Here’s your fresh edition of “Five Things We Learned This Week” for July 19–25, 2025, featuring completely new global developments – all occurring within the past seven days:

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🌍 1. China Cracks Down on Strategic Minerals Smuggling

China officially pledged to toughen enforcement against smuggling of vital strategic minerals like rare earths, citing increased covert operations, including false declarations and third-country transshipments.  This crackdown aims to safeguard materials essential to sectors from chipmaking to defense, reinforcing China’s zero‑tolerance export policy.

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🌐 2. DRC and M23 Rebels Sign Ceasefire in Doha

On July 19, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebel forces signed a declaration of principles in Doha, agreeing to an immediate ceasefire, detainee exchanges under ICRC oversight, and peace talks scheduled for August amid restored state authority efforts. 

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🌐 3. Massive Russia Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine

Overnight July 18–19, Ukraine endured a major assault of more than 30 missiles and about 300 drones launched by Russia, damaging critical infrastructure in Sumy and causing widespread power outages.

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🌀 4. Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Hits Northern Iran

A shallow 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck northern Iran on July 19, as reported by seismic authorities. The quake occurred at just 3 km depth, raising regional concerns about damage and preparedness in seismically active zones. 

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🏅 5. British Athletes Finally Receive 1997 World Relay Gold

At London’s Diamond League event, Britain’s men’s 4×400 m relay teamwere presented with their 1997 World Championship gold medals, awarded 28 years late after the U.S. team was disqualified for doping.

The ceremony was attended by 60,000 cheering fans, honoring athletes Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch, Mark Richardson, and heat runner Mark Hylton.

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This edition brings five entirely new, date-specific events from July 19–25, 2025: ranging from geopolitics and conflict, to environmental policy and sports history. Let me know if you’d like direct links or further analysis on any of these!