Members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh organised a torchlight procession in Dhaka on Friday evening to protest against what they described as an insult to Lord Ram. The protest was triggered by reports that a group allegedly vandalised a statue of Lord Ram by placing a shoe on it, an act that sparked outrage among Hindus who viewed it as a serious violation of their religious sentiments.
Student representatives and community leaders gave authorities a 72-hour deadline to arrest those responsible. They stated that if no action was taken, they would submit a formal memorandum to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday. They also announced plans to seek meetings with senior government officials, including the Prime Minister, while continuing with rallies and awareness programmes. The march began at 5 PM from the Shahbagh area of Dhaka, with participation from several Hindu organisations and university students. Protesters moved towards the National Press Club carrying torches and raising slogans, including “Jai Shri Ram,” as they expressed solidarity and demanded justice.
The demonstration was connected to earlier unrest in Polash Bari of Gaibandha district, where construction work on a Ram temple was reportedly interrupted. The project involved an 81-foot statue of Lord Ram, which was allegedly targeted by extremist groups who threw shoes at the structure. Although a case was registered, the absence of arrests has increased frustration within the community.
Hindu leaders said they would continue their efforts and expressed their determination to establish Ram temples across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. They stressed that the incident represented a broader concern for the Hindu community rather than an isolated matter. Two additional protest programmes were held in Dhaka. One group organised a human chain outside the National Press Club, while another held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, both calling for action against those involved.
The National Committee for Puja Celebrations also announced a nationwide protest programme, indicating that the issue has gained wider attention among the Hindu community. The incident has intensified discussions around minority rights, religious respect, and the protection of faith communities in Bangladesh. Protesters have stated that further demonstrations could follow if authorities do not take action against those accused.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Newsonair.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is expected to arrive in Tehran on Saturday for talks with senior Iranian officials regarding the recently signed Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), according to Iran's ISNA news agency citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
Baghaei said Naqvi will hold meetings with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss various aspects of the agreement. According to diplomatic sources quoted by ISNA, the discussions will focus on issues including the removal of economic sanctions, mechanisms to verify both sides' commitments, and matters related to Iran's nuclear programme.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced on Saturday that vessels can apply for passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the designated period, provided they comply with the required procedures. Tensions in the region remain high as renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon reportedly killed five people, including two minors and a Lebanese soldier, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA). The escalation threatens to undermine the fragile stability sought under the recently signed US-Iran MoU.
The 14-point agreement calls for an immediate and lasting halt to military operations, including those involving Lebanon, and commits both sides to finalizing a broader agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of an extension by mutual consent. Adding to the tensions, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked controversy on Friday with comments posted on X advocating stronger military action in Lebanon. His remarks drew widespread criticism after he wrote that Lebanon should face severe consequences in response to attacks on Israel, arguing that Israeli security must remain a top priority regardless of international pressure.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Gen Z in India is moving away from the traditional concept of taking one big annual vacation, instead embracing frequent weekend getaways and shorter breaks, according to a new Airbnb research report. The report, based on a survey of 2,012 Gen Z individuals aged 18–29 across 11 Indian cities in April 2026, found that 87% prefer trips lasting less than a week. Weekend travel emerged as the most popular choice, followed by short three-to-five-day holidays, while extended vacations remain uncommon.
The study revealed that 70% of Gen Z travellers would rather take three short trips than one long yearly holiday. For this generation, travel is becoming more spontaneous — driven by the need to unwind, a free weekend, or a sudden plan with friends. Around 66% said they usually book trips only days or weeks before travelling rather than planning months ahead, while 67% said every trip they take feels different from the previous one.
The report highlights that travel has become a way for Gen Z to showcase their personality and preferences. Nearly 87% believe their travel choices represent who they are, and 92% prefer destinations and stays that match their individual taste rather than following popular trends. Instead of chasing famous tourist spots, Gen Z travellers are more interested in authentic experiences. About 80% said small, meaningful moments matter more than visiting iconic attractions. Many prefer exploring local neighbourhoods, markets, and everyday spaces over traditional sightseeing.
Airbnb described Gen Z as the “Anti-Itinerary” generation, saying that many young travellers prefer flexibility over fixed schedules. Around 95% want their trips to feel personal and unique, while 64% deliberately keep parts of their itinerary open to discover new experiences. Interestingly, two out of three travellers said they sometimes travel with the goal of doing nothing — simply relaxing, slowing down, and enjoying their surroundings.
For Gen Z, accommodation has become a key part of the travel experience. The report found that 82% consider their stay highly important when planning a trip, and 78% spend at least half of their travel time at their accommodation. Their preferences are shifting from traditional hotel features to a more homelike experience, including balconies, access to local areas, spacious rooms, and shared spaces where friends or family can spend time together.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The Maharashtra government will challenge the acquittal in the Pawanraje Nimbalkar double murder case, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Saturday. Shinde stated that he and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had discussed the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file an appeal against the verdict in the High Court.
Shinde said, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and I have spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He has assured us that the CBI will appeal the decision in the High Court and pursue the case further. Necessary instructions have already been issued to the agency.” Expressing disappointment over the court’s ruling, Shinde described the case as a tragic and serious incident. He noted that Pawanraje Nimbalkar and two others were killed in broad daylight, and many people, including the victim’s family, had expected the accused to be convicted.
“This is an unfortunate and painful development. The family and several others believed justice would be served, but the CBI court has acquitted all the accused,” he said. A special CBI court acquitted all nine accused in the 2006 murder case of former Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver Samad Kazi, citing insufficient evidence.
Nimbalkar and Kazi were shot dead in June 2006 in Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli area. The investigation was later handed over to the CBI, and the case remained under trial for several years. Among those acquitted was former NCP leader Padamsinh Patil, considered one of the principal accused in the case. Nine individuals had been arrested and chargesheeted in connection with the murders.
Pawanraje Nimbalkar was the father of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar, one of six party MPs recently in the spotlight amid speculation that they could join the Eknath Shinde-led faction. Omraje Nimbalkar and other family members were present in court when the verdict was delivered. After reviewing the evidence and hearing final arguments, the special CBI court acquitted all nine accused, bringing a long-running legal battle to a close, though the decision is now set to be challenged in the High Court.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
President Murmu and PM Modi launched Odisha projects worth over ₹47,600 crore, covering power, roads, healthcare, education, irrigation and infrastructure. Key initiatives include major energy projects, railway upgrades, hospitals, transport facilities and development works aimed at boosting connectivity and jobs.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nick Ames, Lucy Ward, and Jacob Steinberg as England kick off their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion. The episode invites listeners to rate, review, and share on Apple Podcasts, and to join the discussion via email. Today’s focus is England’s 4–2 win over Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel’s side pressing aggressively and playing with real tempo and attacking intent, particularly in a strong second half. The panel debates how much significance should be attached to such a convincing opening performance. Elsewhere in the group, Ghana’s 1–0 win over Panama receives only brief attention before moving on to DR Congo, who earned a well-deserved draw against a disappointing Portugal side. This naturally leads to growing discussion about Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the team going forward. The episode also previews the next set of fixtures, includes Nick Ames reporting from the GOP convention on his day off, revisits the ongoing “apples” segment, and wraps up with listener questions. Listeners are encouraged to support The Guardian and follow Football Weekly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Elon Musk has reportedly become the world’s first trillionaire, driven largely by SpaceX, whose massive IPO has pushed its valuation above $2 trillion. At the same time, huge investments in artificial intelligence are lifting other major tech companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which are expected to go public with valuations nearing a trillion dollars. According to The Guardian’s US tech editor Blake Montgomery in conversation with Kai Wright, these IPOs mean that the global financial system is becoming increasingly tied to the success of AI—and potentially exposed to significant risk if it fails.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson, and Pablo Maurer as the USA kick off their World Cup campaign. They discuss the US team’s dominant opening win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, suggesting they might actually be a strong side, with praise for Christian Pulisic. Elsewhere, Canada rescue a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Jesse Marsch’s triple substitution helping turn the game around, though Bosnia’s defending nearly held firm. They also preview upcoming fixtures such as Haiti vs Scotland, answer listener questions, and share some light moments from the studio.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
