Evening Update: Today’s headlines from The Straits Times on July 26, 2026

• Speaker Om Birla has granted the Centre and Opposition three hours to resolve a deadlock over the Anti-Paper Leak Bill during the 2026 Monsoon Session. • Since the session began on July 20, legislative progress has stalled due to Opposition protests regarding the NEET paper leak and alleged police action against students.

• A landslide occurred at the Gold Ridge Mine in the Solomon Islands in the early hours of July 27, leading to fears that lives may have been lost. • Gold Ridge Mining Limited has officially confirmed the incident, though the exact number of casualties has not yet been disclosed.

• Parliament was adjourned on Monday following an uproar by opposition MPs, led by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who protested alleged police misconduct. • Congress leader Pawan Karedzo submitted a Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha to demand a discussion on the use of tear gas, pellet guns, and lathi-charges against protesters and journalists.

• Members of the House of Representatives are beginning a five-week August recess to return to their home districts. • Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other GOP leaders are utilizing the break to launch a campaign blitz to support incumbents.

• The UK and EU have reached a new agreement regarding Gibraltar to ensure the border with Spain remains open for the movement of people and goods. • The deal demonstrates that closer alignment with EU regulations can effectively reduce trade and border friction in strategically sensitive regions.

• Andy Burnham has publicly ruled out the possibility of an early general election, stating that he does not believe the public desires one. • The statement comes as part of broader political discourse regarding the timing of the next UK national vote.

• Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, a developmental economist and Labour MP for Peckham elected in 2024, is advocating for the UK to achieve full Net Zero by 2030. • This target represents a significantly more aggressive timeline than previous government goals, sparking debate over its feasibility and economic impact.

• France is challenging the United Kingdom's potential participation in a new EU equity fund designed to support technology start-ups. • The fund is expected to exceed €5bn starting in 2027, but France is questioning the UK's role regarding funding contributions and political influence.

• The Indian government introduced an Anti-Paper Leak Bill in the Lok Sabha during the 2026 Monsoon Session. • Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned until 2 PM following an uproar from opposition members regarding alleged police force used against protesting students.

• Global markets saw a significant drop in oil prices and short-term bond yields following signs of de-escalation in Iran. • Investors showed limited interest in new circular AI financing, while the CMXT CN IPO experienced a surge in demand.

• Parliament is resuming its Monsoon Session after a week of disruptions to address key legislative priorities. • The government will prioritize the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which aims to introduce stricter penalties for examination fraud and paper leaks.