Venezuela has released another 131 people considered political prisoners, in what authorities and international observers see as a significant development in the country’s ongoing reconciliation process following the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro by US forces.

The interim Venezuelan government said on Friday that the 131 people had been granted “alternative measures from incarceration” under its Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence.

The releases came as government and opposition representatives continue talks aimed at managing Venezuela’s political transition and addressing longstanding concerns over political detentions.

Families Reunite Outside Prison

Emotional scenes were reported outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, around 50 kilometres east of Caracas, where several released prisoners were reunited with their families.

The releases brought renewed attention to the issue of political prisoners in Venezuela, which has remained one of the most contentious issues between the interim government and opposition groups.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the development, calling the release of more than 130 political prisoners an important step in Venezuela’s reconciliation process.

Rubio said that 1,046 Venezuelans had been released since January 3, according to the latest US government figures.

Rights Group Confirms Releases

Venezuelan human rights organisation Foro Penal, which has campaigned for the release of people it considers political prisoners, said six women were among those released.

The organisation later said that the release of at least 40 political prisoners had been independently confirmed.

However, opposition figures have stressed that the latest releases do not represent the end of the political prisoner issue.

Opposition leader Dinorah Figuera said that not everyone had been released and called for continued efforts until all political prisoners were freed.

Talks Focus on Reconciliation

The latest releases came a day after Figuera pledged to continue pushing for the release of political prisoners during formal negotiations with Venezuela’s interim government.

The first round of US-brokered talks began last week and concluded on Wednesday. Government and opposition representatives subsequently agreed to cooperate on several issues related to Venezuela’s recovery.

A joint statement said the two sides would work on recovering Venezuelan funds frozen overseas to support reconstruction following devastating June earthquakes that killed more than 6,300 people.

The parties also agreed to discuss reforms to Venezuela’s judicial system. However, the joint statement did not specifically address political prisoners.

Maduro Era Left Detention Legacy

Nicolas Maduro ruled Venezuela from 2013 until his removal earlier this year. His government faced years of accusations from opposition groups and human rights organisations over the detention of political opponents and activists.

Following Maduro’s removal by US forces in January, the interim government began releasing groups of prisoners under pressure from Washington.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez also supported an amnesty law passed in February, which paved the way for further releases.

Despite the recent developments, Foro Penal said earlier this week that 391 political prisoners remained behind bars.

High-Profile Release

Among those released was Emirlendris Benitez, whose case has attracted international attention.

Benitez was arrested following a 2018 incident in which two drones carrying explosives flew towards Maduro while he was addressing a military parade in Caracas. The drones exploded, injuring seven soldiers.

Benitez, who was four months pregnant at the time of her arrest, denied involvement in the alleged assassination plot. She and her partner, Yolmer Escalona, were eventually sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Human rights organisations have alleged that Benitez was tortured while in detention and that the abuse resulted in a miscarriage and partial paralysis.

Opposition Seeks Democratic Elections

The reconciliation process is being led by Figuera and Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who is currently in exile and is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has not participated directly in the negotiations. She has, however, said she would not obstruct the process.

Many Venezuelans are hoping that the talks will eventually pave the way for free and democratic elections.

Maduro's victories in the 2018 and 2024 presidential elections were rejected by Venezuela's opposition and several foreign governments, which questioned the credibility of the electoral process.

The latest prisoner releases therefore represent an important but incomplete step in Venezuela's broader political transition, with pressure remaining on the interim government to address the status of those still detained and establish a credible path towards democratic governance.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the rollout of Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, extending the nationwide voter list verification exercise to 16 states and three Union Territories. The initiative aims to ensure electoral rolls remain accurate, updated and inclusive ahead of future elections.

The third phase will be conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Tripura, Telangana and Uttarakhand. The exercise will also cover the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

CEC Urges Voters to Participate

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar appealed to all eligible voters to actively participate in the revision process by completing their Enumeration Forms. He said public participation is essential to maintaining clean and reliable electoral rolls.

The Commission described the Special Intensive Revision as a collaborative exercise involving electors, election officials and recognised political parties to enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

Large-Scale Verification Exercise

During Phase III, more than 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door verification covering approximately 36.73 crore electors across the identified states and Union Territories.

The BLOs will be supported by nearly 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by various political parties during the enumeration process. The Commission has encouraged all recognised political parties to appoint BLAs at every polling station to ensure transparency and wider stakeholder participation throughout the revision exercise.

Nationwide Coverage Nears Completion

With the commencement of Phase III, the Special Intensive Revision will cover almost the entire country. The Election Commission said the exercise will remain pending only in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The schedule for these regions will be announced separately after the completion of the second phase of the national Census and keeping in view weather conditions in high-altitude and snow-bound areas.

Progress of Earlier Phases

According to the Election Commission, the first two phases of the Special Intensive Revision covered 13 states and Union Territories, involving nearly 59 crore electors.

The earlier phases were carried out with the assistance of more than 6.3 lakh Booth Level Officers and approximately 9.2 lakh Booth Level Agents nominated by political parties.

Officials said the extensive exercise is intended to strengthen the integrity of India's electoral rolls by identifying eligible voters, removing inaccuracies and ensuring every qualified citizen has an opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

The Commission reiterated that maintaining updated electoral rolls is a continuous process and called upon voters, political parties and election officials to work together for the successful implementation of the Special Intensive Revision.

Political protests have become a defining feature of the last two decades, but many recent movements across the world appear to follow a strikingly similar pattern. From the Arab Spring to demonstrations in Bangladesh, Kenya, Serbia and several other countries, protest campaigns have increasingly relied on digital mobilisation, social media outreach and loosely organised networks rather than traditional political parties. A similar debate has now emerged in India following weeks of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where sustained demonstrations eventually led to the resignation of a Union Cabinet minister. While many observers view these movements as spontaneous public reactions driven by unemployment, corruption and economic hardship, others argue that the way these protests evolve often reflects a broader global template. According to this view, domestic grievances may trigger public anger, but digital coordination, messaging strategies and international attention can significantly influence how quickly a protest grows into a political crisis.

Between 2024 and 2026, several countries witnessed large-scale protest movements that either weakened or brought down elected governments. Bangladesh, Kenya and Serbia experienced major political unrest in 2024, while Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines and Timor-Leste saw similar developments in 2025. In some of these countries, governments eventually collapsed under sustained public pressure. Analysts studying these movements have pointed to recurring similarities. In many cases, established political parties were not at the forefront during the early stages. Instead, younger activists, social media influencers and digitally connected citizens emerged as the public faces of the campaigns. Demonstrations were often organised at highly visible public locations that attracted extensive media coverage and online engagement. Most movements initially focused on peaceful demands, allowing them to gain wider public sympathy before later becoming more confrontational. Because these campaigns generally lacked a clearly defined leadership structure, it became difficult for authorities to identify decision-makers or negotiate directly with organisers. At the same time, critics argue that despite appearing decentralised, many such movements display coordinated messaging, digital amplification and logistical planning.

The debate over these protest movements has therefore shifted beyond the immediate issues that trigger them. Supporters argue that social media has empowered ordinary citizens to organise peacefully, hold governments accountable and raise issues that may otherwise go unheard. Others believe that the same digital tools can also be used to rapidly amplify narratives, shape public opinion and increase pressure on governments in ways that are difficult to regulate. The discussion has become particularly relevant in India after the recent protests in New Delhi, where political developments have drawn comparisons with similar movements seen elsewhere in the world. While there is broad agreement that unemployment, inflation, corruption and governance issues can create genuine public discontent, experts remain divided over how much influence external networks, digital ecosystems and coordinated online campaigns have in accelerating political unrest. As governments across the world continue to respond to large-scale demonstrations, the balance between protecting democratic protest and addressing concerns over organised digital mobilisation is likely to remain an important policy challenge.

 Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has voiced support for the recent student protests in India, describing the youth-led movement as "a source of hope" and an example of the power of collective action.

Speaking at an event organised by the Students' Federation of India (SFI) UK in London, Thunberg praised the determination of Indian students and said their campaign demonstrated the true meaning of people coming together for a common cause.

"The Indian student protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope. They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power," Thunberg said.

Calls for Global Solidarity

Thunberg said the demands raised by the student protesters should not be viewed solely as a domestic issue, urging people around the world to support movements seeking justice and democratic reforms.

She added that the struggle of Indian students for justice and democracy was part of a broader global movement deserving international solidarity.

Protests Followed Exam Row

The remarks come after a 36-day student protest, which began following allegations of irregularities and a paper leak linked to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

The demonstrations drew nationwide attention after police action against protesters sparked criticism from sections of civil society. The movement also received support from several public figures, including environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk.

According to organisers, the protest concluded after the government accepted several key demands, including relief measures for affected families and the withdrawal of police cases filed against protesters.

Despite ending the agitation, organisers said their campaign for broader education reforms would continue.

Meanwhile, SFI UK described the movement as "inspiring and courageous" and expressed concern over reported student deaths and police action during the protests.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced an additional declaration for citizens applying to be enrolled as new voters, requiring applicants to provide information related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move is aimed at improving voter record verification and strengthening the accuracy of electoral rolls.

Under the revised application process, individuals submitting Form 6—used for fresh voter registration—will now be required to furnish details regarding whether they or their parents are listed in the electoral rolls prepared during the last Special Intensive Revision. The requirement has been incorporated through administrative instructions rather than a formal amendment to Form 6, according to Election Commission officials. (The New Indian Express)

Additional Declaration Made Mandatory

Officials said the declaration is intended to help election authorities establish linkages between new applicants and existing electoral records, thereby reducing the need for multiple supporting documents during the verification process. 

For applicants using the online registration portal, the declaration has become a mandatory step. The application cannot be submitted unless the required information is provided. 

Three Options for Applicants

According to reports, new applicants are asked to select one of the following declarations while completing the registration process:

• Their own name exists in the electoral roll prepared during the last SIR.

• The name of a parent or grandparent (father, mother, grandfather or grandmother) exists in the electoral roll prepared during the last SIR.

• Neither the applicant nor their parents or grandparents are listed in the last SIR electoral roll. 

Election officials say these declarations assist in mapping family records within the electoral database and facilitate smoother verification during enrolment.

No Formal Amendment to Form 6

While reports initially suggested that Form 6 itself had been modified with an additional column, Election Commission officials clarified that the statutory form has not been amended. Instead, the declaration has been introduced through operational instructions accompanying the application process. Similar declarations were previously used during the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar and have now been extended to new voter registrations. 

Part of Wider Electoral Roll Verification

The latest requirement comes as the Election Commission continues implementing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in several states to update electoral rolls by identifying duplicate, shifted, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries while ensuring that eligible citizens are enrolled. 

Election authorities maintain that the verification process is designed to improve the integrity and accuracy of voter databases. The Commission has also stated that the SIR process is transparent, constitutional and intended to streamline voter registration by linking new applications with existing electoral records wherever possible. 

The revised declaration is expected to become a key component of new voter enrolment as electoral roll revision exercises continue across different states ahead of upcoming elections.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December despite facing a death sentence and what she described as serious threats to her life. In an interview with Reuters, the ousted leader said she intends to return voluntarily along with senior leaders of the banned Awami League and surrender before the country's courts.

Hasina said she was fully aware of the risks surrounding her return, including the possibility of arrest or assassination, but maintained that she wanted to face the legal process in her homeland.

"They may arrest me on my return; they may even kill me. Still, I have to go," Reuters quoted Hasina as saying. She added that she wished to die in Bangladesh, where her parents are buried, if that became her fate.

Plans to Return Voluntarily

The former prime minister said Bangladesh's interim authorities have repeatedly sought her extradition from India since she left the country in 2024. However, she stressed that she would not wait for any extradition process and would instead return on her own.

Hasina said she had not held discussions with any foreign government regarding her return and denied any behind-the-scenes negotiations with authorities in Dhaka.

According to her, democracy, voting rights, political freedom for the Awami League and justice cannot be decided through secret talks.

She declined to reveal the exact date of her arrival or specify the court where she plans to surrender but expressed confidence that the judicial proceedings would expose what she described as an unfair legal process.

Awami League Leaders to Accompany Her

Hasina also revealed that several senior Awami League leaders living in exile are expected to return with her and surrender before the courts.

Among those planning to return is former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who has also reportedly been sentenced to death.

She said thousands of party workers and leaders continue to face legal cases, forcing many to remain in hiding. According to Hasina, she has urged party members to return home together and face the legal process collectively.

Political Crisis Forced Exile

Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after weeks of nationwide student-led protests escalated into a major political crisis that brought an end to her long tenure in office.

Later, Bangladesh's war crimes tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia after convicting her over the deadly crackdown on protesters during the unrest. Hasina has consistently denied all charges against her.

Following the political transition, the Awami League was banned in Bangladesh.

Legacy Remains Deeply Divisive

The daughter of Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina has remained one of the country's most influential political figures for decades.

Her supporters credit her with driving economic growth, infrastructure development and political stability during much of her tenure. However, critics and several international rights organisations accused her administration of suppressing political opposition, restricting civil liberties and weakening democratic institutions—allegations she has repeatedly rejected.

Return Could Influence Bangladesh's Politics

Hasina acknowledged that she may not be eligible to contest future elections because of the convictions against her. However, she questioned why the Awami League should remain barred from political participation.

She argued that the people of Bangladesh, rather than courts or political authorities, should ultimately decide the party's future through democratic elections.

The former prime minister also disclosed that she has continued to engage with party workers through online meetings covering 125 of Bangladesh's 300 parliamentary constituencies as part of efforts to reorganise the Awami League while in exile.

Her planned return is expected to become one of the most significant political developments in Bangladesh this year and could have far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape.

The SIR exercise, conducted by the Election Commission to verify and update voter lists, is aimed at ensuring that electoral rolls remain accurate and free from duplication, ineligible entries or outdated records. Such revisions are considered a crucial part of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process ahead of major elections.

Political observers note that opposition parties, which have often criticized electoral procedures in the past, appear relatively comfortable with the current revision exercise. Governments led by opposition parties in states like Punjab and Karnataka have not raised significant objections to the process and have largely cooperated with election authorities during voter verification drives.

The emerging political narrative has drawn attention because the BJP has traditionally positioned itself as a strong advocate of voter list purification and electoral transparency. However, party leaders and supporters have expressed concerns in some areas regarding the implementation of the revision process, alleging that genuine voters should not face inconvenience during verification and documentation procedures.

Election officials maintain that the objective of SIR is not to remove legitimate voters but to ensure that electoral rolls accurately reflect eligible citizens. The process typically involves door-to-door verification, scrutiny of records and opportunities for voters to submit claims and objections if discrepancies are found.

Experts point out that electoral roll revisions often become politically sensitive because changes in voter lists can influence electoral calculations. As a result, parties across the political spectrum tend to scrutinize the process closely, particularly in states heading toward important elections.

The current debate has also highlighted how political positions on electoral reforms can shift depending on regional circumstances and electoral considerations. While opposition-ruled states have largely accepted the ongoing revision exercise, BJP leaders have emphasized the need for transparency and safeguards to prevent the exclusion of eligible voters.

Election Commission officials have reiterated that the revision process follows established legal procedures and includes mechanisms for citizens to challenge any errors in the voter rolls. Authorities have urged voters to participate actively in the verification process and ensure that their details are correctly recorded.

As the SIR exercise progresses, political parties are expected to continue monitoring its implementation closely. The issue is likely to remain part of the broader discussion on electoral reforms, voter registration and the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.

There was a time when newspapers, television channels and public meetings largely influenced what people thought about politics, social issues and current affairs. Today, that role has increasingly shifted to smartphones. A trending hashtag, a viral reel or a 30-second video can influence millions of opinions before verified facts have a chance to emerge.

This transformation raises an important question: Has social media begun shaping public opinion too much?

The answer is not as simple as yes or no. Social media has undoubtedly democratized communication. It has given ordinary citizens a platform to express their views, question authorities and bring neglected issues into the national conversation. From disaster relief campaigns to social justice movements, digital platforms have amplified voices that might otherwise have remained unheard.

However, the same platforms have also become fertile ground for misinformation, emotional manipulation and digital polarization.

Unlike traditional media, where editorial checks exist before publication, social media allows anyone to become a publisher within seconds. While this openness is one of its greatest strengths, it is also its biggest weakness. False claims, edited videos and misleading headlines often travel faster than verified reports because they are designed to trigger emotional reactions rather than rational thinking.

Algorithms further complicate the problem. Most platforms prioritize content that generates engagement—likes, comments, shares and watch time. As a result, sensational, controversial and emotionally charged posts are more likely to appear in users' feeds than balanced or nuanced discussions. Over time, people may find themselves surrounded by opinions similar to their own, creating echo chambers where alternative viewpoints are rarely encountered.

Political discourse has been particularly affected. Election campaigns are no longer fought only through rallies and television debates. Digital advertisements, influencer campaigns, memes and viral videos now play a central role in shaping political narratives. Public perception can shift rapidly based on online trends, many of which may not accurately represent broader public sentiment.

The influence extends beyond politics. Consumer choices, financial decisions, health practices and even personal relationships are increasingly affected by social media content. A recommendation from a popular influencer can influence purchasing decisions more effectively than traditional advertising. Similarly, unverified medical advice circulating online has, at times, created confusion during public health crises.

Mental health is another area of concern. The pressure to conform to online trends, constant exposure to curated lifestyles and the fear of missing out can affect how individuals perceive themselves and the world around them. Public opinion is no longer shaped only by facts and debate but also by social validation measured in likes and shares.

Yet blaming social media alone would oversimplify the issue.

Ultimately, technology reflects how people use it. Social media has become an indispensable tool for education, entrepreneurship, emergency communication and civic participation. Journalists rely on it for breaking news, businesses use it to reach customers and governments use it to communicate directly with citizens. During natural disasters and emergencies, social media has often proven to be one of the fastest channels for disseminating critical information.

The challenge, therefore, is not to reduce social media's influence but to improve how society engages with it.

Digital literacy has become as essential as traditional literacy. Users must learn to verify sources, distinguish between opinion and fact, recognise manipulated content and question emotionally charged narratives before sharing them. Educational institutions, technology companies, governments and media organisations all have a role in fostering responsible digital behaviour.

Platforms, too, must continue strengthening transparency around algorithms, political advertising and content moderation while protecting freedom of expression. Striking this balance will remain one of the defining challenges of the digital era.

Social media is not inherently good or bad—it is extraordinarily powerful. Like any powerful tool, its impact depends on how responsibly it is used.

Public opinion has always evolved with advances in communication. The printing press, radio and television each transformed society in their time. Social media is simply the latest and perhaps the most influential chapter in that evolution.

The real question is no longer whether social media shapes public opinion. It clearly does. The more pressing question is whether citizens, institutions and platforms are prepared to ensure that this influence strengthens democracy and informed debate rather than weakening them.

The programme at Ravindra Bhawan will see Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav felicitating those jailed during the 1975 Emergency.

A special programme will be held at the prestigious Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal on Friday to mark Emergency Day. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will be the chief guest at the event, which is expected to see participation from around 2,000 family members of those jailed during the Emergency period.

The event is being organised by the Loktantra Senani Sangh. Its president, Tapan Bhaumik, along with families of those imprisoned during the 21-month-long Emergency, will attend the programme.

The Chief Minister will personally honour the detainees and their families from the stage, officials said.

What is Emergency Day?

Emergency Day commemorates one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. It was on the midnight of June 25, 1975, that then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi officially declared a state of Emergency in the country. The Emergency remained in force for 21 months, until March 21, 1977.

During this period, fundamental rights of Indian citizens were suspended, strict censorship was imposed on the press and media, and opposition leaders and social activists who opposed government policies were imprisoned without trial.

Significance of the Event

The Bhopal programme is part of the state government's efforts to recognise the contributions of those who fought to protect democratic values during that period. The felicitation ceremony is being seen as a gesture of gratitude towards the families who endured imprisonment and hardship for their political beliefs.

Organisers said the event will also serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and constitutional rights.

The state government has been organising such programmes across Madhya Pradesh to ensure that younger generations understand the historical significance of the Emergency and the sacrifices made by those who opposed it.

Further details about the event schedule and other dignitaries expected to attend are awaited.

Prime Minister flags pandemic, wars, energy crisis during Netherlands diaspora address; calls for unified action

Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted a stark picture of the world's escalating challenges during his visit to the Netherlands on Friday, warning that if current conditions persist, decades of economic progress could unravel, pushing vast populations into poverty.

Addressing the Indian community in The Hague, Modi said this decade has emerged as a defining period of global instability. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by regional conflicts and an ongoing energy crisis, has created what he described as an unprecedented convergence of crises threatening worldwide prosperity.

"If the situation does not change, the progress made over many decades will be undone," Modi said, speaking before a gathering of Indian expatriates. "A very large section of the world's population could be pushed into a poverty trap."

Yet Modi tempered his warnings with optimism about India's economic trajectory. The country has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 200,000 active startups—a dramatic leap from just 500 ventures a decade ago.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's digital payment revolution as evidence of transformative growth. India processed more than 20 billion UPI transactions in the past year alone, accounting for over half of the globe's digital transactions. He also noted that 44 crore new startups were registered in 2025, signalling a shift in mindset among India's youth toward entrepreneurship.

"Startups have become a mindset," Modi said, adding that unicorn valuations have surged from 4 in 2014 to 125 today.Modi positioned the Netherlands as a strategic entry point for Indian businesses seeking to expand into Europe, praising the Indian diaspora for creating trusted bridges between the two nations.

He drew a symbolic parallel between Dutch tulips and Indian lotuses—both flowers requiring strong roots and proper nurturing to flourish. The metaphor, he suggested, reflected the deeper partnership between India and the Netherlands, rooted in shared values and mutual growth.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged sporting connections, noting that the Dutch cricket team's performance at the recent T20 World Cup held in India demonstrated the nations' collaborative spirit.

India is advancing rapidly in semiconductor manufacturing, with work underway on 12 plants. Production has already commenced at two facilities, Modi announced, signalling India's intent to design and manufacture chips domestically rather than remain dependent on imports.

He also referenced India's progress in artificial intelligence and associated technologies, positioning the country as an emerging hub in global tech innovation.

Modi reflected on the significance of May 16, 2014—the date when election results delivered India a stable government with an absolute majority following decades of coalition politics. The mandate, he said, continues to motivate his work.

Recent state elections underscored India's democratic vitality. Voter turnout reached 80–90% in some contests, with women's participation proving particularly robust. Modi characterised these figures as evidence that democratic institutions strengthen when people's aspirations are fulfilled.

"India's aspiration-driven journey is strengthening its democracy," he remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasised that despite global migration, Indian cultural identity remains deeply rooted among overseas communities. He sensed the presence of migrants from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam in The Hague, calling them ambassadors of India's faith, culture, and values.

Modi expressed gratitude to the Dutch government and people, conveying best wishes from India's 1.4 billion citizens. He noted that Dutch leadership has consistently praised the Indian diaspora's contributions to society and the economy.

During the visit, the Netherlands returned the 11th-century 'Anaimangalam Copper Plates' to India—a significant cultural moment. Known locally as the 'Leiden Plates,' the artefact dates to Raja Raja Chola I's reign (985–1014 CE).

The copper inscriptions, comprising 21 large and 3 small plates weighing approximately 30 kg, document land and tax grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. Historians regard the plates as crucial records of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and religious pluralism between South India and Southeast Asia during the medieval period.

Modi is scheduled to meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima before holding detailed discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Fresh allegations of voter intimidation are coming out of West Bengal.

People in several parts of the state say local political workers have been going door to door, warning residents not to vote for the BJP.

As the West Bengal Assembly Elections heat up, reports of intimidation are popping up across multiple districts. Some residents claim groups linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have shown up late at night, threatening voters face to face.

One video making the rounds online shows a local leader threatening “consequences” for anyone who doesn’t vote for the ruling party, warning that things will change once central forces leave. In another incident, cameras caught Indian Secular Front (ISF) agents reportedly finding people in the act of trying to influence voters during the second round of voting.

The BJP has taken their concerns straight to the Election Commission, asking for more central forces to patrol sensitive areas. “TMC goons are going door to door because they’re scared of losing,” a BJP spokesperson said.

The TMC leadership, on the other hand, says all these claims are made up. According to them, the opposition just wants to whip up fake panic and fear.

Tension hangs heavy, especially in rural booths. “They show up after dark,” one villager said, asking not to be named. “They don’t need weapons. Their words alone make us worry about what’ll happen once the election is over.”

Symbolic win: Bastin Bazar temple reopening called "power of one vote"

People in Asansol’s Bastin Bazar are celebrating the reopening of the Durga temple, and for them, it’s more than just a new government in place—it’s about finally getting back access to their own temple. After 15 years of being shut out, locals can now visit the temple for daily darshan.

Social media is full of posts with the message “This is what one vote did,” making it clear just how much the recent election meant to the people who backed the BJP.

This temple has always been at the heart of the busy market and community life in Bastin Bazar. The 15-year closure—locals say TMC’s political interference was to blame—left a lot of them angry and frustrated.

MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee, who led the reopening, called it the start of a “new era of religious freedom” in Asansol. The TMC has dismissed claims about political interference, saying it’s just communal talk, but the huge crowd at the temple’s reopening shows the issue mattered deeply to the community.

For now, the temple will stay open all year, with appointed priests handling the daily rituals.