Sat Jul 26 00:59:30 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:**
**India Strengthens Ties with Maldives, Addresses Electoral Concerns, and Monitors China’s Maritime Ambitions**
**New Delhi – July 26, 2025** – India is actively engaged on multiple fronts, from international diplomacy to domestic policy and national security, according to recent reports.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu expressed gratitude to India for its crucial support in addressing the nation’s economic challenges. Following meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both leaders affirmed a commitment to enhanced cooperation.
Domestically, the Election Commission of India (ECI) revealed that nearly 6.6 million voters are unlikely to be included in the upcoming draft electoral roll due to the Special Intensive Revision process. This comes as the deadline for submission of enumeration forms concluded on July 25th.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the ongoing nature of “Operation Sindoor” and the paramount importance of maintaining uninterrupted military readiness.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is expected to boost foreign direct investment in India, driven by local sourcing requirements.
Controversy surrounds “The Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024,” as West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose returned the legislation to the State government due to concerns over death penalty provisions.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda clarified that COVID vaccination does not increase the risk of heart attacks.
Amidst growing concerns about China’s maritime ambitions, the Indian government assured Parliament that it is closely monitoring developments in the Indian Ocean Region and taking necessary measures to safeguard its security and economic interests.
In Gujarat, 185 displaced individuals from Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. Citizenship documents were officially handed over at a ceremony in Rajkot.
On the political front, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge questioned Prime Minister Modi’s potential retirement age, referencing suggestions made by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for an inquiry into the death of a young man during an alleged shootout in Jammu.
First Piper 