The Netherlands has formally returned the historic 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit. Known as the “Leiden Plates,” the artefacts are among the most valuable surviving records of the Chola Empire and had remained in Dutch custody for centuries. The collection includes 21 copper plates inscribed in Sanskrit and Tamil, documenting grants made during the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. India had sought their return since 2012 through diplomatic efforts. PM Modi called the repatriation a “joyous moment for every Indian,” highlighting India’s commitment to reclaiming its cultural heritage abroad. (PC: Instagram)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that the world risks slipping back into massive poverty due to the combined impact of Covid-19, global wars, and the ongoing energy crisis. Addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague during his Europe tour, Modi described the current period as a “decade of disasters” threatening decades of economic progress. He stressed that rising fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruptions are hurting developing nations the most. Modi also called for stronger international cooperation, energy security, and resilient supply chains to prevent worsening economic instability and protect vulnerable populations from another major poverty crisis. (PC: Reuters)

Bandi Bhageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, surrendered before the Cyberabad Police on Saturday after authorities issued a look-out circular in connection with a POCSO case. The case involves allegations of sexual assault against a minor, with police invoking stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Telangana High Court earlier refused interim protection from arrest, increasing pressure on the accused. Bandi Sanjay stated that “all are equal before law” and said he personally handed over his son to investigators. Police have intensified the probe while legal proceedings in the sensitive case continue. (PC: India Today)

A Reuters analysis says US President Donald Trump is struggling to force Iran into concessions despite weeks of military pressure, threats, and aggressive diplomacy. Analysts believe Trump’s brinkmanship strategy has stalled as Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear program or fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The continuing standoff has disrupted global oil supplies, increased fuel prices, and intensified fears of wider regional conflict. Critics argue Trump’s harsh rhetoric and shifting positions may be strengthening hardline factions inside Iran instead of encouraging negotiations. The prolonged crisis is also creating political pressure ahead of upcoming US midterm elections. (PC: Reuters)

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that his controversial remarks comparing certain people to “cockroaches” and “parasites” were aimed at individuals using fake degrees to enter professions, not unemployed youth. The clarification came after strong criticism from opposition leaders, activists, lawyers, and journalists over comments made during a Supreme Court hearing on a plea related to senior advocate designation. Justice Kant said his observations were “misquoted” and expressed pride in India’s youth, calling them the pillars of a developed nation. The controversy reignited debate over judicial language, unemployment, activism, and freedom of dissent in democracy. (PC: PTI)

London witnessed huge rival demonstrations as tens of thousands joined the far-right “Unite the Kingdom” rally led by Tommy Robinson supporters and separate pro-Palestine Nakba Day marches across central areas of the city. The Metropolitan Police deployed nearly 4,000 officers, drones, horses, and facial recognition technology to prevent clashes and maintain order. Authorities confirmed multiple arrests during the protests, which unfolded alongside the FA Cup final, creating one of London’s largest security operations in recent years. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned extremism and warned against hate speech, while activists on both sides continued demonstrations under heavy police monitoring. 

Israel confirmed that a recent airstrike in Gaza killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the chief of Hamas’ armed wing and one of the last senior commanders linked to the October 7 attacks. Israeli officials described the operation as a major blow to Hamas’ military leadership. Reports said the strike hit Gaza City’s Rimal area, killing Haddad along with members of his family and several others. Hamas sources acknowledged his death, though the group has not issued a formal statement. The development comes amid continuing violence in Gaza despite fragile ceasefire efforts and stalled negotiations for a long-term truce. (PC: AFP)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, demanding the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi accused the government of betraying over 22 lakh medical aspirants whose exam was cancelled after allegations of leaked question papers surfaced. He claimed students’ hard work and sacrifices were destroyed by administrative failure and corruption. The controversy has triggered nationwide protests, opposition criticism, and calls for major reforms in the National Testing Agency’s examination system. (PC: India Today)

An Indian restaurant owner, Manish Kumar, has sparked emotional debate in Japan after authorities rejected his business manager visa renewal under stricter immigration rules. Kumar, who has lived in Japan for three decades and operated a restaurant in Saitama for 18 years, broke down while explaining that his children were born in Japan and only speak Japanese. The revised visa policy now requires much higher investment capital, local employment, and stricter business checks. Critics say the tougher rules are hurting long-time small foreign business owners and forcing many to shut down or leave the country.

Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issued a sharp warning to Pakistan, saying it must decide whether it wants to remain “part of geography or history” if it continues supporting terrorism against India. Speaking at the Sena Samvad event in New Delhi, General Dwivedi referred to the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. He stated that India would respond firmly to future threats and emphasized the country’s readiness against cross-border terrorism. His remarks came amid renewed discussions in Pakistan about reopening diplomatic dialogue between the two neighbouring nations. (PC: PTI)