Sources indicate that the BJP national leadership is gearing up for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) polls following the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra. Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly held a crucial meeting to discuss strategies amidst heightened security measures in the region. The decision underscores BJP's focus on electoral preparations post-yatra, emphasizing regional stability and political engagement. The meeting's outcome is expected to shape BJP's approach towards the upcoming polls in the sensitive region, marking a significant political move amid ongoing security concerns.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will visit Hathras on July 5. This marks the first visit of a senior Opposition leader since the stampede on July 3 that killed 121 people. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai confirmed Gandhi’s visit. He said Gandhi will also meet the families of the victims. The stampede occurred during a religious gathering in Sikandara Rao area. Gandhi’s visit aims to show support and offer condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

Hemant Soren, executive president of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took oath as Chief Minister of Jharkhand. This follows the resignation of Champai Soren, who stepped down ahead of the state assembly election. Hemant Soren, previously arrested in a money laundering case, was granted bail recently. He met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake claim to form the government. The JMM, allied with Congress and RJD, won a strong majority in the 2019 elections. Hemant Soren's return marks a significant development for the party in the tribal-dominated state.

A recent CNN poll reveals Vice-President Kamala Harris has a higher approval rating than President Joe Biden, making her a stronger contender for the White House in the November elections. Biden's popularity plummeted after a disappointing debate performance against Donald Trump, sparking calls for him to step down. The poll shows Trump leading Biden by six points, while Harris's ratings remain steady. This development could potentially shift the dynamics of the presidential race, positioning Harris as a formidable candidate for the Democratic party.

Ahead of the UK elections on July 4, the Hindu community, the third-largest religious group, is asserting its political influence. 29 Hindu organisations have released the 'Hindu Manifesto UK 2024' with seven key demands, including recognition of anti-Hindu hate as a religious hate crime. This is the first time British Hindus have come together to make demands, aware of their strength as a sizeable electorate of around 1 million people. Both Labour and Conservative parties are counting the community's votes, with leaders Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak visiting temples and making promises. The Hindu community's growing political presence could significantly impact the election outcome.

Former President Barack Obama has privately expressed concerns about President Joe Biden's re-election bid following a disappointing debate performance against Donald Trump on June 28. Despite publicly endorsing Biden, Obama reportedly told allies that the debate made Biden's re-election more challenging. Obama has rallied behind his former vice-president, urging voters to focus on the choice between Biden's commitment to ordinary Americans and Trump's self-interest. Obama dismissed Biden's debate stumbles as a "bad debate night," emphasizing the importance of the election's outcome in November.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that violence in Manipur is subsiding, with over 11,000 FIRs filed and 500 arrests made. He emphasized ongoing efforts to restore normalcy, highlighting that schools and offices have reopened. However, the Congress criticized Modi for not visiting Manipur since ethnic violence began in May 2023. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the PM’s claim “astounding” and noted continued tension in the state. Opposition MPs walked out of the Rajya Sabha during Modi's address, protesting the government's handling of the situation.

Chief Minister Champai Soren is set to resign today, paving the way for Hemant Soren's return as Jharkhand's top official. This comes days after Hemant Soren was released on bail. A unanimous decision was taken at a meeting of the JMM-led alliance, attended by Hemant Soren and Ghulam Ahmed Mir. Formalities for the new government formation will begin accordingly. Hemant Soren had stepped down as CM in January after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. His return is seen as a bid to project a unified command ahead of state elections.

On the final day of campaigning, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is touring England, Scotland, and Wales, making a last-minute pitch to voters. In South Wales, he emphasized the need for change, criticizing 14 years of Tory "chaos, divisions, and failure." Starmer accused the Tories of exhibiting chaos during their campaign, referencing their association with former PMs David Cameron, Liz Truss, and Boris Johnson. He urged voters to choose Labour, promising to "rebuild" and deliver for Britain. Starmer's message is clear: "It's time to turn the page" and bring about change.

During a 135-minute speech in Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a glass of water to opposition MPs who disrupted proceedings with continuous slogans on the Manipur issue. The gesture came as Modi replied to debates on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address. The act, captured on camera, sparked widespread discussion on social media, with supporters praising Modi's composure. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla's sarcastic comment and various reactions highlighted the incident's impact. Modi's speech also saw him criticize Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading claims and disrupting parliamentary decorum.