In a significant diplomatic move, India has indefinitely suspended all visa operations at its Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh. This decision comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the neighbouring nation and follows a protest earlier this week near the Indian High Commission in the capital, Dhaka.
Security Concerns Prompt Visa Suspension
The suspension of services in Chittagong is directly linked to security assessments. The move was triggered after a large group of demonstrators marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. In response to that incident, the IVAC in Dhaka was shut for a day, and visa facilities in other Bangladeshi cities, including Khulna and Rajshahi, were also temporarily closed.
Adding to the diplomatic friction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to formally convey its "strong concern" over the events.
Domestic Political Clash Over MGNREGA
On the home front, a political storm is brewing over the government's handling of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Facing mounting attacks from opposition parties, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released a video message alleging a conspiracy.
"Once again, a conspiracy is underway to mislead the country in the name of MGNREGA," Chouhan stated, defending the government's position. Meanwhile, the Congress party held coordinated protests across its district headquarters nationwide, accusing the Modi government of "effectively dismantling" the landmark rural jobs scheme.
Messi Tour Organiser Reveals Financial Details
In Kolkata, new financial details have emerged from the chaotic event featuring football legend Lionel Messi. The event's organiser, Satadru DuttaRs 89 crore was paid for Messi's India tour. An additional Rs 11 crore was paid to the government as tax.
Dutta, who was arrested hours after mayhem broke out at Salt Lake Stadium, allegedly due to overcrowding and access issues, is considered the chief organiser responsible for the disorder.
Controversy Over India's T20 World Cup Squad
The selection of India's squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup has sparked debate among cricket pundits. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer publicly questioned the selectors' decision to pick wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan ahead of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
This criticism followed the shock omission of Shubman Gill from the squad announced on Saturday. All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain for the upcoming preparatory T20 series against New Zealand and the title defence campaign.
Major Blackout Hits San Francisco
Across the globe, a massive power outage plunged large parts of San Francisco into darkness on Saturday. The blackout affected nearly a third of the city, disrupting transport, businesses, and daily life before power was gradually restored late in the evening.
At its peak, the outage left approximately 130,000 of the city's 414,000 electricity customers without power, highlighting vulnerabilities in the urban infrastructure.
