As of now, President Donald Trump is grappling with an alarming decline in public support, with his approval rating plummeting to 37 percent—the lowest point of his current term. According to a recent Gallup survey published on Thursday, this figure is only slightly above his previous term’s nadir of 34 percent, which he reached towards the end of his first presidency.

Trump’s declining popularity comes in the wake of significant political controversies. Notably, his actions during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where he incited his supporters to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election, have played a substantial role in shaping public perception. This incident not only damaged his reputation but also alienated several former allies.

Recent surveys indicate that Trump’s approval ratings are struggling across various issues. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll from late last month revealed that his disapproval rating on immigration—a topic he previously championed—has risen to 52 percent, with only 44 percent of Americans expressing approval. This significant backlash suggests that his administration’s focus on an aggressive immigration agenda has not resonated well with the electorate.

Furthermore, the Gallup survey highlights a notable decline in support among Independent voters, where Trump has lost 17 percentage points since taking office. This drop is critical, as Independents often play a pivotal role in elections. In comparison to previous surveys, there has been a 14 percentage-point decrease in approval regarding the federal budget and an 8 percentage-point decline related to immigration.

Despite these challenges, Trump has managed to secure higher ratings for his handling of foreign affairs, garnering a 42 percent approval rating on his approach to Iran and 41 percent for other international matters. These numbers reflect a segment of the population that still views his foreign policy initiatives favorably.

As Trump continues his presidency, the implications of these approval ratings may affect his ability to push through his agenda. The ongoing dissatisfaction among voters, particularly among Independents, could impact his party’s performance in upcoming elections, making it crucial for the administration to recalibrate its strategies.

On July 25, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize Palestine as an independent nation. This significant decision is set to be formally declared at the United Nations in September. France’s recognition makes it the first major country in the G7 group to take this step, stirring a variety of reactions across the globe.

The announcement, made via the social media platform X, has elicited a positive response from the Palestinian Authority, which expressed its appreciation for France’s support. In contrast, the Israeli government has condemned the move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision, stating that it rewards terrorism and heightens the risk of creating another Iranian proxy like Gaza. He asserted that a Palestinian state would not foster peaceful coexistence with Israel, but instead serve as a launchpad for hostility.

Global Recognition of Palestine

As of March 2025, a total of 147 out of 193 United Nations member countries have recognized Palestine as an independent state. This recognition spans several regions, predominantly Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Arab world. Key nations that have acknowledged Palestinian statehood include India, China, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa. Among the Arab nations, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar are notable supporters. In Asia, countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have also recognized Palestine, while in Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Algeria have joined the ranks.

In Latin America, numerous countries have endorsed Palestine, including Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Bolivia, Guyana, and various Caribbean nations.

European Responses and G7 Dynamics

Sweden was the first Western European country to recognize Palestine in 2014, and more European nations are gradually following suit. Notably, Norway, Ireland, and Spain collectively acknowledged Palestine on May 22, 2024, while Slovenia did so shortly thereafter on June 4, 2024. Reports suggest that Malta and Belgium are also considering similar declarations, emphasizing their recognition of Palestine based on the borders established in 1967, which include the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.

Currently, none of the G7 countries, which include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, and France, have formally recognized Palestine. France’s announcement positions it as a pioneer within this group. The United States and the United Kingdom have focused on advocating for a two-state solution but have refrained from granting Palestine independent recognition.

As the international community continues to react to France’s landmark decision, the implications for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain to be seen. The dynamics surrounding recognition of Palestine are evolving, and the forthcoming declarations at the United Nations will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently enjoyed a traditional cup of masala chai, served by Akhil Patel, the founder of UK-based brand Amala Chai. This memorable moment occurred during Modi’s visit to the UK at Chequers, the official countryside residence of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A photograph capturing this exchange quickly gained traction on social media platforms, showcasing the warmth of their interaction.

The event featured a playful exchange, where Patel humorously remarked, “From one chaiwala to another” while serving the steaming beverage to Modi. The Prime Minister later shared two pictures on his social media, emphasizing the strengthening of India-UK ties through their discussion over tea, a theme he referred to as “Chai Pe Charcha.”

Akhil Patel, originally from London, has an impressive educational background. He attended University College School in Hampstead and went on to obtain a BSc in Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). During his time as a student, he gathered valuable experience through internships and worked as a data analyst. In 2019, he made a notable career shift by launching Amala Chai, a business inspired by his grandmother’s traditional chai recipes and the cultural importance of tea in India.

Building a Chai Legacy

Patel operates a chai stall located outside King’s Cross Station in London, where he begins brewing tea at 08:00 each day. In a recent Instagram post, he proudly noted, “400,000 cups later, we’ve officially helped Britain swerve the corporate chai latte across the road.” This statistic highlights Patel’s commitment to offering authentic chai, positioning Amala Chai as a unique alternative in a market dominated by coffee chains.

The company sources its tea and spices directly from “small family farms in Assam and Kerala,” ensuring quality and authenticity in their products. In a significant recognition of his efforts, the British Museum featured Amala Chai in a promotional video earlier this year, illustrating the process of sourcing ingredients from India.

Patel’s journey reflects not only his entrepreneurial spirit but also the deep cultural connections that chai represents. His interaction with Prime Minister Modi serves as a testament to the potential for small businesses to forge international ties and promote cultural exchange. As Patel continues to expand his brand, he remains dedicated to sharing the rich tradition of chai with a wider audience.

Political uncertainty looms over Karnataka as questions arise regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah‘s tenure. Siddaramaiah, who is currently serving his second term, is on the brink of breaking the record for the longest-serving elected head of the state. He is nearing the milestone of over 2,700 days in office, previously held by Devaraj Urs. Alongside him is Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar—commonly referred to as DKS—as they make their second visit to New Delhi within a week.

The speculation surrounding whether Siddaramaiah will complete a full five-year term has intensified. Rumors of a rotational leadership agreement between him and Shivakumar have circulated, suggesting that Siddaramaiah might step aside to allow Shivakumar to take over. Their latest trip to the capital comes as the Congress party remains in a delicate situation, with an uneasy calm prevailing in the state unit following a directive from the party leadership to refrain from publicly discussing the CM change.

During their New Delhi visit, the two leaders are expected to meet with senior Congress officials. Unlike previous meetings, there have been no public comments from party members regarding the leadership transition, adhering to the high command’s request for silence. A senior Congress leader noted that while no overt discussions are happening, there are certainly ongoing negotiations behind the scenes as the government approaches its two-and-a-half-year mark in office.

The primary reason for their visit includes participation in the “Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan,” organized by the AICC Backward Class unit. Insiders suggest that Siddaramaiah may have the opportunity to meet with party leader Rahul Gandhi, a meeting that did not occur during their last visit earlier in July. Yet, there has been no official confirmation regarding such discussions.

Speculation regarding a change in leadership has been persistent, particularly within the ruling Congress. Some party members believe that any decision to replace Siddaramaiah could impact the party’s performance in the upcoming Bihar elections, where the OBC vote is crucial. As the only OBC Chief Minister within the Congress party, Siddaramaiah’s position is seen as vital to maintaining the party’s standing among minority and backward class communities.

Despite the pressure, Siddaramaiah has publicly expressed his commitment to serving the full term. His statements appear to be aimed at the party’s high command, which has remained strategically silent on the issue. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has left the door open for discussion without providing any firm commitments. He recently remarked that leadership decisions are up to the high command and that unnecessary conflicts should be avoided.

As the political landscape evolves, the dynamics between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will be closely monitored. Following the Congress’ victory in the 2023 state elections, both leaders were initially in competition for the chief minister position. Ultimately, Siddaramaiah retained the role while Shivakumar was appointed as his deputy, a compromise believed to be rooted in a potential rotation agreement. According to reports, this arrangement would see Shivakumar take over after two and a half years, although there has been no official confirmation of this understanding.

Should such an arrangement exist, Siddaramaiah might negotiate to extend his tenure to match or surpass Devaraj Urs’ record, which would require him to remain in office until January 2026. As of now, Siddaramaiah has served approximately 2,792 days across his two terms, creating a significant milestone should he stay in power until then.

Within the party, many believe that Shivakumar is adopting a cautious approach. He is seen as someone who prioritizes party loyalty and harmony, ensuring that he does not make any statements that could exacerbate tensions. Known for consolidating support from the Vokkaliga community in the old Mysuru region, Shivakumar is relying on his commitment to the party and the Gandhi family to secure his position.

As the situation develops, the interactions between these key figures will be critical in shaping the future of Karnataka’s political landscape. The coming months will likely reveal whether Siddaramaiah can solidify his position or if the anticipated leadership change will come to fruition.