Evening News Wrap: Key Updates from India and Beyond

Suspension of Visa Operations in Chittagong

Visa operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, have been suspended indefinitely. This decision comes amid increasing tensions in the region and a protest near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka earlier this week. A large group of demonstrators marched toward the Indian High Commission, prompting the emergency shutdown of IVAC. Additionally, visa facilities in Khulna and Rajshahi were also closed. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to express its strong concerns.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Defends MGNREGA Bill

In a recent video message, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the VB-G RAM G Bill, asserting that a conspiracy is underway to mislead the nation regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). His statements come amidst significant protests by the Congress party, which accuses the Modi government of dismantling the MGNREGA program.

Chaos During Messi’s India Tour

The organizer of Lionel Messi’s tour in India, Satadru Dutta, reported that ₹89 crore was paid for Messi’s event, with an additional ₹11 crore paid in taxes. However, the event turned chaotic, leading to Dutta’s arrest due to the disorder that broke out at Salt Lake Stadium.

Controversy Over T20 World Cup Selections

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has raised questions regarding the selection of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan over Yashasvi Jaiswal after Shubman Gill was dropped from India’s squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. All-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as the vice-captain for the team.

San Francisco Faces Major Power Outage

A colossal power outage significantly impacted San Francisco, plunging nearly a third of the city into darkness on Saturday. Approximately 130,000 of the city’s 414,000 electricity customers were left without power, disrupting transportation, businesses, and daily routines. Electricity began to be restored late in the evening.

These updates encapsulate the major headlines of the day, covering political unrest, sports controversies, and infrastructural setbacks across multiple locations.