Digest for 07 July, 2025
US Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Aligned with BRICS Policies
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that any country aligning with what he termed the "anti-American policies of BRICS" will face an additional 10% tariff. The threat, issued on social media, came shortly after the BRICS summit in Brazil, where leaders criticized the “indiscriminate rising of tariffs” as a threat to global trade. The move escalates trade tensions and directly impacts India and other members of the expanded 11-nation bloc, which represents nearly half the world's population.
BRICS Summit Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges 'Zero Tolerance'
In a significant diplomatic statement, the BRICS nations issued a joint declaration strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders called for a "zero tolerance" approach to terrorism, urging nations to reject double standards and combat all forms of the menace, including cross-border movement and financing. The declaration, which reflects a key Indian foreign policy objective, emphasizes holding all those involved in terrorist activities accountable under international law, marking a unified stance from the 11-member bloc.
Israel and Houthi Rebels Escalate Conflict with Airstrikes and Missiles
Israel has launched airstrikes on Houthi-held ports in Yemen, including Hodeida, targeting what it claims are Iranian weapons transfer sites. The attack followed a Houthi assault on a commercial ship in the Red Sea. In retaliation for the airstrikes, the Houthis launched a missile towards Israel. This significant escalation threatens to destabilize global shipping lanes in the Red Sea corridor and marks a dangerous new phase in the regional conflict, with Israel now acting unilaterally against the Yemeni rebels.
Supreme Court to Hold Urgent Hearing on Bihar's Voter Roll Revision
The Supreme Court will hold an urgent hearing on July 10 to address petitions challenging Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR, which began on June 28, requires nearly 2.93 crore voters to produce documents proving their and their parents' birth date and place. Petitioners, including opposition MPs and activists, argue the hasty process and stringent documentation rules risk disenfranchising crores of poor and marginalized citizens ahead of state polls, prompting top court intervention.
Monsoon Fury in Himalayas: Flash Floods Kill 78 in Himachal Pradesh
Severe monsoon weather has caused widespread devastation in the Himalayan region, with flash floods and cloudbursts leading to at least 78 deaths in Himachal Pradesh. The state's Mandi district faces a severe water crisis due to damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, authorities have issued a landslide alert for four districts in neighboring Uttarakhand amid forecasts for more heavy rain. The events highlight the increasing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, causing significant loss of life and disrupting essential services.