Tamil Nadu Free Bus Travel Scheme For Women Challenged In High Court By Private Operators

West Bengal is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code within the next six months, following states like Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam. The proposed legislation aims to establish common civil laws across all religions regarding marriage, divorce, and adoption. In addition, the state plans to introduce strict legal provisions against forced religious conversions. A nine-member expert panel headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai has been reviewing the draft legislation. The announcement was highlighted during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event, reiterating that Hindu rights will be protected and stringent measures will be framed.

A massive controversy erupted at Kalam Academy in Jaipur after a video surfaced showing teacher Praveen Dan Charan repeatedly slapping a student inside a classroom. The assault reportedly occurred after the student handed the teacher a paper chit stating that Kalam demands sacrifice, which enraged the instructor. Following widespread outrage, the coaching institute fired the teacher, while the management and the educator issued apologies. Protests escalated outside the centre as student groups and community leaders demanded the teacher's arrest and a refund of coaching fees. As demonstrations turned agitated, police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd and initiated an investigation into cross-complaints filed by both sides.

At a Munich Security Conference event, an address on emerging and middle power cooperation highlighted the rapid transformation of the international landscape. The speaker outlined how countries from the Global South and the Global North are seeking greater global relevance and impact. Today's geopolitical environment is primarily characterised by a radical repositioning of the United States alongside the significant economic and political rise of China. In response to US-China rivalry and weaponised leverage, emerging and middle powers are actively de-risking, diversifying supply chains, and pursuing multi-alignment. Flexible frameworks and initiatives such as the Quad, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, BRICS, the International Solar Alliance, and semiconductor partnerships illustrate agenda-based cooperation. The address underscored that rising powers are accelerating multipolarity and forging working arrangements across international peace, trade, connectivity, advanced manufacturing, and climate action.

A political row has erupted between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Dharapuram over remarks made by MK Stalin against TVK candidate Satyabama. The TVK accused Stalin of body-shaming and character assassination against their woman candidate during election campaigning, with party chief Vijay criticising the remarks and accusing him of creating a culture of indecency. Satyabama stated that the remarks caused her deep personal distress. TVK representatives have approached the Election Commission to lodge a formal complaint, alleging a breach of the model code of conduct. Ally Communist Party of India (Marxist) also criticised the comments as character assassination that was unfitting of his stature. The DMK rejected the accusations, asserting that Stalin was referring strictly to Satyabama's political party switches and allegiances rather than her physical appearance, maintaining that the remarks are being misrepresented by political opponents.