The political landscape in India shifted dramatically as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party failed to secure a supermajority in the recent elections. Despite support from other partners, Modi’s party could not secure even a simple majority on its own. The rejection of Modi’s divisive politics and controversial campaign promises, such as the construction of a Hindu temple, signaled a desire for unity among ordinary Hindus and Muslims. The election outcome is not finalized yet, with the possibility of other parties forming a government.
In another significant event, Boeing is making a third attempt to launch two astronauts into space aboard its Starliner capsule for a test flight to the International Space Station. SpaceX is also preparing for a test flight of its Starship megarocket. The outcome of these missions could pave the way for routine flights with NASA and demonstrate key technologies for future missions to the moon. These developments mark important steps in the advancement of space exploration.
The ongoing trial of Hunter Biden, charged with possession of a gun while using narcotics, continues with cross-examination of witnesses and opening statements from the prosecution and defense. The trial highlights the debate surrounding Hunter Biden’s actions and alleged violations of the law. Outside the courtroom, tensions ran high as the defendant’s wife confronted a former Trump White House aide involved in publicizing the contents of Hunter Biden’s laptop.
In a separate case, two jurors were dismissed from a Minnesota fraud trial after an alleged $120,000 bribe was offered to one of them to find the defendants not guilty. The trial involves accusations of misusing federal funds intended for low-income families and personal luxuries, such as real estate and vehicles. The incident highlights the challenges of ensuring fair and impartial trials in cases involving significant sums of money and high stakes.
The Food and Drug Administration advisory panel declined to recommend the approval of MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, dealing a setback to advocates of using psychedelics in treating mental health disorders. The decision reflects concerns about the drug’s efficacy and safety, as well as allegations of misconduct related to the study submitted by the drugmaker. The FDA will make the final decision on MDMA’s approval in August.
In other political news, Rep. Rob Menendez won his New Jersey House primary amidst his father’s ongoing corruption trial, while Montana’s Senate race is set with Sen. Jon Tester facing Republican entrepreneur Tim Sheehy. Former President Donald Trump’s attorneys requested the lifting of a gag order following his hush money trial, and the House voted to impose sanctions against the International Criminal Court for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, a dispute over the origins of butter chicken in Delhi between two restaurant chains sheds light on the popular dish’s legacy.
