Will USD/JPY hold support after Federal Reserve holds US interest rates steady?

• Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das has defended Ruchika Singh, a Noida woman booked for allegedly using abusive language against PM Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar. • Das argued that while abusive language may be condemned, the legal response is disproportionate, highlighting that nearly 100 BJP MPs currently face criminal cases.

• Indonesia is experiencing a revival of authoritarian and strongman politics, driven by the rise of personalistic political parties that prioritize individual leaders over institutionalized competition. • This shift undermines the country's democratic framework by displacing structured electoral processes in favor of loyalty to powerful political figures.

• President Trump signaled on Thursday that he is prepared to withdraw the nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General. • The decision follows a standoff with Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who presented demands that Trump refused to meet.

• 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.

• Eurostat released a preliminary flash estimate showing that seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 0.4% in the euro area and 0.5% in the EU during the second quarter of 2026. • The growth figures are measured as an increase compared to the previous quarter, reflecting the economic performance of the EU 27 member states.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.