Maharashtra NCP Seeks Finance Portfolio Back, Fadnavis Assures Sunetra Pawar-Led Delegation

A political storm erupted over Jamia Millia Islamia after graffiti carrying slogans like 'Free Kashmir' and 'Free Sharjeel Imam' appeared on campus walls during student protests. The university administration condemned the graffiti, accused Congress leaders of trespassing to instigate protesting students, and shifted all classes to an online format for student safety. The BJP launched an attack on the Congress, questioning whether the opposition endorses the slogans and accusing leaders of dividing India. Congress MP Imran Masood denied that anti-India slogans were raised by protesting students, stating that Kashmir is an integral part of India, while accusing the BJP of putting up posters to create unrest and demanding a resolution to student issues.

The Karnataka government has issued a stern warning to information technology firms in Bengaluru against deliberately sidelining Kannadigas in recruitment. Highlighting employment grievances, it was emphasised that Kannadigas are sovereign in the state and that their dignity, rights, and job opportunities remain non-negotiable. Authorities warned that private firms denying jobs to native Kannada speakers or prioritising candidates from other states will face strict government action.

A wave of mass unrest that began over education infrastructure and rising cost of living in France has escalated into violent riots and spread across Europe. In France, nationwide demonstrations drew over 5.5 lakh people, resulting in torched town halls, looted shops, over 2,000 arrests, and curfews in Paris and Marseille. French President Emmanuel Macron announced bans on spontaneous protests and rejected the interior minister's resignation, even as lawmakers challenged government budget cuts and US political figures attributed the violence to immigration. Economic grievances, housing crises, and educational discontent have triggered simultaneous clashes in Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Albania. In response, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approved tougher penalties and parental liability for riot damages, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against violence on all sides. With multiple European nations heading into crucial elections, governments face severe pressure to restore order amid compounding economic fallout from global conflicts.

A political row erupted in Kerala after police booked a vlogger for inciting communal hatred and provoking a riot over a viral video targeting Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi. In the video, the content creator questioned why an eatery named after the holy city of Kashi was serving beef and objected to an artwork displaying Mahatma Gandhi alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The cafe management clarified that the name signifies luminescence and radiance rather than a religious affiliation, highlighting that the venue has operated as an iconic art exhibition hub for decades. The controversy quickly triggered sharp political exchanges, with the Bharatiya Janata Party questioning whether equal sensitivity would be shown if an eatery named after a Muslim holy city served pork, demanding that respect for faiths must work both ways.