Refining companies indicate they have sufficient supplies for the next month, but prices no longer reflect the discounted levels seen in the years following the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, the volume of crude available in transit is shrinking quickly.
The Indian Rupee depreciated 39 paise against the US dollar, opening at 95.72 and falling to 95.77 due to soaring crude oil prices and escalating Middle East tensions. Concerns over global crude supply disruptions, fueled by Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, dampened market sentiment.
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, an American ex-fighter, is seeking permission to cook his own meals in Delhi's Tihar Jail, citing an inability to stomach the regular spicy and oily prison food. He claims to be on a hunger strike and has lost significant weight. A Delhi court will hear his application on July 21.
Hundreds protested in Nepal's capital against the government's eviction of landless families without alternative housing. Youth activists assessing flood-hit squatters faced police action and arrests, sparking further public anger and protests in Koshi province.
Iran's IRGC claims to have launched missile and drone strikes on US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, calling it 'eye-for-an-eye' retaliation for recent US strikes within Iran. The IRGC stated specific facilities were targeted at Prince Hassan, Sheikh Isa, and Ali Al-Salem Airbases.
South Carolina's political scene is in flux following Senator Lindsey Graham's unexpected death. Governor Henry McMaster must appoint a temporary replacement for Graham's Senate seat, while a special primary election is set to select a new Republican nominee for the upcoming general election, sparking a contest among ambitious conservatives.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Assam is a crucial transit point for illegal drugs originating from Myanmar, often transported by women and children. He highlighted improved intelligence sharing among northeastern states and West Bengal, with the Union Home Ministry supporting drug destruction efforts.
