GDP up by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU - Euro indicators - Eurostat

• The European Union is experiencing an acceleration in its enlargement process as multiple candidate countries seek membership. • The European Commission's department responsible for enlargement is currently facing a critical lack of capacity to manage these simultaneous negotiations.

• Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until Monday following disruptions and ruckus caused by opposition members during Day 10 of the 2026 Monsoon Session. • Rahul Gandhi led the criticism against Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, condemning alleged police brutality against protestors during the 'Sansad Chalo' march.

• Thailand's government is reviewing over 100 laws identified by the private sector as significant obstacles to doing business. • Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Pakorn Nilprapunt announced the initiative on July 31, 2026, aiming to reduce operational costs and enhance national competitiveness.

• The South Korean domestic stock market surged at opening, triggering buy sidecars in both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets. • Extreme heat continues in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, where temperatures are expected to reach 40°C (104°F) for a third consecutive day.

• The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned until August 3 following intense disruptions during the 2026 monsoon session. • Opposition members staged a "chanda chori" skit and demanded the Home Minister's resignation over the use of pellet guns and AK-47s against students protesting NEET paper leaks.

• Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated into a dangerous new phase following a series of mutual military strikes over the past 24 hours. • Iran has vowed that the U.S. "will pay the price" after a specific strike occurred in Qeshm, undoing several days of relative calm.

• Opposition MPs, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, protested in Parliament during the 2026 Monsoon Session over alleged police action against CJP protesters. • The legislative session has already seen the clearance of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

• France will become the first European nation to implement a social media ban for users under 15 starting September 1. • Similar restrictions are being drafted by 10 other EU countries, including Spain, Sweden, Greece, and Portugal, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushes for EU-wide regulations.

• Parliament approved a bill on Thursday to amend existing anti-paper leak laws, introducing stricter punishments for those involved in leaking examination materials. • The government stated that the legislation is a direct response to major issues affecting students and aims to protect the integrity of competitive exams.

• Former President Trump has proposed a disarmament deal for Hamas, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza. • The Supreme Court has issued new rulings, though specific legal implications are still being analyzed.

• Former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo appeared before a parliamentary hearing on July 30. • Both officials issued formal apologies following South Korea's premature exit from the North and Central America World Cup.