Morning Digest: Iran, U.S. resume strikes in West Asia after brief pause; Oppn. plans to raise Ram Temple donation ‘scam’ in Parliament, and more - The Hindu

• Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. • He declined to answer more than 100 questions from senators regarding his management and decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Lok Sabha passed a new exam-related bill via voice vote, despite intense sloganeering and a stormy exchange between the government and the Opposition. • The session was disrupted by disputes over Rahul Gandhi's comments regarding police actions taken against student protesters.

• Youth-led protests in India are challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's perceived political invincibility and dominance. • The protests signal growing unrest among the younger population, creating a significant political crisis for the current administration.

• The Lok Sabha has passed ‘The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026’ via a voice vote to combat paper leaks. • The legislation introduces severe penalties for offenders, including up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines reaching Rs 50 lakh.

• The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Wednesday to combat paper leaks and cheating in public exams. • The legislation proposes stricter punishments for those involved in unfair means to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

• David Giralt is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in a primary election. • In his campaign messaging, Giralt expressed full support for the Trump administration's efforts to secure the U.S. border and restore the rule of law.

• A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on Japan's southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction. • At least 18 people have been killed and 62 others injured, with six individuals reported in serious condition.

• Politicians from both major parties are accused of ignoring the actual concerns of voters to chase viral social media trends. • The author argues that the press exacerbates this issue by exporting social media panic into real-world political discourse.

• Mexico has been classified as a "low freedom" country in the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes, signaling a decline in both democratic integrity and economic potential. • The Atlantic Council emphasizes that Mexico's long-term prosperity is hindered by institutional erosion, specifically the lack of an independent judiciary and strong rule of law.

• The BJP-led Indian government has implemented a "measured crackdown" in response to the ongoing ‘Cockroach’ protests. • Authorities are balancing security enforcement with strategic efforts to appeal to and woo the youth demographic involved in the unrest.

• Gen Z slang terms such as "delulu" and "FOMO" have transitioned from social media platforms like Instagram into the discourse of the Indian parliament. • This linguistic shift is part of a broader trend where politicians adopt popular culture language to better connect with and understand their younger electorate.