Polls, blocs and mergers: Setting the stage for Israel Election 2026 - Israel & Jewish News - JNS

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced his willingness to end his hunger strike under specific conditions, timed to coincide with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. • The protest aligns with the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march, creating a coordinated effort to bring attention to regional and environmental grievances during the legislative session.

• The BJP-led NDA is targeting a critical two-thirds majority of 362 votes as the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins. • This specific threshold is essential for the government to pass constitutional amendments, handle delimitation, and enact women's reservation legislation.

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk is prepared to end his indefinite hunger strike on Monday if political leaders provide a formal assurance. • His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, stated that the condition for ending the fast is a commitment to debate education system accountability during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

• India achieved a significant aerospace milestone on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with the successful launch of Vikram-1. • As the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1 successfully deployed multiple technology demonstration payloads into a low earth orbit.

• India achieved a milestone in its space race on Saturday morning with the successful launch of Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed launch vehicle. • The mission successfully placed several technology demonstration satellites into Low Earth orbit (LEO), showcasing private sector capabilities in aerospace.

• The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced today, with a schedule consisting of 19 sittings running through August 13. • The government's legislative agenda for the session includes key priorities such as the Vande Mataram Bill and amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

• The Monsoon Session of Parliament commences today, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown between the government and the Opposition. • Lawmakers are expected to clash over the introduction of key legislative Bills and the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET paper leak.

• Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered at Jantar Mantar to prepare for a planned march to Parliament on Monday. • Authorities have removed CCTV cameras and barricades from the protest site, while activist Sonam Wangchuk remains hospitalized.

• Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until 12 noon during the 2026 monsoon session due to persistent sloganeering by opposition members. • The 15-day session is scheduled to address critical national issues, including the NEET paper leak, women's reservation, and delimitation.

• ASEAN top diplomats are meeting in Manila on Tuesday to discuss critical global security issues, including renewed hostilities in the Middle East and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. • The talks will include representatives from major global powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union.

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated a potential cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Jens Spahn as parliamentary leader. • The departure of Spahn, a top figure within the CDU, increases political pressure on the ruling conservative party.

• Alice Weidel, co-chair of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, called for a complete cessation of all German support for Ukraine during a speech in the Bundestag. • Weidel specifically demanded that Berlin stop providing financial funding and arms supplies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.