In July 2026, global electric vehicle sales experienced a 9% increase from the previous year, totaling 1.85 million units worldwide. Europe led major EV markets in July as global electric vehicle demand continued to grow. During July, Europe stood out as the top performer among major electric vehicle markets, with regional sales increasing by 33% from a year earlier to approximately 450,000 units. From January through July, EV sales across Europe grew by 28%. Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on Aug. 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for eligible new electric passenger cars.
Throughout recent weeks, diesel prices have remained persistently high across the United States and Europe, driven by tight inventory levels and refinery disruptions that have constrained the availability of refined fuel. On Monday, U.S. ultra-low sulfur diesel futures surged by 7.4% to reach $4.19 a gallon, marking the biggest single-day increase since July 13. By early Wednesday, the contract hovered around $4.28 a gallon. Meanwhile, European diesel refining margins stayed at historically elevated levels after nearly a 10% gain at the week’s start.
Business
In July 2026, South Korea’s vehicle exports hit a new high of US$6.24 billion, marking a 7.0% increase compared to the same month last year. This figure not only set a new record for July but also surpassed the previous July record of US$5.90 billion set in 2023. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported positive results across exports, manufacturing, and domestic sales. Vehicle production grew by 11.3% to approximately 352,000 units, while domestic sales experienced a slight rise of 0.5%, reaching 139,000 vehicles.
Health
As of August 7, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in 1,916 deaths, according to official data. The authorities have reported a total of 4,209 confirmed infections since the outbreak began. This latest figure indicates an increase of 29 deaths compared to the previous total of 1,887. Additionally, 595 patients are under treatment in isolation, and 828 individuals have recovered.
In recent weeks, health authorities in Chad have confirmed that an urgent waterborne health crisis has resulted in 13 deaths since public health alerts were issued late last month. As per the latest data released by the Ministry of Public Health of Chad, epidemiological monitoring indicates that a cholera outbreak has claimed 13 lives nationwide, with confirmed and suspected cases rising to 239. The official statistics show a case fatality rate of 5.4 percent, which is notably higher than international standards for emergency response situations.
In 2022, Belgian public health institute Sciensano reported that obesity was associated with 9,509 fatalities, accounting for 8.2 percent of all deaths recorded nationally that year. This marks the first comprehensive effort by public health researchers in Belgium to systematically quantify mortality directly linked to an excessively high body mass index across the population. According to statistical analysis, weight-related health issues led to over one death every hour in the country, resulting in more than 150,000 years of life lost across all age groups.
In recent developments, European health organizations have appealed to the European Union to implement legally binding measures for heat protection amid rising temperatures that escalate health risks throughout the continent. The Health and Environment Alliance, or HEAL, advocates for concrete EU targets to enhance climate resilience and safeguard public health. Their recommendations include the adoption of more robust national adaptation strategies and the establishment of mandatory heat-health objectives for member countries. Additionally, the group emphasizes the necessity of allocated funding for climate and health initiatives in the EU’s upcoming long-term budget spanning 2028 to 2034.
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In July 2026, global electric vehicle sales experienced a 9% increase from the previous year, totaling 1.85 million units worldwide. Europe led major EV markets in July as global electric vehicle demand continued to grow. During July, Europe stood out as the top performer among major electric vehicle markets, with regional sales increasing by 33% from a year earlier to approximately 450,000 units. From January through July, EV sales across Europe grew by 28%. Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on Aug. 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for eligible new electric passenger cars.
In July 2026, South Korea’s vehicle exports hit a new high of US$6.24 billion, marking a 7.0% increase compared to the same month last year. This figure not only set a new record for July but also surpassed the previous July record of US$5.90 billion set in 2023. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported positive results across exports, manufacturing, and domestic sales. Vehicle production grew by 11.3% to approximately 352,000 units, while domestic sales experienced a slight rise of 0.5%, reaching 139,000 vehicles.
Residents in various northern communities experienced the shaking early in the morning. Parts of the valley experienced landslides and falling rocks. A rockfall blocked the Chipurson Valley road near Ramanji, disrupting local access. Initial assessments by authorities found no casualties or injuries resulting from the primary earthquake. The main documented impact on infrastructure was due to rockfalls and landslides. The Gilgit-Baltistan administration monitored affected zones and road conditions following the tremors.
Etihad Airways will open a seasonal nonstop route between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg on December 17, 2026. The service will run four times each week until March 21, 2027. Flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter travel season. The new service adds a direct link between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second largest city. Tickets are already available through the airline’s booking channels.
On Aug. 12, 2026, the global community highlighted the significance of addressing the opportunities and obstacles encountered by young people worldwide. The United Nations commemorated the day with the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” This focus underscores how youth across diverse economic and social environments share aspirations for dignity, opportunity, and active participation. The message this year emphasized increased investment in youth and advocated for greater inclusion in decision-making processes influencing communities and public life.