Freedom

• The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). • This move follows increasing international scrutiny regarding the RSS's deep ideological and organizational ties to India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). • The intervention is driven by mounting global concerns over the treatment of religious minorities within India under the current political establishment.

• Entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary emphasizes that achieving financial freedom is primarily driven by personal discipline rather than just income levels. • He urges individuals to prioritize smart spending habits and specifically advocates for saying "no" to unnecessary expenditures. • This approach matters because it shifts the focus from earning more to managing existing resources effectively to build long-term wealth.

‘Outstanding young Americans’ came together to catch a tennis ball for freedomThe Patriot Games, held this week in Ohio, was intended to be a “national athletic competition celebrating the character, determination, and excellence that define the American spirit”, according to a press release.The competition, which organizers insisted would be nothing like the Hunger Games, was to bring together “outstanding young Americans” from across the country, “to compete, inspire, and showcase the values that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years”. ESPN, hosting the games, said it would “test excellence in skillsets of beloved American sports”. Continue reading...

• In July 2026, press freedom faced escalating legal pressure as new laws, security regulations, and court rulings reshaped the landscape of journalism. • Reporters continued to operate in high-risk environments, specifically facing extreme dangers while covering conflicts in Gaza, Israel, and Iran. • The period was marked by significant industry shifts, including intense debates over the role of AI in news and increasing media consolidation.

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk has characterized the upcoming Parliament march on July 20 as India's "second freedom movement." • The demonstration aims to advocate for justice and liberation from fear, focusing on the rights and concerns of the people of Ladakh. • This movement matters as it signals a significant escalation in public pressure on the central government to address regional autonomy and environmental protections.

• The Atlantic Council released the 2026 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes, revealing a sharp decline in global adherence to the rule of law since 2020. • The report analyzes thirty years of data across 171 countries to illustrate the critical link between legal foundations and economic success. • This trend is significant because the erosion of legal frameworks stalls economic reforms and weakens democratic institutions, preventing millions from achieving prosperity.

• India has officially called for the preservation of freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce within the South China Sea. • New Delhi explicitly backed a 2016 international tribunal ruling that rejected China's expansive territorial claims in the region. • This position aligns India with a joint statement signed by 14 other nations, including the US, UK, Japan, and the Philippines, emphasizing a rules-based order.