to greater economic self-reliance. Political commentators note that it will be very difficult for Modi to give any large concessions in a trade deal, given the growing anger within India towards Trump.
Brazil: former president Bolsonaro put under house arrest
Brazil’s supreme court has placed former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest as he stands trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election won by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, citing violations of restrictions on Bolsonaro’s social media activity and political messaging, has ordered the measure. Bolsonaro, accused of leading an armed criminal group and attempting to abolish democratic rule, faces up to twelve years in prison if convicted. The prosecution links him to the January 2023 storming of Brazil’s congress and other institutions by his supporters. Bolsonaro denies all charges, calling the case a political witch hunt. The ruling has sparked political tensions, with Donald Trump’s administration imposing tariffs on Brazil and sanctions on Moraes, which Lula has called ‘unacceptable’. Bolsonaro’s movements are now restricted, and his communications have been seized; only close family and lawyers are allowed to visit. There have been widespread rallies to protest this decision: see
USA: vaccine projects lose funding
The US health department is to cancel $500 million in funding for 22 mRNA vaccine projects targeting viruses such as flu and Covid-19, including those by Pfizer and Moderna. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic, claimed mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits for respiratory viruses. Health experts strongly disagreed, noting that the vaccines were pivotal in slowing Covid-19 and saving millions of lives. They warned that withdrawing support undermines one of the most effective tools for pandemic preparedness. Kennedy argued the department would fund alternative vaccine platforms with broader safety records. However, experts say that viruses mutate naturally and that mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe, effective, and faster to develop than traditional vaccines. The decision is part of broader changes Kennedy has made to vaccine policy, including removing Covid vaccines from the recommended immunisation schedule for healthy children and pregnant women.
Nigeria: illegal export of over 1,600 live birds prevented
Customs officials have intercepted a shipment of over 1,620 live parrots and canaries at Lagos' international airport, bound for Kuwait without the required permits. The birds, including protected ring-necked parakeets and yellow-fronted canaries, were seized during a routine inspection on 31 July. A spokesman said that the airport remains under strict surveillance to prevent illegal trafficking. As a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Nigeria must ensure such exports have legal documentation, which this shipment did not have. Authorities are investigating those behind the attempted export. The rescued birds were handed over to the National Park Service for rehabilitation. Conservationists view this seizure as a major success in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against wildlife trafficking. Although the country is a key transit hub due to porous borders, widespread corruption, and weak enforcement, the interception is a sign of positive change in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, which globally generates $8–10 billion annually.
Christian Lioness wins Young Player of the Euros
England’s Michelle Agyemang, 19, has been named UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Young Player of the Tournament. A bold Christian witness on and off the pitch, she wears crosses on her socks, shares gospel music as her pre-match soundtrack, and openly credits her faith for her journey. Agyemang is part of the Christian group Ballers in God and includes a cross in her Instagram bio. Her breakout performance during the tournament was marked by critical goals, including a last-minute equaliser in the semi-final and a crucial penalty in the quarter-final that helped the Lionesses progress. After England’s thrilling win in the final, she gave glory to God in a live interview: “It’s only by the grace of God.” Remarkably, just four years ago she was a ball girl watching some of her now-teammates play at Wembley. Agyemang’s humility, gratitude, and dedication shine through her story. She honours her teammates, coaches, and staff for their support, seeing her rise as a team effort and a testimony to God’s faithfulness and grace.
Oklahoma senior uses technology to preach around the world
Arch Bonnema, a 72-year-old businessman from Oklahoma, has spent decades funding and participating in global mission work. For years, he worked in estate planning and precious metals sales to support monthly mission trips. While he previously focused on Africa, God unexpectedly opened doors for fruitful ministry in Pakistan, a country he never intended to visit. There, Arch has distributed nearly 30,000 Urdu-language Audio Bibles - small music-box devices ideal for Pakistan’s 43% illiterate population. People gather around to listen, much like families once did with radios. Amazingly, over 90% of the devices still function after three years. Arch preaches via mobile phone six days a week to small groups gathered by his Pakistani team, often beginning at 11 p.m. Oklahoma time. He’s also recruited 13 other U.S. pastors to join this digital mission via WhatsApp. Arch’s passion for evangelism began as a teen and never waned. He and his wife have travelled to over 34 nations and completed 350 mission trips. “I’ve seen more salvations after 65,” he says, praising God for technology that multiplies his reach.
Israel condemns Keir Starmer over plan to recognise Palestine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel halts its actions in Gaza and commits to a two-state solution. Citing widespread suffering, including starving children and destroyed communities, Starmer issued an ultimatum: Israel must agree to a ceasefire, permit humanitarian aid, and halt annexation plans in the West Bank. The move, backed by France and a large number of Labour MPs, drew sharp condemnation from Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu, who called it a reward for terrorism and warned it could endanger global security. The United States also expressed concern, with President Trump saying the decision risks rewarding Hamas. Foreign Secretary David Lammy added that Britain has a historic responsibility, referencing the Balfour Declaration, and insisted that the two-state solution remains the only path to peace. Critics of Israel’s current actions view the recognition as a moral imperative. Starmer has launched a diplomatic effort to rally global support ahead of September, signalling a dramatic shift in UK foreign policy. See
IMF: ‘Bank of England must cut interest rates to save UK economy’
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Bank of England to cut interest rates at least twice more in 2025 to support the UK economy. The Bank’s base rate currently stands at 4.25%, down from a post-Covid peak of 5.25%, following efforts to reduce inflation, which has now eased to 3.6%. Despite slight improvements in GDP projections - 1.2% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026 - the IMF warned that global trade uncertainty and fiscal deficits could disrupt recovery. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the UK’s position as the fastest-growing G7 economy in Europe but faces criticism over recent tax increases, including higher National Insurance contributions and the extension of inheritance tax to pensions. Bank Governor Andrew Bailey suggested these tax hikes may be dampening business investment and wage growth. The IMF highlighted risks of financial market volatility and called for a cautious yet responsive approach. As global economic pressures persist, the UK must balance fiscal discipline with growth-friendly policies that promote employment, investment, and long-term stability. See
Knife crime soars by nearly 60% in London
Knife crime in London has surged by nearly 60% in the last three years and 86% over the past decade, according to a new report by Policy Exchange. A cluster of just 20 central London streets—including Oxford Circus and Regent Street—now accounts for one in every 15 knife attacks in the city. The rise in violent crime has prompted calls for a “zero tolerance” approach, including increased use of stop-and-search tactics. While controversial, the report argues that stop-and-search aligns with demographic crime data, with a higher percentage of arrests and charges involving black offenders than the general population representation. Commander Hayley Sewart of the Met Police reported that recent efforts, including hotspot policing, technological tools, and visible neighbourhood patrols, have already led to a 16% drop in knife-related crime and reduced homicide rates. Tributes have poured in for a father and son recently killed in a targeted attack, highlighting the human cost of this violence. Leaders stress that curbing knife crime requires a united approach from police, government, and society at large.
DWP benefit cuts hit people with Parkinson's and MS
The UK Government is facing pressure to widen access to its proposed “top tier” sickness benefits, following concerns that people with fluctuating conditions such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis (MS) may be unfairly excluded. Under current Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) proposals, only those whose symptoms “constantly” prevent work would qualify for enhanced universal credit and be exempt from regular medical reassessments. Labour MP Graeme Downie has tabled an amendment to expand eligibility to those with “evolving” or fluctuating conditions. He argues that the cost of living with conditions like Parkinson’s - where even simple daily tasks may require expensive alternatives - requires consistent financial support. Parkinson’s UK and other campaigners support the change, warning that current criteria fail to reflect the live realities of such illnesses. While ministers have agreed to remove similar restrictive clauses from the personal independence payment (PIP) system, the universal credit health element still raises concern. With cross-party backing, the amendment seeks to ensure compassion and fairness for those whose disabilities vary in severity from hour to hour.