Hi Global Recap readers, 

I hope you’re having a great day. For some of you it’s the morning, and for others, it's the evening. Wherever you are, thank you for checking in again!

Before we get into today’s news, here’s an interesting fact for you:

🗓️ On This Day

On August 3rd, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium and declared war on France, marking the beginning of World War I.

🔴 Spoiler alert: this event started a chain of events that changed the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.

📈 Top News

🔥 Russian mercenary goes on a killing spree after returning from Ukraine. Igor Sofronov, a former Wagner fighter, and his accomplice murdered six people and torched their houses in a drunken rampage.

But guess what? Sofronov had a criminal record and was part of a unit of prisoners recruited for suicide missions. But he survived.

Who knew freeing prisoners could be so dangerous?

Click here for more.

🔥 Ukraine sparks Russian shell shortage. Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian military storage sites have caused massive explosions and forced evacuations in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. The attacks have also “significantly reduced” Russia’s ability to fire back, according to a Ukrainian official.

Click here for more.

🔥 UK Environmental activists strike again. Activists from the the environment group Greenpeace protested on top of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s country estate against the government’s plan to expand drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea - covering the compound with black cloth.

Isn’t this trespassing?

Click here for Sunak’s bold response.

🇳🇪🇺🇸 Biden demands Niger’s coup leaders free the president. It seems like the US president and US Secretary of State are not happy with the military takeover that ousted Niger’s first peacefully-transitioned democratic leader. They want Bazoum and his family released ASAP and democracy restored.

Will this conflict escalate?

Click here for more.

🚀 Germany says no to Ukraine’s missile request. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has spoken out against supplying long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing their “special range” and lack of need.

Click here for more.

✍🏻 In-Depth

India
Slapping an Import License for Laptops

🇮🇳 India has announced that companies must now obtain a special license to import laptops, tablets, and personal computers. While no official reason was given, many believe this is part of PM Modi’s “Make in India” initiative to boost local manufacturing and reduce imports.

In the short term, this is a major blow to global tech giants like Apple, Dell, and Samsung, who rely heavily on imports to meet demand in India’s massive $8 billion laptop and PC market. The new requirement could disrupt supply chains and sales, especially with the festive season around the corner. Industry insiders warn that production and distribution costs will rise, making laptops and PCs less affordable for Indian consumers.

But on the other hand, the new licensing requirement could encourage tech giants to invest in local manufacturing in India, which would align with PM Modi’s “Make in India” initiative. Given the strained relationship between the US and China, and India’s huge demand for laptops and PCs, this could be a strategic move for these companies.