Monsoon Session: Centre calls all-party meet on July 19; opposition readies showdown

• Iran has launched attacks against several Gulf countries, including Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE, following new military strikes by the United States. • In a significant escalation of the Middle East crisis, Tehran has announced its intention to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

• Barisan Nasional (BN) achieved a landslide victory in Johor, effectively erasing gains made by Pakatan Harapan (PH) as voters converged behind the coalition. • The surge was driven by voter perceptions of stability and visible development under the leadership of Onn Hafiz, turning the election into a referendum on his performance.

• Barisan Nasional (BN) secured a two-thirds majority in the 16th Johor state election, winning 48 out of 56 available seats. • The remaining seats were won by Pakatan Harapan (PH), while the Prime Minister urged PH candidates to continue serving the public despite the result.

• Six months after taking office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are struggling to fulfill promises to end political violence. • Rahman campaigned during the February elections on a platform of stopping the state-backed killings that characterized the previous administration of Sheikh Hasina.

• Barisan Nasional achieved a landslide victory in the Johor state elections, securing a strong mandate to maintain political continuity in the region. • The win is expected to bolster investor confidence and accelerate the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

• The Indian government has scheduled an all-party meeting for July 19 to discuss key issues and agendas ahead of the Monsoon Parliament session. • The upcoming legislative session is officially set to commence on July 20.

• Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina announced on Friday her intention to return to Dhaka "voluntarily" around December. • Hasina, who has been sentenced to death in her home country, stated that she and her party colleagues plan to surrender to the authorities upon their return.

• U.S. and Iranian negotiators are scheduled to meet in Oman this Saturday to discuss a potential peace deal amid escalating regional tensions. • The UAE Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems intercepted a missile and drone attack launched by Iran, while Bahrain issued emergency shelter alerts for its residents.

• Barisan Nasional (BN) has secured an "extraordinary" victory in Johor, significantly extending its political control over the state. • This outcome shifts the political landscape, making the upcoming contest in Negeri Sembilan more critical as Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN prepare to face off.

• Social activist Voon Shiak Ni stated on July 12 that the results of the Johor state election serve as a critical "wake-up call" for the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led federal government. • Voon argues that the voting patterns in Johor demonstrate a clear lack of satisfaction among the electorate regarding the current direction of the federal administration.

• A key parliamentary committee in New Delhi is reviewing a contentious anti-corruption bill after stakeholders labeled a specific removal clause "unconstitutional." • The disputed clause mandates the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or ministers from office if they are held in custody for 30 consecutive days, regardless of a judicial verdict on culpability.