Fidelity Investments, the world's third-largest asset manager, joins a coalition of financial and crypto firms urging the US Senate to pass the CLARITY Act, aiming to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets to boost investor confidence and US leadership in global crypto markets.
The US Senate Commerce Committee approved the "Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026," which bans vehicles from companies with over 15% Chinese ownership. This legislation could bar Mercedes-Benz (due to 20% Chinese investment) and Polestar (majority-owned by Geely) from the American market, prompting concerns from European automakers.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances. Concurrently, PM Modi announced a new Bill with stringent provisions, including fast-track courts, to combat examination paper leaks, to be introduced in Parliament next week.
US lawmakers are deadlocked over ethics provisions in the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY), with Democrats pushing for stronger rules and state attorney general enforcement, while Republicans advocate for DOJ-led federal enforcement, potentially jeopardizing the bill's passage.
Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi for not addressing demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, calling PM Modi's video message an insult to students' intelligence. Modi announced a new Bill for stringent punishment against paper leaks, while protests continue nationwide.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike in India following negotiations with Union ministers, citing a desire to prevent violence. Simultaneously, PM Modi addressed the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, promising stricter legislation, while the Cockroach Janata Party vowed to continue protests.
The White House is pushing back against Senate Democrats' rejection of the latest CLARITY Act draft, citing ethics provisions as a major sticking point. The dispute over crypto market legislation highlights deep divisions among lawmakers, risking delays to broader regulatory reform.
Reps. Ted Lieu and Nathaniel Moran are set to introduce an "AI Kill Switch Act" requiring AI companies to shut down or throttle systems on Department of Homeland Security orders in "loss-of-control" scenarios, following an OpenAI incident.
PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, criticizes the upcoming Sentencing Act, which could lead to the early release of two men convicted of her son's manslaughter. The act, aimed at easing prison overcrowding, faces review by Andy Burnham amid concerns from victims and reports of implementation delays.
AARP opposes the PROMISE Act, a bipartisan Senate proposal to fast-track Social Security reforms, arguing it bypasses regular legislative order and lacks sufficient deliberation. This comes as Social Security faces a 2032 trust fund depletion, potentially leading to benefit cuts.
The US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including provisions to prohibit the Pentagon from using Chinese-made humanoid robots due to national security and data privacy concerns, while commercial sales remain unaffected.
British households can buy plug-in solar panels from August 27 after a government legal change. Major retailers like Currys and B&Q will sell DIY setups, enabling flats and rented homes to generate electricity, potentially saving £70-£110 annually on energy bills.
Hong Kong's new Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance, effective next Friday, faces operational challenges for frontline responders like ambulance crews, who worry about verifying patient wishes in emergencies and affordability for low-income families.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating is falling, with recent polls indicating public dissatisfaction. Voters are losing patience as Takaichi prioritizes conservative legislation, like flag desecration and Imperial Household Law revisions, over pressing cost-of-living issues despite a strong mandate.
The House narrowly approved a defense bill with $1.15 trillion for national security, proposing to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and including a military pay raise. Democrats opposed the partisan bill over spending, social policies, and an attached elections overhaul.
Hong Kong will allow terminally ill patients to upload advance directives for life-sustaining treatments to the eHealth platform starting July 31, formalizing end-of-life care and offering clearer legal protection for patients and healthcare professionals under a new ordinance.
France has become the first EU country to approve a bill banning social media for children under 15 and mobile phones in high schools, citing concerns over harmful digital content. The legislation, supported by parents and advocates, faces constitutional review and enforcement challenges, with opposition from some lawmakers.
President Trump has reportedly accepted proposed ethics restrictions for the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, a key hurdle in US crypto legislation. This moves the decision to Senate Democrats, who must now review the language and decide if it's sufficient to secure the necessary votes for passage amidst Trump's family's crypto interests.
Bitcoin and the broader crypto market show signs of recovery, with BTC topping $67,000, driven by progress on US crypto legislation (CLARITY Act) and a potential shift of capital from a slowing AI-linked equities trade.
Russia's State Duma approved a bill to establish a comprehensive framework for digital asset activity, regulating crypto exchanges, brokers, and asset managers. The legislation, which still requires further approvals, would allow crypto for foreign trade operations and is expected to be implemented by September 2026.
The Trump administration announced a $700m package to revive the US coal industry, including $75m for a controversial Oakland coal terminal. This move reignites a decade-long conflict with local residents and environmental groups in Oakland concerned about health impacts.
French Minister of Ecological Transition Monique Barbut plans to resign in protest after lawmakers approved a controversial farming bill. The legislation, which includes provisions for temporary pesticide use and increased water storage, has exposed significant rifts within President Macron’s centrist supporters.
Japan's Parliament approved the first major revision of imperial succession laws since 1947, allowing male members of former imperial branches to be readmitted through adoption to increase male heirs. The changes do not permit female emperors, despite public support for Emperor Naruhito's daughter to inherit the throne, sparking debate on gender equality and tradition.
AliExpress has been fined a record €550m by the EU under the Digital Services Act for failing to prevent the sale of illegal and harmful products, including counterfeit clothing and unsafe cosmetics, on its platform. The company condemned the fine as "disproportionate."
