Proxy wars, sanctions and nuke tensions: 7 decades of tumultuous US-Iran relations

A major political controversy erupted after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a personal remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Patna, Bihar. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating former Bihar Chief Minister Sri Krishna Singh at Bapu Sabhagar, Kharge was addressing allegations of electoral fraud when a member of the audience interjected to say that Modi would not go anywhere. In response, Kharge retaliated by stating that even Modi's father would go. The comment drew sharp criticism from the National Democratic Alliance, including the BJP and JD(U). Reacting to the remark, BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh condemned the Congress chief, asserting that the opposition party has lost its balance and has repeatedly resorted to foul language against the Prime Minister because the public is not supporting their narrative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Varanasi, inaugurating a modern garment manufacturing facility alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel. The unit focuses on contemporary manufacturing techniques to create employment for women workers. The Prime Minister also attended an aerial display at Namo Ghat to mark the 94th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force. Around 100 aircraft, including Rafale, Sukhoi, and indigenous Tejas jets, along with the Surya Kiran and Sarang aerobatic teams, staged manoeuvres over the Ganges in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Anti-government demonstrations have broken out across several European cities, including Paris, Rome, Brussels, and Tirana. In France, more than four lakh people took to the streets in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux, resulting in police firing tear gas and water cannons following demonstrations, with over one thousand people arrested nationwide. In Italy, thousands marched against the right-wing administration and the rising cost of living, with demonstrators entering the Colosseum in Rome. Student-led demonstrations in Tirana and other Albanian cities were met with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets from police amid economic dissatisfaction. In Spain, demonstrators in Barcelona engaged in looting and arson.

A political power play has emerged within Maharashtra's Mahayuti alliance as the Nationalist Congress Party demands the return of the finance portfolio. Senior party leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and minister Chhagan Bhujbal, met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to formally place their demand. The finance portfolio was previously held by the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar before being taken over by the Chief Minister following his demise. Following the meeting, the party stated that the Chief Minister gave an assurance regarding the return of the portfolio, with indications that the transition could take place ahead of the upcoming assembly winter session in December.