Shaila Rani Rawat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, passed away on Tuesday night at Max Hospital. She was 68. Rawat, who represented the Kedarnath constituency, had been battling a backbone injury and was on ventilator support. Her political journey spanned over a decade, starting with a win on a Congress ticket in 2012 and later switching to the BJP in 2016. Her demise is a significant loss for the people of Kedarnath and the state's political landscape.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has called for a CBI investigation into the murder of K. Armstrong, the party's Tamil Nadu leader. She expressed doubts over the arrests made by local police, alleging the real culprits remain at large. Armstrong was brutally killed near his Chennai residence, with police now focusing on associates of slain gangster Arcot Suresh as suspects. Eight arrests have been made, seizing blood-stained weapons and other evidence. Despite police ruling out political motives, Mayawati vows protests until justice prevails for the slain leader's family and supporters.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, will visit Manipur on July 8, marking his third trip to the state and first in his new role. He will meet people affected by recent violence in districts including Jiribam, Churachandpur, and Bishnupur, and visit several relief camps. His visit comes shortly after leading opposition protests in Parliament demanding justice for Manipur. State Congress president K. Meghachandra confirmed that Gandhi will also meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey in Imphal before departing the state.

Shashi Tharoor mocked the BJP's election prediction, saying "ab ki baar, 400 paar" happened, but in the UK, not in India. The Labour Party won 412 seats in the UK election, contrasting with the BJP's failed prediction of securing over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Despite claims of winning over 370 seats, the BJP won 240, and the NDA secured 293. Tharoor's comment highlights the difference between the BJP's predictions and their actual performance. The Congress leader's remark is a jab at the BJP's overconfidence and inaccurate polling projections.

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.