News
Magnitude 5.4 earthquake shakes northeastern Pakistan and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Intense tremors impacted the districts of Hunza and Nagar, with Chipurson Valley in Upper Hunza among the most affected zones. Situated near the borders with China and Afghanistan, this mountainous valley experienced significant shaking that prompted residents in various communities to evacuate their homes. Following the quake, landslides and rockfalls emerged in several parts of the valley. A rockslide also obstructed the Chipurson Valley road near Ramanji, hampering access along a route that connects remote settlements in the high-altitude region.
International Youth Day 2026 highlights youth inclusion, skills and shared global aspirations. The UN identified economic uncertainty, digital inclusion, and climate change as key challenges confronting younger generations worldwide. According to the Secretary-General’s message, these issues often transcend borders and demand coordinated international responses. Guterres also highlighted the innovation, energy, and leadership demonstrated by young people, describing them as organizers and pioneers actively contributing to communities and civic life. The message linked youth participation to broader efforts aimed at sustainable development. Enhancing skills was another priority in the 2026 message. Guterres urged young individuals to access critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and digital literacy. He believes these skills will shape the future and promote more inclusive societal engagement. The Secretary-General also called on institutions to collaborate with youth as equal partners, advocating for increased youth involvement in decision-making processes at local, national, and global levels. The UN reaffirmed that investment in youth and their inclusion remain vital demands worldwide.
Business
Global markets for precious metals moved lower on Friday, with spot gold prices falling and pushing the asset toward a weekly decline. Data from financial markets indicated that spot gold decreased 0.5 percent to trade at $4,326.75 per ounce, while United States gold futures for December delivery fell nearly 1.0 percent to $4,382.50 per ounce. These market setbacks followed a sharp, temporary surge on Thursday when bullion prices reached their highest levels in more than two months before settling 1.3 percent lower amid a wave of profit taking.
Global electric vehicle sales grew 9% year on year in July 2026 to reach 1.85 million units. Among the major EV markets, Europe experienced the strongest growth in July, with sales rising by 33% compared to the previous year. France saw an 81% yearly surge in July, achieving a 37% EV penetration rate. Germany recorded a 46% growth, while the United Kingdom experienced a 43% increase. Battery-electric vehicles continued to expand their market share across Europe, reaching 20.7% of new car registrations in the European Union.
South Korea’s automobile exports increased by 7.0% year on year to reach US$6.24 billion in July 2026. This figure set a new record for the highest export value ever recorded for that month. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported that exports surpassed the previous July record of US$5.90 billion, which was established in 2023. In comparison, exports in July 2025 totaled US$5.83 billion. Domestic vehicle sales grew slightly by 0.5%, totaling 139,000 units, while production increased significantly by 11.3% to 352,000 vehicles.
On Wednesday, diesel prices stayed high as restrictions on refined-product supplies continued to exert upward pressure on fuel markets across the United States and Europe. U.S. ultra-low sulfur diesel futures surged 7.4% on Monday, closing at $4.19 a gallon, marking their largest single-day increase since July 13. Early Wednesday trading pushed the contract close to $4.28 a gallon, while European diesel refining margins remained at historically elevated levels after nearly a 10% rise on Monday. Diesel prices remain elevated as tight US and European fuel supplies pressure markets.
Gold extended its upward movement for a third consecutive session on Tuesday, building on last week’s sharp rebound. The spot price increased by 1% to $4,432.74 an ounce by 0217 GMT, reaching its highest level since June 5 and surpassing the seven-week peak hit last week. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures rose 1.7% to $4,492.60. The gains followed positive momentum on Friday and Monday, as global bullion markets reacted to U.S. economic indicators and interest rate expectations.
Official figures reveal that Denmark’s annual consumer price inflation decreased to 1.7% in July from 1.9% in June. According to Statistics Denmark, the consumer price index increased by 1.3% compared to June. The core inflation rate remained steady at 2.3%, showing no change from the previous month. The most significant overall contribution to July’s inflation came from restaurants and hotels, primarily driven by rising holiday home rental prices within that sector.
Technology
UN child safety push targets AI, disinformation and harmful online platform practices. Ahead of International Youth Day on Aug. 12, the Department of Global Communications released the brief. It highlights that over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users globally. This access facilitates learning, civic participation, and economic inclusion. Nonetheless, harmful online environments can negatively influence the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of younger audiences. The report also emphasizes that children and adolescents are still acquiring the skills needed to evaluate the information they encounter online.
On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. The launch of H3 Flight No. 9 occurred at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, confirmed that the satellite separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. JAXA stated that the rocket adhered to its planned trajectory and successfully placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit. Part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Michibiki No. 7 plays a key role in QZSS. The satellite network delivers positioning, navigation, and timing services that complement the U.S. Global Positioning System.
A state court in New Mexico mandated Meta to allocate $567 million into a fund dedicated to youth mental health and child safety, after determining that its platforms created a public nuisance. Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court delivered this verdict in Santa Fe following a three-week bench trial. The court found that Facebook and Instagram played a significant role in fueling a youth mental health crisis and failed to protect minors from online exploitation.
OpenAI expands ChatGPT Free and Go access with GPT-5.6 Luna and unlimited text chats. During this week’s rollout, GPT-5.6 Luna will serve as the default for Free and Go accounts. Next week, unlimited text conversations and the Think button will also be introduced. The Think feature allows Luna more processing time for tackling complex questions before providing a response. OpenAI clarified that unlimited text access remains protected by abuse prevention measures. The change impacts only text interactions, so separate restrictions will continue for tools that involve additional processing, such as image generation.
