PoK polls: 90 civilians killed in 2 months, Pakistan's justification—protesters ‘enemies like India’

• President Donald Trump announced he may withdraw or delay the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. • The decision stems from a conflict with Republican senators who are currently seeking concessions before confirming the appointment.

• President Trump announced via social media that a government-established group has agreed on a process for Hamas to begin disarming in the Gaza Strip. • The White House claims a peace deal is near, though the administration has not yet provided specific details regarding the disarmament process.

• The Democracy Trends Weekly Analysis for July 20-26, 2026, reports a concerning outlook with 19 factors showing decline, 18 remaining stable, and only 2 showing progress. • Critics are warning that a proposed rewrite of preservation standards could accelerate projects like the D.C. arch and allow development on protected sites without public input.

• A Republican governor in a Trump-supporting state is facing significant online backlash following an interview regarding immigration policy. • The controversy stems from the governor's public opposition to President Donald Trump's order to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain migrants.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a selfie video praising the passage of a new, stricter bill aimed at preventing question paper leaks. • Modi stated that paper leaks have plagued both central and state governments for decades, creating significant instability and threatening the academic futures of students.

• The UK Supreme Court will hear an appeal regarding the legal status of Palestine Action, an anti-Israel activist group. • The case follows a June Court of Appeal ruling that banning the group as a terrorist organization was lawful due to its support for violence.

• The Rajya Sabha has passed a bill aimed at preventing paper leaks, though the process was marked by intense clashes between the government and the opposition. • Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the timing of the legislation, claiming the government ignored similar suggestions in early 2024 to avoid political fallout during the Lok Sabha elections.

• The Rajya Sabha has passed a tougher anti-paper leak bill following a seven-hour debate characterized by intense confrontations and an Opposition walkout. • Under the new legislation, individuals found guilty of leaking examination papers face stringent penalties, including five to ten years of imprisonment.

• The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, following a rigorous nine-hour debate. • The legislative process was marked by political tension, including demonstrations by both the NDA and Opposition within the Parliament complex.

• The Supreme Court questioned the Bihar government on Thursday regarding the tenure of Panchayati Raj minister Deepak Prakash, who remains in office despite not being elected to the state legislature. • The court highlighted a potential violation of Article 164(4) of the Constitution, which mandates that ministers must be elected to the legislature within six months of their appointment.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been forced into a rare political retreat following a series of youth-led protests driven by Gen Z. • Simultaneously, maritime confrontations have escalated between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed territories, with Manila condemning racist imagery used in Chinese media.