Author: space4knews

Summary: A new survey ahead of Israel’s general election scheduled for October 27 shows former Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot’s Yesh Atid party leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party by four seats. The survey projects Yesh Atid winning 25 seats and Likud 21 seats, though no party has yet secured the 61-seat majority required to form a government. As Eizenkot’s political influence grows, Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet is considering providing him with enhanced armed protection. Report dated August 15, Kathmandu.

As Israel approaches the October 27 general election, opposition leader and former Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot is posing an increasing challenge to Prime Minister Netanyahu. A new survey published Thursday by ‘Zman Israel’ suggests Eizenkot’s Yesh Atid could win 25 seats, while Netanyahu’s Likud party may claim only 21 seats. This four-seat lead for Yesh Atid marks a widening gap compared to recent polls, which generally showed a narrow difference between the two parties.

With nearly two months remaining before the election, the path to forming a government remains uncertain despite Yesh Atid’s lead. The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has a total of 120 seats, requiring a minimum of 61 for a stable majority. The survey forecasts that the anti-Netanyahu ‘Change Bloc’ would secure 58 seats, falling three seats short of a majority. Netanyahu’s allied parties are projected to win 50 seats, while Arab parties could obtain 12 seats. Among these, the Ram Party and Hadash-Ta’al are each expected to win around six seats. This fragmentation indicates that no major political coalition is positioned to secure an outright majority prior to the election.

Concerns regarding Eizenkot’s security are also mounting. According to a report from Israeli Channel 12, there have been indications of threats targeting Israeli political leaders originating from Iran. While Netanyahu receives official government security, Eizenkot has not yet been provided formal protection. His active political engagement has increased concerns about his safety. In response to the intensifying election campaign, Shin Bet is reportedly considering granting him armed security coverage.

Gadi Eizenkot, born May 19, 1960, in Tiberias, Israel, is a former Chief of Staff who spent over four decades in military service before transitioning into politics. He joined the Israeli Defense Forces at age 18 and held various commanding roles before being appointed as the 21st Chief of Staff in 2015. After 41 years of military service, he retired in 2019. During his military career, he served as the military secretary to both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense and held the position of Deputy Chief of the General Staff from 2013 to 2014. After retirement, he entered politics, joining the National Unity Party in 2022 and becoming a member of the Knesset. Following Hamas’s attack on Israel in 2023, his party joined Netanyahu’s coalition government, but in 2024, he decided to leave the government. In 2025, he split from the National Unity Party to establish his own party, Yesh Atid. Currently, Eizenkot stands as Netanyahu’s principal political challenger, with the latest survey indicating Yesh Atid’s growing influence ahead of the upcoming elections.

Summary: On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced from the Red Fort a seven-fold ‘Saptadhara’ (stream of powers) to build a developed India. Modi declared free online coaching for youth preparing for competitive exams and claimed India’s ambition to host the Olympics in 2036. He stated that armed Naxalism has ended and emphasized the need to identify and isolate ‘mind Naxalites’ who promote violence in society. Kathmandu, 31st Shrawan. On India’s 80th Independence Day, Modi unfurled the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 13th consecutive time. In a nearly 75-minute-long speech, he highlighted his government’s achievements and announced new policies for the future. He stressed increasing production, defense manufacturing, and electricity generation. Announcements also included promoting the semiconductor industry and nuclear energy. Modi proclaimed the end of armed Naxalism and said that despite global fertilizer shortages, affordable fertilizer has been provided to farmers. He also introduced the government’s new vision of ‘Saptadhara of Power’ from the Red Fort.

What is ‘Saptadhara’?

Under ‘Saptadhara,’ Prime Minister Modi outlined seven types of ‘powers’ which, according to him, will contribute to building a ‘developed’ and ‘self-reliant’ India. Modi said, ‘Today I want to recall the era when India’s strength was recognized as the Saptsindhu (seven rivers), understood and heard. To build a developed India, a new stream is needed. From the Red Fort, I want to raise the voice of this Saptadhara of power before the nation. In the next 5 to 7 years, what has not been achieved in the last 5 to 7 decades, the strength of Saptadhara will take the country to new heights, speeds, and goals.’

The first power of ‘Saptadhara’ is manufacturing power. According to Modi, India must become a reliable hub in the global supply chain from design to production. He emphasized that India must meet global standards in price, quality, and production scale.

The second power is agriculture and food production. Modi mentioned that through free trade agreements, India has secured a large market.

The third power focuses on technology and innovation in AI and data centers, aiming to lead in artificial intelligence (AI), space, and data centers.

The fourth power is named ‘Gatisheelta’ (mobility), involving plans to connect cities through high-speed rail, develop modern highways, and improve ports.

The fifth power is defense production, attributed to the increase in defense manufacturing.

The sixth power is the green and blue economy. Modi stated the need to develop world-class capabilities in green hydrogen, renewable energy, energy storage, green transportation, and green manufacturing. He also emphasized promoting fisheries and coastal tourism.

The seventh and final power is India’s ‘soft power.’ Modi highlighted India’s influence in handicrafts, culture, film, creative industries, VFX, animation, gaming, and digital content.

In the context of dissatisfaction with the education system and recent student protests, the government has decided to provide free online coaching for youth preparing for competitive exams. Modi stated from the Red Fort, ‘To ensure that youth do not bear a financial burden, we will offer free online coaching for various exams. We will create a complete network that connects digital infrastructure, excellent talent, and teachers to provide free coaching to the country’s youth.’

Addressing the strategy against ‘mind Naxalites’ following the decline of armed Naxalism, Modi said, ‘Naxalism and Maoism destroyed the future of millions of youth.’ Using new terminology associated with Naxalism, he added, ‘There are fewer armed Naxalites now, but mind Naxalites are seeking opportunities. They are looking for ways to spread violence and anarchy. They are trying to mislead society. They must be identified, isolated, and connected with young people who will build a developed nation.’

Previously, Modi had used terms such as ‘Urban Naxal’ and ‘Khan Market Gang.’

India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics: The Indian government plans to host the Olympic Games in Gujarat in 2036. Modi spoke about this during the Independence Day ceremony. From the Red Fort, he said, ‘We are moving forward with a strong bid for the 2036 Olympics. India will also host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.’

Modi urged youth to participate in sports in which Indian involvement has been low in recent years. ‘There are about 40 sports and around 325-350 events in the Olympics, and India does not compete in two-thirds of them,’ he stated. To increase participation, a nationwide talent search campaign (Talent Hunt) will be conducted. Modi announced plans to provide specialized training for talents aged 5 to 15 years to develop them into top athletes.

Following a brief review of the news, the UK government has deployed nearly 200 soldiers to control widespread wildfires fueled by extreme heat and drought. With the risk of fires escalating, authorities have banned the sale of disposable barbecues and issued public warnings against open flames. Additionally, the government has announced a financial aid package of £65 million to support England’s farmers. 30 Saun, London (UK).

In response to severe heat and drought-induced wildfires, the UK government has stationed about 200 soldiers nationwide to assist emergency teams. In South Wales, approximately 100 soldiers from the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment have been supported by the 22 Engineer Regiment in rescue and restoration efforts. Four water tankers with a 20,000-liter capacity each have also been deployed for water storage and transportation. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to send additional troops to other areas as needed.

Britain is currently grappling with intense heat, drought, and wildfires. On Friday, the government sent emergency warnings via phone messages to millions of residents in England and Wales, urging them to refrain from risky activities such as using disposable barbecues, fire pits, fireworks, and burning garden grass. The public was cautioned against lighting open fires and advised to dispose of cigarettes carefully. Barbecues have been identified as a primary cause of the summer fires.

Due to persistent heat and wildfires, the sale of disposable barbecues has been temporarily banned. Earlier this week, the government discussed potential restrictions during a Cobra emergency meeting. Furthermore, the government has allocated £65 million in financial assistance to farmers in England to cope with drought impacts. This includes £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Scheme 2026 and £15 million for the construction of ponds to collect water for farms and gardens.

The administration also plans to streamline pond construction by removing unnecessary obstacles and updating planning guidelines to facilitate water storage projects. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, England and Wales have recorded a total of 117 wildfires this year, matching last year’s numbers. Fire control departments faced challenges managing various fires on Friday. In West Midlands, dozens of homes were destroyed due to fires. A devastating blaze near Llandovry, Carmarthenshire, Wales, led to evacuations and road closures, with fire officials actively combating the situation.

In Hampshire, firefighters have been battling a forest fire continuously for six days since Sunday. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service responded to 16 emergencies on Thursday afternoon alone, including a fire at Mousehold Heath. British Prince William expressed gratitude to all emergency personnel engaged in wildfire control nationwide. In a statement, he said, “My heartfelt thanks to the firefighters, emergency services, and volunteers fighting these fires.” He also extended his sympathies to all affected communities, especially those who have lost homes, and those working to secure safety in rural and residential areas.

August 15, Kathmandu – A powerful earthquake in Indonesia has claimed the lives of at least 38 people. According to the local Disaster Mitigation Agency, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck on Saturday morning. Rescue operations began immediately following the quake, and the death toll is continuing to rise. The main tremor occurred around 5 a.m. local time, followed by dozens of aftershocks. Among these aftershocks, one measured as strong as 6.1 on the Richter scale. The significant tremor caused damage to hundreds of homes, and reports of chaotic scenes in the aftermath have also been received.