Global Scans · Politics · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: Break up of traditional political structures is on the cards in many parts of the world as technology brings challenges to slow and bureaucratic decision-making. New forms of more agile democratic structures are likely to emerge.

• [New] Despite higher expected rapeseed supply, EU prices have been firm due to dry conditions in Canada and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as well as ongoing discussions in the United States about increasing the volume of biodiesel blended into some other fuels. ADM Investor Services
• [New] Over the next forty years in the United States, there will be an unprecedented increase in the older adult population. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Growing geopolitical fragmentation and strategic competition in AI are reinforcing the global focus on national security and resilience - creating opportunities in defence. BlackRock
• [New] Two east African activists say they plan to sue Tanzania's government for illegal detention and torture over their treatment during a visit in support of an opposition politician in May. The Guardian
• [New] Over the next three decades, Africa will experience an unprecedented increase in its urban population, doubling from 700 million to 1.4 billion people by 2050 and becoming the continent with the second largest urban population after Asia (3.5 billion people). Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] International cooperation between national technology agencies presents an opportunity for technological innovation and information sharing between the United States and allied countries at potentially lower costs. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation | ITIF
• [New] Macquarie Global Bond Fund underperformed its benchmark, with defensive positioning, modest duration increases, and selective high yield exposure amid heightened volatility and geopolitical risks. Seeking Alpha
• [New] Russia, China, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have never threatened Britain with invasion. Friends of Socialist China
• [New] Analysts are closely monitoring the situation to determine whether Bitcoin will surge past the $110,000 mark or face renewed downward pressure if geopolitical tensions persist. Blogger
• [New] China effectively exploits a situation where it can simultaneously maintain relationships with Iran, Israel, and Gulf states, maximizing economic advantage while minimizing political risk. Discovery Alert
• [New] Florida's population demographics show significant shifts, driven by migration trends, with an influx of residents from northern states seeking warm climates and job opportunities. EDUINDEX NEWS
• [New] Geopolitical Risk: The escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel is a central theme, driving demand for safe-haven assets like the US dollar and gold. TIOmarkets
• [New] Global demand for generation equipment is rising, driven by projects such as data centers, and that delays by the Brazilian government in defining new tenders could compromise future equipment availability. BNamericas
• [New] Industry leaders have repeatedly urged their government to recognize the progress made in the US, warning that China risks falling behind if companies remain restricted to small-scale trials in peripheral urban areas. KrASIA
• [New] Iran is not a government, but a threat - not a people, but a problem. Al Jazeera
• [New] While Australia's economic growth hit speed bumps early in of 2025 from Cyclone Alfred, other weather events and a dip in government spending, Deloitte Access Economics is optimistic the pace of economic growth will accelerate over the coming quarters. Neos Kosmos
• [New] By the end of this year, businessNOW Fiji will offer 25 e-services across 16 government agencies, streamlining interactions between government and the private sector. The Fijian Government
• [New] Assumption for the price of Dubai crude oil for 2025 was narrowed to $60 to $70 per barrel from the $60 to $80 range amid easing global demand and expected increases in global oil inventories despite escalating geopolitical tensions. philstar.com
• [New] Political or diplomatic developments outside the fighting in Ukraine could alter states' behaviour and influence the international order. Rand Corporation
• [New] Sustained funding for DIBs faces budgetary and political obstacles and could also pose coordination challenges for the United States and its European allies. Rand Corporation
• [New] Canada has a National Adaptation Strategy to reduce risks across all levels of government, so that communities can take action to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. SenCanada
• The UNEP NDC Cooling Guidelines empower nations to transform cooling from a growing climate risk into an opportunity for equitable low-carbon growth. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation

Last updated: 02 July 2025