A school quiz in Kerala sparked controversy with a question portraying Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the 'most severe punishment' from the British, prompting an inquiry and accusations of promoting a 'Sangh Parivar agenda'
Several EU nations are considering sending rejected asylum seekers to Rwanda and Uzbekistan for processing, marking a potential shift in the bloc's migrant returns system beyond its borders. The move follows the approval of a law allowing EU capitals to establish 'return hubs' in non-EU countries, provided human rights are upheld.
A joint operation by Kolkata Police, Paschim Medinipur Police, and central security forces conducted an overnight search at the Kalighat residence of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, sparking political controversy. Police stated the search was linked to a land-related case at Salboni police station, seeking an aide of Banerjee.
Seoul City is actively addressing public concerns and clarifying allegations of a cover-up regarding a rebar omission in the GTX-A Samsung Station construction. Officials state the structural integrity remains secure and reinforcement measures are being implemented.
Kerala's new UDF Cabinet oath ceremony sparked a political row after 'Vande Mataram' was recited in full. CPI(M) criticized the move, citing religious references and secularism concerns, while BJP accused CPI(M) of insulting the national song and appeasing vote banks. A similar controversy occurred in Tamil Nadu over song sequencing.
A Taiwanese army battalion commander has been punished for screening The Eight Hundred, a Chinese war film depicting KMT forces fighting Japanese troops in WWII. DPP lawmaker Wang Ting-yu revealed the screening by the 153rd Brigade in Yilan, prompting defence minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung to confirm it was directed at battalion level. The controversy has ignited debate over Beijing's state-led messaging targeting Taiwan and questions about historical interpretation and military education on the island.
The Election Commission on Wednesday issued a stern notice to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "terrorist" during a press conference in Chennai on the final day of campaigning for Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The poll body has asked Kharge to explain his stand within 24 hours. Kharge later clarified he meant Modi "threatens" people and pointed to alleged misuse of agencies like ED, I-T, and CBI. The BJP urged EC to initiate penal action, with Union minister Kiren Rijiju demanding an FIR for what they called a "dangerous and unprecedented attack on democratic institutions."
Peter Mandelson, Britain's appointed ambassador to Washington, failed his developed vetting (DV) security clearance, with officials choosing to deny clearance. The Cabinet Office learned of the failure in March 2026 but Keir Starmer was not informed for several weeks. A humble address motion forced government to publish papers related to Mandelson's appointment, with vetting documents to be referred to the Intelligence and Security Committee.
Peter Mandelson, appointed as Britain's ambassador to Washington, failed his security vetting (developed vetting/DV) check, with officials choosing to deny clearance. The Cabinet Office learned of this in March 2026 but delayed informing Prime Minister Keir Starmer for several weeks while seeking legal advice. The revelation followed the release of Epstein Files documents which prompted Parliament to pass a rare 'humble address' motion forcing government to publish all papers related to Mandelson's appointment. Documents regarding Mandelson's vetting are set to be handed to the Intelligence and Security Committee, which will decide what can be made public.
