Govt expects pick-up in economy as West Asia situation improves - The Times of India

• Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated into active attacks, leading officials to question if diplomacy can prevent a full-scale war. • The conflict has caused benchmark Brent crude oil prices to surge above $94 a barrel, straining global energy supplies.

• The Trump administration is facing scrutiny over the killing of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. • The report details an 18-day period marked by alleged cover-ups, false claims, and "mendacity" regarding how the administration handled the shootings.

• Iran has threatened an "eye for an eye" response after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack on the Strait of Hormuz. • The Iranian military warned it would halt Gulf oil flows and target regional infrastructure if the U.S. carries out these threats.

• Justice Amy Coney Barrett faced questioning during a recent Senate hearing regarding the Supreme Court's response to the rise of prediction markets and the resulting ethical dilemmas. • The scrutiny follows the court's 2023 adoption of its first-ever code of ethics, which prohibits the nine justices from using nonpublic judicial information for personal gain.

• Protests led by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) have intensified at Jantar Mantar, putting increased pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. • The movement received a significant boost on Tuesday as the opposition Congress party held a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's official residence.

• The BJP Parliamentary Party has instructed all NDA Members of Parliament, excluding Union ministers, to gather at the Makar Dwar of Parliament House at 10:30 am on Thursday. • This mobilization follows significant uproar and disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the ongoing 2026 Monsoon Session.

• A new set of proposed reforms aims to overhaul India's governance, including restricting retired chief justices from joining Parliament and barring party-switching lawmakers from government positions for 20 years. • The proposals call for increasing female representation in government by raising the quota from 33% to 50% and reserving half of all cabinet positions for women.

• House Republicans passed a budget resolution that includes a $95 billion plan to fund efforts related to the Iran war and the "SAVE America Act." • The resolution initiates the party-line reconciliation process, which allows for certain legislative changes to pass with a simple majority.

• The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to maintain current funding levels for federal agencies through December 4. • This legislative move is designed to avert a government shutdown and ensure operational continuity until the end of the fiscal year.

• House Republicans are drafting a $95 billion reconciliation bill designed to fund the war in Iran and provide financial aid to farmers. • The GOP-controlled chamber is attempting to allocate $10 billion toward the "Save America Act," a measure championed by Donald Trump to ban mail-in ballots and tighten voter ID requirements.

• The Boston Globe argues that the U.S. Supreme Court lacks a truly enforceable ethics code, relying instead on an "honor system" governed by the justices themselves. • This system contrasts sharply with other federal judges, who face strict sanctions ranging from formal reprimands and suspensions to potential impeachment referrals.

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing protests have escalated over the last 15 hours, involving new controversial videos, fresh scuffles, and demonstrations at Parliament. • The situation has drawn significant attention through Opposition visits and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Delhi High Court.