July

• Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that critical decisions regarding negotiations were reached without the input of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. • This admission indicates potential internal friction or a breakdown in the decision-making hierarchy within the Iranian leadership. • The revelation is significant as it highlights a possible disconnect between the diplomatic wing and the highest authority in Iran.

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk is reportedly refusing medical treatment as part of a protest organized by the Citizens' Justice Peace (CJP). • The group is planning a march for July 20, though authorities claim no official permit has been granted for the event. • CJP spokesperson Vaishnavi Gaur disputed the police's version, asserting that the administration was notified of the march and its plans well in advance.

• Brent crude oil prices surged above $90 per barrel following escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and renewed shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. • The Canadian dollar started Monday strong, though it remains highly sensitive to geopolitical instability and fluctuating oil prices. • The Bank of Canada maintained its policy rate at 2.25% for the sixth straight meeting, noting that inflation pressures are easing.

• Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered at Jantar Mantar to prepare for a planned march to Parliament on Monday. • Authorities have removed CCTV cameras and barricades from the protest site, while activist Sonam Wangchuk remains hospitalized. • The movement is seeking judicial intervention, with a related case scheduled for a 2:30 pm hearing before Justice Mini Pushkarna at the Delhi High Court.

• Several companies announced key corporate developments ahead of the July 20 trading session, including the NCLT's approval of Authum Investment & Infrastructure's plan to acquire Creatoz Builders. • JSW Steel has approved the sale of shares worth up to Rs 811 crore for a proposed JSW Cement IPO, while Dr Lal PathLabs secured a Rs 32.66 crore ESOP expense deduction following a successful tax appeal. • Expansion and consolidation moves were highlighted by Smartworks Coworking Spaces investing Rs 35 crore to add 2.47 lakh sq ft of space and NIIT Learning Systems approving the merger of NIIT USA with StackRoute Learning.

• The FTSE 100 is projected to open slightly lower on July 20 as investors react to global market weakness and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. • Market participants are closely analyzing oil price fluctuations and corporate earnings reports to gauge the current state of global economic growth. • Investors are prioritizing upcoming economic data from China and the United States, specifically focusing on inflation trends and their impact on interest rates.

• Skyroot Aerospace of India achieved a major milestone on July 18, 2026, by successfully launching the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket. • In contrast, SpaceX experienced a setback on Thursday when a prototype Starship launch was terminated seconds before liftoff. • The Starship failure highlights the technical complexity of the vehicle, which requires 33 engines to fire simultaneously to leave the pad.