Kazakhstan has completed voting in snap parliamentary elections that are expected to further consolidate President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s hold on power. The polls follow a major constitutional overhaul that abolished the upper house of parliament and reshaped the country’s political system. While officials say the reforms strengthen parliament, critics point out that only state-approved parties loyal to Tokayev were allowed to participate. With vote counting under way, the election is being closely watched as a test of Kazakhstan’s political future and reform agenda.


Kazakhstan holds snap elections post constitutional changes 

Donald Trump has warned that he could face impeachment if Democrats regain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump urged voters to treat the elections as a referendum on his agenda while backing Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham in South Carolina’s August 25 runoff.

Trump warns Republican supporters at a rally in South Carolina 

Chad's president Mahamat Déby has pardoned political rival and former prime minister succès masra who was serving a 20-year sentence, paving the way for his release from prison. The decision to pardon masra comes four days after the president promised to free several convicted individuals - to foster national unity, peace and reconciliation


Chad President's pardon on rival widely seen as a calculated political strategy

#gravitas From presidents in their eighties to political veterans who have spent decades at the heart of power, the world is seeing the rise of what could be called the '80s brigade.' Leaders over the age of 80 continue to dominate politics. 

The 80s brigade across the world 

A deadly chemical leak at a manufacturing unit in Karnataka's Kadechur-Badal Industrial Area has claimed the lives of at least three workers, while two others were injured. Authorities said the victims died after inhaling sulfur oxide, and FIRs have been registered against the factory owners.

Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court has issued notices in a petition challenging the Yadagirigutta Temple Board of Trustees. The court has also directed the state government to place all relevant records and explanations on the long-pending minimum wages revision before the next hearing on August 20.

Karnataka Chemical Leak Kills 3 | Telangana HC Issues Notices | Kerala PSC Protest Turns Tense

A major power struggle appears to be underway between Israel's defence minister and the Israeli military. After reportedly announcing on live television that he was replacing a top IDF general, Israel Katz is now allegedly walking back his remarks, even as the Israeli military reportedly refused to act on Katz's announcement. 

 Israel in turmoil, army defies order to remove general 

The Congress high command has cleared 16 to 18 names for the much-awaited Karnataka cabinet expansion, following high-level discussions in New Delhi between Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, and party leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers is anticipated on August 3, 2026.

Congress high command gives final nod for cabinet expansion

The Cauvery water dispute has taken a fresh political turn after Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to postpone their proposed meeting scheduled for August 3.

The development follows a directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordering Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka has argued that deficient rainfall, drought conditions, and concerns over drinking water supplies make it difficult to comply with the order.

The issue has triggered political reactions in both states. Karnataka has called an all-party meeting to discuss its next legal and political strategy, while protests have intensified over the water-sharing dispute. In Tamil Nadu, political parties have also stepped up pressure over the handling of the Cauvery issue.

Cauvery Water Dispute Escalates: Karnataka Urges Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to Postpone Talks

#Gravitas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have narrowed the gap with his main challenger in the race for public support for the 2026 national elections.  A poll shows Netanyahu and former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot tied, with 38 percent of respondents saying they would prefer each of them to lead the country.   

Netanyahu's Poll Numbers Rise Amid Internal Turmoil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the latest edition of Mann Ki Baat, highlighted India's achievements in defence, space, sports, and environmental conservation. He praised the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, advances in missile systems, growing defence exports, and the successful private-sector launch of the Vikram-1 rocket.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the flood situation in Assam, assuring full central support for ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Meanwhile, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he will not contest the 2028 Assembly elections, citing his age and health.

PM Modi Highlights India's Defence & Space Growth | Assam Flood | Siddaramaiah's Big Announcement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked India's youth for their positive response to his late-night Instagram message on the NEET paper leak controversy, even as nationwide protests continue to intensify. The government and the CJP are set to hold a third round of talks as student protests enter Day 36. Activist Sonam Wangchuk clarified that he did not strike any deal with the government and ended his hunger strike only to prevent action against protesting students. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign, calling it the students' most important demand. Security has been tightened around Jantar Mantar, several Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and thousands are expected to join protests over the weekend.

PM Modi Thanks Youth Amid NEET Protest | Rahul Gandhi Demands Pradhan's Resignation

US President Donald Trump has said that Venezuela is not yet ready for elections, while praising the country's recent economic progress, particularly its recovering oil industry. Trump credited Venezuela's acting leadership for improving oil production and claimed the country's economy had significantly recovered. However, he said elections would only take place when conditions are right. His remarks come as Venezuela continues to recover from devastating twin earthquakes that have claimed more than 5,398 lives, with thousands still displaced. At the same time, Caracas has announced its decision to permanently withdraw from the International

Trump on Venezuela Elections | Says country 'not ready yet' | US News 

Bangladesh is witnessing another major political transition as President Mohammad Shahabuddin is set to resign halfway through his five-year term. Reports suggest the government urged him to step down due to his long-standing association with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League government was ousted during the 2024 student-led uprising. The resignation comes just days after Sheikh Hasina announced plans to return to Bangladesh later this year despite her conviction by the country's war crimes tribunal, which she denies. Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is expected to serve as interim president until a successor is elected.

Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin likely to resign | Sheikh Hasina return looms 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of fast-track courts to ensure swift justice in NEET paper leak cases, saying that the future of India's youth cannot be compromised. His remarks come as the CJP-led protest in New Delhi intensifies, with fresh clashes reported between protesters and police near Jantar Mantar. Heavy security has been deployed, multiple Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and protesters continue demanding the resignation of the Education Minister.

PM Modi announces fast-track courts over NEET Paper Leak | CJP protest intensifies in Delhi

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has broken his silence on the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Calling the movement peaceful, Salman expressed concern over the violence during the demonstrations and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He praised students for demanding a better education system, urged the government to respond positively, and emphasized that the issue should not be politicised.

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

The NEET examination controversy has triggered fresh political confrontation in New Delhi as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders staged protests demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. Several leaders were briefly detained after demonstrating outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the government's position, stating that the Centre is committed to discussing the NEET issue in Parliament while accusing the opposition of politicizing students' concerns. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in the nationwide education reform protests.

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

Political tensions intensified in Delhi after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra marched towards Lok Kalyan Marg and staged a protest over alleged police action against students during the CJP demonstration. Amid the standoff, Union Minister Jitendra Singh met Rahul Gandhi and urged him to end the protest. The developments have added a fresh political dimension to the growing debate over student protests and government accountability.

Rahul Gandhi leads protest outside PM's residence

In today's top India news:

Bombay High Court cancels the bail of Shiv Sena Corporation member Mahesh Mhatre in the assault case involving hospital staff.
Bulldozer action carried out against an office linked to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee over alleged building violations.
Olympic medalists Mirabai Chanu and Neeraj Chopra to lead India's contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust receives numerous applications for its first Chief Executive Officer amid donation misappropriation allegations.

Bombay HC cancels Shiv Sena leader's bail | Abhishek Banerjee office demolished | Commonwealth Games

Political speculation has intensified in Maharashtra after two senior NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leaders met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, fueling fresh buzz over a possible political realignment. While neither side has confirmed any alliance talks, the meeting has sparked debate over the future of the NCP(SP) and its equations with the NDA ahead of key political developments.

Two top NCP (SP) leaders meet deputy CM Eknath Shinde 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Punjab with a high-profile visit on July 17, aimed at energising party workers and outlining the NDA's vision ahead of the state elections. The visit comes as political activity intensifies, with major parties stepping up outreach and election preparations across Punjab.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the poll-bound state of Punjab

Senegal's constitutional reform continues to split the country's political landscape. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye refused to sign the bill, announcing that a referendum would be held instead


Senegal's Sonko accused of abusing his powers as speaker by targeting President Faye

A newly revealed $1.6 billion mining deal linked to Donald Trump has sparked attention after reports suggested his sons may hold a stake in the agreement.

The development has raised fresh questions over business interests, political influence and financial transparency surrounding the deal. Details are still emerging as scrutiny intensifies over the scale and structure of the investment.

Trump's $1.6 billion mining deal: Trump's sons' stake in deal revealed

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett launches a scathing assault on Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of weaponizing military operations for personal political survival. Bennett warns that tying active warfare to a broader political endgame has severely dented Israel's diplomatic capital, before delivering a big confession regarding the ongoing Iran war strategy.

Ex-PM Bennett’s Big Confession on Iran War, Slams Netanyahu

China-Taiwan tensions are now reaching Taiwan's farms. Beijing's growing demand for Taiwanese custard apples is triggering fears in Taipei that agricultural trade could become a tool of political pressure. As concerns grow, officials are urging farmers to diversify exports and reduce reliance on the Chinese market.

China-Taiwan Tensions: Can Fruit Become a Political Weapon?

Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has entered a crucial phase of its first-ever national convention, with delegates gathering behind closed doors to debate the party’s future direction. Key discussions will focus on political strategy, organizational reforms, financial matters and proposed amendments to the party statute. The convention is also setting the stage for a closely watched leadership election that could shape the future of one of Nepal’s most influential political forces.


Nepal's Ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party Holds National Convention

The reported US-Iran agreement has triggered a fierce political debate in Israel, with opposition leaders accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of mishandling the Iranian challenge. Opposition figure Yair Lapid described the development as a major diplomatic failure, arguing that Israel's concerns were not adequately addressed. Despite the criticism, Netanyahu has confirmed he will contest the upcoming elections, setting the stage for a heated political battle where security, diplomacy and leadership are expected to dominate the campaign.


US-Iran Peace Deal Fuels Political Divide In Israel, Opposition Claims Netanyahu Can No Longer Lead

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing one of the biggest challenges of his leadership after two senior defence officials resigned. Defence Secretary John Healey stepped down, citing concerns over military funding and defence spending plans.


UK Politics: Two UK Ministers Quit, Blame Starmer

#Gravitas As per reports, a Chinese technology firm is developing AI-powered tools to identify people who may pose a political risk.


Culprit Tomorrow, Punished Today by China's Despotic Technology

CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Tuesday met BJP national president Nitin Nabin and the party's national general secretary (organisation), BL Santhosh, in New Delhi and submitted a five-page resignation letter.
The meetings come amid intense speculation over Annamalai's political future.

Ex BJP President of Tamil Nadu K Annamalai To Start New Political Party?

West Bengal is set to witness a major political development as 35 new ministers are scheduled to take oath in a significant cabinet expansion. Governor RN Ravi will administer the oath of office, marking one of the largest reshuffles in the state's recent political history. The expansion is expected to strengthen governance, accommodate new faces and rebalance key portfolios within the government. 


West Bengal Govt Set for Mega Cabinet Expansion, 35 Ministers to Take Oath

Political tensions in West Bengal have intensified after TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee alleged that he was attacked and mobbed during a visit to Hooghly. The claim comes shortly after a separate controversy involving another senior TMC leader, adding to the growing war of words between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Banerjee alleged that individuals wearing saffron attire were involved in the incident, while political blame games continue to dominate the state's charged atmosphere.


West Bengal Politics: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Alleges Attack by BJP Workers

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