What do we want from government in the next two years?

• U.S. Congress is struggling to address a critical list of "must-do" legislative items as the deadline for the midterm elections approaches. • Internal conflict has intensified, with members of the conservative Freedom Caucus, including Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), voting down rules and withholding support for scheduled legislation.

• The Supreme Court issued a decision on June 29 in Trump v. Slaughter, which notably overruled the precedent set by Humphrey's Executor. • This ruling reshapes the level of presidential control over federal agencies, potentially making agency leadership more susceptible to removal.

• The bipartisan JAWBONE Act has been proposed to prevent government officials from using explicit or implied threats to influence the content published by broadcasters and major online platforms. • The legislation aims to protect the spirit of the First Amendment by curbing government pressure on private media entities.

• The Supreme Court ruled that President Trump's executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented or temporary residents is unconstitutional. • Separately, President Trump announced plans to use an executive order to target funding for specific programs at the Smithsonian Institution that he claims promote certain ideologies.

• The ruling Democratic Party is engaged in a deepening debate over whether to completely remove prosecutorial supervision of police during criminal case investigations. • This issue has become a key agenda item leading up to the party's upcoming convention to elect a new leader.

• Andy Burnham is positioned as the expected new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, prompting international analysis of how global leaders will perceive his leadership. • Diplomatic observers in the US, China, Russia, and Europe are assessing Burnham's standing and potential impact on foreign relations.

• Women’s rights groups in South Korea are opposing a proposed revision to the Criminal Procedure Act. • The contested legal change aims to abolish the authority of prosecutors to conduct supplementary investigations.

• AIA Group Limited announced the winners of the fourth annual AIA Healthiest Schools Competition on July 13, 2026, in Hong Kong. • The competition is a key part of the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) programme, designed to empower students aged five to 16 to adopt healthy habits.

• The Modi government plans to reintroduce legislation during the upcoming Monsoon Session to secure a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. • The proposed constitutional amendment and Delimitation Bill aim to implement these quotas starting from the 2029 elections.

• The INDIA bloc intends to challenge the central government during the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament over several critical issues. • Key points of contention include the construction of the Ram temple, the NEET exam paper leak, and the protection of democratic rights.

• The Taliban administration of Afghanistan expressed a desire to enhance agricultural cooperation with India, focusing on trade, irrigation, and infrastructure development. • The Ministry of External Affairs announced this diplomatic outreach on Sunday, July 12, 2026.