Libre News of The World. Tuesday The 4th of August 2026

Subscribe today so you never miss an episode! Today on Libre News of The World... The United States has stepped back from a planned military strike on Iran in favour of urgent nuclear negotiations, triggering a sharp fall in oil prices as markets responded to the prospect of de-escalation. Iran, however, says no direct talks are currently taking place and maintains that discussions are limited to Omani mediation concerning safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Canada is confronting a renewed trade dispute with Washington after the United States raised tariffs to 35% on selected Canadian goods. Ottawa has rejected the measures as unjustified, pledged to defend Canadian workers and businesses, and continued negotiations under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. Mexico says its 2026 economy remains on track following a strong second-quarter rebound. The government believes growth of at least 1.5% is highly likely unless the economy contracts during both remaining quarters, while maintaining its broader annual forecast of 1.8% to 2.8%. Cuba has suffered another nationwide electricity-grid collapse, leaving millions without power as the island’s energy emergency deepens. Authorities began a phased restoration effort, but chronic fuel shortages, ageing infrastructure and repeated system failures continue to threaten daily life and economic stability. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has formally launched his re-election campaign, placing national sovereignty, democratic institutions and resistance to foreign interference at the centre of the October election. The contest is expected to shape Brazil’s domestic direction and international alignment for years to come. Colombia has reported its lowest level of forest loss in two decades, with 119,483 hectares lost during 2025. Although national deforestation rose slightly from the exceptionally low level recorded a year earlier, the total remained 31% below the 2021 baseline, exceeding the government’s reduction target. Michelle Bachelet has entered the first United Nations Security Council straw poll in the contest to become the next UN Secretary-General. The former Chilean president remains an official candidate despite the withdrawal of formal support from Chile’s current government and continues her campaign with backing from Brazil and Mexico. Argentine President Javier Milei has introduced legislation designed to strengthen the independence of the country’s central bank. The proposal would prohibit direct and indirect monetary financing of government spending and change the appointment and removal procedures for senior central-bank officials. China’s factory activity expanded at its slowest pace in four months during July. The Caixin manufacturing index fell from 51.7 to 50.9 as weaker domestic demand and higher production costs offset continued growth in output, new orders and export activity. Australia has confirmed its first mass wildlife deaths caused by H5N1 avian influenza. Greater crested terns were found dead or dying at Baudin Rocks in South Australia, and authorities have warned that further wildlife outbreaks are expected even though the virus has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks. New Zealand has formally recognised English as an official language, ending its previous status as a de facto official language. The legislation does not alter the legal position of te reo Māori or New Zealand Sign Language but has generated debate over national identity and the purpose of the reform. Japan has confirmed a rare coordinated currency intervention with the United States to support the yen. Central-bank liquidity data indicate that Tokyo may have spent approximately ¥5.4 trillion, or US$36.6 billion, while officials have signalled that further action remains possible. South Korea has clarified that its tariff agreement with the United States will not require any further opening of the country’s rice or beef markets. The government moved to reassure farmers after conflicting public statements generated uncertainty about the agricultural provisions of the agreement. Vietnam’s trade deficit reached a record US$20.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026 as imports of fuel, machinery and production inputs rose sharply. Strong exports, industrial activity and foreign investment continue, but rapidly increasing import costs are complicating the government’s double-digit growth ambitions. South Africa has published its first draft regulatory framework for cross-border cryptocurrency transfers. The proposal would bring offshore crypto transactions into the country’s exchange-control system, require authorised reporting channels and seek to prevent digital assets from being used to bypass financial controls. Türkiye has begun consultations on a new civilian constitution intended to replace the charter introduced after the 1980 military coup. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for broad political participation, while opposition parties remain concerned about the possible effect on the balance of executive power. Oman is mediating efforts to restore safe commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy intensifies. The Sultanate remains a key intermediary between Iran, the United States and Gulf governments at a moment when maritime security is central to global energy markets. Egypt continues to play a leading role in negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire, hostage releases, humanitarian access and future governance arrangements. Competing proposals remain unresolved, with Israel and Hamas still divided over disarmament, troop withdrawal and implementation. Iran says it is not engaged in direct negotiations with the United States despite Washington’s announcement that talks would begin. Tehran has confirmed discussions with Oman over temporary arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz but says a full reopening depends on wider regional security conditions. Israel has raised serious objections to the proposed framework for Hamas disarmament, casting doubt on the progress of a United States-backed Gaza peace plan. Israeli officials insist that Hamas’s military infrastructure must be verifiably dismantled before any full withdrawal, while military operations continue. France has launched an international humanitarian air bridge to deliver emergency food and medical supplies to Gaza. Paris says the operation supports, rather than replaces, diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, expanded humanitarian access and stronger protection for civilians. Italy has temporarily reintroduced border controls on arrivals from Spain following the migration crisis in Ceuta. The one-month measure applies to selected non-European Union nationals arriving by air or sea and has intensified debate about security, migration management and the future of the Schengen system. Spain is confronting one of the largest migration surges recorded in Ceuta in decades. Madrid has deployed additional security resources, expanded humanitarian assistance and appealed for European Union solidarity while opposing unilateral restrictions imposed by other member states. Algeria has elected Khalida Boufedeche as the first woman speaker of its People’s National Assembly. Her appointment places a woman in the country’s fourth-highest constitutional office, although women still account for only about 6% of the legislature. Azerbaijan says relations with Armenia have entered a period of “real peace,” but insists that constitutional changes in Yerevan remain necessary before a final treaty can be signed. Economic contacts are resuming, while negotiations continue over legal language and a proposed regional transport corridor. The Bank of England has held its benchmark interest rate at 3.75%, with policymakers voting six to three in favour of no change. The increasingly divided vote reflects concern that Middle East tensions and possible energy-price pressures could complicate Britain’s inflation outlook. Scotland’s Green Volt floating offshore wind project has reached financial close and entered construction. The development is expected to become one of Europe’s first commercial-scale floating wind farms dedicated to supplying renewable electricity to offshore North Sea energy infrastructure. Ireland recorded a €700 million Exchequer surplus during the first half of 2026 as corporation-tax receipts remained resilient. The figures reinforce the country’s strong fiscal position while renewing warnings about its dependence on revenue from a relatively small number of multinational companies. Greenland is preparing for the total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026, when parts of the territory will experience totality. International scientists and visitors are expected to travel to the Arctic to observe the Sun’s corona, atmospheric changes and the eclipse’s effects under polar conditions. Norwegian police are investigating an explosion that damaged the entrance to the United States Embassy’s consular section in Oslo. No injuries were reported, but investigators are examining whether the incident was a deliberate attack and have increased security around diplomatic facilities. Iceland has entered the final month before its 29 August referendum on reopening negotiations to join the European Union. The electorate remains closely divided as the campaign focuses on fisheries, sovereignty, trade, security and the country’s long-term place in Europe. Uzbekistan and the European Union have established a Strategic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials. The agreement is intended to expand sustainable exploration, processing, investment and technology cooperation while helping Europe diversify supplies of minerals needed for batteries, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Russia’s manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest rate in 18 months during July, with the purchasing managers’ index rising to 50.7. Output and domestic orders strengthened, but business confidence fell to its lowest level since May 2020 amid inflation, supply pressures and weak export demand. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed chief peace negotiator Rustem Umerov to lead the country’s Foreign Intelligence Service. The move forms part of a broader wartime security reshuffle as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and Russian attacks continue. India’s examination paper-leak scandal is continuing to reshape national politics as anger grows over corruption, youth unemployment and access to opportunity. Repeated leaks affecting competitive examinations have weakened confidence in public institutions and intensified demands for accountability and education reform. Archived Sources Canada Primary Source: Prime Minister of Canada Headline: Statement by Prime Minister Mark Carney on the United States administration's intention to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods URL: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2026/07/20/statement-prime-minister-carney-united-states-administrations-intention Independent Source #1: Reuters (Canadian newspaper roundup) Headline: Canada - August 1 URL: https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2025%3Anewsml_L4N3TT0XC%3A0-canada-august-1/ Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: Ontario wildfires expand as smoke lingers in parts of the US URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/ontario-wildfires-expand-smoke-lingers-parts-us-2026-07-20/ United States Primary Source: The White House / President Donald Trump (Truth Social statements reported by Reuters) Headline: Trump says Iran requested more time as U.S. pursues nuclear agreement instead of military strike. URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Oil falls after Trump cancels attack on Iran to seek nuclear deal URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-tumbles-trump-cancels-attack-iran-reach-nuclear-deal-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: The Guardian Headline: Trump backs down on Iran strikes in expectation of 'rapidly' reaching a deal URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/02/trump-climbs-down-on-iran-strikes-after-saudi-alarm-and-threats-from-tehran Mexico Primary Source: Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (Ministry of Finance and Public Credit) Headline: Mexico maintains its 2026 economic outlook following second-quarter growth. URL: https://www.gob.mx/shcp Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Mexico says 1.5% GDP growth secure unless economy shrinks in second half URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-says-15-gdp-growth-secure-unless-economy-shrinks-second-half-2026-07-30/ Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: Mexico economy likely rebounded in second quarter URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-economy-likely-rebounded-second-quarter-2026-07-27/ Cuba Primary Source: Unión Eléctrica (UNE) – Cuba's national electricity operator Headline: Official updates on the collapse of the National Electric System (Sistema Eléctrico Nacional) URL: https://www.facebook.com/UNECuba/ Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Cuba plunges into darkness as electric grid collapses URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/cubas-national-electricity-grid-collapses-sunday-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: Associated Press Headline: Cuba loosens control of its private sector in a struggle with a mounting humanitarian crisis URL: https://apnews.com/article/f69519537900a6ca736542f33edfe091 Brazil Primary Source: Partido dos Trabalhadores (Workers' Party) Headline: Lula is officially nominated as the Workers' Party presidential candidate for the 2026 election. URL: https://pt.org.br/ Independent Source #1: Associated Press Headline: Brazil's Lula launches reelection bid as concerns rise over foreign interference URL: https://apnews.com/article/22cccc3135b09e2186898dd3cb394ed4 Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: Lula unifies Brazil's left, but questions remain about its future without him URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/lula-unifies-brazils-left-questions-remain-about-its-future-without-him-2026-07-31/ Colombia Primary Source: Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible) Headline: Colombia presents official 2025 deforestation results URL: https://www.minambiente.gov.co/ Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Colombia's 2025 forest loss hits two-decade low, government says URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/colombias-2025-forest-loss-hits-two-decade-low-government-says-2026-08-01/ Independent Source #2: Associated Press Headline: Colombia's deforestation rises slightly as Amazon forest loss holds steady URL: https://apnews.com/article/358febf57fc327e053ae1c260b41bbc9 Chile Primary Source: United Nations Headline: Candidates for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations URL: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/candidates Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: UN to hold informal polls for new UN chief from Thursday URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/un-hold-informal-polls-new-un-chief-thursday-2026-07-28/ Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: Chile withdraws backing for former president Bachelet as UN secretary-general URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chile-withdraws-backing-former-president-bachelet-un-secretary-general-2026-03-24/ Argentina Primary Source: Presidencia de la Nación Argentina Headline: El Presidente Javier Milei presentó el proyecto de reforma de la Carta Orgánica del Banco Central URL: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/el-presidente-javier-milei-presento-el-proyecto-de-reforma-de-la-carta-organica-del Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Argentina's Milei unveils bill to shield central bank from political pressure URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentinas-milei-unveils-bill-shield-central-bank-political-pressure-2026-07-30/ Independent Source #2: Associated Press Headline: IMF chief says Argentina is better positioned to meet debt obligations under Milei URL: https://apnews.com/article/3027da891399d0b19eedc1177a6fefa1 China Primary Source: S&P Global Headline: Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI® – July 2026 URL: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/research-analysis/caixin-china-general-manufacturing-pmi.html Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: China factory growth slows to 4-month low in July, survey shows URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-factory-growth-slows-4-month-low-july-survey-shows-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: The Wall Street Journal Headline: Summertime Blues Hit China's Factories URL: https://www.wsj.com/world/china/summertime-blues-hit-chinas-factories-69c507f8 Australia Primary Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC News) Headline: First bird flu mass mortality confirmed in Australian wildlife URL: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-03/first-bird-flu-mass-mortality-confirmed-in-australian-wildlife/ Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Australia confirms first mass death of seabirds from H5N1 bird flu URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/australia-confirms-first-mass-mortality-event-h5-bird-flu-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: The Guardian Australia Headline: Suspected mass bird flu deaths found in second state as Murray Watt warns "this is the beginning" URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/03/suspected-mass-bird-flu-deaths-found-in-second-state-as-murray-watt-warns-this-is-the-beginning New Zealand Primary Source: New Zealand Legislation Headline: English Language Bill (Government Bill 198–1) URL: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2026/0198/latest/whole.html Independent Source #1: RNZ Headline: Bill to make English an official language of NZ introduced to Parliament URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/587369/bill-to-make-english-an-official-language-of-nz-introduced-to-parliament Independent Source #2: The Guardian Headline: New Zealand legislation making English an official language ridiculed as 'pathetic' URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/03/new-zealand-english-an-official-language-bill Japan Primary Source: Ministry of Finance of Japan Headline: Foreign Exchange Intervention Operations (Monthly Release) URL: https://www.mof.go.jp/english/policy/international_policy/reference/feio/monthly/index.html Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Japan may have intervened in FX market by spending $36.58 billion to buy yen URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-may-have-intervened-fx-market-by-spending-3658-billion-buy-yen-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: Financial Times Headline: Japan vows further yen intervention with US if needed URL: https://www.ft.com/content/5de204a4-4db6-458c-aa9a-324e6bd5e766 South Korea Primary Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Joint Government Statement) Headline: Government reaffirms Korea-U.S. trade agreement does not include additional opening of the rice market URL: https://www.moef.go.kr/ Independent Source #1: Yonhap News Agency Headline: S. Korea reaffirms trade deal with U.S. does not include further opening of rice market URL: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250801009300320 Independent Source #2: Yonhap News Agency Headline: S. Korea's rice, beef markets won't be further opened under tariff deal with U.S.: presidential official URL: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250803002700315 Vietnam Primary Source: Vietnam News Agency / VietnamPlus, citing the National Statistics Office Headline: Vietnam’s import-export turnover up 28% in first seven months URL: https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnams-import-export-turnover-up-28-in-first-seven-months-post349386.vnp Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Vietnam July trade deficit widens, driven by higher fuel costs URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-july-trade-deficit-widens-driven-by-higher-fuel-costs-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: VnExpress International Headline: Vietnam ranks among world’s fastest countries in 5G rollout URL: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/tech/vietnam-innovation/vietnam-ranks-among-world-s-fastest-countries-in-5g-rollout-5104558.html South Africa Primary Source: South African Reserve Bank (Financial Surveillance Department) Headline: Draft Crypto Asset Manual for Authorised Dealers URL: https://www.resbank.co.za/content/dam/sarb/publications/financial-surveillance/2026/draft-crypto-asset-manual.pdf Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: South Africa issues draft rules for cross-border crypto URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-issues-draft-rules-cross-border-crypto-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: BusinessTech Headline: South Africa proposes new rules for offshore crypto transfers URL: https://businesstech.co.za/news/finance/2026/08/03/south-africa-proposes-new-rules-for-offshore-crypto-transfers/ Türkiye Primary Source: Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye Headline: President Erdoğan: "Türkiye deserves a new, civilian and democratic constitution." URL: https://www.iletisim.gov.tr/english/haberler/detay/president-erdogan-turkiye-deserves-a-new-civilian-and-democratic-constitution Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Turkey's Erdogan renews push for new civilian constitution URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-renews-push-new-civilian-constitution-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: Daily Sabah Headline: Erdoğan says Türkiye needs a civilian constitution to meet future challenges URL: https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-says-turkiye-needs-a-civilian-constitution-to-meet-future-challenges/news Oman Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Iran says no current talks with U.S., discusses Hormuz with Oman URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-says-no-current-talks-with-us-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Oil tumbles after Trump cancels attack on Iran to seek nuclear deal URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-tumbles-trump-cancels-attack-iran-reach-nuclear-deal-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: OPEC+ oil output hike is irrelevant for now, not for later URL: https://www.reuters.com/commentary/reuters-open-interest/opec-oil-output-hike-is-irrelevant-now-not-later-2026-08-03/ Egypt Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Trump says deal reached to disarm Hamas, Israeli support for plan remains uncertain URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strikes-kill-three-gaza-including-two-children-amid-new-ceasefire-push-2026-07-30/ Independent Source #1: Associated Press Headline: Palestinians in Gaza hope Hamas will disarm but fear Israeli forces won't withdraw URL: https://apnews.com/article/76113dc5a9e867439f9629dbd04ec977 Independent Source #2: Ahram Online Headline: Hamas to hold talks with Gaza mediators in Egypt URL: https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/569953/World/Region/Hamas-to-hold-talks-with-Gaza-mediators-in-Egypt.aspx Iran Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Iran says no current talks with U.S. URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-says-no-current-talks-with-us-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #1: Associated Press Headline: Trump says talks on Iran war will begin on Monday after he holds off on 'massive' strikes URL: https://apnews.com/article/3b92568b6f2eec283eb51d0327ee682a Independent Source #2: The Guardian Headline: Middle East crisis live: Iran denies Trump's claims that talks due to take place URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/aug/03/us-iran-trump-strait-of-hormuz-talks-israel-gaza-lebanon-latest-news-updates Israel Primary Source: Associated Press Headline: Israel says it has serious concerns with Hamas disarmament deal URL: https://apnews.com/article/72b1493ca75bb9d4cf195f325d8dc425 Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Israeli strikes kill 18 in Gaza, minister says no deal to halt attacks URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strikes-kill-least-four-gaza-despite-trump-announcing-breakthrough-2026-08-01/ Independent Source #2: Associated Press Headline: Trump announces a deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza, but many hurdles and uncertainty remain URL: https://apnews.com/article/00bb7097ed6062b5a706471444709991 France Primary Source: French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Headline: France launches humanitarian air bridge for Gaza URL: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/israel-palestinian-territories/news/article/france-launches-humanitarian-air-bridge-for-gaza Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: France launches humanitarian airlift for Gaza as pressure grows for aid access URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/france-launches-humanitarian-airlift-gaza-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #2: France 24 Headline: France begins humanitarian airlift to Gaza URL: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20260803-france-begins-humanitarian-airlift-to-gaza Italy Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Italy reimposes border controls on Spain after Ceuta migrant surge URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/italy-suspends-eu-schengen-free-travel-pact-with-spain-over-ceuta-crisis-2026-07-31/ Independent Source #1: The Guardian Headline: Italy says it's temporarily suspending EU Schengen arrangement with Spain after 60,000 migrants reach Ceuta – as it happened URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jul/31/cueta-spain-morocco-italy-migration-schengen-europe-latest-news-updates Independent Source #2: Financial Times Headline: Europe's weak reaction to Spain's migrant crisis URL: https://www.ft.com/content/8faf28df-bb76-49e6-a916-55faa8a5d4a8 Spain Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Spain struggles to manage record migrant influx into Ceuta as EU support grows URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-struggles-manage-record-migrant-influx-into-ceuta-2026-07-31/ Independent Source #1: The Guardian Headline: Spain battles record migration crisis in Ceuta as Italy suspends Schengen travel URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jul/31/cueta-spain-morocco-italy-migration-schengen-europe-latest-news-updates Independent Source #2: Associated Press Headline: Spain appeals for European solidarity as Ceuta migrant arrivals overwhelm local authorities URL: https://apnews.com/article/3f6d5df83df72d6f7e7b6cb40b6d8d54 Algeria Primary Source: Algeria Press Service, reporting the Presidency of the Republic Headline: Le président de la République reçoit la présidente de l’Assemblée populaire nationale URL: https://www.aps.dz/fr/presidence-news/ms60pu6k-le-president-de-la-republique-recoit-la-presidente-de-l-assemblee-populaire-nationale Independent Source #1: Al Jazeera Headline: Algeria elects first-ever woman speaker of parliament URL: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/7/29/algeria-elects-first-ever-woman-speaker-of-parliament Independent Source #2: Al-Monitor Headline: Meet Khalida Boufedech, the first woman to lead Algeria’s parliament URL: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/meet-khalida-boufedech-first-woman-lead-algerias-parliament Azerbaijan Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Azerbaijan at 'real peace' with Armenia but wants it to change constitution URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/azerbaijan-real-peace-with-armenia-wants-it-change-constitution-2026-07-16/ Independent Source #1: Euronews Headline: Azerbaijan says Armenia constitution remains final obstacle to peace treaty URL: https://www.euronews.com/2026/07/16/azerbaijan-says-armenia-constitution-remains-final-obstacle-to-peace-treaty Independent Source #2: CivilNet Headline: Baku reiterates constitutional demand before Armenia peace deal URL: https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/azerbaijan-reiterates-constitutional-demand-before-peace-deal/ United Kingdom Primary Source: Bank of England Headline: Monetary Policy Summary and minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting ending 29 July 2026 URL: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy-summary-and-minutes/2026/july-2026 Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: VIEW: Bank of England leaves rates steady, more officials back a hike URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/view-bank-england-leaves-rates-unchanged-divided-outlook-2026-07-30/ Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: Sterling ends three-day rise against dollar, falls versus yen URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/sterling-ends-3-day-rise-against-dollar-falls-versus-yen-2026-08-03/ Scotland Primary Source: Green Volt Headline: Green Volt reaches financial close and begins construction URL: https://greenvolt.co.uk/news/green-volt-reaches-financial-close-and-begins-construction/ Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Scotland's Green Volt floating wind project reaches financial close URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/scotlands-green-volt-floating-wind-project-reaches-financial-close-2026-08-01/ Independent Source #2: BBC News Headline: Green Volt floating wind farm secures funding to begin construction URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4r7l0g8lvo Ireland Primary Source: RTÉ News Headline: €700m exchequer surplus recorded for first half of year URL: https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0703/1581659-exchequer-july-2026/ Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: Irish corporate tax receipts up 1% year-on-year in key payment month URL: https://www.lse.co.uk/news/irish-corporate-tax-receipts-up-1-year-on-year-in-key-payment-month-3sguz3cxs9kgvla.html Independent Source #2: The Irish Times Headline: Tax receipts up €1.1bn despite Iran war price shock URL: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/06/tax-receipts-up-11bn-despite-iran-war-price-shock/ Greenland Primary Source: Associated Press Headline: August's total solar eclipse will sweep over Spain, Iceland and Greenland URL: https://apnews.com/article/0757e313d90c684f87163318ada5cf03 Independent Source #1: European Space Agency Headline: ESA preparations for the 2026 total solar eclipse URL: https://www.esa.int/ Independent Source #2: NASA Headline: 2026 Total Solar Eclipse URL: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2026/ Norway Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Explosion at U.S. embassy in Oslo may have been deliberate attack, police say URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/loud-blast-heard-near-us-embassy-oslo-norway-police-say-2026-03-08/ Independent Source #1: Associated Press Headline: Police in Norway investigate an explosion outside the US Embassy in Oslo URL: https://apnews.com/article/4d6647454232241ea640e9ff334f2864 Independent Source #2: El País Headline: La Policía noruega investiga una explosión cerca de la embajada de Estados Unidos en Oslo URL: https://elpais.com/internacional/2026-03-08/la-policia-noruega-investiga-una-explosion-cerca-de-la-embajada-de-estados-unidos-en-oslo.html Iceland Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Iceland's parliament votes to hold referendum on EU accession talks in August URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/icelands-parliament-votes-hold-referendum-eu-accession-talks-august-2026-05-28/ Independent Source #1: Financial Times Headline: Iceland's EU referendum on knife-edge as bloc braces for enlargement litmus test URL: https://www.ft.com/content/d4f3134b-1e04-4c0b-a1be-7bdaa6a44c64 Independent Source #2: Associated Press Headline: Iceland seeks vote in August on whether to restart EU membership talks URL: https://apnews.com/article/e4621f13b7082917f412d6aa4ad23884 Uzbekistan Primary Source: European Commission Headline: European Union and Uzbekistan establish Strategic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials URL: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_2156 Independent Source #1: Reuters Headline: EU signs critical minerals partnership with Uzbekistan URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-signs-critical-minerals-partnership-with-uzbekistan-2026-06-12/ Independent Source #2: Euronews Headline: EU deepens Central Asia ties with Uzbekistan critical minerals deal URL: https://www.euronews.com/business/2026/06/12/eu-deepens-central-asia-ties-with-uzbekistan-critical-minerals-deal Russia Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Russia's manufacturing growth hits 18-month high, PMI shows URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/russias-manufacturing-growth-hits-18-month-high-pmi-shows-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #1: S&P Global Headline: Russia Manufacturing PMI – July 2026 URL: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/products/pmi.html Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: Russia's manufacturing growth hits 18-month high, PMI shows URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/russias-manufacturing-growth-hits-18-month-high-pmi-shows-2026-08-03/ Ukraine Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Ukraine's top negotiator Umerov to head foreign intelligence service URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-top-negotiator-umerov-head-foreign-intelligence-service-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #1: Associated Press Headline: Russian glide bombs kill one and wound dozens in Zaporizhzhia as Ukraine seeks more air defences URL: https://apnews.com/article/9e4000f63b54cf814704ff60373f2bb9 Independent Source #2: Reuters Headline: Ukraine's top negotiator Umerov to head foreign intelligence service URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-top-negotiator-umerov-head-foreign-intelligence-service-2026-08-03/ India Primary Source: Reuters Headline: Leaked exams, dashed dreams: Why India's 'cockroach' youth turned on Modi URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/leaked-exams-dashed-dreams-why-indias-cockroach-youth-turned-modi-2026-08-03/ Independent Source #1: The Indian Express Headline: Who will be held accountable for exam paper leaks? Don't bet on it, records show most get away URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/who-will-be-held-accountable-for-exam-paper-leaks-dont-bet-on-it-records-show-most-get-away-10724644/ Independent Source #2: NDTV Headline: Crisis Of Paper Leaks In India: An Eclipse On Future Of Youth And Exam System URL: https://www.ndtv.com/education/crisis-of-paper-leaks-in-india-an-eclipse-on-future-of-youth-and-exam-system-11706344 These news summaries were prepared using AI technology. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy, occasional mistakes or omissions may occur. Your understanding is appreciated, and we warmly welcome any feedback to help us continue improving the quality of our reporting. Libre News of The World produces original editorial content based on reporting published by third-party news organisations. We do not claim to have conducted the original reporting unless explicitly stated. 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